Greetings!

 

I went to an exhibit this week that one of my students helped create at the MN History Museum.  To my surprise, this cheery art greeted me on my way in.  Love big-letter post cards!  Thought I'd greet you with it, too.

Here's my OOTD from Friday.  I ended up swapping out the black shoes for some bright yellow flats.  POP!

It was a good week, all-in-all.  I've begun my summer search for just the right bike accessories.  I've been looking for many, many years, but can't seem to find the right bag/basket/pannier/handle bar bag that hits the right note.  They're either too industrial/military looking, or the wrong size.  When I find something I like, my bike isn't set up to accommodate it.  I don't want to add things I can't take off to my bike.  I'm already sort-of regretting having fenders added to my Marin bike last summer.  When you search online, there are TONS of awesome choices...in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands.  I thought I found a winner with Po Campo, but I'd need to install a rack that attached to the axle or frame because I have a shock-post seat.  Here are some of the cute bags I found online that won't work:

These are by a company called Fast Rider out of the Netherlands.  I found them on the Australian web site Cycle Style.  The one on the left is sold out, and the company's catalog doesn't have any information about ordering or retail locations.  The one on the right is not made any more.  'S all good; both need a back rack, which I can't do.

I ended up purchasing this Po Campo bag for my handlebars:

Certainly not big enough to fit anything but the bare necessities.  But I have a need for that.  Now I'm considering Timbuk2 messenger bags.  They have the option of designing your own, which I like.  Here's what I'm considering ordering:

Timbuk2 is offering 30% off to recycle old bags; I happen to have one I've used only once or twice.  My question is what size to order, small or medium.  And whether it would work as a tote bag/purse, too.  I went to REI to "try some on", but they didn't carry the small size.  The straps seemed twisty to carry the medium on one shoulder (vs. cross-body), and it felt a little large on my side, but not across my back.  I like that it doesn't look like it will look like a bike bag from the photo above.  But I'd want it to be useful as a bag when I'm not on my bike, too.  Custom orders cannot be returned, so I've got to be sure.

Decisions, decisions.

I guess I'll send off my old bag regardless, then decide when I get the discount coupon emailed to me.  I like that they recycle them by giving them to others in need.  : )

Thanks for reading!

It's the small things...

OOTDs for today and yesterday:
I ended up swapping out the blue paisley necklace for a multi-chain gold one, tucking the front of the shirt in and adding a gold belt to this outfit before I flew out the door this morning. Love this shirt, even at the steep price point.
I liked this outfit a lot; it made me happy. This skirt is really, really awesome. Despite the loud, bright colors, I think I will get a lot of wear out of it. I got a lot of compliments. Funny, people often say, "I wish I could wear bright colors like that." It's a print skirt and a black tee, people, not a neon sign.

Despite being extremely busy this week, it has been a good one. Exciting news from the MN state testing front: earlier this week, one of our students--not under my supervision, thank God!--actually threw up all over their state test booklet. Take that, MCAs! Kid, sorry that you weren't feeling well, but you made my day.

And today was one of those days that just gave me a perma-grin. We had a tornado drill (leave classroom, move into windowless hallway, sit on (dirty) floor facing wall...) My juniors grudgingly headed out when the alarm went off, and with a little nudging, sat on the floor. I found a place on the floor at the far end of the line. Events like these always bring out the true goof in me (admittedly inappropriate for the seriousness of the drill): "Let's do the wave!" One half wave, then a full wave ensued. Then, from the middle of the line somewhere, "Telephone! Someone start a telephone message!" Two messages sent and delivered before the 'all clear' bell rang. Giggling, smiling, and, might I add, successful survivors of a imaginary serious weather threat, my seventeen-ish year old students and I returned to the classroom. I love when the same students who try so hard to act like grown-ups--tough, mature, gangster--allow themselves to enjoy being silly. Me, too.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job?

I wonder what surprises tomorrow will bring.

Thanks for reading!