Retail Therapy

I went to Target today...my first non-grocery shopping excursion in Chicago...and bought new shoes and new sweaters and spent way too much money. And I just wrote a poem I think I like. Also a first since I moved to Chicago. Coincidence, or direct connection? I guess we'll never know.

Did someone say

shoe shopping?

I'm loving the little-girl-lost feel of these grown up Mary Janes, especially the scotch-tape lookin' ones. And the brown ones, I think, are the most comfortable high heels I've ever worn. Ladies, get thee to Shoe Carnival! Unlike some things, shoes always fit!

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In other news, my car doesn't rattle or whine any more. Apparently, the trip to Lynchburg wasn't good for my wheel bearings.

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Thesis meeting with Mary tomorrow. Hopefully the rain will stop long enough for me to pick up my parking pass and take my laptop to the help desk afterwards.

Tomorrow night, I'm off to the farm to play with Banjo and friends. It has been a long long time, and we are all out of practice. I'm sure there will be more fun with hoof picks than ever.

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Does anyone watch this show? First of all, WTF is up with that furry hat? Second, since when was it a good idea to take people with low self-confidence and then tell them to stop dressing like themselves and start acting like smarmy playa's? Personally, (and maybe this is the kinda-shy-nerdy-girl talking) I think it would be better to enhance what these poor saps actually have going for them: intelligence, sincerity, and (in some cases) a bit of dorky-aw-shucks good looks.

That doesn't mean I don't DVR it though. I am a sucker for baaad reality TV.

Bite me, Bitten

About a month ago, I was reading an article in some women's fashion magazine about this clothing line, Bitten, that Sarah Jessica Parker designed. She was talking about growing up on Goodwill and Kmart and how all women, regardless of their income, should be able to wear stylish clothes. Her conclusion? A trendy clothing line where nothing costs more than $20. Sounds great right?

My first thought was I'm never going to find a store around here that sells it. Then, I go to the mall today searching for hiking boots and see a big ole sign with SJP's smiling face on it. Sweet!

I go into the store, grab 50 pounds of cute clothes; jeans for 14.98, tees for $5, cute little dresses for $19. I'm freaking out.

Then I get to the fitting rooms. And noooothing fits. One size is too small, the next size is too big. Jeans look great on my butt but are 3 inches too big around the waist. The tops of dresses are falling down but the bottoms fit perfectly. WTF? I ended up buy two shirts and some jewelry (one size fits all!) and am so sad that nothing else fit. So much for your manifesto, Ms. Parker.

Totally off topic

This post will have nothing to do with poetry or teaching. It's my blog, so I have a right to do that, don't I?

I try to avoid shopping at times when other people go shopping. Saturdays and Sundays being the most important days to avoid (although I also try to avoid the after-work rush on weekdays). This is especially important during Christmas shopping season, since I have a short temper, and even more important this year since I'm trying to quit smoking and am shorter tempered than usual. Crowds make me twitchy.

I broke that rule today because my best friend since 5th grade is getting married and we had to go dress shopping today. I picked out a dress (left) that is disturbingly similar to the dress I wore to my sister's wedding a year ago. The only difference is the color and little bit of sequins. Really, who needs 2 floor length, strapless ballgowns? Sadly, it seems there is only one style of dress that is flattering on my less-than-perfect body, and my best friend didn't want me to wear red.

I love my sister, and I love my best friend, but god save me from ever having to be in another wedding that isn't my own! I'm going to start wearing ball gowns to school. Otherwise, I'm just not getting my money's worth.

The worst part about the whole day...I didn't finish my Christmas shopping, which means I have to face those crowds again! I assure you, the next time, it will not be on a Saturday afternoon.