Ready or not, here comes another week. It’s going to be a busy one around the Norman house. I’ve got three meetings this week for work- it astounds me how many meetings teachers have to attend, a book club meeting, and I’m praying very hard my potential outfit for the game on Saturday makes it in time. We’re heading to the loveliest village on the Plains for the first time in years. It’s a white out, so I had to get my hands on a few white dresses that will be both comfortable and carry me into fall as good layering pieces. And I know there’ll be something else to present itself that will need to be done, but I’m thankful for the busyness of life right now because the faster this week is over, the faster we get to September. And the faster we get to September the faster we get to fall and (hopefully) some cooler temperatures. But while those good things are coming, let me share some good things I discovered this past week.
#10Days10Books
I’ve shared about Laura Tremaine countless times here and on my Instagram. She is an author, podcaster, blogger, and all around champion of knowing yourself and sharing about it because it’s powerful. Clearly I agree with her or else I wouldn’t be here telling you about it. Anywho, Laura hosts challenges on her Instagram page a few times a year, and she announced she was going to be doing one based on the topic of books. I’m no stranger to sharing books with the internet, so I was all in and had a blast picking out the books for each day’s prompt. The challenge is over on August 31, so there’s still a few days to join in. Here’s what I’ve shared so far:
Fall Shoes
I’m crushing hard on the lug sole penny loafers for fall. I jumped on the clog trend at an inexpensive Walmart price, but I think I want black loafers, and black loafers have to be good in order to not look too cheap. I’m going back and forth between the patent leather and regular leather options. I really love the look and have so many outfit ideas in my head. Here’s some I like:
The Sam Edelmans are my favorites, but they’re also the most expensive. (Go figure) I’m also considering Mary Janes instead of loafers, but I’ll save those for another day. Decisions, decisions. How do you feel about loafers for fall?
House of the Dragon
Game of Thrones fans were very happy last weekend when House of the Dragon premiered. I don’t know if you watched, but it was full of all the Game of Thrones intensity and visual goodness we’d been missing. The actors were remarkable, the dragons were so cool, and while it was tough to watch at times (hello c-section), I already can’t wait for the next episode. There’s also an accompanying podcast that I like to listen to called Oysters, Clams, and Cockles. Ross and Barrett break down the episode scene by scene, and if you’re into deep-diving your favorite shows, these two are extremely entertaining and knowledgeable. But be warned- the language is terrible. Don’t listen around little ears.
Bird Clock
Growing up my grandparents had a clock in their house at one point that would make a bird chirping noise on the hour. I’ve been wanting one for my classroom for a while, and I finally got it. I got it second hand, but it works perfectly, and my students love it. It really freaked them out the first day or two, but now we giggle every time we’re interrupted by a mockingbird or an owl. We read a story about a warbler last week in class, so it was very appropriate that I brought the clock in and surprised them with it. I hope it brings us all much joy this year. You can get one here on Amazon.
Prep Schools
I’m reading a book for book club about a girl who goes to a prep school. While I’m not sure yet if I really like the book (I’ll get back to you when I finish.), I do find the concept of prep schools very interesting. We were talking about the book this past week and remembering our high school selves and discussing if we’d have been able to go off to school at such a young age. I concluded I wasn’t sure that I could have. I don’t think I’d have wanted to leave my family that early, but also, I don’t think I would have been mature enough to be on my own. I know that much of who you become and think about yourself is heavily based on those very formative years. I value my upbringing in this small town and how close I am to my family. It’s important to me that that’s how I was raised. But a tiny part of me is curious what someone’s life would have been like to go off and have to become an adult away from the people who love you most.
I don’t disagree with it. I think it is an excellent opportunity that the majority of the population doesn’t get. The main character in the book goes to this school without knowing a soul. That I could not have done. Had I been able to go with a friend or small group of friends, I might have been more willing, but to go alone is incredibly intimidating.
Anyway, we were so intrigued that one of the members sent us a list of prep schools in the United States. First, I didn’t know there were so many. Second, wow, are they expensive. Here’s the link if you’re curious now.
Have a fantastic week, friends! I’ll be joyfully saying goodbye to August and welcoming all the fall things. Try to find five good things this week and share them with a friend. You’ll be so grateful to see to the good in each week.
They were seriously amazing, y’all. I want to eat them again but not as a burger. I sort of want an avocado type sandwich with the black bean patty. If anyone wants to know any tips about making these, let me know and I’ll do a quick post about them. And if you’re looking to clean up your diet, check out 
XO and War Eagle,