Unprepared, but Entertained

I haven’t posted in a long time, I know. And it’s not like I’ve really been getting anything accomplished as far as leaving goes. My room is a disaster – I hate it and can’t wait to get organized, but it’s pretty overwhelming. I have a list of things to do and people to see, and I hope to somehow fit it all in. I do always underestimate how long it takes to get things done.

What I have done:
1. Bought a webcam/microphone so BF and I can still have face-to-face conversations :)
2. Bought speakers for my laptop since I obviously can’t bring a stereo.
3. Bought space-saver bags for my suitcase (they’re amazing!)
4. Bought a new pair of fun glasses (needed to use my insurance while I’ve got it)

There’s a theme here. Yes, going away is a great excuse to go shopping.

Instead of getting things done, I’ve been having tons of fun with my friends.

Friday, I went out with S for a delicious dinner at Firebirds and she treated me to a drink at a new martini bar. We stayed up late chatting and deciding what she should wear for her date the next day.

Saturday night, I went dancing with the Kickers at a bar in my own town and had a blast! We danced for 7 hours and it was the perfect end to months of dancing with them. The band was awesome! I couldn’t sleep that night, though, because my feet were throbbing.

Sunday, I went out to eat with my family and that night went to a friend’s surprise party. It was so great to see a bunch of people I don’t see often and won't see for awhile.

Monday, I ate dinner at A & M’s and we went to Coldplay!! They were just as amazing in concert as I imagined. But, next time I’ll pay more for better seats. I was so annoyed with how many people were moving around during the concert, and no one around us wanted to stand up . . . it’s a concert, people! Our friend said people in front of him got in a fight over the stand up/sit down thing. If I pay $70 for a ticket to see a band I love, I think I should have to option to stand up . . . am I right? AG said it was better than U2 (which we saw two months ago), but I’m hesitant to go that far. It’s hard for me to really compare the two because they’re very different. For me, both were equally amazing and I'd go again in a heartbeat.

Last night, I hung out with Jenni (my old roommate). I was so glad to spend time with her before I leave, because just as I'll be getting back, she and her huband will be moving out to Colorado.

I have only 3 days of work left, because I'm using the two floating holidays I've accrued to get things done. I'll post pics of my weekend soon!

My Great Adventure Begins

I can finally announce the big news. After about 6 weeks of phone calls and a lot of waiting, it's finally a done deal. I'm going to San Diego . . for 4 months. And I'm quitting my job so I can do it. I gave my two weeks notice today and booked my flight for two weeks from Friday. Wow.

I wasn't looking when this opportunity presented itself to me, but it came at the perfect time. I was growing tired of what I was doing, but I was comfortable and didn't know what kind of a job I would really look for. My cousin out in D.C. gave me a call and let me know about a temporary job opportunity out in San Diego. He didn't have anything to do with this particular project but his company did. So he put in a good word for me (which helps since he's a partner) and gave me the name of the guy to call. Long story short, I'm going.

It may seem crazy to quit my job, especially since I just got promoted to the position I've wanted for 9 months, but this is such a great opportunity. I knew I didn't want to go any further with this company and even after a change in position, I still wasn't really satisfied.

This temporary job will give me great experience, look awesome on my resume, and get me out of my comfort zone. The scary part is not knowing what's going to happen after 4 months is up. Will I come back jobless? I hope not! One of the reasons I'm taking it is to be able to network and see what's out there and I hope, I hope get more of an idea of what I would really enjoy doing.

It's also an adventure. I've never lived more than an hour from home and to be honest, I've never really wanted to. I love my friends and family and I'm happy here, but at the same time, I don't want to be complacent. I have a desire to do more and perhaps this will somehow lead to that "more". And, I'll be able to experience living away without having to completely move. They are paying for my nice apartment, a rental car, my food, my gas, and other expenses. Plus, I'll make twice what I make now.

I'm not gonna lie . . I'm really nervous. At the same time, I really feel as though God has opened this door for me. No matter what lies in store, He will take care of me.

So, here I go on this adventure. And, if you read my blog often, my guess is you're probably going to get to know me really well these next few months, because this is going to be the one familiar thing I have out there.

There's a lot of unknown yet to be discovered. Will I make friends fast? Will I cry a lot and be homesick? Will I love it so much I won't want to come back? Will I discover, at least in part, a little more of what I want to do? Will I have as much fun as I hope to? Will I find a church I enjoy attending? Will I get the best tan of my life?

You & I are about to find out . . so stay tuned . . . .

BIG

I have big news. BIG. Hopefully I can share by the end of the week.

Girl Time

Last night, I ate at a delicious Greek bistro with 8 other girls. I’ve eaten there before a couple times and enjoyed it, but last night was better than ever. We ate at the new location (the other one is very quaint and intimate down in an old part of town) and had an area all to ourselves. We all sat in a huge booth surrounded by pillows, pillars, and curtains . . great atmosphere. We started out with a hummus sampler and lavash for appetizers and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Four of the girls were pregnant but a couple still sampled the wine. CS had a little less than half a glass and after everyone else had taken a few sips of theirs, she said, “Wow, that was good” and we looked over to see that she had just downed hers. I guess you had to be there, but it was funny. I ordered the special of the night which was a chicken breast covered in melted Havarti cheeses and a spinach and artichoke cream, with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed peppers. Dessert was vanilla crème brulee. A-ma-zing.

It’s getting a bit harder to be the only non-married person there, not to mention that all but two of us have kids. Usually it isn’t that big of a deal, but last night the subject of husbands and kids seemed to be pretty common – it’s only normal. I’m just totally not at that place, not even close . . at least I don’t think so. . and I don’t have a problem with that . . it just means I can’t relate.

Nevertheless, there were still a lot of laughs and I had a great time.

9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1

9 lasts:
1. cigarette: not ever
2. beverage: Water
3. kiss: XB, three months ago
4. hug: my friend, AnneG
5. movie seen: Brown Sugar
6. cd played: World Mandate 2002
7. song listened to: Keith Urban, I’m Gonna Cry
8. bubble bath: probably a couple years ago
9. time you cried: driving home after I watched “End of the Spear”

8 have you ever
1. dated one of your best friends: yes (maybe not BEST, but very good friends)
2. skinny dipped: Yes.
3. kissed somebody and regretted it: Ew, yes.
4. fallen in love: Yes
5. lost someone you loved: Yes.
6. been depressed: Yes
7. been drunk and threw up: No.
8. ran away: No.

7 states you’ve been to:
1 Alabama
2. Florida
3. Delaware
4. Kentucky
5. Arizona
6. West Virginia
7. California

6 things you’ve done today
1. Took a shower
2. ate a smoked turkey sandwich from Panera
3. Listened to the KAT 103 morning show on the way to work
4. got paid
5. read some blogs
6. worked

5 favorite things in no order
1. food
2. music
3. quality time with friends
4. shopping
5. the lake

4 people you can tell [pretty much] anything to in no order
1. God
2. Mom
3. Micki (BF)
4. Joy

3 wishes
1. I wish some of my friends knew the Lord (that don’t already)
2. I wish weekends were 3 days long
3. I wish I could go on vacation right now

2 things you want to be when you grow up
1. Someone who reaches their potential and, in doing so, brings God glory
2. A good wife, mom, and friend

1 thing you regret
1. Being complacent too often

Four

4 Jobs I’ve Had:
1. Movie theater
2. Nanny
3. Beer Shack girl at a golf course
4. Outside sales rep for a stone veneer company

4 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. Anne of Green Gables
2. How to Lose a Guy . .
3. Love & Basketball
4. My Best Friend’s Wedding

4 Places I’ve Lived:
1. Dorm in Lincoln
2. Apartment full of girls - Omaha
3. With a married couple - Omaha
4. At home in F-town

4 TV Shows I Love to Watch:
1. The Cosby Show
2. Law & Order
3. (used to love) Newlyweds
4. O’Reilly Factor

4 Places I’ve Been on Vacation
1. Washington D.C.
2. 3 islands in the Caribbean
3. Austin/San Antonio
4. San Diego

4 Websites I Visit Daily
1. http://www.hotmail.com/
2. my work website(s)
3. http://www.luvthislife.blogspot/.com
4. http://www.lindsayblake.blogspot.com/

4 Words I Love
1. Hola!
2. True
3. Boodut
4. Badonkadonk (ok, not really)

4 Things I Love to Eat:
1. Wheat Thin Chips
2. Chicken sandwiches
3. Lasagna
4. Ice Cream

4 Places I’d Rather Be:
1. on vacation, pretty much anywhere
2. shopping somewhere (that is, if I had money)
3. out to eat
4. on a couch watching a movie

4 Books I’d Read Over and Over
1. Bible
2. Enjoying God
3. Desiring God
4. Anne of Green Gables series

Baby Birthday and Bowling

Yesterday, I woke up feeling better than ever and decided to be productive. Bad idea.

I tried to clean my room, not realizing that so much activity would really wear me out. After organizing for less than half an hour, I just wanted to take a nap (and I'd had a lot of sleep). I was determined to go to Triston's 1st birthday party so I popped a few pills and headed for the Big O. By the time I got there I wasn't feeling any better. I wanted to crash on the couch, but that wasn't an option. I tried to have conversations with AMC and members of their families . . and a couple other married couples I knew that had come over. . . but I could barely move my mouth to properly form the words. I mean, I could, but it didn't feel very good!! Later on, L told me that her cousin thought I had a hangover . . . nice.

AMC asked if I wanted to go bowling after the party (with several other couples we knew). And, you guessed it, I couldn't say no! I had planned to leave early and go home for a movie, but when something fun was presented to me, I just couldn't pass it up. That's "Miss Memory Maker, Queen of Fun" for you. What's wrong with me!?

On the ride there, I was sleeping (and probably drooling) in the back seat. Once we arrived, the place was packed. They said we'd have to wait awhile for a lane. At this point, I was wishing I had stayed in the car to nap. There were video games and pool to play, so I decided to go for a game of pool. And guess who wanted to play? The Grrrlfriend and her sister. After losing really bad, The Grrrlfriend asks me "Are you drunk?" Grrrrr.

Once we got settled into our lanes and I got some soggy french fries and a few more pills into my system, I started to feel better. They started up the cosmic bowling after our first game and L & I turned into dancing machines. I was glad I had gone bowling and I knew I would be. I always have fun with that gang.

As I was getting ready to leave, The Grrrlfriend walks up to me and says "Next time you hear a noise, you can call me since 'Simon' won't come." (Referring to the other night when I got scared and called him.)

I thought: "I didn't ask him to come over. And, if I had, he would've come if you weren't such a controlling, jealous . . . person that God still loves and I need to love, too. And why would I call you when, after a year, I still don't know you very well?"

I said, "Oh . . well, I don't have your number."

"I'll have to give it to you. Then you can call me if you hear any noises."

I thought: "No offense, but it wouldn't exactly make me feel better to have you come check things out. In fact, I'd probably be more scared. Not to mention, how often do I house-sit? I don't think this is going to happen again."

I said, "Oh, I didn't hear any noises. I noticed the door was shut though I didn't shut it and Jewel was growling at something outside all night." I walked away.

What D said I should've said, "Grrrlfriend, if I wanted 'Simon' I could've had him a long time ago." Tempting, but I'm glad I didn't say that.

I understand being a girlfriend and not wanting your boyfriend to go over to another girl's place . . that's why I didn't ask him to come over! I just wish we could all be friends and he could act like my friend still. I want to like her, folks, but it's not easy.

Excerpts

I loved what I found on Dove Eyes:


"we are more inclined to think about Jesus inviting us to his house but Jesus wants to be invited...Jesus never forces himself on us. unless we invite him, he will always remain a stranger.""even after he has taken much of our sadness away and shown us that our lives are not as petty and small as we had assumed, he can still remain the one we met on the road"

[Jesus has always been such a gentleman with me and he often has great impact in my life on the road- when i decide to take a walk with him but i don't think i have ever really invited him into the hospitality of my home. he has been over before but i am a terrible host and i don't think he has ever felt welcome]

"we have to be able to say more than 'this is interesting'. we have to dare to say, 'i trust you; i entrust all my being, body, mind, and soul to you. i don't want to keep any secrets from you. you can see everything i do and hear everything i say. i don't want you to be a stranger any longer. i want you to become my most intimate friend. i want you to know me, not only as i walk on the road and talk to my fellow travelers, but also as i find myself alone with my innermost feelings and thoughts. and most of all, i want to come to know you, not just as my companion on the journey, but as the companion of my soul"

"our fear of being completely open and vulnerable is equal to our desire to know and to be known"

"my deepest desire is to love and to be loved, and that is possible only if i am willing to know and be known"

-henri nouwen (with burning hearts)

Little Life Update

I've been so bad about blogging lately . . as if I've had better things to do. Today was Day 2 of laying around after getting my 3 wisdom teeth out. I didn't realize how limited my food choices would be . . . somehow thought there were more mushy foods out there. But I'm stuck with jello, pudding, applesauce (why does this house only have unsweetened?), mashed potatoes, and ice cream. What I want is a nice, juicy burger! I rented some good movies I've been wanting to see . . "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (even though I'm not a fan of Brangelina), "Flightplan", and "In Her Shoes". My favorite was movie #3, even though I love action and suspense. My jaw is still pretty sore and the ibuprofen just doesn't seem to do the trick. However, I have no headache today which is what I most care about. Last night it was terrible, and I was trying to fall asleep, while my dad is snoring/moaning/making any number of strange noises down in the living room. I shut my door, turned on the radio and still heard him! I was so desperate to fall asleep and not feeling well, I started to cry. You know that feeling when you're so tired yet you're wide awake and sleep just seems hopeless. Finally I woke him up, as I was on the verge of tears, and begged him to go to his own bed! The sleep that followed was deep and amazing . . I awoke with no headache! I'm hoping I'll be up for cleaning my room tomorrow . . we'll see. I'm sure I'll be up for AMC's little boy's 1st b-day party, though!

My sister and brother made a trip to Indiana today to pick up a furnace to be installed in my brother's new home. I wish I would've been up for a road trip, because I would've loved to have spent time with my siblings and to have seen my cousins. No fair that they get quality time and I'm stuck on the couch at home! Although, 12 hours in a pick-up truck doesn't sound that fun, no matter who you're with.

It's been awhile since I've mentioned the mysterious "opportunity", but the door has still not been shut. I got a call yesterday when my mouth was stuffed with gauze-perfect timing! (I definitely didn't take that call.) Fortunately, they were understanding, and I sent an email and called back today. It should only be a matter of days now before I know for sure either way what's going down. Then I'll be free to share!

On a similar, yet different note, my new position is going well. However, I have no free moments to check on blogs or write quick posts to my own, which is good and bad. Good, because I'm being more productive . . bad, because I get lazy and don't want to write once I get home, either. I'll just have to try to be better about it. . .

Micah & Lala

My 80s Heartthrob

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Scott Baio

Who's" Your 80's Heartthrob?

LoveTheseThings

For the sake of my blog name, I’ve decided to occasionally list five things that I love.

I love going coatless in January!

I love Cookies and Cream granola bars. . amazing!

I love the hot tub!

I love that my sister misses me even though I’ve only been gone a few days.

I love Fridays!

Grrrrlfriend

L (of AMC) has a brother who we’ll call Simon. I met him just a few days after I met AMC. I actually worked for AMC a year and a half ago, and so did he. Hence, he too, became my friend. He lived with AMC so every time I would hang out with them, he would, too. It was awkward when I realized he liked me and he tried to pay for my meal a few times, etc. I just played dumb. This went on for quite awhile. I tried dropping hints and even saying something to AMC (I knew they were hopeful). Eventually he got the message and we carried on as friends.

And then he met her. Actually he’d known her for a long time, but she had been married. Not anymore. And she wanted him. So she went after him and got him. We all knew this was a bad deal. We asked him about her and she didn’t have the same values he did. They didn’t see eye-to-eye on the most important thing. But he dated her anyway. And ever since he hasn’t been as friendly or as talkative to AMC or I. She’s not friendly either. She hasn’t made efforts to get to know his family or friends. Yet he doesn’t like her friends, either. One night we had a get-together with a group of friends and they completely excluded themselves. And then there’s the jealousy factor. On both sides. They’re both so paranoid about each other. They once got in a fight because she saw that he had called me (to tell me he wouldn’t be at Choir that night and to tell our director).

Sooo, when I called him last night . . five times in a row . . that probably didn’t go over too well. Hehe. But I was scared. I was alone in AMC’s house, which hadn’t bothered me all week until last night. Last night it was sooo windy and Jewel kept growling because she thought she heard something. I thought it was just the TV. When I let the dogs outside again, I noticed that the sliding screen door was shut. And I did not shut it . . . I was positive. The movie I’d just watched had me a little anxious so I was probably extra paranoid. But sometimes I think you can never be too careful. So I called him. He’s the only guy I know who lives close by. I knew he wouldn’t answer. I knew I’d have to keep calling to get him to see the urgency of the matter. So I literally called five times. Then he called me back . . finally. He sounded really annoyed. I explained the situation and he told me the wind probably blew the screen door shut. This made me feel better, but I was still a little nervous. I knew he’d really be ticked if I asked him to come check the place out, so I just made him stay on the phone while I went into each room. But he sounded so inconvenienced by the whole thing. I mean I could’ve died. I almost wished someone would’ve been in the house just so he would feel bad. He was never this rude before . . never. In fact, he would’ve offered to come over if it hadn’t been for HER. I was tempted to make some smart-mouth comment to him on phone, but I refrained. I want to be happy for him, because he’s my friend, but he’s really gotten himself into a mess. I hope he comes to his senses soon (but it’s been a year already).

Just Me & the TV

This week, AMC’s big widescreen TV has sucked me in. I only planned on maybe watching for a half hour/hour tops each night. I never watch TV, so I thought I’d treat myself. Monday night, BF & I Tivo’d “The Bachelor” and watched for two hours. I’m hooked again and I plan on watching religiously all season. What’s not to love? The pretty girls, the crazy girls, the catty girls, and how they all try to convince Mr. Right that they're the one for him . . it really is pathetic, but oh so fun to watch. The bachelor’s even pretty good-looking – more so than most of them have been. Tuesday night I watched the best “Law and Order: SVU” episode I’ve ever seen. My eyes were glued to the screen. Last night, I curled up on the comfy leather sofa to see what was on and I ran across “Lost”, which I’ve heard a lot about. I got sucked in within the first 10 seconds! I loved it. I’m going to be so tempted to watch it on Wednesdays now. Maybe this is the reason I stepped down from Choir. After “Lost” I found “Karate Kid” on! It’s has to have been over ten years since I’ve seen that movie. It used to be my favorite when I was about 10. I can remember being torn between buying “Land Before Time” and “Karate Kid” with a Christmas gift certificate.

The question is now: What’s on tonight??

R.C. in looser fitting jeans!

It's finally here . . a picture of R.C. And now the world can see why Sweet Sarah's worries about his mojo are wasted on me.

*Either I was doing a different dance in this picture or I hadn't quite caught on yet. Doh!

Out They Go

I finally heeded the advice of my dentist . . the advice he gave me at least three years ago . . "You need to get your wisdom teeth out." I've been in denial ever since. In high school, he once mentioned that they weren't moving and may never present a problem. . buuut he changed his story a few years later and I just didn't want to believe him. Lately, I've noticed some sensitivity back there and have even felt a molar surfacing . . unevenly! Even if there was zero pain, I don't want my other teeth crowding to make room for these intruders. . I didn't have braces twice for nothing! Over the holidays, my cousin had hers out and told me a story about a girl my age whose teeth had surfaced and taken root so deep that she lost all feeling in her bottom front teeth . . for good! I think that was my breaking point . . it had to be done.

Today I met with my oral surgeon who ended up being very personable and even funny (and, may I add, good-looking). He made me almost look forward to coming in again, even if I will be incoherent for the whole procedure. I was in a hurry to get it over with, so I'm scheduled for a week from tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to having my whole weekend shot . . especially since I was hoping to go snow tubing. On the other hand, it will be nice to have a few days of yummy shakes and smoothies and lots of good movies. BF needs to get hers out, too, and ideally we would've liked to be able to veg out together all weekend, but I doubt she'll be able to schedule an appointment on such late notice.

'Til next week, I'll be looking forward to being free of the impending inconvenience.

This morning I made a very unimportant observation about myself . . . I am 24 years old and I still believe that donuts with sprinkles taste better than donuts without. If there had been 10 other donuts without sprinkles, I wouldn’t have even wanted to eat one.

Bound4Life

This morning in church, they played the "Can I Live" music video. It was a great video. They asked those of us who felt led to commit to praying for the unborn and for people who will protect the lives of the unborn to be put in places of leadership in our country.

Can I Live?
Nick Cannon

Yeah just think, just think
What if you could just, just blink yourself away. . . just, just wait, just pause for a second
Let me plead my case
Its the late 70's huh
You seventeen huh
And having me - that will ruin everything huh
It's alot of angels waiting for their wings
You see me in your sleep so you cant kill your dreams
Three hundred dollars - thats the price of living - what?
Mommy, I dont like this clinic
Hopefully you'll make the right decision
And dont go though with the knife incision
But it's hard to make the right move when you in high school
How you got to work all day and take night school
Hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
What? you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning?

[Chorus]
I'll always be a part of you
Trust your soul, know it's always true
If I could talk, I'd say to you
CAN I LIVE, CAN I LIVE?
I'll always be a part of you
Trust your soul, know its always true
If I could talk, I'd say to you
CAN I LIVE, CAN I LIVE?

[Verse 2]
I'm a child of the king, ain't no need to go fear me
And I see the flowing tears, so I know that you hear me
When I move in your womb, that's me being scared
'Cause who knows what my future holds
Yo, the truth be told, you ain't told a soul
Yo, you ain't even showing, I'm just 2 months old
Through your clothes try to hide me, deny me, went up 3 sizes
Your pride got you lyin', sayin' it ain't nothin' but a migraine
It ain't surprisin' you not tryin' to be in WIC food lines
Your friends look at you funny, but look at you mommy
That's a life inside - take a look at your tummy
What is becoming, ma, i'm Oprah bound
You can tell he's a star from the ultrasound
Our spirits connected, doors open now
Nothing but love and respect
Thanks for holding me down
She let me live...

[Chorus x2]

[Nick Talking]

Its upliftin' for real ya'll
I ain't passing no judgement, ain't making no decisions
I'm just telling ya'll my story
I love life
And I love my mother for giving me life
We all need to appreciate life
A strong woman that had to make a sacrifice
Thanks for listening
Thanks for listeningMa
Thanks for listening

Good End to My Week and Start to My Weekend

The first week of my new position went well. I like it so much more than what I've been doing for 9 months. However, I still haven't fully transitioned and will be doing a little of both for a couple more weeks. Ugh! Although I enjoy it more, I still wonder if I'll grow restless again soon. I want to be a part of something I have more of an interest in. I want to reach my potential and I just don't see that happening here . . . but I know that it takes small steps to get there. This will be really good experience for me and I'm very thankful for that.

I'm happy that the weekend has arrived! Tonight I had the Fresh Start appreciation dinner. The food was delicious! It's so wonderful to hear about all the things God is doing in Fresh Start. It's not only being introduced to a great majority of the States, but it's also been introduced to 14 countries. So many people are learning how they can become whole and free in Christ and experience healing in their relationships and truly forgive others. I love hearing people's testimonies!!

AMC has asked me to dog-sit/house-sit for them this week. It won't be fun packing up my stuff to stay all week, but it will be very fun hanging out with the 3 dogs, using their exercise machines, their hot tub, their Tivo and HDTv, and their king sized bed. I'm also excited to have a lot of alone time to spend with God, pray, etc. I think it will be very refreshing. And I'll save a lot on gas being closer to work.

Pant Dilemma

I hate deciding what to wear in the mornings. I stand there, freezing in my icebox of a room, donning my pink furry slippers and an oversized t-shirt . . maybe pajama pants if I wasn’t too lazy to put them on the night before. I stand, just staring at my shelves of clothing, closet of clothing, and piles of clothing. “First of all, what looks easy?”, I ask myself. What isn’t wrinkled and doesn’t require ironing or even ‘fluffing’ in the dryer? The answer to that question is probably less than half of what I own. I vow to myself each morning that on that very evening I will come straight home for the sole purpose of organizing my stuff and maybe even camping out in front of the TV and just ironing anything that needs it. Hard to believe I hate messes, because it seems that my room is the epitome of messiness. But really, I can’t stand them. That’s why, other than sleeping, I easily spend less than 10 minutes a day in there.

Anyway, back to my morning wardrobe dilemma . . . First, I select a shirt/sweater. . something I feel that I could pull off pretty effortlessly (“pull off” as in slip on and look decent in). Then, I decide which pairs of pants would look nice with that shirt. Mind you, I can’t have worn these pants yet that week, which makes the decision harder. If the only pair of pants that looks good with Chosen Sweater is the pair I wore two days ago, I have to pick a different sweater. This morning, the pants that I knew would look best were wadded up in the bottom of a laundry basket in the utility room. Super! I got to iron today. But, it wasn’t as simple as that, because The Pants were of such a material that they had to be turned inside out and ironed on low heat. Low heat just doesn’t cut it with these pants. They’re difficult. They’re made of thick material. Not to mention that they’re tailored cargo pants, so ironing the wrinkled pockets from inside the pants is a real chore.

After spending a good fraction of the time I’d allotted for getting ready that morning ironing, I went back to my room to put on the outfit. Other than the fact that my pants are about a millimeter away from not fitting around my waistline, I had no shoes to go with them! This is pretty amazing considering how many pairs I do own. The problem was that my pants are not long enough to be worn with heels and I don’t have any brown flats. Yet, I was in such a hurry that I am now wearing these pants with heels . . and, let me tell you, folks, I am embarrassed for myself. It could be worse, but it’s bad enough that I’m just not comfortable walking anywhere . . especially since I have mules on and my pants have even risen high enough to get stuck under my foot. If only I would’ve had another pair of pants that looked good with this sweater!

This pant dilemma today caused me to remember a conversation I had with BF the other day right outside the Banana Republic fitting room. We were shopping the fabulous indoor sidewalk sale and I found the cutest black pants in my size. . only to learn that BF had them already! Ah! I don’t want to copy, but it’s not like we’re together very much so no one would know but us. She said I could get them, but I’m still not sure if she really meant it. It’s just something you say because you know it isn’t that big a deal, but for some reason it kinda matters to you. You want to be an individual. You’d like to believe that you’re the only person in town with those pants - at least the only person you know. For some reason, when she said, “What are you trying on?”, I was almost nervous to turn around and show her for fear she’d say that she had them already. After I’d tried them on and they fit like a glove, she asked if I was going to get them. If you could’ve seen the inner struggle that was going on inside of me . . . I want to be sensitive to BF, but perhaps she really doesn’t care. After all, it is just pants, not a unique shirt or shoes. I think I made some comment to the effect of “I just knew you’d say you had them. You have so many pairs of pants”. To which she responded, “I could never have as many pairs of pants as you, Laurs.” Let’s just stop right there, because it makes no difference BUT that statement is completely untrue. I even was pathetic enough to try and list off my different colors/styles of pants just to prove I didn’t have that many pairs. BF said,

"I don't even have a pair of khakis."

"Yes you do; that darker khaki pair. I don't have a pair of corduroys."

"Neither do I."

"Yes, you do, the blue-gray pair."

You see, the difference between BF & I is that I announce every time I go shopping and make a purchase. She just shows up wearing something really cute or I see it hanging in her closet. So, it would appear that I have more, but I really don’t. I bet BF would've had more than one options to go with my sweater this morning.


By the way, BF, I love you . . . and I love your new Frye mules ;)

And I don't care how many pairs of pants you have.