CI, CP, and other life changing acronyms

I have spent this Spring rediscovering my creative side. I have embarked more fully into bullet journaling, discovered the wonders of water colour, gotten ideas for my next time being in charge of Latin I, started keeping this journal, and dived back into (headlong) snail mail. It is a lot of work, but it is so calming and so rewarding. I am feeding many sides of my being: My acute sense of organisation - I live in a constant state of both chaos and utterly annoying organisation. I have laundry everywhere, but in my closet, each item has a specific way it is folded and placed. Shirts in the back on the second shelf, dresses from left to write, long sleeve to sleeveless. etc. I keep a meticulous bullet journal (bujo), but right now my study is in such chaos from the move that I cannot get to my desk. I am feeding this through my journaling and how I am organising my classroom. I am very excited to make some changes to the layout of my room next year that should help me address so

I've had a lot of thoughts running through my head this week, any one of which could be a post. But, since I am slammed at work, in the middle of a move at home, and otherwise exhausted, and yet I want to remember these thoughts... what better place to write them down? So, here they are... 25 thoughts without commentary and in no particular order: Having a "me" day is okay.  One should never have to apologise for their feelings.  Perspective, while very important, doesn't always tell us the full story. Perspective can change the facts of a story.  Perspective can change.  Jamming out to one album for an entire week is perfectly fine.  I am human.  You are human.  Conversation cannot happen if one or more parties is unwilling.  snailmail is awesome.  postcards are awesome.  writing in a different language's script is a fun first activity in the morning.  I am not a huge  fan of the ukulele.   No one can predict (or dictate) when someone is ready

It's time for more acronyms! Today has been a mixed day so far. I woke up and had hit a new low on the scale (Scale Victory) and fit into a new pair of work pants I'd bought (Non Scale Victory). Even then, I almost decided not to wear them. They are different than the things I normally wear - silky, vibrant in pattern, and a little more formal than I normally wear (usually thicker, more forgiving, less noticeable). I did not feel like I looked good in them - or - rather, I did not feel like others would think that I should be wearing them. As I've worn them thus far, I've gotten one compliment on them from a trusted person (so it kind of made my day that they noticed) and I feel more and more comfortable. Why shouldn't I wear comfortable, fun pants? Then... I walked into work. Upon my desk was a package. It was expected, but it was much bigger than anticipated. Suddenly it felt like all the paperwork landed on my desk (which it had - but again, expected). The fi

This next month, in my bullet journal, I am going to keep a gratitude list (also called "A line a day" type) and a daily improvements journal. I may post about those later, but I am feeling the need to share some small gratitudes, especially after the few weeks/months I've had. Enjoy. afternoon thunderstorms a cool breeze a hot cup of coffee my large, labeled bottle of water my warm dogs my floofy cats my partner, who takes really good care of me, even when I don't realise I need it.  a good mystery novel my grey and white comforter which keeps me warm on the couch and is big enough to fit ALL my family under it. The Avengers (particularly Black Panther) my parents (for whom I have many BIG gratitudes) My mom's egg and sausage quiche... My mom's chicken pot pie... My mom's apple pie... My dad's coffee... my bullet journal.  my art journal. you know what... all my journals paper that marker won't bleed through on washi tape t

I am learning how I practise self care. I had some opportunities this weekend, much to my surprise, to practise self care - which I did. As I explore the art world more, I am finding peace and calm in things that, as a child, caused me stress. I remember as a child that my art teacher did not like left handed children. She forced us to use metal scissors that gave us splinters (I was one of two left handed children in the entire school). I forced myself to learn how to use right handed scissors to avoid splinters. I can no longer cut well with my left hand. When she yelled at me for not being able to draw as well as the others, my father taught me to draw upside down. She did not like this, but I found a way to do it anyways. Afterwards, I gave up trying to paint and draw much at all. Recently, I've rediscovered it, along with mixed media artwork. I am really enjoying rediscovering things I used to like to draw and how to draw new things. I don't post them all the time, but I

This weekend we are taking a "trip". I say "trip" because it is a field trip with kiddos, to a 4H center. :) After my post the other day, I've spent a good time thinking. I reviewed my motivations (which I have decorated in my bullet journal, and which is the background on my phone), I watched an episode of a show I frequent when I'm feeling down, and I spent some time yesterday immersed in art. What I ultimately came to was this: Whether or not I am blaming myself and down on myself right now, I have to make a choice about this next day (and this weekend). I need to get ready and make choices that allow me to continue on my path. Today's smile message was about taking time to notice the messages I was being given. Yesterday, on my way home from work, a vulture swooped down in front of my car. He was close enough that I could see his eyes and make out the colours of his neck and head. Clearly a message. The vulture tells us to go through life mak