Vintage

How old does something have to be to be considered "vintage"?

Back in High School I was at my Grandma's house and my sister and I were trying on my Mom's wedding dress.  Turns out she is kind 4 inches shorter than I am so the waist hit at an empire level and my Mom was tiny, and I didn't want to rip the dress.  But, in the spirit of trying things on my Grandma brings out one of her Mom's outfits.  I often hear how she was always so well dressed and in every picture I've seen it sure appears so.

But for some reason I didn't try it on.  I think I was too afraid it was too small.  So, I went home and put it in my closet.  I was always sure it was just too small and wouldn't fit me.  So I never tried it on.

I have been looking for a nice skirt that hits at the waist and goes down past my knee's.  I can't seem to find one.  But then I remembered this whole suit set I have had in my closet for the last 7 years.  A whole tailored set: suit pants, vest, jacket and skirt.  I pulled it out and finally looked at the faded tag.  Size 6.  What?!  Why didn't I look at it sooner??

So I put on the skirt and I'm in love.

 

The sad part?  I took it to wear to church over Christmas at my parents house and had just finished changing Naomi's diaper and went to get off the bed and did a bit of the splits and "rrrrrriip".  Gasp. Tears.  Run around like a crazy person trying to find needle and thread.  So, I sewed it as best I could in the 3 minutes before we were supposed to walk out the door.  But I still need to go seam rip it again and do it right on my sewing machine.  

I still feel awful, but I'll fix it and if I can't do a good enough job I'll find someone who will.  

Isn't it beautiful?  Well, I think it is and mostly probably because it belonged to my Great Grandmother.  She passed away in 2006 and I don't remember a lot of her.  She had Alzheimers and by the time she couldn't remember who I was I was around 10 - 12 years old.  But I do enjoy the stories my Grandma tells me about her in the nursing home :)  And anything I learn about her past.  

Wasn't she beautiful?  I love this picture.  And Grandma... I'm sorry I ripped your skirt because I'm stupid sometimes and don't think that some fabrics don't stretch.  I hope it wasn't your favorite.  Don't worry.... I'll fix it.

Bucket List

My friend, Paloma, left a comment on my post below about how a pair of those fantastic beautiful shoes were on her bucket list.  It got me thinking.... a bucket list!  What a great idea.  I'm making one.  So here is my first few things (in no particular order) (and some may be done already):

1.  Visit the Harry Potter Theme Park.

2.  Go on a Caribbean Cruise. 

3.  Surf in Hawaii (CHECK!)

4.  Skydive or bungee jump

5.  Visit New York City

6.  Eat at the top of the Space Needle

7.  Own a pair of Christian Louboutin Shoes

And that's it for now!  I think this will get pretty long at one point.  I can't forget the things I've already done, but should be on there anyway. 

Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!  Jaren came home with chocolates and a dozen, long stemmed red roses that are more beautiful than any that he has given me before.  And what did he want for his Valentines dinner?  Risotto?  Chicken Cordon Bleu?  New York Steak?  Fettuccine Alfredo?  Anything dinnery and something specialy?!  Nope.  Turkey bacon sandwich.  So, of course I smoked up the house and burnt the bacon.  But he still said it was delicious and exactly what he wanted.  Ahhh, he's the perfect Valentine. 

If I Had 7,387.49 Dollars

I would buy these things on my (mostly)frivolous wish list:

$399.00   Bose Sound Dock.  

I love music.  I listen to it all the time.  My daughter is evidence enough since she has been dancing since she was 7 months old and could sit up and bounce/sway/move her shoulders.  Currently I am toting around a pair of old computer speakers and my iPod.  Works alright, but doesn't have the sound or the look this much prettier choice has. 

$164.99  16 gig iPod Nano - Pink

Again, I love music!  I am currently using my 4 gig Nano that I bought with 4 months worth of tips back in August of 2006.  I paid $250 for it and I can't believe how the price and style has changed.  I love this new model since it's perfect for running and I wont have to have the tan-line from my arm band that I have to carry my current iPod in.  Not to mention I can get it in pink.  Or Graphite since it looks gold and it's fantastic.

$695.00  Black Pump - Christian Louboutin

Since it seems that in any given month I am dressing up in dresses and heels 4-5 times I want timeless staples.  And that would be some black leather pumps.  I love shoes and when I'm in a dress I prefer heels.  Since chances are more likely I'll never be able to afford a pair of these I could settle for the below example.

$89.95 Black Pump - Steve Madden

Cheaper, not as luxurious and comfortable and beautiful, but $600 cheaper, so who cares?  Me. Oh well, I can dream.

$795.00 Red Pump - Christian Louboutin

I really like paring red shoes with black and white outfits.  I have quite a few black and white outfits.  I don't know why the red is more than the black, but if I was ever able to afford the black I'm sure I'd be in the position to afford the red.  And they would last me forever - my entire life and then some, right?  Would that justify it? 

$89.95 Red Pump - Steve Madden

And here is the much, much cheaper (but not as beautiful, comfortable and not even real leather) option.  Right now I am using an open toed pump that I bought for $10 back in September of 2006.  They have a few scuff marks on the sides but otherwise are alright.  Oh, they are horribly uncomfortable.  I'm ready for an upgrade.  How about a $785 upgrade?  I know, stop rolling your eyes.  Or maybe you're nodding your head and drooling?

$89.95 Nude Pump - Steve Madden

Nude is supposed to go with everything and there are a few things I have that I don't exactly have the perfect shoe for.  So, I'm on the market for a Nude Pump.  And I really like the look of the hidden platform.  Which most of these options have.

$580.00  Nude Pump - Brian Atwood

I had to.  I believe I have a fetish with expensive beautiful shoes the same reason I have one with jeans.  They are better made and are more comfortable.  They also last longer - assuming you care for them properly.  I don't have any of these expensive heels, though.  I do have really nice jeans (although I am proud to say I have never paid full price for a pair) and can testify of their value.

$895  Nude Pump - Christian Louboutin

So, I know I'm looking for regular timeless pumps, but this is beautiful and I think I'd do it instead of the others if it were ever an option.  I think someday when we are ever somewhere where I can try a pair of Loutoutin's on, I will.  And I'll blog about the experience.  :)

$2,306.50  Canon 5D Mark II

I don't even think I have to explain this.  But the picture taking quality, the options, the high ISO - everything about it makes it loads better than my scrony t1i.  It's a purchase I hope to make in the next year - assuming I can save enough and book enough clients to make the money. 

$1419.00  Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L

I want a wide angle lens.  I wouldn't mind the fixed 35mm as I really love my fixed 50mm, but I want the zoom this provides.  I've found that with taking pictures of kids you need to be able to be further away and at a moments notice catch an expression closer up.  I would probably buy this before the camera body above - which would mean putting it off for longer than a year.

$179.00  Shoot Sac

Currently I'm using a bulky camera bag backpack thing that I have to take off my shoulder, unzip and pull out the lens I want to use, then change the lenses, put the other back in, zip it back up and put it back on my back.  Time consuming and inconvenient and costly since I lose shooting opportunities.  I have heard good reviews about this bag -so it's on my list of priorities.

$395.00  Black Studded Boot

I'm looking for a black boot with around a 3 inch heel to wear with jeans.  I've been on the look out for a while now, but haven't found anything that strikes my fancy enough.  These are beautiful and would work great.  But if I had $400 to spend on shoes, I'm not totally sure if I would choose these.  Although, I would use them more than any of the pumps that are on my list.

$139.00  Kindle

I love love love to read.  The library here is found wanting and I can't afford the amount of books I want to read.  Since books only cost a few bucks with the kindle I wouldn't feel so bad buying a book that I'm not exactly sure I'd want to read again.  Since I re-read books every few years I don't mind buying a book if it's good enough to re-read.  The only problem is buying one that I don't want to have in my library and not being able to return it.  It's a waste.  With this it would be alright.

And this, ladies and gentlemen concludes my current lust list.  What is on yours?

Therapeuting

I didn't make any resolutions this year.  I did it on purpose.  Well, I thought about it, but I let it slip by, then I was two weeks into the new year and decided "oh well". 

You see, I do really well with one of my 5 plus resolutions all year, but the others fall away eventually.  I don't want to be a failure this year.  So I decided to not set lofty goals for a whole year.  I'll do some as I go and if I don't keep up I'm not too worried.  Because a week ore two or a month later I usually pick back up where I left off. 

So, here I am over a month into 2011 and I have decided to come out of hibernation.  My hibernating consisted of playing with Naomi, reading, making a headboard, ironing all of Jarens 17 shirts, watching Prison Break, reading some more, cooking, reading again, Naomi, Naomi, sleeping, reading, occasional cleaning, laundry once a week and even more reading. 

I haven't even been taking pictures.  What kind of mother am I?!  But I have been videoing so don't get your panties in a bunch.  Or knot.  However that works. 

I decided I'm going to start therapeuting.  What is theraputing, you ask?  Well, it's doing things that are therapeutic to you.  Or ends with the resulted feeling like you've been lying on a couch talking someone's ear off about all of your worries and troubles so you leave feeling elated, light, happy and effervescent. 

Here are my therapies:

Write:  because if you've read more than one post you know I like to talk.  You may also know talking makes me feel better.  So I'm going to blab all I want here and not feel bad if I don't post a picture or if no one reads.  Because I feel better.  But I do like comments...

Exercise:  Because I feel free.  I love being in shape and shame on me for not keeping up with an exercise routine for more than 2 weeks since JUNE.  I started running again last week and as long as I do it 3-5 times a week I'll be happy. 

Clean:  the actual cleaning is NOT therapeutic for me.  In fact, I really don't care for it and I have to be in a really special mood to get going.  But the end result is what makes me happy.  And it makes Jaren even more happy than it makes me and that adds to my happiness.  Right now my house is disgusting.  I'm not going to get it all done in a day - or a week.  I'm going to pick a small thing each day and maybe over the course of the next month my house will sparkle.  Literally.  And maybe even I'll pick up a good habit of staying on top of it all.  (Again, I'm not getting my hopes up).

Naomi:  I'm going to take more pictures and video even more.  Because she is awesome.  And really whiny right now because she is getting 2 pre-molars and 2-4 k-9 teeth.  And she is a dancing machine.  And blabbers.  And I need to entertain her and help her to find more things to entertain her other than Dora, Baby MacDonald and Baby signing time.  Not that any of those are bad choices to spend one's time, but I would rather her run around and laugh and play. And I need to get her pooping regularly.  Poor thing.  It's a good thing she likes Prunes.  Oh, AND I need her to feed herself!  UGH.  AND I need to figure out how to wean her off a bottle because she is quite attached.  QUITE. 

So.  Here I go.

I Am Thankful For...

Garbage disposals.

Aren't they wonderful? You can stick your plate right in the sink and rinse it off. Not worrying about food getting stuck in your drain and then the stink. Or cleaning out those drain strainers (which is gross). And you limit the amount of food that you put in your garbage under your sink. Because if after almost every meal you'r scraping your plate in the garbage, it begins to stink. And then every time you go to put anything in your garbage you hold your breath and open and close the door so fast. Except for when you forget and you get a lungful and then immediately push out the air and run away as fast as you can somewhere else.

*source*

Now.... if only I had one.....

So, We Were Still Snowed In

The next morning I went out and took some pictures of some drifts and the road.  I kept looking down the road thinking I was going to get ran over by some trucker going 70 mph.  Or at least a snow plow.  But none came.  Not until around 1:30 p.m. were we even kind of rescued. 

  Here is the road.  The only reason you can tell is the telephone polls and about 15 minutes before I came outside some nutso had his truck in 4 high and rammed his way through.  Lucky for him the snow had settled through out the night - if he had tried that the day before he would have been stuck.  

 Kind of like the guy that tried after him was stuck for over an hour until a neighbor came and helped him out.

Oh, thank you good Samaritan.   

I turned around and this is the road going the other direction.  Looks okay for a few 50 feet or so, yeah?  I had Jaren walk with me down to the drift you can see all the way at the top of the photo (little grey line).

Then I had him stand in front of it.  See?!  Touches his hiney!  Jaren is 6 feet tall.  So.. umm.. this one looks to be about... uh... half of that.  Maybe.

Then one of our neighbors rides up on a snowmobile.  Talking about the crazy guy who drove on through.  We were all shocked he made it.  And then...  I saw this little guy.

The poor soul has arthritis.  Not to mention the wobbly snow.  He lives in the house across the street from us.  Come on Buck!  I think that's his name....

King of the snow drift!

Few, good thing I had some momentum going from going down that giant snowdrift.

Oh, hey Whitney.  Just passin' through.  Would you mind gettin' out of my tire track?  I'm a little too tired to go off-roadin' today.

Then we went back to the house.  The most shallow parts were probably 3 inches (except the sidewalk) while the deepest was probably 4 - 5 feet?

Here we are.  During much happier and greener times.  When Jaren dug out half of the yard to level it out.  You're looking at the same front yard.

Then we had new grass.  New pretty green grass that Naomi was too afraid of.  She really didn't like touching the grass.  It was too pokey. 

See how there are railroad tie's behind her?  That made quite the nice drift spot.

Into the backyard/sideyard we go.  Where I dropped the exposure a little again so you could get some better dimension to this giant pile.

But then I would rather have Jaren stand by the post so you could see just how tall it was.  Even though he was 5-6 feet in front of it so the scaling was a little off.

So in I come.  All ready for a winter's walk.  Like I can do any better.

But wait!  I'll walk into it!  I got as far as my boots being completely covered before I decided that was as far as I go.  It was probably 4 feet deep? I didn't have a measuring stick!

Yes, yes, I know.  She's the cutest lady bug you've EVER seen!  Me, too.  But the point of this photo (besides to show off how adorable she is(right before that leaf went into her mouth and I dropped the camera) is the fence she is 13 feet in front of is the same fence in the pictures above. 

And here it is from the road.  So, from behind.  There is maybe 3 feet of the fence showing, but it's at least 5 1/2ish feet tall.  

Keep in mind this is all from just 2 days of snow.  And a whole lot of wind!  I really didn't expect Thanksgiving to look like Christmas.

What's the Difference?

I lied.  Ok, not really, it's just that the "after the snowed in blizzard" post has so many pictures I'm going to take a little more time on it.  So, hopefully tomorrow. 

Today I have a game for you.

The two pictures below were taken on the same day in the same spot.  One was around 11 a.m. and the other was around 3 p.m.  Which is why the lighting is so different. 

Other than those things - can you tell me what is different?

That Time We Were "Snowed In"

One week ago yesterday.  So, last Tuesday we were technically snowed in.  A giant blizzard had hit Monday and the wind blew and blew and blew and it snowed and snowed and snowed for over 2 days strait.

I decided that was the day I really wanted to see Harry Potter.  We had tried to go once before.  Saturday, the day after Jaren's birthday but after Nae woke up at 10:30 p.m. vomiting giant amounts of whatever was in her tummy over and over again we decided we had better stay home.  Don't worry, she was fine after we changed her and let her take turns sleeping ON (she wouldn't sleep in our bed) us.  Needless to say we didn't sleep much.  Or at all.  Well, I did when Jaren had his turn because I brought out my own pillow out to the couch.  J-boy did not.

So, when you have plenty of big giant tractors at your disposal you can go anywhere!

We just decided to go 2 miles to his parents house, where we would drop Nae off, and borrow their SUV.  Because from their house (closer to civilization) the roads are a bit better taken care of.

I took lots of pictures...

Leaving our driveway - can you even see the road?

See how it's already about a foot deep?  The dark you see on the bottom of the picture is ground level.  That is a ditch.

Ok... looks a little creepy.  Like we are in some enchanted medow with misty floors.  Except we are in a tractor....  Kind of takes away the romanticism of it all.

So I dropped the exposure so you could see the drifts a little more clearly.  You can see the road, then you can see the drift in front of it that a truck couldn't plow through. 

Then there was the time, or 90% of the time it was a white out and we kept on the road by following the telephone polls. 

And there was that other time that we went over a drift instead of through it and Nae and I were thrown to the side because Jaren's side of the tractor was 3 feet higher than our side.  That was weird.

These tree's look a little droopy.....

We made it to Jaren's parent's.  Dropped the kid off and took off again.

You can at least see some road.

We were driving along, just driving a long when we came up on this little fella.

We were so glad, because when it looked like this we could at least follow our friend up there.

I floated down this river with my Young Women girls this summer and suffered from a 1st degree sunburn.  Sigh..... 

And the closer we got to town the better it looked!  It usually does.

It didn't even look like the wind was blowing!  

Remember this?!

The long awaited tasty delicious Cardne Asada.  It's probably my most favorite Mexican concoction ever.  I kick myself often when I realize I grew up in an 80% (or something like that) Hispanic town and never learned how to make this and the rice!!  I think I'll call an old friend and see if her mom will teach me over Christmas.

And my studly date who let me get Rolo's at the movie.  He's fantastic like that.

I'll tell you what I thought of the movie.  It was the first Harry Potter movie that I walked out of happy with how they took it from the book.  There are only two things they left out that I wish they hadn't.  I don't want to spoil it for everyone... even though the 2 parts aren't that big of a deal.  Ok, don't read the next paragraph if you don't want to know what is left out...

1.  Dudley and Harry's goodbye.  I liked what Dudley said to him, and that Harry wasn't hated by him.  I'm a sap.
2.  The poster's in Luna's room.  Why didn't they show them?  The pictures of Harry and his friends with the word, "Friends".  Again... I'm a sap.
Both of these things combined would have taken all of 4 minutes.  And then I would have been 100% happy with the movie!  Instead I'm just 97.5% happy.

And also, on the way home we passed a truck who thought he was way too cool for the 3-4 foot drifts and plowed right into one.  He was stuck.  Poor guy.  And also again, when we were within 100 yards of our driveway we hit a particularly unruly giant drift that the tractor almost didn't make it through!  And also again again, Naomi loved the tractor ride.  Talking and singing the whole time we were bouncing and being thrown around.  Silly girl.

Tomorrow I'll post pictures I took the next morning before the plows came.  I know you're all on the edge of your seats!