Month: October 2011

  • And speaking of Spanish…

    Do you remember when I mentioned about two weeks ago that I’d gone to get a passport photo taken because my passport was about to expire? Not that I expect you to remember. I can barely recall it myself and it’s my life. But I do remember being kind of surprised that no one asked me why I needed a passport.

    I guess all my attempts to convey how glamorous my life really is have paid off. Of course I guess it’s obvious that a 40-year-old woman who spends an entire weekend by herself watching Season 1 of Army Wives on Netflix likes to live life in the fast lane.

    Well I Fedexed my passport renewal application, two new passport photos, and my old passport to the passport folks about two weeks ago. I assumed everything was fine until they called me on Monday to inform me that the State Department requested that I send in two additional passport photos.

    “But I sent in the required two passport photos. I’m the girl with the long hair who looks like she’s in the middle of asking ‘Where?'”

    They replied, “Yes ma’am. We received those photos but the State Department needs two additional photos.”

    “Why?”

    “We don’t know.”

    Okay. Thanks. That’s incredibly informative.

    So yesterday I went back to CVS to take yet another passport photo. I knew I was playing with fire to wear my hair back in a ponytail because I wore a ponytail in my original passport photo taken ten years ago and I have never looked worse. Ever. In fact, the bright side to this whole passport expiration has been the prospect of a better picture.

    I even wondered if the State Department needed an additional photo of me because the photo on my original passport was SO HORRIFIC that they didn’t believe the new photos I sent in two weeks ago depicted the same person. Maybe they thought there was some sort of international scam afoot involving an awkward girl with long hair who asks too many questions while getting her picture taken.

    But, thanks to yesterday’s passport photo retake, I can rest assured that Customs Officials everywhere will continue to be rendered speechless by the horror on my passport. Honestly, I don’t know that my self-esteem has ever taken a hit like the one it took yesterday when the lady at CVS handed me my new passport photos.

    The worst part is I walked in there feeling fairly good about myself. I had on makeup. And a cute jacket. It was the ponytail’s fault. Along with some unfortunate side-swept bangs that were too far to the side thanks to the humidity. In related news, my forehead is enormous.

    But (452 words later) none of that is important. What’s really important is why I suddenly need to have a passport.

    I’ve been invited to travel to Ecuador with Compassion International this November 7-12th. Needless to say, I am excited and scared and alternate between feeling like I can’t wait another minute to get my hands on those sweet Compassion kids and wanting to throw up. We’re going to spend a couple of days in Quito and then eventually make our way into the Amazon rainforest.

    Excuse me while I go throw up.

    Y’all. There are snakes there. And monkeys. Monkeys that aren’t in cages. And piranhas. Obviously Caroline is just sick that she’s not old enough to go with me because these things are her love language.

    But in spite of my fear and a lot of stepping outside my comfort zone, I am beyond excited to go on another Compassion trip. When I went to the Dominican Republic three years ago it changed a part of my heart forever. It humbled me and made me grateful in a whole new way. It also showed me that so many of us walk around in our first world comforts with a poverty of spirit these kids don’t have because they get that Jesus is everything. Not a new Wii or a fancy pair of boots.

    Humbling. Convicting. Life-changing.

    Shaun Groves and Patricia Jones will be our fearless leaders, along with our amazing photographer Keely Scott. The bloggers going in addition to me are Amanda Jones, Kelly Stamps, Ann Voskamp and Sophie.

    Y’all, there are so many times when I think about how silly blogging really is. I mean why do I feel like anyone cares that I started watching Army Wives this weekend? And that I can’t stop?

    But it’s moments like this when it all feels worth it. It’s about something bigger. It’s about these kids that could have so easily been forgotten but for Compassion International and their desire to give them hope and a future. My prayer is that you would follow our trip and consider sponsoring one of these kids if you haven’t already or even if you have. It doesn’t take much to change a life.


    So if you want to pray that the State Department approves my new, even more hideous photos, for safe travel and easy trip preparations, and that God would use our words to make a difference, it would be appreciated.

  • The big Columbus day fiesta. That’s Spanish for party.

    I took the day off from the blog yesterday so we could thoroughly celebrate Christopher Columbus Day in our traditional manner. We gathered as a family and made maps recreating the route Columbus most likely traveled on his way to discover the New World using all-natural materials we gathered on an early morning nature walk. And then we finished the evening with our individual interpretations of games that might have been played on the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria when they weren’t busy battling scurvy.

    Or maybe we just went to the large outdoor mall and took advantage of the all the sales going on in honor of Columbus’s brave voyage across the ocean and then ate leftover taco soup for dinner.

    I can’t really remember.

    On a related note, I’d like to think there was a moment in their treacherous voyage when they felt all might be lost and Columbus stood on the deck of the Pinta (or maybe the Santa Maria) and said, “My fellow travelers, take heart. If we survive this adventure we will be immortalized forever by future generations of this new country who will take a moment on the second Monday each October to buy sheets and towels at up to 50% off. Now everyone head to the Lido Deck for some shuffleboard.”

    Except he probably would have said all that in Spanish.

    If I cared about authenticity or knew how to write anything in Spanish beyond “El burro es un animal de Mexico” I would write the real version.

    Anyway, this weekend was a first for me. P took Caroline to the ranch with him for the whole entire weekend. Like they left on Friday around noon and didn’t get home until Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with myself.

    Caroline had me put flowers in her hair before she left for the ranch because she wanted to make sure she looked pretty in the pictures after she shot a hog. Boys are never going to be able to figure her out. And that’s fine with me.

    I spent most of Friday afternoon shopping for a friend and then Gulley came over for what we like to call “wine time” on Friday night. We solved at least 62% of the world’s problems. Sadly we cannot help you with the remaining 38% although we are always willing to make something up.

    On Saturday morning I slept until the crack of 9:30 after staying up way too late watching School of Rock the night before. I don’t know why it always sucks me in, but it does. I blame Jack Black.

    I was debating what to do with my day of freedom when Gulley called to tell me she’d gotten the thumbs up to go shopping with me. And so we ventured out to the mall in search of fall clothes for Gulley. Which felt like the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of Columbus. The mall was packed and confirmed my belief that malls should really be avoided on the weekends, but we did find a few cute things.

    And then I went over to Gulley’s to watch the Aggie game because I enjoy her company and also because she’d made pulled pork for dinner. There were a few moments when I worried that the pulled pork might be the best part of the evening, but I am relieved to say the Aggies pulled out it and we beat tech. Hallelujah and amen.

    I made my way home around ten and was still wide awake. Which is how I ended up discovering the show Army Wives on Netflix. Y’all. I’m now a little obsessed with it. I’d nearly started watching it about six months ago but when I said something about it to Gulley she mentioned that Nena watched it and I didn’t really take that as a ringing endorsement.

    But late Saturday night I watched the first episode. And then the second episode. And I am officially hooked.

    Sunday morning I woke up to the sound of driving rain and rolled over in the knowledge that God loves me. There are few things in life I adore more than a rainy morning when I don’t have anywhere to be and, since we’ve been in the midst of a record-breaking drought, I can’t remember the last time that happened.

    It was delightful.

    I spent the rest of Sunday trying to get some writing done. Or maybe I spent it watching episodes of Army Wives. It’s all a vague memory now. But I am going to be so sad if something happens to Roxy’s husband. Please don’t tell me if you already know.

    And then before I knew it, my people were pulling up in the driveway. They were sleepy, dirty, and smelled of gunpowder and hogs but I’ve never been more glad to see them. Especially after they both had a shower.

    We all sat on the couch and spent the rest of the night catching up on all the weekend adventures. And I’ve never felt more grateful for Christopher Columbus. Because without him we might be living in Spain. Which would be really hard because I don’t speak Spanish.

    Except for the thing about the burro and how often does that come up?

  • Fashion Friday: Edition I would have so much to wear if it were cool outside

    I have to tell you a sad tale of fashion woe. A couple of weeks ago I featured the Free People Snow Nymph cape as part of Fashion Friday. And then I decided I really wanted to order it for myself, especially since I happened to have a gift card to Piperlime. Or actually BECAUSE I had a gift card to Piperlime.

    But it was sold out.

    Then on Wednesday I happened to be browsing around on Piperlime, looking for ways to spend my gift card, when I noticed that the Free People Snow Nymph cape was back. All they had was a medium but I figured it would work so I added it to my virtual cart.

    Then I got distracted, possibly watching this week’s episode of Rachel Zoe, and forgot to enter in my gift card information. And by the time I remembered, twenty minutes later, the Snow Nymph cape had been removed from my cart and was no longer available.

    While I realize this is a first world problem, I feel like there is also a cautionary tale here. The early gift card gets the Snow Nymph cape.

    Someone should put that on a pillow.

    But here are a few cute things I’ve seen this week that don’t involve snow nymphs or gift cards or sadness.

    1. olivia pleated dress

    My friend Kelly linked to The Blue Door Boutique on her blog earlier this week and I immediately fell in love. They have so many great things and post new stuff everyday on Facebook.

    It was hard for me to pick just one thing, but I really like this pleated dress. So cute on its own or over leggings or tights for winter.

    2. dover fort military jacket

    I’ve decided it’s never going to get cold this winter, but I’d like this coat just in case it does.

    3. buckled oxford boots

    Y’all. These boots are on sale for $59.95. And I kind of love them.

    I’m not sure that I need gray boots, but they have so much potential. Plus, they’re a steal. And you may also want to know that all sale items at Anthropologie are an additional 25% off.

    4. ribbed waist cargos

    I know. These have an elastic waistband. Old Navy is trying to fool us by calling it “ribbed”, but we can all see what’s going on there.

    I was feeling all judgmental about them until I actually tried a pair on and discovered they feel like butter. And they’re on sale for $19.95 this weekend. So with the money you save you can get a t-shirt that’s long enough to cover up that elastic waistband.

    5. different degrees maxi

    In theory I love this. Not sure about the horizontal stripes, but it looks like it would be delightful to curl up in and enjoy the 90 degree weather outside.

    6. fire lily burnt orange coat

    I saw this coat featured on The Today Show earlier this week and thought it was cute. Although I don’t wear burnt orange in the fall. But maybe you do.

    7. beaded statement bracelet

    I’m in love with these bracelets. I’d like to own them in every color combination. Not to mention they’re for a good cause.

    8. sweater stripe scarf

    I don’t know why I feel the need to pick things that look cozy. It’s hot here. It’s still so hot.

    9. yoga pants

    I’m always on the lookout for a good pair of yoga pants because, let’s be honest, it’s what I wear 87% of the time. These are really great and very flattering.

    10. ellassential cardigan

    I found this while I was scouring the Piperlime site making sure that the Snow Nymph cape was really gone. It’s a lightweight sweater by Ella Moss, but I think it’s probably the perfect thing to get a person through a South Texas fall and winter.

    Honestly, I’d probably get a lot more wear out of this than a Snow Nymph cape.

    That’s it for today.

    Y’all have a great Friday. If you need me I’ll be watching the first half of the Aggie game on Saturday night and then turning off the T.V.

  • The birthday boy

    Happy Birthday, P. Your girls love you!

    By the way, eating fried chicken is totally optional. I’m not sure how that applies to the birthday song.

  • Dead words

    You know what I did yesterday?

    Absolutely nothing interesting.

    I walked Caroline to school and planned to stay for my weekly battle with the Xerox machine, but her teacher was out sick and therefore there were no copies to be made. Dang. Just as I’d almost mastered the one sided copy to two sided copy maneuver.

    So instead I had to go for a run. Because, yes, I’m back on my Couch to 5k program. This has officially been the longest trip from the couch to a 5k in history. Frankly, I don’t even care about the 5K part of the equation anymore, but I’ve forgotten how to run without that annoying voice in my ear saying, “RUN NOW”.

    After I got home I spent the rest of the day trying to catch up on email and thinking about how much my floors need to be mopped. Of course I didn’t do anything about it, but just thinking about it made me feel better.

    And then I ran to Whole Earth to look for a pair of sensible shoes and realized sensible seems intrinsically linked to ugly. If I’m wrong, please tell me. My feet would be so grateful.

    The good news is I ended up with a cute pair of socks so I have that going for me.

    (This blog has just hit a level I always feared it would. I just told you I bought socks.)

    (I am so sorry.)

    But, wait, I have a topic for discussion today besides socks and sensible shoes.

    Caroline came home from school on Thursday and announced that her teacher had put up a word cemetery in the classroom. And she put a few words in the cemetery that the class is no longer allowed to use when they write their papers.

    Here’s the list so far:

    Awesome
    Cool
    Good

    And it’s made me think about words that I’d like to put in the word cemetery. More importantly, I want to know what words you’d like to see buried.

    I say we start with “ointment”. And maybe throw in “relevant” for good measure because oh my word at the overuse.

    How about you?

  • You win some and you lose some and then you lose some more

    Y’all are going to have to forgive me for a minute because I have to discuss Aggie football and our inability to play all four quarters of a football game.

    (Actually, you don’t have to forgive me. I don’t want to force forgiveness. That seems rude.)

    I’m not sure what is going on. There are theories about coaching and conditioning and a 4th down and 1 play that we should have gone for and blah, blah, blah. I don’t know.

    P said spending his entire Saturday afternoon watching that game was like going to see a girl you’re dating at her apartment and you’re really looking forward to seeing her and then all she does is cry the whole time and you leave feeling confused and disappointed and maybe like you never want to see her again.

    (I don’t know where he came up with that analogy. Must be from some girl he dated before me.)

    (She must have been crazy.)

    (And really high-maintenance.)

    All I know is that at the end of the day I love Texas A&M. I love the spirit and I love the traditions and I love the memories that five years (They offer a bonus year for EXTRA SMART people. At least that’s what I told my dad.) gave me. And, yes, it’s fun when we have a great football team (if memory serves) but I love being an Aggie for many more reasons. Which is why I’ve decided I’m just going to watch the first half of every game for the rest of the season and then turn it off.

    Sure. Some may call that denial. But I call it salvaging a perfectly good Saturday.

    I’m going to be my own Kasey from that season of The Bachelorette and guard and protect my heart.

    Anyway, other than a little football disappointment, we had a great weekend. Caroline had early dismissal on Friday. She actually had early dismissal on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and spent those afternoons on the reading circuit. Which means I took her to Gulley’s preschool and to her old kindergarten class to read to the kids. She adores it. In fact, it’s one of her favorite things to do.

    Friday afternoon we ended up at Gulley’s house and Gulley and I were able to catch up on a variety of topics including Rachel Zoe, skinny jeans and the Amazon rain forest. We also may have talked about finding a good purse for the winter and whether or not we should own the maroon poncho I featured on Fashion Friday. Because who would be the real losers if we showed up at a football game wearing matching ponchos?

    Later that evening we met Mimi, Bops, my sister and her family for Mexican food. My nephew, Luke, is almost two and has decided that there isn’t anything much more fun than giving someone “five” repeatedly with the occasional slap to the face thrown in. He’s also a big fan of dipping pretzels in the salsa and then wiping his tongue like it’s on fire and then repeating the whole process. Toddlers are interesting little people.

    And then I watched the new show Pan Am that I’d recorded earlier in the week. The verdict is still out but I liked the first episode. A little kitschy, but I do adore a show set in the 1960s. And air travel hasn’t really changed at all. Unless you don’t think getting a miniscule bag of honey-roasted peanuts after having a stranger feel your legs for explosives is as glamorous as being served a made-to-order martini by a polite stewardess who offers to bring you an array of magazines for your reading enjoyment.

    P got home late from hunting doves because ’tis the season. And then we went straight to bed because we had an 8:00 a.m. soccer game Saturday morning.

    I’m pretty sure P must have angered someone in the soccer scheduling department because we have three 8:00 a.m. games this season. Which means we have to get up earlier on those Saturdays than we do on school days because we have to make sure Caroline is hydrated and all carbed up for the big game. One of us thinks this is very important.

    So we arrived at the soccer fields bright and early. The good news is the weather was gorgeous. Like I needed a sweatshirt gorgeous. And the Stingers (formerly known at the Magic, formerly known as the Cheetah Girls, formerly known as the Rainbows) played a good game, but they still lost. Which seemed to really upset them for about three seconds until the mom in charge of snack pulled out purple Gatorade and cookies.

    Something tells me it wasn’t that easy for the Aggie football team.

    At least I hope not.