i like to think of it as "Peony Day"...

Happy Valentine's/Singles' Awareness Day!

Even though I have a Valentine, Mr. Wonderful and I are not huge fans of this holiday. Somehow it always ended up being stressful so we keep it low-key.

So here's to love...but clearly, mostly to chocolate and a night I don't have to cook. Let's be honest.

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)

It seems that I need these words in front of me constantly...

I am horrific with change. Specifically - moving. Absolutely do not enjoy it, and do not really deal with it in a rational manner. It takes me a good year to feel comfortable with a new city or state, and even then, I miss Tennessee and my home in Nashville CONSTANTLY. That being said, God has been very gracious to me by leading me to teach. I truly believe that if I had not taught in New Orleans, and if I was not teaching now in Jackson, I would probably be a bit depressed! Observing countless seventh grade social issues and family situations every day is a constant reminder of how I have been blessed!

Earlier this week, I was in a serious rut. Each day I felt like crying as I left work (okay, maybe I did cry!). Warren is studying for the second section of the CPA exam, so I have been alone grading papers at night. Last night I had a Junior League meeting and heard a group of girls talking about going to dinner afterwards, and I just felt my eyes welling up because I wanted that SO badly! There is something so disconcerting and depressing about not having girlfriends around whom you have known for years. I think women just need that companionship and comraderie. I got into my car and just lost it. Not my best moment.

This morning I unlocked my classroom and found a note that had been slipped under my door. It read: "Mrs. Herring, You are not my teacher but thank you for always smiling at me in the hallway. It means a lot to me because I am new this year and I haven't made a lot of friends. I heard you were new too, and so it made me feel better. I hope you have a great week."

Insert: ugly cry.

"See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

God, help me to see what You ARE doing, and not focus on what I wish You would do.

currently!

I think this is a super-fun idea...what I'm feeling at this moment. A good way to start off my new-ish blog. Feel free to cut/paste for your own enjoyment!

eating/drinking: Soup ALL the time- because I am freezing- and wine, per usual.

listening to: Garth Brooks, the live album, because I saw him in Nashville over Christmas and it was so much fun. I am also newly obsessed with the Last of the Mohicans soundtrack, which is super random and weird (don't judge me), but it is really nice to run to. Sort of makes you feel like you are on a mission! Warren got me into this movie and I love the music.

lamenting: The fact that I cannot possibly love/support/entertain my 90 seventh graders all the time. I feel a lot of guilt, which makes me afraid of motherhood!

pondering:  How many days until Spring Break...and then summer...and several precious babies! Nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends!

wearing: A black coat, black pants, and lime green shoes!

anticipating: Weddings, babies, and a certain girls' trip!!!

reading: With my students...Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None...on my own... John Adams! It is wonderful! On deck is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen!

baking: A Caramel Italian Cream cake for my mother-in-law's birthday! Never tried, but it's her favorite.

loving: Our puppy George...he is precious. I have always tolerated liked dogs, but I LOOOVE George. We are obsessed. Oh, and Pretzel M&Ms. So good.

buying:Nothing until it is warm outside! I am OVER winter, and I live in Mississippi. Kudos to anyone above the Mason-Dixon line. I applaud you!

Happy Thursday!!! 

so we meet again...

Guess who accidentally deleted her blog while trying to change the email address?

Hint: her name rhymes with "Berring".

So let's just try this again...