Right now my life has consisted of literally running ragged day in and day out. I try to carve out personal time as much as I can, but as a high school teacher and youth worker - frankly the work is mentally and emotionally tiring. So even on those weekday evenings when I have the chance to sit and relax (meaning grade papers, research new ideas for a my classroom or the next day's lesson, or preparing a Sunday School lesson), I am not really relaxing.
Yesterday after a light breakfast with my family, we opened Christmas presents, then sat around all day. I played with my new Adonit Jot Pro stylus and the app Noteshelf. Let's just say I so look forward to using that app on a regular basis now that I have a good stylus. As much as I enjoy my tech, deep down I am a pen and paper person and this stylus and app totally bridge that gap for me. And I read the book God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. It was an enjoyable day.
My husband gave me a gift that really can't be beaten. He gave me a corner. It doesn't sound like much to the average person but I live in a 750 sq. foot apartment with my husband. I grew up having my own room and my own space. Of my three apartments, this is by far the tiniest, and sometimes I just need some room. Something that I can call my own - a sanctuary where I can just enjoy being alone, reading a good book, journaling, or studying my Bible. Conversely, my husband really would like to watch football games more regularly or play a video game in the evening to wind down from a long day at work.
Here is my amazing corner:
We have actually been working on it for several months. I have been looking for a chair pretty much since we moved into this apartment in four months ago. We finally spotted this neutral Serta swivel chair in Homegoods last month; the super plush minty blanket was a bonus find. The full-length mirror which has been on the wish list since I got married and the blue canvas with the birds are both from Target. The frame (which I still need to add pictures to) was a clearance find at Kirklands over a year ago. Poor frame has been stuffed in a box or closet for the last year waiting for a home.
The final touch (which we picked up on Christmas Eve, making my corner complete for Christmas) was the turquoise rolling cart & pink plant from IKEA. I love that it can stash all the things that you would love to have on hand on the top shelf (Bible, journal, water, pens), but below holds books to be read, and on the bottom is my wedding album and unread magazines.
It's a place to just settle into and enjoy. I think the blue adds such a calming and welcoming feel. (The rest of our bedroom is grey, white, and similar varying shades of blue.)
For me, this was the perfect Christmas gift. It is going to be the place where I can truly relax. The corner is largely tech free. No Facebook or google or pinterest welcome. I do use my iPad when studying my Bible or for listening to music, so its welcome in that capacity only. It means a few fleeting moments of solace, and I so look forward to it!
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