Ode to my black flats

Today started off with fairly warm weather, definitely not tights and boots weather. I was inspired by a blog and donned a skirt and blouse. Then I went straight for my trusty black flats. These aren't just any black flats though. These are THE black flats that have gotten me through a lot. In college, I applied to work at Nine West, and the first thing I noticed in the interview was that the manager was wearing these shoes. They had just come out, and no one had really begun to wear flats yet. (These were the "Sex in the City" days when all the shoes had spike heels and super-pointed toes. Don't try teaching in those!) But these shoes were delicately detailed with soft suede. I had a terrific interview, got the job, and immediately purchased these shoes with my fabulous discount. Oh, how I miss that discount! I have worn these shoes to church, through several jobs, all through student teaching, in interviews, and while I teach. In the latest People StyleWatch magazine, there was an article about ballet flats. There were tempting cute ones with little bows on the toe, but I will not stray. My Nine West flats are the greatest little flats a girl could buy! If something ever happens to them, I will be on eBay and at every thrift store looking for another pair.

Outfit: polka dot button-up: Wet Seal (thrifted); skirt: maybe Goody's (circa 2003); belt: Delia's (1/2 off!); the best flats ever: Nine West (circa 2004) Inspiration: Clothed Much

PS-By the time I got off work, Indian summer had changed to winter! It was FREEZING! I guess I'll break out the tights and boots now.

A Case of Bike Envy

Specialized Fate Expert Carbon 29

This weekend was probably my last XC race of the season on my beast of a bike. We bought it from a friend at the beginning of the summer to make sure I would like riding off-road. I quickly fell in love with the trail--I started racing a month after we bought my bike. I also quickly realized that my bike is crap. It weighs a ton, and the suspension feels more like a rigid bike. So we ordered this beauty to replace the beast. I am stoked to finally try out the 29er wheels and a real suspension. It will be fabulous, when I finally get it. They keep pushing back the ETA. First November, then December, and now it's probably closer to January. ERRR! Guess I'll be trying it out in the snow. For now I can look at the pictures and dream that I am a pro on my Fate. Ahhh, to be that good. :)

Vacation, cars, and donuts--Oh my!

Our "going out" outfits. Aren't we cute?
Outfit: shirt: J.Crew (thrifted); leggings: Walmart
Booties:Gap Outlet(purchased on our shopping trip that day)
Showing off my new baby.
Outfit: shirt:Kohl's,cardigan:Old Navy;
jeans: Gap; flip-flops: Roxy; hat: borrowed from my fab sister

So...long time no blogging. It has been an exciting couple of weeks. The girls and I headed for Gatlinburg the first weekend in October. I drove my Yukon, and we got there after dark. Finding the cabin was definitely an adventure! The mountain roads were a little scary in my big truck, but we finally made it. We shopped, relaxed, and had a great time. The next week was the end of the quarter at school. We had our common assessments in math and language arts. I spent the week reviewing and grading, getting ready for our fall break. Our week off after that was well deserved. My BFF and I threw our classes a pizza party and spent some extra recess time that Friday to celebrate finishing the first quarter. It was a great day that got even better when my husband and I went and bought me a new car! Its super-cute, isn't it?! The gas mileage in my Fit doesn't even compare to the Yukon. Anyone want to buy a Yukon? My husband took the week of fall break off with me, and we had a nice week riding our bikes and playing with the new car. We even took a short trip to Chattanooga and visited the Tennessee Aquarium. The penguins were so cool! Then Saturday was the "Ride for Reading" race "Dirt, Guts, and Donuts." During the race, you get two minutes off of your time with each donut you eat. It was awesome! I only ate two donuts, but I rode my best time yet on the trail. One of my teammates ended up winning, even though she only ate two too. :) My legs get so crazy-shaky at the beginning of a race, and I can't seem to start off very fast. Bah! It's been a nice vacation, even though we just chilled at home mostly. Now we have to go back to the real world tomorrow. Wish me luck. :)