About sixteen years ago, I met him for the first time. My trainwreck sibling brought home this adorable puppy he had no business adopting because he had not one thing in his life that wasn’t a mess. I was furious at my sibling – he didn’t even take care of himself, how could he drag
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May 25, 2009
Drat.
This summer’s wardrobe allowance: one summer appropriate, semi-formal dress, one pair comfortable-for-walking flats, and one pair walking/running shoes.
I missed the New Balance sale on 6pm.com, but something else will come around soon enough. Endless.com’s shipping two pairs of flats, ETA: Monday. I love free shipping and returns; if I never have to go shoe shopping in a brick and mortar store again, I shall pen an ode to Endless.
The dress allotment, however, is totally covered. Was totally covered. After days of scouring the ‘nets, I found five promising designs on Etsy. Only two of the designers I convo’ed responded promptly, and of those two, one offered a more flexible design. The price was higher than I wanted, but not ridiculous considering the off-the-rack sales prices out there. Together, we drafted adjustments so that it will flatter my body, not just my type, and should fit 100%. Special trips to the fabric store were made, colors were considered, delectable details like “A-line,” “boatneck,” “silk georgette,” “timeless, classic shape” were bandied about.
The cost of buying custom, saving the price of a seamstress post-delivery, might actually beat the cost of finding a great designer dress on sale and having it tailored. It’s certainly saving time and effort trying to find that great designer dress now that the order’s been made, and sewing has commenced.
Sadly, oh-so-sadly, the anticipation for this lovely semi-formal frock has been derailed by the horrifying discovery that the event for which this garment was commissioned is Black Tie. Ugh!
I like being gussied up once in a while as much as the next girl, but with less than a month to go, oughtn’t the intrepid organizer have sent the invitations stating that sartorial splendor was expected? True, it was as much my fault as hers that I simply assumed semi-formal was the order of the day, but still. I’d venture that no one is going to be surprised and thrilled by the late revelation that tuxes and tails will be required.
Now that my new dress has been rendered redundant, but the money’s already spent, it’s back to the drawing board. Rather to the internet! What does black tie mean?
For men, indeed, tuxes or dinner jackets are expected. For women, “remember that black-tie means very formal.“
Some style recommendations:
Look for full-length skirts and dresses; lengths that hover around the knee are usually considered semiformal.
Consider the material and texture. Silk, satin, embroidery, beads, rhinestones, velvet and metallics are all well-suited for formal attire.
Remember that your dress options are unlimited. Consider spaghetti straps or a jewel-neck collar; a plunging back or a revealing front neckline; and side or back slits. Some events may call for more conservative attire, so consider this when making your selection.
Thus armed with information, I’ve dug back into the closet to pull out old bridesmaid dresses because I’m not spending any more money. I’ve narrowed it down to two: the already tailored, navy blue bridesmaid dress and the still-uncut, never been worn, silky peach dress. Seems like the latter would be more appropriate for a summer evening, but it would require yet another trip to the seamstress. Eh. What thinks ye?
May 22, 2009
I’m going to be VERY vague because I don’t want to be a) disappointed or b) jinxed by speaking too soon.
But, I could use some good wishes over here. I’ve applied for a position with a company that I’ve always wanted to work for. Same industry, different … genre, let’s call it.
The job description is in line with my experience, minus some management.
I’ve got an insider in the form of a higher up in the company who is willing to vouch for me, or help nudge the hiring person towards at least giving me a phone interview because it’s located on the East Coast and no one would usually bother to call back an applicant on the West Coast. No promises, but it’s better than the usual resume-in-the-fray situation.
So, for this to happen, I need:
~ an acceptable salary. I don’t mean minimum wage, I mean more than I make now since I have to be able to live in that pricey city, send money home, AND save.
~ the person I would report to be Not Crazy. I don’t care if that person is a workaholic, or creatively abstract. As long as their goal is to do their job, I’m good. As long as I’m not expected to sacrifice my entire life to the company [a la The Devil Wears Prada], not expected to read minds [a la current job], and not expected to accommodate hourly shifting priorities and make insane major changes happens just because the Boss had a whim or forgot what was decided that morning, it’s fine.
Work is supposed to be work, not play: challenging, demanding, and ultimately rewarding when you achieve your goals. But not insane.
~ there to be room for advancement. I will work my tushy off for a job I like, I don’t even need to love it all the time though that’d be nice, but there needs to be room for promotion when I’ve clearly demonstrated ability and reliable competence. Which I will. You can set your watch by that.
~ to impress the heck out of the interviewer, whoever it may be. That part’s on me. I just need your good wishes for all those things above that are out of my control because I’d really like to take a chance on this.
May 21, 2009
Friend’s husband, let’s call him A, causes the funniest conversations:
A’s wife: Did you see that Dilbert cartoon A sent me? He asked if that was why I married him.
A: Well, I AM financially stable.
A’s friend’s wife: Well, you know, financial stability is how those nerds get the hot wives. Even the really ugly ones!
A: Hey!
A’s friend’s wife: No, I mean, you know, my husband is a nerd! [Her husband and A work together.]
R: Good job, friend. I think this means you’re the hot one.
A: HEY!! Why are you calling me ugly??
R: Hey guys, how long does your dishwasher take to run a full cycle?
A and wife: Dunno.
A: R, you’re such a calculating person.
R: [pause] Are you sure that’s what you mean?
A: Calculatory?
R: I don’t think that word means what you think it means. Does it? Do YOU?
A: Uhhhh……
R: Ok, did you mean it in a mean way?
A: Uhhhh……
R: Never mind. I’m doing laundry now.
POLL:
Should I sell my 30G video iPod? I haven’t used it since I got my iPhone, but I do not plan to keep the iPhone forever, or upgrade to the latest & greatest iPhone, either.
A fellow train rider offered to look at and buy it.
[I wonder if the iPod function still works on the iPhone if the phone is deactivated. Must go Google this ….]
Edit: According to AppleInsider, deactivated phones can still be used for all non-cellular phone activities, rendering it a default iPod Touch. I won’t be able to restore iTunes or upgrade it, but I doubt that I would bother anyway. Also, it can still access Wifi. Sweet!
May 19, 2009
The comments over at GRACEful Retirement made me laugh a little. Many of the commenters were noting that they enjoy posts of all varieties whether they’re updeat or downtrodden, and that openness is why they enjoy reading blogs.
Not that I’m known for being terribly sunshiney, but posting has been sporadic lately because I just haven’t felt like showcasing my life’s warts and bruises. That’s not to say that what I have posted about has been untrue to what I’m up to, it’s just been more focused because I didn’t want to morph into the Boo-boo-blues Diaries.
But, a quick update on the topics I’ve been avoiding:
1. My family is still driving me crazy. The brother is still only randomly coming through with monthly payments and I’m regretting allowing him back under our roof. It’s not full-house access, but still. Egh. The need to Get Out is ever stronger, and the longer I’m around them, frustrated, the more strained our relationship becomes. And still watching my mom’s mental and physical health deteriorating … let’s just say I’m not dealing with that very well at ALL.
2. Six more weeks to freedom! [or, y’know. Unemployment, and all that that entails.]
3. I’m at very loose ends with regards to my financial goals….
3a. and have been online window shopping way too much. Partly out of boredom, partly because my stuff is wearing out. My go-to flats are nearly destroyed, and … I *need* a new dress for an event later this summer. It’s the last work-related shindig, and I don’t have anything suitable. Never mind that this layoff has zero to do with me or my abilities, not having a job lined up eats at my pride. A lot. [Not to mention, has me privately freaking out a good deal.] So you know, new dress, strong showing, pretend to all the people I’ve known for almost 5 years that I’m poised, confident and polished. Employable!
4. It’s not like not making plans for a few months is the end of the world, but it signals stagnation and boredom on my part. I’m stuck in a purgatory of searching for jobs and contacts, sending in apps, working the network, and coming up empty. Rinse and repeat.
Intellectually, I know I will be fine. I’ve saved, I’ve hunted jobs like a fiend, my reputation in the field is strong and as long as I wait 6 more weeks, I’ll be eligible for unemployment if it comes to that. I can even afford to take a few short vacations, during my down time, provided they’re not extravagant.
Constitutionally, though, it’s hard to go on faith for so long, even backed by a good sized emergency fund.
May 18, 2009
Finally home.
32 hours of this weekend were a bolus of driving and domesticity the likes of which will not be repeated for at least another month. Unless absolutely necessary.
BFF had her baby, and at two weeks and 9 lbs, he is the cutest dragon baby I’ve ever had the pleasure of cuddling. Opinions are divided as to whether it’s more of a dragon or dinosaur-like child, but I’m voting dragon. And Auntie Revanche drove 8 hours round trip to cook, clean, wash and fold for this child’s parents, so she’s entitled to a full vote!
After a 4 hours on the road Saturday, and a stop at the grocery store, I let the proud and sleep-deprived mommy get to changing yet another diaper while I rolled my sleeves up in their kitchen. They had their very own live cooking show, and her husband and our other friend were occasionally drafted as my sous chefs.
After almost four hours in the kitchen, I’m proud to say that Kevin’s Turkey Chili recipe [sans beans, plus multi-grain rice] was excellent. Likewise, his recipe for tilapia with pesto and roasted tomatoes was excellent and disappeared entirely. But the variation on the theme of Hainanese chicken and rice disappointed (me). We substituted a brown rice which was delicious, but I had to use deboned frozen chicken breast meat instead of a whole chicken, and probably used just a cup or two too much water when making the chicken stock. The rice was more moist than I prefer, but the chicken just wasn’t perfect.
Never mind, though. Having never made any of those recipes, two of three under pressure and in doubled quantities turning out well isn’t a terrible showing. [Clearly, I am no longer a perfectionist. Not after nearly 4 hours in the kitchen.] The point was to make decently cooked meals with enough leftovers for the Husband’s lunch and their dinners for at least a couple days. BFF is only just now able to get around a bit, so this should give her a chance to slowly ease into a more active routine.
Our visiting meant they were eating off real china for the first time in weeks since I was more than happy to deal with pots, pans, and dishes, three loads of laundry, and snapped 689 photos of baby.
I’d like to think we were exemplary house guests, for once. 😉
I split the cost of gas with Friend ($19), and paid for the groceries ($21). I got off lightly on the grocery front because they already had the frozen chicken and the turkey, so I only had to buy one protein of the three.
My reward was cuddling dragon baby during the movie after dinner, and darned if it wasn’t the most blissful two hours ever. He’s like a half puppy half baby right now the way he curls up in his sleep, and snuggles into your shoulder or neck. *sigh* Baby squeaks are irresistably darling. Can’t say I’d mind borrowing him once in a while if he stays this lovable. Though, I only think the crying is cute up to about a month old. Even the angry crying. After that, though, it’s a bit too loud.
May 15, 2009
You know, it’d be a lot easier to stay on the straight and narrow, the responsibility train, the sensible spending wagon if it weren’t for these jokers. Oh, I mean! lovely lady-friends on Twitter:
Actually, I tease. We’re all pseudo-enablers because we appreciate a few fine things in life, and I’m just now starting to be able to enjoy it a wee sma’ [that means “a little” if you’re not familiar with the Scottish] without worrying about being foolish about our money. My girls would rein each other in if we sensed impending spending disaster, right? Right? Girls?
And credit where it’s due, FB isn’t shy at all about what she wants. And Well-Heeled is a great sounding board for refining my style. And we’re all pretty good about analyzing potential suitors to a fare-thee-well for size, fit, appropriateness and overall awesomeness.
It’s thanks to my faith in them that I stepped in ’round Gilt Groupe for a look-see, and immediately fell in head over heels for some of the most gorgeous designs I could not, should not, luckily-missed-the-sale-entirely-so-would not, afford. Herve Leger, will you be mine forever?
The color combinations, the fabrics, the dangerously unforgiving fit, mmm! I’ll tell you what, I’m grateful as all get out that they were sold out of every single one by the time I arrived on the scene because I might have been flogged out of the PF blogosphere for egregious lack of judgment and utter abuse of rationalization.
But, look at them! Can you really, really blame me? [Pssst, yes. Say yes!]
Anyway. The sane part of me, and the wallet part of me, are both saying their Hail Marys that I didn’t get a crack at one of those dresses because I’m pretty sure the sale prices were around a neck-poppin’ $600. For those who care, one of them retails at $1590. Don’t care how much the discount is, $600 is still insane. So I can say when it’s no longer within my grasp.
*shaking head*
Alright, I think that’s gotten the swooning out of my system. Time to go pay some bills.
May 14, 2009
I’m trying to do way too many things at once:
Make travel arrangements for my friend’s high school reunion with only travel dates and no other information, while getting the best price and travel times;
Coordinate a visit to my new nevvie this weekend with another close friend;
That hideous bridesmaid dress has to go to a seamstress 30 miles away SOON.
All this mental chaos leads to my picking up my water bottle and trying to dial it with my left hand while holding the cell phone with my right hand.
In other news …….
* Recently contacted an attorney friend for a referral to an estate planning lawyer, though I said “will and trust” lawyer so as not to imply that I think I have lots of money. He asked for a list of assets and approximate value. Unexpectedly, I was reluctant to tell him. Maybe because I think I should have saved more for what I’ve made? Because I think I should have a bigger, rounder number? Who knows. Emotions are weird.
* I’d really like, if I ever had to replace or modify my eyesight, to have the ability to instantaneously evaluate potential parking spots and determine if they’re big enough. I hate pulling up next to a spot and calculating if I’m too big, or it’s too small and driving away disappointed.
* I miss sprouts. What’s wrong with sprouts that our cafeteria won’t carry them right now? Should I grow my own? Loved this how-to from guest poster Laura at Almost Frugal.
* Of course this is practically the most exciting thing I’ve read all day: Flexo’s post on the 2009 Federal Income Tax Brackets and Marginal Rates. I really like seeing the new tax brackets. Can’t wait to trot out new estimated taxes for my friend’s projected salary.
