Mixing in a Bit of Spring

Not my favorite outfit, but I'm so happy I could finally get away with wearing this blouse with a long sleeved shirt underneath and jacket over top. I don't love that I still needed to wear booties with it, but I'll deal with it.

We finally made our way to Shanghai to hunt for the only H&M maternity section nearby last weekend. Up until then, this pair of maternity work trousers was the only thing I had that wasn't regular pants with a belly band. It's tough to sink a whole day into traveling the 85 km between Suzhou and Shanghai for errands. But, oh my gosh, was it worth it. With about 10 weeks to go, I needed pants with stretch!

Happy weekend to you all, friends! Hope you get to bust out a springtime favorite article of clothing and mix it with your winter gear. Maybe if we all collectively get into a spring-y headspace together, it will show up sooner. That's how that works, right?

 

Whirlwind Week

Pants: Zara...Blouse: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer

It's been a wild week and getting more nuts! We sold our Honda Fit on Tuesday (I cried. It was such a good car), and went to see my friend's dress rehearsal of Chinglish, which was an excellent play. A friend from Arizona was in town visiting his parents, so we went to dinner last night and ate a disgusting amount of sushi. We've been packing and selling things like crazy after we posted a bunch of things in the university's online advertisement forum. Poor Rob has spent two days doing nothing but answer questions like "Yes, it's a pretty standard crock pot. No, that tall shelf can't be shortened. Sure, you can come look at it, but it has to be before Friday at 10."

And that's because Friday afternoon is his Doctoral Hooding Ceremony. And Saturday at the buttcrack of dawn is Graduation. Which, by the way, might get rained out, so each candidate only gets two tickets for the Field House, and our group includes a spouse and two parents. (Oh, yeah, and Rob's parents are arriving tonight!) Bromance's family is here too, and his cousin is joining the group, so if we can't weasel our way into any extra tickets, his mom and I are going to spend our morning watching the televised version and drinking mimosas together. I sure would love to see them graduate since I'm so sick of student-hood, but spending time that way isn't a terrible alternative.

So, I'll see you all next week! Maybe. There's been a lot of friend time each evening, lots of arrangements to make, but at least we're getting it all done earlier than later. Phew, I'm overwhelmed and exhausted already!

Everything is Beautiful at the Ballet

Dress: ASOS...Scarf: Target...Necklace: Target...Belt: swiped from a skirt...Earrings: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer

Oy, Flickr and I had a fight. Sorry it's taken me literally days to get this post up and rollin'.

So, fancy wear. Worn in our nosebleed seats at the Houston Ballet performance of The Rite of Spring. HOLY CRAP, such a great performance; the raw, carnal energy was palpable, which I loved. I really wish Rob had let me take a photo of him, he was in his normal going-someplace-gotta-look-presentable man candy getup. Because when you're paying $7 for parking, you really ought to take the time to look nice.

I love long, tighter dresses like this one. And I love that, even though the colors of the dress itself are all summery and fresh, a kick of black makes it look chic. Plus, there's sleeves. And I prefer a little arm coverage, especially when I'm squeezing the rest of myself into a hip and thigh hugging ensamble.

The Sad Truth

Pants: Zara...Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Circa Joan and David via DSW...Bag: Naturalizer...Necklace: Target...Bracelet: thrifted

100% honesty? I spent last evening missing my husband (who feels like he rocked his interview, by the way. We'll hear about decisions between the middle of the month and the middle of January) and watching movies on YouTube. Mostly Disney movies. Okay, just Dumbo. Twice. And I cried my eyes out watching Mrs. Jumbo waiting for, no, craving her baby as all the other mothers received their delivery from the storks. And a tear rolled down my face when he crashed into the pyramid of elephants and waved his sad little broken flag out of the flap in the fallen big top. And cried like a sap again when he goes to see her in confinement. Three themes emerge here: 1. I cry too much. 2. I need to be a mother. Yesterday. 3. Disney, in the early 40's, could illustrate more emotion and sorrow and in a faceless elephant trunk than most modern day actresses will emote over the entirety of their career. Pathetic.

Just keeping it real, y'all. P.S. I did not actually hang up and put away any clothing that's been sorted for three days now. Like I said, just keeping it real.

Hanging In

Skirt: thrifted & refashioned...Tank: Old Navy...Cardigan: Target...Belt: Target...Shoes: Nine West via Buffalo Exchange...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

That's twice in one week for that little olive belt.

Not much to say, I'm working long, long days, I'm tired, I'm managing to keep my spirits up, and my husband made a really tasty pot of chili. Life is good. Days are long. It's okay. This is what your late 20's are for, right? Overcommitment, a flurry of trying to fit everything in, and eating something delicious.

Pups

Skirt: DVF, thrifted...Blouse: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

Pssht, wrapping up animal print week, you knew this skirt would show back up.

This morning begins day one of several during which we get to doggy sit out neighbor's two lady lugs. They're both so tall, so big and I can't wait to spend some time loving on big dogs. Miles is nice and solid, but, let's face it, the beagle's a shorty.

Aaaand, there's more doggy stuff going on 'round the hood. Our other neighbors lost their basset hound several weeks ago. Boston was a wonderfully old-man dog, loved to howl and bay, reveled in butt-scratches, lived to give kisses, but had so many of the old-man dog health stuff to go with it. He is so tremendously missed. Our neighbors pondered a puppy. And then they found one. Guys, there is a lumpy, noodle-y, waddling, droopy, floppy basset puppy here. They named him Homer. He's so unbearably cute. The best part? When Miles mills around the courtyard and starts to sneak into the bushes, Homer chomps down onto his leash and tugs him away, as if to say "Hey! I wanna hang out, come back!" Oh, that and the uncontrolled puppy tail bobble. You know what I'm talking about- when they waddle their way around a yard and their tail looks like a wheat stalk bobbing in the wind.

Boston                                                 Homer

Good lookin' dogs, huh? Our neighbors are so lucky! Mmm, puppy breath.

Who, Me?

Jeans: Gap...Blouse: Banana Outlet...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Calvin Klein via Buffalo Exchange...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Shades: via TJ Maxx...Bracelet: thrifted

I feel like an LSU, Vikings or Lakers fan... It really is too bad some clothing combinations reek of fan-dom. I like purple and marigold together and it always winds up biting me on the butt- I once had a big burly LSU football fan yell a woohoo style greeting at me and make back-and-forth index finger points at his shirt and my yellow tee and purple cardigan combo one weekend a few falls ago... and I didn't know what the heck he was talking about. I gave him a squirrelly thumbs-up went on my merry way. I figured I'm less likely to receive fan recognition if I wear these colors in non-football season from here on out. And keep the cardigan in my bag for most of the day.

Have an awesome Tuesday! I'm spending mine running one of Boss Lady's grandkid around from early Orientation dismissal to volleyball to Driver's Ed. He's a cool little dude, I'm looking forward to talking boy movies with him since he's kind of my go-to guy for a trustworthy opinion on what to see and what to skip.

PC Load Letter?! What the Bleep Does THAT Mean?!

Dress: ASOS...Shoes: Nine West via Buffalo Exchange...Belt: Target...Earrings: Banana Republic...Necklace: Target...Shades: via TJ Maxx...Clutch: gifted from Katie

Here's to hoping my summer schedule is a little more relaxing and summery today... with Boss Lady out of town, it's usually a little more chill, but she spent a lot of her time between when I left with the truck to drive to Idaho and when she flew up somehow boogering up her computer. And I spent my first real day back trying to fix things. And talk on the phone with one of the housekeeper's daughters in Idaho trying to remotely diagnose and fix thaaat computer up there. I'm glad she wants to be tech savvy, but she who won't listen to basic "click here to do this, remember not to do this or you'll mess something up" instructions is just asking for trouble. And I'm not an IT person, just a regular ole assistant. My skills are good, but limited. If you have trouble with your podunk 2 Mb monthly internet connection up there, I prooobably don't know how to help you "make it faster." Nor do I know what to tell you about making your 5+ year old computer faster. Be patient, it's nearly 112 in computer years.

Aah, today will be more relaxing. And I'll get something done. I can feel it. Or I just won't answer my phone.

Kidding. I'll answer it because I'm a sucker.

PS- does anyone have a good suggestion for keeping a skinny belt in place on a dress that has no belt loops? Refer to photo 1 to see what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Pride

Jeans: UO...Blouse: Target...Cardigan: Gap...Shoes: J Jill via Buffalo Exchange

Tomorrow is Houston's Pride Parade. I thought I'd get an early start and dress in a rainbow of colors.

I've kind of weighed whether or not to write about the Pride events... Many of the bloggers I've gotten to know and appreciate happen to be religious and are awesome people. I didn't want to rock the boat, push anyone away, whatever... Here's my story: I, very thankfully, grew up in a warm Christian household, my parents are inclusive and loving people. My church was an awesome community for me as a shy, introverted kid who liked to learn and analyze and assess new ideas. When my Guy and I got serious in high school and I found out his sister was gay, my whole view of religion kind of shifted. I noticed that people I had looked up to as a kid had mean-spirited condemning views of the gay community. Their religion was used as a bludgeon for denying rights to the LGBT community. And I was absolutely repulsed. When I left home for college, I didn't seek out a church to attend. I couldn't maintain a relationship with a broad organization that told me one of the most loving people in my life was "not okay." And I kind of adore that my loving, Christian, faithful homelife formed me into the accepting, inclusive person I'm proud I've become. But most of my experience with the rest of the religious community didn't have the same values as me... Anyway, I'm not a heathen, I'm not religious, I'm not irreverant, I'm just doing my best to be loving.

And I love me the gays. Many of my dearest friends in adulthood identify with the LGBT community in one way or another. And I'm not going to apologize for forming strong, supportive friendships with loving people and I'll happily state that someone's gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, skin color, hair color, or food allergies has nothing to do with how I choose the people important to me. As long as you're willing to show a little humility and humanity, we'll get along just fine!

Happy Pride!

OTI: Group Pick

Skirt: Gap, thrifted...Shirt: J Crew...Cardigan: Banana Republic, thrifted...Shoes: Seychelles via DSW...Earrings: Banana Republic

Um, yes. This inspiration was awesome, the chance to remind myself about this pleated skirt was awesome, gingham is awesome. Erica, Kayla and Grace- good call on sending one out to the masses!

Today is a big day, sort of. My Guy applied to a music teaching job in China and I'm responsible today for sending them physical copies of a DVD of his music and a DVD video of his site-specific performance. A sample curriculum and other qualifying documents will be emailed to the selection committee by the end of the month, they'll review materials from everyone and decide who goes from Round 2 to Round 3 (Interviews!). We're not holding our breath for anything, my husband isn't even through his comprehensive exams yet. Exam completion would classify him as ABD (all but dissertation) and most hiring universities won't follow through with anyone without their degree in hand, but it's an excellent learning process to go through the steps of preparing for a selection committee.

But, not bleeping up getting the materials mailed and slated to arrive on time is a big responsibility. Especially international mailing. Think good thoughts for me around 1:00 p.m.- I'll be in line at the post office getting ready to mail. Eep!

Harumph

Pants: Zara...Blouse: via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: J Jill via Buffalo Exchange...Bracelet: thrifted...Shades: Coach via TJ Maxx

Wow, I am in a foul mood today... Skip reading if you are in a good mood yourself and can't handle a Negative Nelly. I was told on Friday (unprompted!) by Boss Lady that I didn't need to come in Monday, that I should take the holiday day off. So, I took her at her word and had an extra glass on white wine on Sunday, ignored all of my chores and cleaning over the weekend, expecting to have Monday to play catch up. Fast Forward to Sunday at 7:50 pm- missed call from Boss Lady and a message saying she couldn't work her outdoor fans and she had people coming over on Monday, so it was a very big deal. Oh, you mean the fans that I explicitly told you on Friday afternoon how to work, you watched me set the remote down in the middle of a table and told you that you absolutely must click the button while standing underneath the center fan of three so all of them receive the radio signal so you don't booger them up? Yeah, those fans. So, upon receiving a panicked 9 am call (there went my relaxing morning...) I wound up popping by the house to fix the dang fans. And then pick up the ordered potato salad. Then pick up ketchup that was forgotten. And then move the furniture to directly under the fan. And then hold flowers while Boss Lady played florist. And then swapped out a 60" round table for the 72" because her cousin invited too many people. And then go out to pick up presecco because it was forgotten about. And then pick up the orchid arrangement because she thought their delivery service was cutting it too close. And by the time 3:00 rolled around, I was hungry, tired and crabby that I missed my day off with my husband. To make it a little worse, I just found out the other gals who work here served and cleaned until 9:30 pm. And so I'm mad I missed my day off and feel like a jerk because they had to work a 14 hour day and I'm the one complaining. I never get "party pay" though. So I left.

Gah, I need a new job. This is ridiculous.

I'll be back to a sunnier disposition tomorrow, but even today is a bust- I wore this crappy outfit because I know I'll be hauling junk and putting it away. I look stumpy and squat. No bueno.

Unwelcome Excitement

Four points of unwelcome excitement happened yesterday:

I tapped my hot french press carafe on the corner of this sink and a chunk cracked out of the bottom edge. Boo hoo, no perfectly brewed-to-my-taste strong bold coffee for me tomorrow.
I was beyond busted taking pictures again. Who would have thought that the SAME neighbor with his pack of doggies would be coming out (still in PJ's) at 9 am?
A crated sculpture arrived unexpectedly at boss lady's house (we were told there would be a Friday arrival) and the first one of this sculpture's kind came from overseas broken into pieces. I wanted her here to inspect and be witness to the method of packing so she could hoot and holler at the shipper herself if something happened to it, but she'd been moral support at the hospital since 6 am for her grandson's leg surgery. So I hesitantly took on the task of uncrating this precious cargo.
It got hotter and hotter as the day went on and, upon getting the sculpture safely out of the crate and into the house (um, HEAVY.), went back out to help the gardener tidy up our disaster zone. I squatted down to pick up the dozens of screws and when I stood back up my vision went fuzzy then dark, I gripped the stepladder for dear life, hands shaking, body wavering. But I didn't fall. Thank goodness. I swiped a banana and glass of OJ and felt much better.

And I can't handle any more zany for a few days. Here's to a weekend filled with reading and remaining stationary.

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Blouse: Gap...Cardigan: Target...Belt: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer

Easter Weekend wrap-up

Easter was so so lovely (and I realize I'm posting several days late). Only 5 of us, meal put together by Bromance (who was a chef before going back to music) which consisted of an egg dish with potatos, onion, basil, zucchini, and more that I can't recall, New Mexico red chile Chili, banana peanutbutter chocolate pancakes and mimosas. It was aaahmazing. And our friend brought egg dying supplies, which I haven't done in years.  They turned out beautifully and it's always fun to get a little creative. On top of that, our Tigers won the game with a walk-off home run in the 11th inning. Nail. Biter. Top of the day with a late afternoon movie while My Guy and I lounged on the couch with windows flung wide open. The weather was perfection all weekend.

Also, I cut myself some bangs. Thet aren't perfect or professional, but having all one length in the front wasn't working for me anymore. Too heavy. Snip Snip!

Dress: ASOS...Shoes: Naturalizer...Clutch: thrifted...Shades: Gap via TJ Maxx

Oh, yeah, and a Beer Golf photo or two from Saturday... because I'm that behind.

Cool Florals

I'm seemingly in the mood for soft blues and abstracted florals this week. And I'm running these wedges ragged.

I had the horrible realization that I'm a lip product hoarder and use about 1/4 of it. All my other makeup I rotate and use regularly, but my lipstick/other gunk purchase-to-use ratio is pathetic. So... Self-imposed challenge: I will wear for-real lipcolor every day next week. Bam.

On another totally different topic, the wall of Star Jasmine down the block from us is IN BLOOM. It's my favorite thing of the year and it smells absolutely incredible. There's a local cafe with a wall of Jasmine and my weekend miiiiiight consist of visiting with our college friends over many many many cups of coffee while sitting outside right next to it. I can't wait!

Skirt: thrifted...Blouse: Target...Cardigan: Target...Belt: thrifted...Shoes: BCBGeneration via Ross...Earrings: Banana Republic

And because I feel like I actually wore something good and worthy of linkin': Pleated Poppy's What-I-Wore-Wednesday and A Little Bit of Lacquer's Work It Wednesday!