a day

Sleep and rest escaped me, my husband, and our 2 year old last night.  
Woke and it felt like an off day. 
The day unwinds.  I was struck with how a day can change our perspective.  Never knowing what a day will bring.  As the hours passed, I had this thought...I need to go back to bed and start this day over.  This needs a re-do. 

Tired.  I headed off to my job interview but I was distracted.  Opened my blog tonight and saw my last post about cotton clothes and suddenly it feels so insignificant.  Insignificant in the light of conversations with people I love.  A sibling and their pursuits, my spouse and his heart, and the burdens people all around me carry.  

I'm thankful tomorrow is a new day.  

linking up with Just Write.

The Fabric of Our Lives

[Image: Kate Bosworth, a face of cotton, via ]

The other day I was thinking I should write an update on my clothing fast.  You know, tell how things are going.  I was feeling like, you know...it's time.  Then I realized it had been 10 DAYS since my first post with my goal.  10.  Days.  

What have I done?!

Clearly, this is going to be harder for me than I originally thought...if I feel like 10 days is a celebration.

I've been a good girl.  I have not purchased any clothing.  I mostly haven't been in any clothing stores.  

Already I'm rethinking how I will purchase clothes differently when this fast is over.  Maybe this is a little premature, to be thinking how I'll shop, since I have another 300 plus days left on the fast.

I'll share what I'm thinking for you, since someone else must be shopping.  I'm also surprised by the feedback I've gotten.  More than a few people have told me they have considerably less clothes than I do.  I still can't believe this.  I don't think I have a lot of clothes.  Either I must be in denial or those who have more clothes don't tell.  

#1.  I would buy fewer but higher quality items.  

• Example, I got this solid black, long sleeved, v-neck, 100% cotton top for my birthday.  Fits great.  Goes with almost everything.  It looks just as good as it did a month ago and I've worn it and washed it a few times.  I also got another top, a thin, lacey, rayon, nylon one.  I don't think it's going to last long.

#2.  I would buy more natural fiber clothes.  

• I'd read labels to see what they are made of and say no [more often] to nylon, polyester, synthetics, and yes to more cotton.  Clothes that last longer [cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, or blends of those].  Makes me think of the cotton commercials.  "The fabric of our lives".  Love this one with Zooey Deschanel.  

Or this one...

And this one.  Ok, enough.  I just love them.  

#3.  I would buy more staples.

• The building blocks of a wardrobe.  Things along the lines of this list.  Since I started my fast I realized I don't have a pair of black dress pants.  They'd be good to have.  I'd get a few more of the "essentials" and less of the rest.    

I do have a pair of black, yoga pants.  Not appropriate for the job interview but perfect for days like today.  I hope they last all year.  

Linking up with The Better Mom.

Yes, Chef

One of my goals for 2012 was to read at least a book a month.  Some of my other goals have been a complete fail, so far, but I'm on target with this one.  Here's my list of books I've finished since January:

1. Veneer
2. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
3. Start Something That Matters
4. Bird by Bird
5. Beneath the Lion's Gaze
6. The Kite Runner
7. Organized Simplicity
8. In Defense of Food
9. The Perfectly Imperfect Home
10. Yes, Chef
11. NurtureShock

I just finished Yes, Chef.  Because our daughter, Addis, is Ethiopian, books about Ethiopia are of special interest to me.  This is the memoir of Marcus Samuelsson, who was born in Ethiopia, adopted by a Swedish family, and has now become a world-renowned chef.
  

I especially enjoyed reading about when he traveled back to Africa, as an adult, and met his biological father.  I appreciated how he describes life in Addis Ababa [the capital of Ethiopia] and the sights, smells, and food.
 

 

 

Reading about his experiences in Addis make my own more real.  I traveled to Addis Ababa twice but most of the time it feels like a dream.  Ethiopia is another world.  The contrast of life in Ethiopia and my life in America is so vast...I can't process or comprehend it.
 

 

 

Marcus wrote about how he stayed at the Sheraton Addis during his visit.  I stopped at this very hotel numerous times during our two brief stays in Ethiopia.  I even had a lunch on the Sheraton's outdoor patio.
 

I ate the traditional Ethiopian foods he describes.  There is such a contrast with the luxury of the Sheraton and the extreme poverty right outside its gates.  There is beauty in Ethiopia ... the people, mountains, endless summer, coffee ceremonies, artistry of thatched roof huts.  Yet, life is hard, in a way most Americans cannot understand.
 

 

I want to hold on to the memories so, in some way, I can tell my daughter of her birthplace.  She is two years old now.  If you ask her where she was born, she will answer, "E-OPIA!"  Yes.  I want it to be natural to talk about with her.  Just like I tell my older two children the story of their birth, I tell Addis, often when I'm rocking her and she's sleepy, about our airplane trip from Ethiopia to bring her home.  

It really did happen.  Proof is watching her.  Here.  Now. 

Help Wanted

According to my calculations, it's been nineteen years since my last legitimate job interview.  [Where I responded to an ad, initiated submitting my resume, and interviewed with someone who has never heard of me].  I've had a few interviews but I went in on the recommendation of someone the interviewer knew.  

Seems strange because this is the first time I've been without a "job" since I was 16.  

My work history went something like this...I interviewed for a job when I was 16.  

• Hired at company #1.  Transferred in this company.  
• My boss took me with him when he left company #1 for company #2
• Was recruited from #2 company to my #3
• Moved and was asked to fill in temporarily for job #4 where I worked 10 years 

Yesterday I had a job interview.  I parallel parked nearly perfectly which was a major confidence booster right before walking into the business.  I wore mostly black and my red shoes. 

I think it went well?  I was nervous on the inside but I remember one of my pilates pals advice to me..."fake it 'til you make it."  Seemed to apply here.  

The interviewer gave me one compliment.  He said I "exude professionalism".  I can fly on this compliment for a long time.  I don't know what he meant but I didn't ask and I'll go with it.  I think I like him for using the word "exude".  

Next week we'll see if I get called for interview #2.  

10 Hours One Weekend

 *Warning: If you happen to believe painting wood is criminal then you're gonna hate what we've done. 

Before: 

After:

I wasn't feeling well the last few days with congestion, fatigue and body aches.  I googled 'body aches' and googling health issues never seems to be a good idea for me.  It'll make you wonder if perhaps you could have meningitis or muscle diseases.  A few nights ago I took a nighttime cold multi-symptom medicine which I'd never done before and don't think I will ever again.  It knocked me out so hard, I dreamed R rated dreams, drooled like a baby all over my pillow, and could not wake up the next morning.  True story. 

Anyways, back to the shelves...it actually was a project we did the last weekend of July.

It involved: 

1.  Buying new wood brackets [from Home Depot].  I got the idea here at Young House Love.  
2.  Sanding & then priming [with Zinsser primer] 
3.  Painting the cabinet & shelves [x3 coats of Behr's Popped Corn.  We bought a gallon for this project and another one we had in mind].
4.  Painting the back wall [pint of Benjamin Moore's Storm Cloud Gray]

[Spent about 10 hours on the project.  We bought the brackets with a gift card, had the primer on hand, purchased the paint.  Total cost under 50 bucks.]

What's in my closet?

• 7 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of leggings
• 7 camis
• 10 tank tops or sleeveless tops
• 16 short sleeved tops or tees
• 1 sleeveless, light sweater
• 4 pairs of shorts
• 6 sweaters/cardigans
• 7 long [or three quarter length] sleeved shirts
• 3 button up, collared shirts [long or three quarter length sleeve]
• 7 skirts
• 2 pairs of dress pants/trousers
• 8 dresses
• 4 blazers/jackets
• 2 short, mini-sweaters [shrugs?]
• 15 pairs of shoes/boots [plus 2 pairs outdoor,winter boots, 1 pair of flip flops, and 2 pairs of sandals]
• 3 purses
• 9 scarves

I currently have all my clothes [summer & winter] together and nothing in my "off season" tote.  In addition to my closet, I have a minimal amount of pjs, yoga pants, and workout clothes in my dresser.

So, here's my starting point and arsenal for my year long "Clothing Fast":

[Not pictured, 3 pairs of shoes.  Two pairs are athletic shoes.]

What's in your closet?  Do tell.  

Clothing Fast: 365 Days

I've decided.  I'm taking a year off from buying clothes. 

I have been intrigued by the idea and inspired by my friend, Leslie, who resolved in January not to buy any new clothes for a year.   Read about it here.  

My reasons?  

• I wonder what this experience could teach me over the year.  
• I dislike consumerism and a disposable mentality 
• I think by eliminating all new clothes for a year it could help me to focus on more important things.
• I have enough.  Tomorrow I am going to post about what's in my closet.
• It will cause me to take care of what I have more.  
• It will push me to be more creative with what I wear and use what I have. 
• When my fast is over, I think I will buy fewer things but higher quality, staple pieces. 
• For me, it's not really about money, although I'm sure it will save time, money, and mental energy.  I'll be free from trying on clothes in fitting rooms for a year! 

I may be overly ambitious right now.  I just had my birthday and, as a result, have more cute things in my closet. I'm feeling set with my birthday gifts and fall things.  I'm pretty sure it might wear off come spring.

I've decided my fast will be from my 35th birthday 'til my 36th. I'm kind of rounding down but birthday 'til birthday will be easy to remember.  I must confess, I have bought brown, leather boots since my birthday.  They are beauties.  I didn't know I was going to start the fast when I bought them but good thing I squeaked them in before the fast started!   

I am going to give myself a little liberty to purchase new socks and underwear through the year.  I mean really.  

Other than than, no new clothes for one year unless they are gifted.  If I'm desperately in need of something, I may give myself permission to thrift  [minimally].  Also, if there's an emergency...say my swimsuit breaks.  Well, you never know, it could happen.  

I'd love someone to join me on my adventure.  Send me a message or comment if you'd like to.  I'd also love to hear reasons why you would or wouldn't do it or what you think it might teach you.  Do you think it's crazy?  Talk to me. 

Linking up with The Better Mom.

ten on ten: September

Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day

 

Linking up with a bit of sunshine's photo project.  

Embrace the Camera

Six years ago, Jude was born.  

It was different skipping labor all together and being scheduled for a c-section.  

I arrived at the hospital feeling fine and smiling a LOT.  

We didn't know if we were having a boy or girl and wanted to be surprised.

As I was being wheeled into the operating room, my husband was walking along side and I asked, what's your guess, boy or girl?  

We both answered in unison...a BOY.  

And he was, all 9 pounds 7 ounces and 22 inches of him. 

He was a content baby and now a happy kid.  Sometimes he has strong outbursts of emotion.  Will play alone for hours.  Makes lots of sounds.  Runs, hops, and flips through the house.  The other day he was scaling the walls.  If you wonder where the fingerprints on the walls are from....him.  He loves to eat meat.  He plays his heart out in sports and takes it hard if he loses.  Many things about him remind me of his dad.

When I asked him about his first day of school [yesterday] he said...

"I want to go back tomorrow.  I plan to make friends of my whole school." 

 Here we are together, embracing the camera, on his golden birthday:

Hey, Jude

Jude is off to his first day of school today.  Kindergarten.  This boy has been counting down the days all summer.  He is ready!  Usually when I ask him about how he feels about school he's so happy he starts laughing.  

He wants to be a big kid.  

This morning he was hurrying us along because he needed to get to school!  

Tomorrow, Sept. 6, is his 6th birthday.  With his big sister's help, he put together his birthday wish list and hung it on the fridge a few months ago:

1.  A green lighsaber
2.  Star Wars guys with vehicles
3.  Gun, any kind
4.  Star Wars Legos
5.  Books about Star Wars
6.  Star Wars blanket
7.  Clothes, any kind
8.  Candy
9.  Money
10. Pjs, any kind

 He makes me smile.  

It's gonna be ok

I log into Facebook and see dozens of pictures of smiling, beaming kids on their first day of school.

My darling daughter, now a 4th grader, is at a new school.  Today was her first day.  

This is the first school year she's started in Wisconsin. 
[She began K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the same school in MN and finished out her 3rd grade year in WI...at another one of the elementary schools in our town here.]

Our family's move happened 9 months ago.  It's been hard for her and difficult for us to see her sadness.  She had lived in the same neighborhood, attended the same school and church, for the whole of her young life.  I have this vivid memory of bringing her to her classroom last October, after she had missed a month of school because she was sick, and her classmates were so happy to have her back they began chanting her name, surrounded her, hoisted her up in the air and carried her around the room.  It's a sweet memory.    

People say kids adapt well.  They are resilient and moving is easiest when they are young.  Maybe all this is true.  Our younger two kids had a fairly easy time with the adjustment. 
  

She was crying and broken this morning.  It's hard to know how to help her as parents.  She told us she wants to go back to her old school.  Ufff...moments like this and I feel like we've ruined her life.  As if a light went out inside her and we're responsible for it.  

Her dad walked her to school today and, as they walked, she cried and said she didn't want to go.  

Isn't it true...some things take time.  Some times we have to do hard things.  Some days we are sad.  It's gonna be ok...right?

Linking up with Just Write.