in memory

I have a hole in my heart that will not be filled.  And, I am thankful for that.  We had Othello for over 16 years and he was noisy, brave, funny, tenacious, snuggly, annoying, friendly, whiny, and affectionate.

In the past several months I know of several people who have lost loved ones.  For some reason the chorus lyrics to a Dr. Dog keeps running through my head.  The rest of the song’s lyrics are not really applicable, but the chorus reminds me that we are not alone in our grief.

“We're all in it together now
As we all fall apart
And we're swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts.”

Dr. Dog in Jackie Wants a Black Eye
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfKf7Zz5Dug

a t-shirt conspiracy

During my visit to Goodwill last weekend, I got the t-shirt (and the red cardigan sweater) I am wearing today.  It was a score since the shirt was brand-new, however, I did not know what H.A.A.R.P. stood for.  I took a risk and bought it.  So I did some research today in case I was supporting something horrible.

 

I found the t-shirt designer (http://www.paranormalapparel.com/journal/haarp/276) and the background on the image:

 “H.A.A.R.P. stands for the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, and is not a secret or classified project. On their website it plainly states that the site is “a premier facility for the study of ionospheric physics and radio science,” but many people believe it has another purpose not so benign. Many people believe HAARP is a potential global weapon that can control the weather.”

 

Of course, I also went to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Frequency_Active_Auroral_Research_Program) and read more about the conspiracy theories.

“HAARP is the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. Various individuals have speculated hidden motives and capabilities to the project, and have blamed it for triggering catastrophes such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, thunderstorms, earthquakes in Iran, Pakistan, Haiti and the Philippines, major power outages, the downing of TWA Flight 800, Gulf War syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.”

To my delight, one of the specific allegations included:

 “Former Governor of Minnesota and noted conspiracy theorist Jesse Ventura questioned whether the government is using the site to manipulate the weather or to bombard people with mind-controlling radio waves. An Air Force spokeswoman said Ventura made an official request to visit the research station but was rejected- ‘he and his crew showed up at HAARP anyway and were denied access.’”

So, I still on the fence if this is a t-shirt I should be seen wearing or it will become a house-shirt.  And, the moral of today’s story is that yes, one can learn from fashion.

$19.95

This is the cost of the army-green blazer I got from Goodwill over the weekend.  It is the most I have paid for one single item at a thrift store and I think that includes furniture.  Feels like it was way overpriced but it fits wonderfully (which is unusual for me and blazers), it is machine washable (I mean, who voluntarily buys dry clean only) and it is perfect for work (Anne Taylor Loft!).  The color is a bit neutral and unexciting but it has potential to match about anything and it seems great for fall.  I am wearing it today over a JCPenny shirt and with black jeans.  And, with my red nut ring.

I went to Goodwill to refresh my wardrobe for work, as well as a fun distraction.  I had time to spare and I was alone (which is essential for good thrift store shopping).  I needed the distraction from real life.  It sounds a bit materialistic and this is one of my concerns since I never want to be too wrapped up in clothes and stuff.  But, I have started to come to the conclusion that everyone has their distractions – action movies, a stupid book, a funny sitcom, delicious food, alcohol.  Comforts to pad the rough shitty edges of what you are going through.  Bringing enjoyment into your life.  And, is that so bad?

You may note by my better photos that I got a new camera/phone.  (Side note that eventually we will stop calling them phones and will call them some hybrid of face-camera-text-wiki-book.  I am still working on the name.)  Here are some fun fashion orientated apps that I have started to play with: Zulily, Zappos, Modcloth, Pose, Brit + co., Instructables, and craftgawker.  The last one being a great collection of photos showing you random crafts and projects that people have done along with instructions.  Sort of inspiring.

threesome

I am trying to enjoy the last days of summer by wearing skirts. 

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to connect the correct skirt with the correct top. WWKD.

choose your own adventure

After waking up and showering, you head back in your bedroom to dress.  If you pull on a favorite pair of comfortable jeans, go to page 20 (“weekend”).  If you put on pink dress slacks and a new black dress shirt from Target, continue on this page.

You pack your work bag with your lunch of leftover pizza and an apple.  And, you notice a hard boiled egg from last week in the refrigerator.  If you decide to eat the egg right now,  go to page 35 (“sad cold breakfast”).  If you realize that it is way way too early to eat so you pack the egg in your bag so that you can eat at work, continue on this page.

You have 10 minutes to pack up, walk 9 blocks and catch your bus.  You heard it was supposed to rain today.  If you leave home without a jacket, go to page 12 (“denial that summer is over”).  If you put on a rain jacket, continue on this page.

Today is Thursday and you have nothing planned for this evening.  You think about your night and what you want to do.  If you decide that you are going to run after work even if it is raining, go to page 102 (“will power”).  If you think about doing the dishes and perhaps put in a load of laundry as you sit on the couch with the cats and your husband as you watch football, then you WIN!

bridesmaid power activated!

Here is 3/6 of the bridesmaids.
It was a beautiful day.
Happiness to the bride and groom!