Year: 2008

I wouldn’t miss this ride

After some deep reflection, I have embraced my side swept bangs and have perhaps even grown to like them. I think the initial problem was they were styled a little too poufy, which made me look like Debbie Gibson in her “Shake Your Love” video.

However, with some strategic product application along with some serious straight ironing, I believe it’s all going to work out. Truth be told, they’ll be perfect in about two weeks barring anymore unfortunate encounters with hairspray and curling irons.

Fortunately we had a completely non-eventful weekend which allowed me plenty of time to study my bangs in the mirror from various angles. It is this kind of commitment to excellence that keeps me on top of my beauty game.

The highlight of the weekend was taking Caroline with Mimi and Bops to the carnival portion of the rodeo. In the past we have always avoided the carnival because I have a fear of the various houses of mirrors and that I might eat my body weight in funnel cakes. But this year, I felt like it was time to expand Caroline’s horizons to include that piece of Americana known as Carny Folk.

On a side note, I offer this public service announcement. The rodeo smells exceptionally foul by the second week.

We started off on the carousel and a ride with little ladybug cars that went around in circles. As Caroline went around and around in that little ladybug, I could practically see the bubble forming over her head saying “THIS IS LAME”. There were no squeals of delight, only her craning her neck to see if there was something better.

As I unloaded her from the bug, she looked up at the HUGE Ferris wheel and said, “I want to ride that”. I explained that it was very big and very high off the ground. She replied, “I KNOW THAT”. I attempted to distract her by pointing out a little rollercoaster that looked like a caterpillar, but what she saw was that huge Viking boat swing thing that swings back and forth to the point of almost going upside down.

“OH I WANT TO RIDE THAT.”

I launched into a lengthy lecture about physics and aerodynamics and gravity that basically consisted of this phrase, “It is going to make your tummy feel very funny”.

“I KNOW THAT.”

So, we got on and she loved every minute of it. She laughed, screamed, and the minute it was over begged to ride it again. But either the funnel cakes or the laws of physics had made my tummy feel funny so we headed over to the HUGE Ferris wheel instead. And when our car stopped at the very top while they loaded and unloaded other cars, I had to beg her to please be still and quit looking around because her mama has turned into a big chicken and I felt like I might pass out.

My child is fearless and I am so proud.

I think the thing that got to me was watching her ride so many of the rides by herself. She’d wait in line, hand them her ticket and hop on. She climbed the enormous stairs up to the Super Slide carrying her little burlap sack and she looked so big. I don’t know when that happened.

For some reason, there in the midst of the turkey legs and the foot long corny dogs, it dawned on me that she is really not a baby anymore. She’s a little girl. A little girl that is growing more independent by the day.

It makes me happy and sad all at the same time, which I guess is part of the laws of physics and aerodynamics of motherhood. It makes my tummy feel a little funny.

And I think each day that I couldn’t love her more, then the next day comes and I do.
Because this is better than anything I have to say

And maybe I’m slightly biased, but I particularly loved this post from Boomama and this post from Shannon.

If you think about it today, pray that God gives them safe travel as they begin the long journey home.
Here is your chance to keep the lights on

Oh internet. I would like us to all have a big group hug right now. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt closer to you. The fact that many of you couldn’t even concentrate on Fashion Friday after I dropped the “Friday Night Lights” bombshell just warms my heart.

Judging from the emails and comments I’ve received today, it appears that many of you share my love of “Friday Night Lights” and agree that for NBC to cancel it would be a tragedy.

Here’s the link to the original article that a reader sent me.

NBC, I’m going to be honest with you and let you know that it’s pretty obvious you don’t have a whole lot going on in the way of quality programming.

The glory days of “Seinfeld”? Over.

“Friends”? Over.

“The Cosby Show”? Could make a comeback, but probably over.

I mean, I know you have Howie Mandel on “Deal or No Deal” and you enjoy airing it four nights a week right before whatever lame version of “Law & Order” happens to be on.

I also just saw a preview for some show about newlyweds being blindfolded and guiding each other through a parking lot.

Well, that’s just good T.V.

And honestly, NBC, you’ve left “ER” on for about twenty years past its prime, so why can’t you give “Friday Night Lights” another season?

So, for all of y’all who are like me and want to fight for our right to party, or you know, another season of “Friday Night Lights”, then go check out this link for more information on the campaign to save the show.

I realize it’s a small thing in the whole scheme of life, but I am sitting here watching “Grease 2” because there isn’t anything better on T.V.

Not that “Grease 2” isn’t a piece of cinematic greatness, but I feel certain that both Michelle Pfeiffer and I would be grateful if the American public had another viewing option.

Although it’s hard to top the moment where she sings “Cool Rider”.
Edition 17: Fashion Friday

I’m just going to be honest and let y’all know up front that my heart is not really into Fashion Friday this week. Maybe it’s because I’m tired from having a sick child who has spent the last three nights attempting to sleep inside my ribcage, or maybe it’s because I just overloaded on nostalgia yesterday.

However, in the words of Celine Dion, my heart will go on.

Of course part of the problem may be that I found out that NBC may be canceling Friday Night Lights. Seriously, NBC? You can air eight different versions of Law & Order, but have no room for Coach Taylor and the Dillon Panthers? If you cancel Friday Night Lights then you are dead to me, NBC. Dead.

And on a beauty front, I can’t leave well enough alone. I decided I needed some sideswept bangs to soften my face. I discussed my decision with Gulley at Starbucks on Wednesday morning and she said, “I don’t know why you want to do that. Every time you cut them all you do is complain until they grow out.” I listened to her words of wisdom and took them in.

Then, I went and had my hairdresser cut some sideswept bangs.

It will be forever referred to as the Valentines Day Massacre ’08.

I immediately came home and pulled them back in a bobby pin, as if that could make the horror stop. But, lo and behold, when I took the bobby pin out, they were still there.

Let’s move on to happier, shinier things.

1. Betsey asks: “I bought some really cute trouser jeans, but I’m not sure what type shirt to wear with them. It seems to me something fitted would work best. Any suggestions?”

Go with your instincts for they are right. If I had gone with my instincts I wouldn’t be sitting here with a bobby pin holding back my bangs.

Here is a great example of a trouser jean outfit from Neiman Marcus.

You don’t necessarily need to tuck anything in, but it should definitely be a top that balances out the wide legs of the jeans, although here is an example of trouser jeans with a top that’s not quite as fitted.

But keep in mind this model is probably 6’2″ and 105 pounds. She can get away with things that may not work on mere mortals.

Here are some things that would look great with trouser jeans.

Check out this. And this. And this. And this.

Plus, I love the look of a short jacket with a fitted shirt underneath. Like this.

Just remember, it’s all about creating a clean line. Trouser jeans should be your friend.

2. Carrie asks: “I’m 5’4″ and short-waisted and unfortunately VERY well-endowed up top. I’m on the low end of the
plus-size scale (a 16/18 or so), but thanks to the fact that I’m nursing, my tops that used to barely button now lack a
good 4” closing. Any inexpensive top ideas?

I looked around and found a couple of cute things that could give you some options besides the unbuttoned shirt with a tank top underneath that you mentioned in your email. But let me say, don’t underestimate the unbuttoned shirt with tank, it can be a friend of the nursing mother.

You may have better luck with things that don’t button down the front and look for some knit tops. Old Navy has some really cute options. Look at this and this and this.

Oh, and I love this sweater that you could throw on over a tank.

Just remember that a slight v-neck will be more flattering than a round neck and also, eventually your body will go back to normal. At least that’s what I hear.

3. Shayna asks: “My hubby is deployed in the Navy right now, and I just bought this dress for his ship’s homecoming in April. What color shoes should I get to go with it?? There has been much debate over it, although apparently white strappy sandals are out. HELP!!!

The rumors are true, white strappy sandals are out.

My instinct is to tell you to go with silver or pewter shoes. It’s hard to tell from the picture how dressy the dress is and since the material is jersey it could probably go either way.

If you’re looking for something more casual, then something like this might be a good option. And if you want something dressier with a heel, then check these out. Or these.

If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know. I just think that silver shoes with some pretty silver accessories would be perfect.

And, let’s be honest, by the time he gets off that ship he’s probably not going to be looking at your feet.

4. Kelly asks: ” I’m going to be wearing this dress in my best friend’s wedding less than 2 months after I give birth. I never wear strapless dresses because I need more “support” than you can generally get with a strapless dress. And I’m sure that I’ll want to try and wear something to smooth and slim my tummy area. I’m looking at getting something like this or this, but I’ve never worn anything like this before so I just wanted to see if anyone might have some suggestions for me. Thanks!

Well, bless your heart. No one should have to be a bridesmaid within two months of giving birth.

I attended a formal event five weeks after I had Caroline and I was so encased in lycra and spandex that just the memory of it makes me lose my breath. Not to mention that in all the pictures I look like a sausage about to burst out of its casing.

Out of the two choices you listed, I would go with the second one. The first one isn’t full coverage and may cause spillage and odd lines. The second one has the best chance of creating a long, lean silhouette.

However, please keep in mind that you won’t really know your postpartum measurements until you are, in fact, postpartum. Take in to account that your girls will grow to proportions not normally found outside of working dairy farms.

My point is that you don’t want to make a purchase until you are closer to the event because even if you’re back down to your normal weight, you will find that things have shifted and settled much like they do on a bumpy Trans-Atlantic flight.

Do y’all have any suggestions? If you do, shout out in the comments. It’s times like this that we need to lift a sister up, along with her two friends.

That’s all I’ve got for today. I’m going to go plug in my straightening iron and see if I can’t perform some healing on these bangs. Or at least stare at myself in the mirror and will them to grow.

Along with my eyelashes.

Y’all have a great Friday!
And the winner is…

Well, someone is about to have a very Happy Valentines Day. I loved y’alls response to the CWDkids giveaway contest and going through all your comments about the things you would order if you were to win.

And, CWDkids was so appreciative of your enthusiasm that they are offering FREE SHIPPING on any purchases you make before the end of the day on February 15. That is tomorrow for those you who are paying attention.

All you have to do to get your free shipping is enter the code CETMAMA when you check out. The best part is the nice folks at CWDkids said that they would love for y’all to pass along the code for FREE SHIPPING to your friends, family and neighbors as well.

So, GO ORDER THOSE CUTE CLOTHES. Get those swimsuits and coverups and seersucker dresses before the end of the day tomorrow and get your free shipping.

Now for the winner.

Remember, in the event that the winner is not able to assume the responsibilities and duties of a $300 gift certificate, the first runner-up will take over the crown.

That’s not really true. I have just watched way too many Miss Texas pageants.

The winner is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

178

Timestamp: 2008-02-14 23:06:27 UTC

The winner is Melanie. And I promise it’s not me, although it is a great name. But Melanie doesn’t have a blog and I have contacted her by email. Thanks for playing everyone and congratulations Melanie!

I’m only 2% jealous and 98% happy for you.
I’m forever y’alls. Faithfully.

Happy Valentines Day to the internet. I hope you all have a day filled with heart-shaped boxes full of chocolate with mysterious centers.

I thought long and hard for about five minutes about what I’d write about today. I mean, after all, it is the high and holy day for the Hallmark corporation and I felt like I needed to give it the proper respect. I finally decided to present my list of the Best and Worst love songs ever.

But then, the more I thought about it, I decided that list would be entirely too complicated. Obviously the list of the best would include classics like “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and “At Last” by Etta James and “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” by Meatloaf.

It just didn’t seem fair to poor Sergio Mendes who was destined to end up on my Worst List with “Never Gonna Let You Go”.

What to do? What to do?

I hereby present my list of songs that were extremely meaningful to me during my teen years, otherwise known as The Time I Cried in My Bedroom and Lip-Synched Dramatically in Front of the Mirror for Seven Years.

And remember, this is back when I looked like this.

And this.

There were days when the only thing that got me through was the Chicago 17 Album. God bless you, Peter Cetera and David Foster.

Here is my list.

1. “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago

I didn’t actually have a boyfriend who was my inspiration when this song came out. However, my best friend Tracy and her boyfriend Wade had been going together for like two whole weeks and this was their song.

I could only hope to find that kind of true love for myself.

2. “Open Arms” by Journey

It wouldn’t be fair to my fifth grade crush, Phillip, if I left this song off the list. There were so many Friday nights at The Magic Skate when they would play this song and I would giggle with my friends about how cute he was with that comb sticking out of his back pocket.

But, like the song says, “we drifted apart”, mainly due to the fact that we ended up attending different junior highs.

3. “All Out of Love” by Air Supply

If you didn’t love you some Air Supply in the 80’s, then I don’t know if we can be friends. Why can’t I quit you, Air Supply?

4. “Keep on Loving You” by Reo Speedwagon

I kept my mama’s cassette player next to the radio at all times so that any time this song came on, I could instantly press record and play. And maybe, just maybe, this would be the time I’d get the entire song without the DJ talking over it.

5. “Stuck on You” by Lionel Richie

Oh, I know Lionel had other songs that were more popular. You know like, “Hello”, when he dated that blind girl that sculpted that weird-looking bust of him.

But this song was special because it was the song we were dancing to when a boy named Danny asked me to go with him. Of course, we were twelve so we never really went anywhere or did anything. However, just knowing that I could draw his name in a big, puffy heart on my bookcovers was enough.

6. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

I won’t even lie to y’all. To this day if this song comes on the radio I will turn it up and sing along complete with hand gestures.

You would think I’d be embarrassed to admit that. And I should be.

7. “Crazy for You” by Madonna

This was back in the good old days when Madonna wore lace hose, fingerless gloves and those huge bows in her hair. I can’t remember who I was crazy for when this song came out, but it might have just been Madonna.

Who knew she’d still be around at 75?

8. “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera

Karate Kid II, anyone?

This song played a crucial role in my own personal love triangle the summer before my sophomore year in high school. Neither one of those boys ended up traveling to Japan to use their Ka-Rah-Tay skills to fight for my honor except for in my dreams.

And if memory serves, that love triangle ended the same way Kelly Taylor decided between Dylan and Brandon. I chose me.

Or maybe I just chose another boy. I can’t really remember.

9. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” by Peabo Bryson

This will always remind me of Bo and Hope on “Days of Our Lives”. Now that is true love.

I mean their love has survived eight fake deaths, three remarriages, several brain-washings and multiple misunderstandings caused by Stefano DiMera.

If that isn’t love worth celebrating, then I don’t know what is.

10. “Separate Lives” by Phil Collins

This totally summed up how I felt when my crush of over two years had to move away. I was devastated. I related so much to the movie “White Nights” and this song, except that we weren’t apart due to the Cold War and my need to be a ballet dancer.

We were apart because his dad got a new job in another city.

But still, the similarities were uncanny.

I realize I have left out many, many quality songs. It is hard to narrow down the quality music from the 80’s and I already feel bad that “Heaven” by Bryan Adams didn’t make my list. Not to mention “Babe” by Styx and “Is This Love?” by Whitesnake.

However, I tried to limit it to songs that meant something to me. Songs that reflect a time in my life when real love wasn’t measured by superficial things, but by the proximity of your locker to the one you loved and whether or not he had a driver’s license.

So, what about y’all? What are the songs that made you want to couple skate every time you heard them?