Trees of TASOK

Hello to all! I promise I am working on getting material for more interesting posts but for now, the trees will have to do. I feel like I focus on flowers, but recently some of the trees have been capturing my attention.

First, this tree, which is exactly what I imagine giraffes eat, is the most gorgeous to walk under, because of the way the light slants through so magically. Hard to show in pictures, but hope you can get the idea.

Next, these trees. This is the view out the most heavily traffic-ed first grade door, and since I am usually talking to people shorter than me, I don't regularly look up. But when you do... these trees are just insanely cool and gorgeous with these insane white blossoms (which I forgot to photograph when they were out) and crazy-tallness. (crazy tall-ness?)

Another impressive tree of TASOK: Bottom and top.

Last, I cannot get enough of this tree on my way home every day. The way the wind undulates the leaves and the way the shades of green are just so perfectly, sickeningly, amazingly 'African' in everything that any stereotypical representation would portray... we really do live in a wonderland. A very warm wonderland! I am thankful and will have to remember this for next winter! Unless I can find some other warm place to escape to. There really isn't a picture here that does it justice (I should have gotten further away) but I did try.

TASOK does Brigadoon (actual mist, not smoke from fires!) on this unrest day off: the city is on strike so I will take pictures and be lazy all day!

Rest day buddy:

Reading for TASOK Teacher Book Groups is next on the agenda. Love to all.

My Pet Photography Obsession

So I have been taking my camera out on my Thursday outings to try to get pictures for blog posts. I have only been a tiny bit successful, but it does mean that I have plenty of opportunity to photograph my friend and weightlifting coach's hilarious dog and wonderful gym/converted garage. Sweetie was rescued off the street and is very good at singing (with Kristen's help), not flinching when we drop very heavy weights, sitting/laying exactly where she is in the way, and generally taking advantage of the fact that she has been adopted into the best family ever. Here she pensively stares toward one set of pullup bars. (She's also pretty good at modeling!)

Foam roller in the background, interrupted my stretching because she is too cute. 

Here she is ignoring me and giving a scale for the picture of the whole gym. The fan is very effective at cooling us down generally and we usually clear out where the yoga mats are to have a large clear surface for lifting unless we need the racks to the right, then we get them out. I have made a lot of good memories here, including stretching my inner thighs, lifting the yoke in the back right corner, playing with slam balls, recording Crossfit Open videos and generally laughing about things while lifting. I am very glad to know these lovely people and have lived near them for a while! They are headed out this summer as am I. 

Then I came home to this:

On a sit in for food... or just very very very entitled, but we already knew that I guess. Until next week! Much love! 

Birthday Loot

Hello! I am sorry to have been such a slacker but I have had some busy weekends and lots of jobs to do. Promise I will try to get better!

Wanted to share what I got for my birthday. I had a pool party on Sunday January 24th, had lots of fun with some great friends who brought samosas, hummus, wine, beer, juice, snacks and muffins to go with the chocolate cupcakes I made. Had a nice dip in the pool and was home by 5:30 to have skype and rest!

From left to right - LOTS of cards, including myself as a hand-drawn milkmaid! Plus a cool "Congo" photo album, two kinds of lotion, my running watch that I got for Christmas and finally learned how to use on the very day of my birthday! A new notepad and stamper set, a yoga shirt "Turnin' Heads, Twistin' Necks", the taco kit I got myself for $17!! Foreground: Pink pagne bag, more cards and super cool pagne banner that I have hanging in my house now. I also got Reeses and Macarons, which were LONG gone by the time this picture was taken.

THANK YOU to everyone who sent e-cards, facebook wishes as well as gifts, hugs and real cards. I really appreciate it! Sorry to anyone I've forgotten - not sure where my head is at these days!