unseasonable

You read that right... title is "Unseasonable" not "unreasonable."  The weather in the 'Burgh lately has been unseasonably warm, which even though it's rainy, suits me juuuuust fine!  Give me rainy and warm over freezing and icy or snowy ANY day.

Teaching has gone well today.  Tonight I have Rite Aid until late.  Grandpa Sherry's doing much better; all stablized and keeping the blood.  They're hopeful for his outcome.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, and Friday will be Art with the students, then my standing Friday appointment, then some quick errands and then BABYSITTING!  :)  Saturday will be wet and COLD (grrr) but that won't stop me!

Also, does anybody know how to fix scratches and scuffs on patent leather?

Wish List

Posting a WISH LIST... because some things are worth saving up for....

These Kate Spade Gloves... Polka Dot Kate Spade Gloves... As seen on Jessica Quirk of What I Wore today...  They are adorable, pretty affordable for Kate Spade, and useful.  Three desirable things in any accessory!  Perfect for dressing up any outfit!

This Steve Madden Snake Print Tote Bag, because I need a big, roomy tote to haul my laptop, lunch, textbooks, and dress hoes in when I go to work.  Or for professional interviews.

These Joan & David red leather pumps from Nordstrom's.  I adore the red patent leather and the heel height!  I could actually walk in this!  Super stylish and walkable.  I'm so there.

Also, I maaaaaaybe have enough money for these sexy Kate Spade goloshes... who would have though that rain boots could be so sexy?!

... I wish I had the money for these things NOW but I guess all good things are worth waiting for....

New Shoes

I almost forgot to post this pic of the new shoes I got for teaching and interviews...

Inauguration

Today Barak Obama is ceremonially sworn in as president again.  Taking a few moments to look back as the former presidents Carter and Clinton walk on screen, and watching the lively bounce in Hilary Clinton's step.... Wow.

So much power and determination in one place today.  We all want the same thing: a great and sturdy America, capable of not only being all that she can be, but of empowering other countries to be the same.

Why must politics complicate such an honorable, reachable goal?

Do we all need to go back to the sandbox, and re-learn basic human courtesy?  Jeez.

This could be a very hopeless, meaningless, fraudulent moment in American history, where the world looks at us and sees through the ceremony and the circumstance to the arguing and name-calling and nit-picking that makes up American politics.  But you know what?  It doesn't feel that way.  This feels real and hopeful and determined.  American politicians all over are setting aside everything for just a few minutes of unity, and whether or not you support Obama, it doesn't matter; the PEOPLE chose him, and the direction he has set for this journey agrees with majority of Americans.  So let's see where it goes, and if in four years we don't like it, we'll change our minds and our president.  If we like it, we'll elect somebody who will continue this journey.

No matter what, we'll do this as we always have: as Americans.

And that's a darned cool thing to be.

organizing ideas

So lately I've been re-organizing everything in my life: my career options, my dishes, my bathroom, everything.  As some of you know, I have a scarf obsession, and they are currently spilling out of their cloth storage box.  I need a new solution.  I considered pretty hat boxes, but if the scarves are all shut away, then I won't see them and hence won't wear them.  I also need storage solutions for my fellow obsessions: tights, foundation garments, and socks.  My earrings have been relegated to an open-format jewelry organizer tray, but I really could use more organization for my necklaces.  Currently, I'm storing them in plastic baggies (to keep them from tangling) in a drawer.  Not getting any wear out of them lately, partially because it's winter and necklaces get COLD when you're outside waiting for the bus (which always runs late), and partially because I can't see them.

Below is some ideas that I've been considering:

Scarf hangers!

as seen here: http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/4-inexpensive-ways-to-organize-scarves.html

Towel racks!
as seen here: http://www.livesimplybyannie.com/2012/05/30/6-12-systems-for-organizing-scarves/

I've also toyed with the idea of keeping them in a storage bin, like I do now, only buying a bigger one.  For my foundation garments, I may still do the hat box thing.  The other idea that my Mom had was to get a storage bench sturdy enough to sit on, and put dividers inside to keep bras/panties/socks/tights separate.  My concern with that method is the tendency I have to not always put my clothes away properly (i..e. throwing them on the nearest surface until a pile forms).  Any other ideas?

Best. Quote. Ever.

I'm sitting at home, working on the semester exams to give my students and the letters of application to various colleges searching for English professors... and the Golden Globes are on.  The director of "Brave" just said the Best. Quote. Ever:

"Being 'brave' is all about being true to yourself, and allowing your loved ones the same freedom."


Exactly right, my man; exactly right.

Shoe Kick

Recently, I've been on an obsessive shoe kick!  I don't normally enjoy shopping for shoes because they are so hard to fit correctly.  I have wobbly ankles, bad arches, a wide ball to my foot and a narrow heel.  I adore the looks of high heels, but CANNOT wear/walk in them very well.  I don't have the balance or strength of knees.

So I'm naturally thrilled to death, tickled pink, and twitterpated over the return of KITTEN HEELS!  Below are some of my favorite versions from DSW's website:

 from Mix No. 6

Tahari Alex suede pump
 Anne Kleine "Poppin" pump
 Mix No. 6 "Barbara" pump
 Bandolino Zadina Leopard pump
 Liz Claiborne "Johnnie" floral pump

All of these shoes are available through DSW here: DSW mid and low heeled pumps

Joy to the World, the Walkable Cute Heel has come!

New Steps

Today started out a bit later than I'd liked--I slept in, the bus was full of people who didn't have the right cash or who took FOREVER to dig it out of their bottomless purses and bookbags-- and as I waltzed into my first class ten minutes after it was supposed to start.... I logged onto my email and... voila:

My PA Private School Certification in Secondary Education: English has been granted.

Boo-yah!

A new step in a hopefully more financially secure future.  Someplace warm.

NEW FINDS!

Hi!  Sorry it's been so long since I've posted... lots and lots of life has been going on around my corner of the world.  A new year is here: 2013.  Hopefully the year I get my professorship!  With that in mind, I've been searching out both lovely new clothes for my personal life, and new duds for any potential interviews.  Here's what I've found this week:

Vince Camuto emerald green snakeskin top.

some sassy seventies wooden-heeled shoes

 a new mustard yellow summer purse

a gorgeous red/black Ralph Lauren Chaps purse

a cool new scarf in leopard/skull print