Sunday at the Maul [rantish]

Yesterday, after having a fabulous pizza lunch with my dear friend at a lovely restaurant literally a few steps from my apartment, I had the bright idea to go shopping at South Coast Plaza. Let me explain! I reasoned that all the exciting deals would be starting on dreadful Black Friday, so I could browse in peace the weekend prior to the madness.

Wrong! Wrongety wrong wrong wrong. I can admit when I’m wrong, and man I was wrong with a side helping of wrongola.

But once I was there and had been driving around for 15 minutes looking for parking, I wasn’t about to change my mind and give up. Nope. At first, I searched the lanes methodically, banking on my good parking karma as a considerate driver, but that got me nowhere, so then I cruised around haphazardly until I found an empty space, which happened to be at the butt-end of Saks, but hey… good exercise, amirite?

After entering the maul itself, I made a beeline (whatever that is) for the spot all the way on the opposite side where I had a vague memory my favorite baby store Gymboree used to be located. Yay, it was still there! Boo, it didn’t have anything I liked. But Baby Gap was right next door, hurrah! They had a super cute outfit! But no matching booties. What? Can’t buy a footless baby outfit sans matching sox! The horror.

I readjusted my bearings to the shambles of the reality of the maul and the fact that I’d have to navigate it. Good gawd it was stuffed with people! So many people. There was a snow house dealio, so naturally all the people with kids needed to pose around there. It was too crowded for me to see if a Santa lurked within. People without kids were also posing. Selfie time! Not me, obviously. Ever since I quit Facebook and Instagram, I’m amazed at how few selfies and pics of food I actually need.

I made a silent vow: I would not leave the maul sans my holiday gifts. No way was I enduring this torture without a payoff. I didn’t need that many, mostly just the baby stuff. Eventually, I found it at Macy’s, which was having the most incredible pre-sale sales, even for those of us lucky enough not to be burdened with the misfortune of having a Macy’s credit card (world’s worst T&C’s).

I was going to regale y’all with the side story of how I managed to find the ONE THING not on sale at Macy’s: a black bra. But this poast is already so long no one in their right mind is going to read it. Not to mention I have two prompt words left here on my Post-It and I need to use them, but they don’t go with a bra at all.

On the way out, I just happened to pass the jewelry department and discovered that some of their sterling silver was 75% off. Now, this was just crazy! I began to look at the earrings and found a pair with created opals. I used to be turned off by the idea of “fake” stones, but now I think they’re not only better deals than genuine stones but more ethical purchases besides. Anyway, these lil opals were soooo colorful and sparkly, and now only $10! So, I bought myself a treat. I don’t consider a bra a treat. That’s more like… tires.

Okay then. Done with the maul for another year or 10. So much nicer to order online or go to cute little shops that are out of the mainstream.

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Halloween Quiz 🎃

M.M.H.B Challenge – Halloween Quiz

Do you celebrate Halloween?

– Mildly.

If so when do you start decorating for Halloween?

– I don’t decorate at home, but I do make my workspace a bit festive with some shrunken heads n stuff.

What types of candy/sweets do you buy for the Trick and Treaters who may come calling?

– Sadly, no kids come around. Their moms must have heard the rumors about me.

Do you dress up for Halloween?

– If I’m going to an event, definitely. I love costumes.

Fake blood or not into that kind of thing?

– Nahhh. Not into gore. More into funny or clever type costumes.

Do you wear a costume to work, or is that frowned upon?

– They wouldn’t care, but I wouldn’t be comfy in one for the whole day in an office.

If so, what did you go as last year?

– Just a kitty shirt/black pants.

Have you already bought some halloween decorations?

– Only for work.

What was the original name for Halloween?

– Easter.

What do people typically carve at Halloween?

– Pie!

Why were people suspicious of black cats during the Middle Ages?

– Ignorance. Black cats rock!

What fruit is used to play a traditional “bobbing” game at Halloween?

– Eggplant! 🍆 😉

Why did people traditionally dress up in costumes on Halloween?

– To escape from the Czar, probably.

Who first celebrated what we’ve come to know as Halloween?

– Cleopatra.

The most famous witch trials in US history are known as what?

– Senate hearings.

Name the TV series in which Samantha could perform magic by twitching her nose?

– I Dream of Jeannie.

Which ‘witch’ had a hit song in 1970 with ‘That same old feeling’?

– Rhiannon.

Okay! What did I win???

Fashionista (Not)

Game 2 Questions from A Guy Called Bloke and K9 Doodlepip! If you want to play, check the link for the rules (basically link back and don’t delete questions marked with a P).

Q1] How important is colour in your life?

– Very. I’m particular about which colors I wear and when, and which go together and don’t.

Q2] What is most favourite colour to wear?

– Turquoise. I like a splash of it with neutrals. Same goes for hot pink and lime green. But every once in a while I like all the bright colors together.

Q3] Is there a colour that you wear that brings the best out in you and in others – in so far as compliments?

– I haven’t noticed. I wear what I like.

Q4] Are you a person who likes to overdress for the day or are you a follower of the credo, less is more?

– I mostly like to blend in. It’s better that way.

PQ5] What are five of your best items of clothing that you simply couldn’t be without? [and l don’t mean underwear/socks]

– Black pants, turquoise top, cute white cardigan, comfy black loafers, big cozy tan sweater.

6] Do you dress for the season, as in colour wise, or just throw on whatever is warm and practical?

– I have turquoise and neutral things for summer and winter, plus loads of sweaters.

PQ7] If you were going for an evening out and the dress code was ‘smart casual’ what is your ideal outfit and why?

– Idk, that’s never happened. I either dress shlumpy for board game nights or… um that’s it.

Q8] If you were having to attend an important meeting or appointment and the dress code was smart – what would your outfit be then?

– Idk what this means. A suit, I guess.

Q9] How many pairs of shoes do you own, and what is the breakdown [as in casual, smart, evening, leisure]

– I guess smart is business? I have around 20 pairs of shoes and boots that are for both business and casual. A couple pairs of sneakers. And a half dozen pairs of fancy shoes for weddings and such.

Q10] Do you have classic clothing, or classic items in your wardrobe that you have had for years and never go out of fashion if so name three?

– Most of my clothing falls into this category. Beige pants. Black pants. Black blazer. Etc.

Q11] Are you into plain colours, wild colours or outlandish designs or a mixture and which do you favour more?

– I’m segueing more into plain colors. They’re much more practical. I still have some aminal prints and florals I’m fond of.

PQ12] Do you have a favourite quote with regards fashion or design – if so what is it?

– Be comfortable. (me)

Q13]  Knee high socks, ankle socks, shin socks or no socks?

– Shin socks.

Q14] Can you see the connection between colour and music and if so does it influence your dress code for the day in any way?

– No.

PQ15] If you are going out somewhere special and want to listen to some music to put you in the mood whilst getting dressed up, what do you listen to? [Provide link please]

– N/A

Q16] How often do you buy new clothing for the season or the year?

– When I’m in the mood.

Q17] Remember tie-dye from the 70’s was it a thing you followed, bought into or worse, how do you feel about it now?

– Liked it then and still do.

Q18] What is the brightest coloured item of clothing you have in your wardrobes/drawers?

– Hot pink dress. Red glittery shoes. (They don’t go together obviously.)

Q19] What is the most expensive item of clothing that you have in your wardrobe? How often do you actually wear it?

– Dunno. Maybe a designer dress, but I would have bought it marked way down.

PQ20] Are you deleting any questions, if so which ones?

– No.

Q21] Is being ‘fashionable’ important to you, or is being comfortably attired more so?

– Comfort rules!

Octolages

As is my way, I’m doing City Sonnet’s photo challenge in one swell foop. This time, the whole month will be right here in one poast! How exciting! Since I didn’t want to overwhelm my readers with 31 full-size pics in predictable order, I mashed them up in collages. First, I will poast the key, and then I’ll show you my photo art. You can match them up if you like, or simply enjoy for a minute and return to your normally scheduled life.

A Return to Normalcy

I always say I like the routine of the workweek. I enjoy getting up early with a sense of purpose, knowing I can’t laze around too long because I have to get dressed and go to the office soon. I wouldn’t want to work at home in sweatpants, since I like having a reason to dress nicely and, most importantly, have a collection of shooze in various colors and styles. Not to mention boots! If I worked at home, I’d never wear adorable corduroy skirts with cute sweaters and boots. The horror.

Plus the workweek makes the weekends so much sweeter. You schedule fun plans (or no plans!) and look forward to seeing friends, going to cool events, watching movies, or just blissing out in peace when Saturday morning rolls around.

That said, for over a week last week I hibernated with my daughter up in NorCal and really really enjoyed it. I drove her car to the store twice, and we took short walks around the neighborhood. But other than that, and letting her doggie outside in the back, I stayed in, wore sweats, and pretty much did nothing but read books, blog, color, eat various carbs, snack on candy, etc. I also kept checking the online news too frequently, blech!

Point is, I quickly forgot how much I allegedly love the routine of getting out of the house and going to work in a cute outfit, and I immediately adapted to shlumping around like a retired brown bear. Didn’t realize how adaptable I am. What a nice trait to discover so late in life. (Pats self on back.) (Ow.)

But today I’m back to normal.

The Cardigans [SOCS]

I have a lot ~ a lot ~ of cardigans. I have a bunch of white ones: white-white, off-white, cream, lightweight, coat style, etc. I have a very pretty lime green sweater with gold buttons and a gorgeous sky blue cardi. I have a cozy purple cardigan and also a lavender one. Oh, and a super snuggly tan sweater I just love. I also have a chocolate brown one that’s lighter weight, plus a grey one in that same style. With rare exception, my cardis have buttons that match the color of the fabric. I don’t like contrasting-color buttons. I also don’t like zippers on sweaters, though I do have one, in a colorful animal print. I also have an open front cozy cardi in traditional animal print colors. I don’t have red or orange cardis because I don’t need them; I did have a yellow one but decided I didn’t like it. It might be nice to have yellow again. Pink too, a medium pink. But what’s missing from this list? A cozy black cardi! Isn’t that weird?! I have black jackets and black pullover sweaters, but no black cardigans. I can’t find the right one. I want buttons and long sleeves, and it must be cozy. There’s no point in buying a flimsy black coverup ~ this is for actual warmth, not sitting at the pool bar. Why is it so hard to find what I want?

Hat Chat

Just followed a new fun blogger (NFB) after a jolt of weird. Zipped there from another blog and saw that NFB follows both a high school bestie and a Usenet writing pal, neither of whom know each otter (afaik) ~ their only connect is me, but NFB doesn’t follow me. Cue Twilight Zone music 🎶

Regardless, today’s NFB theme is My Favorite Hat, and that is what we shall focus on (but like isn’t that odd about my otter two peeps?!?). I don’t wear hats normally as a fashion statement (fashion? me? lol) or anything, but I’ve been known to pull my hoodie over my head when the temp dips below 65. Brrrr! I do however lurve hats as part of a costume, and I adore costumes.

As Robynne Hood at the RenFaire.

As a 1920’s gangster at a Murder Mystery Party. (The thing about the two bloggers is a mystery, isn’t it? I know, we’re talking hats, but still!)

Being silly before selling my condo. Who needs real estate and husbands? Pffft, not me!

In the hat that Nat made. (Nat, wot do you think of the blogger coinkydink dealio?)

Freezing after dim sum in the far North!

A slightly older photo of yrs truly.

And who can forget our Pussy Hat phase? Seems so long ago, yet it wasn’t really. So much has happened since; we aren’t who we were then… shocked and resolute. Now we’re boiling and bloodthirsty RAWR! You know it’s true, so don’t start. Anyway, this is probably my fave hat, subtle, yet messagey. And of course cat-themed. A legit defense if anyone asks, cuz we’re all about defenses these days, amirite?

But what about that odd sitch with the two otter bloggers? Maybe doppelgängers were involved or aliens or sumpin…

The Pink Cupcake [a dating story]

A couple people have asked about my blog icon photo, so here’s the Saturday night special version. This isn’t a funny dating story with a twist at the end, but a stupidly sad one, or a sadly stupid one. Take your pick.

I had a relatively popular blog from 2004-2007ish. Then I grew weary of the (self-imposed) pressure to come up with funny and/or interesting poasts several times per day. Back then, I grabbed a lot of my topics from the news, including political stuff, and wasn’t afraid of generating arguments; now, I avoid this.

For a while, I tried keeping a super light blog about cats, cupcakes, and shoes only, but it became too boring for everyone, including me. Then my mom died, and my marriage broke up. Those two things aren’t related, but they’re both at the top of the life stress scale. I latched onto the first person who offered emotional support… and I fell in love with him. And he was married ~ one of those who was just waiting to leave when X happened, but then X turned into Y, and then Z. (He’s still there, living in the house with his wife long after X, Y, Z, yada.)

So, to cope I started a new blog, this one. My first poast was March 25, 2011. I didn’t talk directly about my relationship of course, since he knew about the blog too, but I would poast song lyrics and excerpts from books I was reading that alluded to it. Later, after we broke up, I did write a bit about how I felt at certain points, though I’ve probably deleted most of that now. Long-time readers will know him as TMW, short for “the man who broke my heart.”

In 2010, for his birthday I bought cupcakes for us. Not a cake because obviously he wouldn’t be able to take it home with him. I took a pic of mine ~ it was strawberry with a chocolate heart. Later I realized the heart was broken and I thought it was a neat pic. When I began the blog, I decided to use it for my “subtle” profile photo. If anyone asked, I figured I could say I was planning to resume doing cupcake reviews again. But I’m not planning to do that. I just like this photo. It’s held up over time.

Red, Red Mine [CFFC]

Today’s fun photo challenge is red, and even though I don’t have much clothing in the red range, I do have quite a few photos, mostly of food. Yes, I did archive all my Instagrams before closing my account, you lucky ducks. 😂

One of my favorite meals: avocado and tomato, served simply with salt and pepper.

Red against azure, for a striking contrast.

My lucky rainbow sand-dude. Daughter1 made him for me when I began my current job 17 years ago, and he’s been on my desk at work ever since.

Life is just a bowl of strawberries, or something like that.

Gatsby guarding my sparkly red shoes.

Red velvet birthday cake, delicious!

Red velvet wine, so smooth. Alas, I’ve given all alcohol up because of migraines. 🙁

Red taillights and an ironic personalized plate.

All About Orange

The fact that I have this photo in my blog media library gives me the idea I have written negatively about orange before. But instead of searching for that poast, and lazily efficiently reblogging it, I’ve already banged out a new one. Maybe next time I’ll remember to look for a pic before I start typing like a maniac. Who wants to bet on that?

Orange has never been a favorite color or flavor of mine. There are a few exceptions. Color-wise, I like a dash of bright orange with pink and yellow, lime and purple, for that crazy fruit bowl tropical look. Perfect for the muumuu you need on a cruise to cover up the 10 pounds you gain the first three days before the dysentery hits. And naturally orange is the appropriate base color for Halloween shirts, preferably with black cats, owls, and bats decorating a spooky crooked tree. Boo!

Food-wise, oranges suck. What is up with these things? All pulpy and seedy, with icky white strings you have to keep peeling off. Feh! Waaay too much work. I don’t mind some orange juice, sans pulp, if it’s mixed with mango juice, but that’s a lot of sugar. Did I mention I’m eating a lot less sugar now? Paula’s diet… always a fascinating topic, but we’ll leave that for another poast. As far as the actual taste of orange? Meh. It’s good in cake, I guess. But there’s that pesky sugar issue again! Same with Panda Express orange chicken (soooo sweet and yummy). Oh, here we go with the Panda Express haters piling on to tell me it’s not real Chinese food. 🙄🙄🙄

Okay. Not gonna write a book rn. Bottom line: orange is pretty much last on my list, except for pretty flowers obviously, and it’s not because of you know who.