Aaaand release breath

Whew. Day one--out of the way. Once that first day is over, it's good. At least I think anyway. The day went relatively well, though I know now not to get my hopes up for an easy year. Last year I left my school the first day thinking it would be a breeze. Not so. It took a full five days for the monster in them to emerge, thus relegating me to the teachers' lounge for a 30 minute cryfest. So I expect it to get more difficult, but I'm ready for it now. Bring it on. Try me. Thanks to L (many of you know who I'm speaking of...former student...) I am much tougher than you think.

Ps--to the left you see the sheepish expression that appeared on my face when I discovered (thanks Anisa!) that I MISSPELLED "quotes" on one of my bulletin boards! What kind of English teacher misspells words on her own bulletin boards?? Last year I misspelled "remarkable" on the wall, also. Whew. It's good to catch these things BEFORE the curriculum director pays you a visit.

Moving on. Let's all welcome Murry Horn with a rousing chant and round of applause--she's FINALLY started a blog. I've been on her for so long about this, because her life is far too comical not to be documented for all. Scenarios like pigeon poop on her nightgown, turantulas in her living room, pictures of the bull horn station wagon (piece of art on wheels), and stories of grilling out with neighbors (goat meat) are all too good not to share with the world. She lives in Alpine, Texas now, and I miss her dearly. First friend out of the womb. Severed wasps in Flight: How We Beat the Odds is the title of our joint bio, a coming of age novel chronicling the oddities of the two of us growing up in the same small town (a miracle in and of itself), and is hitting bookstores near you any day now.

Here goes...

Oh my gosh--it's here. Tomorrow morning I get my second shot at the first day of school--my nerves are as bad as they were last year, even though I'm worlds more prepared.

I finally got my room finished (for the first week or so, anyway) after a little over two days to work on it. Better than the hour I had last year, right? Everytime I tell someone in the district where I've been transferred to, I get the same two responses..."Start praying IMMEDIATELY" or "I'm not sure where you transferred from, but I can guarantee this is rougher, so the sooner you wipe the smile off your face, the better."

Apparently with 8th graders the fact that I'm so young looking is not going to work in my favor. I could've told you that, but they've got me pretty terrified. BUT if there's one thing I know for sure after one year, it's that I'm much tougher than I thought, but not nearly as tough as I need to be.

But I don't know the students yet, and they don't know me. I say the sooner we get to know each other, the better. We'll all have some stereotypes to break, and we all need to know how to do that, right?

Here are some pictures of my classroom. As scared as I am, I'm also pretty excited.

The verdict is in

Well, after many efforts to stay at my old school from last year and teach the same students again, I found out today that it's probably not going to happen. I will be, after all, teaching 7th and 8th grade English in the bonafide projects. Little nervous about this...okay, very nervous. Okaaaaay...I'm freaking out a little bit. But the Lord was astoundingly faithful last year in my school placement and in all the unknowns, and his faithfulness is unchanging. Let the chaos begin!

I love this hymn we sang at church last night--a hymn of the hope that I've got to hang onto, lest I be trampled 'neath the feet of a pack of rowdy 14 year olds....

Jesus the Lord My Savior Is
Jesus the Lord my savior is,
My shepherd and my God
my light, my strength, my joy, my bliss
and I his grace record.

Whate'er I need in Jesus dwells,
and there it dwells in me.
'Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
with treasures rich and free.

Mercy and truth and righteousness, and peace, most richly meet
In Jesus Christ, the King of grace, in Whom I stand complete.

As through the wilderness I roam,
His mercies I'll proclaim.
And when I safely reach my home,
I'll still adore his name.

"Worthy the Lamb," shall be my song,
"For He for me was slain."
And me with all the heavenly throng
Shall join and say, "Amen."

Whate'er I need in Jesus dwells,
and there it dwells in me.
'Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
with treasures rich and free.

Love ferns, old friends and live music

What a way to spend my last weekend of summer freedom! I got back yesterday afternoon from Starkville, where I went to see friends Seth and Laura Beth get married (Seth--college friend, LB--grad school roommate, good friend, Mere's cousin). The Robbins love fern, as I like to call it, has come to full fruition. I'm tempted to re-publish the engagement poem I wrote them back in December, but I'll spare you.

It was so much fun--LB was stunning, the wedding was beautiful, and getting to see and spend time with so many old friends was way too much fun.

Saturday night, several Bham friends went to hear John Mayer, which was pretty great. I've always had an appreciation for JM, but I was never a huge fan until his last album, Continuum, came out. One of my favorite albums, of all artists, of all time. Strong statement, but it's true.

I've heard him in concert once before, years ago, and I remember thinking that several concert patrons were shockingly young. That time, I sat behind a girl not a day over eleven, who was singing along word for word to his song, "Your Body is a Wonderland." Seriously...I didn't go to a concert until I was 16 or 17--when I was 11, I was jamming out to the Pocahontas soundtrack.

Last night, I had about as much fun taking discreet pictures of interesting fans as I did hearing the music. Check out the little tyke on the bottom row, far left. He's standing in his chair so he can see to take pictures with his camera phone. Yes, you read correctly: camera phone. This kid has to be no older than 9, and A) he's at a John Mayer concert B) he has a camera phone. I don't even have a camera phone. He should be at home reading a bedtime story or playing with transformers.

Such a fun weekend...now back to school. Hope you all had a good one.

OH!! Before I forget---the picture in the previous post is in fact my head, but most definitely not my body. I did not actually order a modesty suit. My tankini suits me just fine. Apparently there was some misunderstanding in the blogging community, and some people thought that was me in the picture. Nope. The wonders of photoshop. Thanks to my friend Ivan. Just thought I'd clarify.

Swimwear update

Well, my modest swimwear arrived in the mail the other day--just in time for the lake. What do you think? I'm pretty pleased with the pattern and the fit if I do say so myself.

It'll be interesting to see how conducive it is to wakeboarding. If I ever get tired of it, I can always cut it up and make nine string bikinis and a new shower curtain.

Congratulations, Kate and Will!

No, I'm not referring to Kate and Will of England. I'm referring to a couple of much higher profile right here in Birmingham who has decided, as of Saturday night, to tie the knot.

Atop a mountain in the hills of North Carolina, William Abbay Graham, Jr., aka Willis "Chaps" the Pope, asked my first and best college friend, Kate Mc, to marry him. He asked her if she would accept a peg legged mini-mule named Lawrence instead of an engagement ring, and with wistful tears glistening in her eyes, she said yes. Three times. Then the three of them galloped down the mountain singing "The Hills are Alive."

I'm kidding of course...

But the part about Will asking Kate to marry him (with a ring, and a gorgeous one at that) on the top of a mountain in NC is true, and they're getting married this winter. We are really, really excited in Birmingham these days.

All you men out there, take a day or two of mourning...dress in black...do what you need to do to get over this, but our Kate is officially off the market.

Here's to the future Mr. and Mrs. Will Graham! I love you both!

Top 5 reasons Birmingham is glad Kate and Will are joining forces:

1. We need more curly headed people running around.

2. We need bigger vocabularies in Birmingham and in the world in general--everyone loves learning a new word--knowledge is power, or as I like to say, language is power, and when these two join forces, the general public will become smarter simply by breathing the same air.

3. It's an excuse for someone to craft a pair of wedding chaps.

4. Kate will no longer need the solace of unicorns after a bad dream.

5. And finally...just because they're two of the best people I know. The world will be a better place to live in with these two together. I know. Cheese. But believe it--I mean every word.

Tankinis--be gone!!

Hello, worldwide readership. Boy do I have something groundbreaking to share with you today! Get ready...this is a long one. Something so great that the Native American plush wolf post is taking yet another backseat to matters of higher blogging priority.

Ladies, this one's for you. We may be on the tail end of summer, but it's never too late to check out alternatives to the world's immodest apparel when it comes to swimwear. Here is a little known, underground yet widespread phenomenon you don't want to miss. I'll let the site's homepage speak for itself (as always, my favorite parts in bold):

"Growing up in a family of four daughters, modesty has always been a hot topic at our house! We desire to please the Lord in the way we dress and not be a stumbling block to others. We saw a great need especially, for modest swimwear. We didn't want to lower our standards just because we were swimming.

Several years ago, I decided to design one myself. My family and I wanted something that was modest, yet looked feminine.

We have been wearing this swimsuit for the last few years and numerous times have had people ask us where they could buy something similar, or if we knew of a place to buy the pattern, so that they could sew it themselves. We even had a few inquiries from people who weren't interested in modesty, but wanted it for sun protection.

I knew there was a need out there for someone to provide a modest bathing suit pattern, and prayed about the possibility of marketing this pattern some day. When I graduated from home school high school, I was seeking the Lord's will about what I should be doing at this time in my life while I am single and at home. My Mom encouraged me to try marketing the pattern, and the Lord opened the doors and made it possible! Finally, it was ready, and we were very excited to make it available to others who are looking for an alternative.

It is my prayer that many people would be blessed by this pattern. May God be glorified by the way we dress!"

Now, enter the testimonials (I'm posting a couple of my personal favorites, but I encourage you to check the site out for yourself).


"Hi, I bought your pattern last year but did not get around to sewing it until a month ago. I bought some great fabric that had been clearanced out at my fabric store. Well I lined the sleeves, bodice, and pants everything except the skirt. I lengthened my sleeves to the elbow, and lengthened the skirt to just below my knee. I also wear a size 20 so I extended the pattern myself to fit my measurements. It was a breeze. It sewed up very easy and the result is stunning... I even went tubing behind our boat wearing it and it was so comfortable. I lived in the pool for a week when I was on vacation in this suit. It was so easy to nurse in. I even nursed my daughter while sitting in the pool on the steps and it was very easy and discreet. I wore my sport bra under for support and it was great since I'm very large chested suits never fit me right or support but because I could wear my own bra it was great. Thanks again!!!! Blessings,"
Elizabeth from Georgia


How many seriously disturbing mental images are in that one testimonial??!!


Here's another:


"Wow! ...You are quick!!! ...Thanks for your patience! : ) ...I just LOVE these suits! And I also LOVE that you can specify different lengths in different parts of the suit to customize the suit for your comfort level! HEAVEN SENT! ....Thanks again for answering this calling that God has placed on you. It will be so wonderful to take my kids to Disney World and feel modest without wearing regular clothes in the pool. I am SO excited. Thanks again! God Bless You!"
-Sarah from Michigan


Regular clothes in the pool??!!!


And another:


"Dear Crystal, First of all I want to thank you so much for what you have done. Thank you for listening to the Lord. My three daughters and I just wore your swimsuits and had so much fun. I was able to swim with them and teach them how to swim without feeling torn between dressing modestly and spending time with my family in the water. My daughters loved their swimsuits and had several friends ask where they came from. I've only worn mine once and already have two friends curious about one for themselves... God Bless You,"
-Heather


Aaaand one last favorite:


"Ellie's swimsuit is simply darling - I love looking at her in it!! It is so sweet and protective to her, God honoring, and innocent. I just cannot tell you how grateful we were to find the suit and I will be ordering the patterns for future years as she grows. I want one too!!!... We do not even go to public pools or even have a big pool - we only have the blow up ones, but I wanted Ellie to embrace this early (age 6) so that she will be used to guarding her modesty. And if we do go to somewhere else, ie., a friend's house, etc., she is guarded...these are really feminine looking suits that are well pleasing and a beautiful statement of modesty... Thank you, Crystal, for your commitment to honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
-Kelly from Illinois


Now, I am not in favor of public nudity, but isn't this AMAZING? I've spent the past half hour surfing this site in wonderment over the way these folks' minds work. What would they think of my old one piece I wore back in the lifeguarding days? Or heaven forbid...my tankini?


Someone should streak these people's front yards. Put a little spice in their lives, if you will.


Now I wonder if I can get mine overnighted in time to wear it to the lake tomorrow...