My Valentine

When I was younger, Valentine's Day was always a sore spot. I didn't date much in high school or college, when the sting of single-dom is keenest. However, these days I am happy to stay in and show myself some generally much needed attention. I read an article a few years ago written by a young woman who discussed how she spent her New Year's Eve at home with her parents. In the days approaching the holiday, her father and mother would stock up provisions, fine cheeses, specialty meats, specially selected bottles of wine, and other such luxuries befitting a special day. And, she described how eventually she came to realize how much more she loved staying in with her parents enjoying the splendor. I couldn't agree more. The comforts of home are enticing, their pull runs deep into our souls. 

So, as this Valentine's weekend drew nearer, I began to plan my special weekend. A date with myself, so to speak. I left work right on time, quite unusual for me, stopping only for necessary provisions; gas for the car, and sushi and wine for me. When I arrived home, I found this little surprise awaiting me…

Apparently, the cat's ran down to our local card shop. Even though I am their slave - and hardly worthy of such recognition - they thought to reward me for my excellent behavior. They were each praised thoroughly, of course.

Then, it was time for the celebration to begin. I have all sorts of little "traditions" at Pershing Cottage, depending on the holiday, however, this time my plan was to engorge my eyeballs by watching too much streaming content on my computer; specifically, House of Cards, Season 2. Which, is precisely what I did, even though Saturday was the most beautiful day we have seen in quite some time, I couldn't peel my eyes away from my computer screen. Perhaps if I live in some place perpetually cloudy and dreary I wouldn't have been able to waste away such a day. But here, sunshine is plentiful and there will be many more perfect days before the heat of the summer sun has us in his grasp. By the end, my little computer was so tired I had to shut it all the way down and give it a bit of a rest. While I didn't get anything accomplished this weekend, I spent my holiday treating myself and doing exactly as I wished. 

Now, it is back to the salt mines that is work. In the ever so humble wisdom of Downton Abbey, "work is like old age, the worst thing in the world except for the alternative". I wouldn't go so far as to say that the jobs I have held are the worst thing in the world, but I have to tell you that it is hard to leave this guy every morning as he can be much more amenable than most. 

Speaking of Downton Abbey, I have been loving this new season. One of my great pleasures is to watch every Sunday evening while I knit and sip a hot cup of tea. Below are pictures of the shawl I have been knitting since Christmas. I actually meant to do a seed stitch, but could never seem to get it to come out. Finally, my sister told me that instead of knitting the purls and purling the knits, I was knitting the knits and purling the purls. The effect is this slightly ribbed pattern. While this was not what I was wanting, I was too far into the project to rip it all out and start over. I still think it has turned out nice, and I plan on adding some sort of crocheted boarder to the edges to give it a more finished look. This is Lion Brand Homespun Yarn (not the most expensive or luxurious), in "Edwardian". Honestly, it was the name that got me. I just picked it up on a whim. But, once I saw the name, visions of Downton Abbey ladies danced in my head and six more skeins promptly fell into my basket. Hopefully, I will be able to finish it before our trip to Colorado, which is just around the corner. Until then, much love. 

The Roller Coaster

Peaks and valleys. That would be a good way to describe life these days at Pershing Cottage. First and for most, the weather has been nearly insane with 70 degree temperatures one day and 30 degree temperatures the next. From slick ice, to hot sun, this winter has been one of the most extreme we have seen in quite a while. Also, the violent swings of wind direction have really caused my allergies to overreact, which is all together most unpleasant. I am, however, excited to see if some of the usual garden pests that plague me have been killed off by these harsh extremes.

Another positive with all this winter weather is the many snow days. Even as a teacher, I still get excited for an unexpected snow day. Last night at 10:30, for example, I received a call on my cell phone with the blissful news that school had been canceled for the day. I hung up the phone, curled back up in my warm bed, and let a huge smile stretch across my face as I fell deep into sleep. I woke up a the same time I do every weekday morning (6:00 am) without that feeling of urgency. I have to get up, I have to get stuff done. You know the feeling. I spent the unexpected holiday taking a leisurely coffee Mom all morning and then completing a few school things I had been neglecting for some time. Later in the afternoon I treated myself to a movie, then returned home for dinner with Mom and Dad. All in all, it was a perfect surprise holiday.

My work life has also been filled with peaks and valleys as of late. My students push me to the edge most every day. I suppose it is in the nature of humans to poke and prod, constantly checking their boundaries. While most all the time I can eventually take a step back from a situation and recognize that these students are still children, last Thursday my students pushed too far and it left me feeling upset, useless, and taken advantage of. It has really been one of the bigger clouds to hang over my head during my first year of teaching and it makes going to work much less fun than it should be. However, like all things, I know this will pass and I am strong enough to push forward. By the way, on a small side note, stay tuned for posts to come about my first year as a teacher. I believe I will create a separate blog chronicling my first year pitfalls and advice to other new teachers to the trade.

Making the most of your day is a hard thing to do. The older I get, the less time I feel I have in a day to accomplish all I want. Of course, perhaps this is not the best year to make such statements as I am overly busy with work a the moment. Still, there are certain things I would like to accomplish in my day that I just haven't been able to fit in. For example, I would like to wake up and do a bit of yoga every morning. I never work out. And yes, I know that is not good for me. Every night I say to myself, 'today I am going to get in bed early and wake up a full hour early so I can get some things done'. Yet, every night, it seems I cannot get in bed before 10:30, and quite frankly, you don't want to meet me on the day I get less than 7 hours sleep. Plus, I work with children all day so I cannot have a grump face. So, the yoga dvd I purchased with every good intention sits on my shelf collecting dust. I usually get home from work somewhere around 6 in the evening, and on my way home I make a mental list of things I want to get done. The first, being to shuck the shackles of my work wardrobe for the liberating sweatpants and faded, soft t-shirt, is never difficult to accomplish. However, my once plans of dusting the house, sweeping the floors, or doing the laundry all fade out of my memory as I take a hugh mental sigh fall onto my comfy sofa with some sort of snack. At this stage 45 minutes fades into nothing and suddenly it's time to have dinner and get prepared for the next day of work. Right now, life is focused solely on my work and performing well, I'm the worst when it comes to putting my health before everything, but I am hoping I will get better at it with time. 

Finally, I thought I would post a few pictures from our most recent girls night in. It was quite a success in my opinion. 

The appetizer table spread. Prosciutto, Bresaola with lemon, olive oil, and capers, toasts, mixed olives, lambrusco jam, camembert cheese, wensleydale with apricots, parmesan cheese, and aged cheddar cheese.

And for dessert, meringue cookies dipped in chocolate with double cream centers.

Wishing you good tidings from the frosty Pershing Cottage. May your up coming days be filled with relaxation and a blissfully quite mind.