I'm still here

I'm still here. Busy as ever trying to loose weight, eat clean, trying to convince myself that I like exercise and ruminating about what's next. My kids will soon be in 10th and 12th grades and my career needs a revamp. I'm struggling with how much they need me home. You see, my younger son, Rocket Arm, likes to have me around after school, but he'd be fine if I was working more. The older one, Slugger, is very independent. Both boys know their way around the kitchen, and have been raised to know how to prepare some basic meals, clean up after themselves and function as young men. We are close even though they are rarely home before 5pm these days. There is a practical need for me to be working more - perhaps outside of the home as college is around the corner and some major home renovations are needed. I've been spoiled by 10 years of a very flexible schedule, the absence of office politics and zero commute. Even when I've had part-time gigs, I wasn't invested enough to get pulled into the seemingly inevitable BS. My commute was during off hours, so I could listen to music and enjoy the drive. My husband has been spoiled too and can work as many hours as needed to earn his keep and advance his career, though he'd be happy to dial it back a bit. I think he's exhausted.

I've also been finding satisfaction with less.  Not much has been added to my wardrobe this year (except for shoes) and I feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we have in our closets. Somehow, as much as I purge, it isn't enough. My fantasy is a really lean closet of beautiful, practical pieces I can feel good about owning. The only exception to this closet diet is shoes. It seems I can always justify a new pair. I am hard on my shoes, so having a large rotation isn't the worst thing in the world. My sweet husband even gave me a lovely necklace for our anniversary and I'm considering returning it to buy a new bag. Practically speaking I need a bag more than another piece of jewelry....does this make me a terrible person??? I have been on the hunt for my next bag for ages and budget was a major consideration. .... first world problems - I know!

Finally, the wedding.  It is rapidly approaching and the original dress, while gorgeous was returned. My seamstress couldn't fix the cleavage problem to our satisfaction, which was a deal breaker. There have been several selections ordered and returned until what I hope is the final cut.

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This dress is unlike anything I've ever worn, and I really do like it. It is very comfortable, flattering and festive. A major plus - I don't need to worry about uncomfortable foundation garments. I also have an ample selection of shoes, bags and jewelry to put the look together. I scored the dress during a pricing promotion which saved a bundle. Though I was hesitant to wear black, I think it is fine for an evening wedding (especially since I'm not trying to make statement about the couple). However, I've got my fingers crossed that Halston releases this dress in another color for fall in my fantasy hues of marsala or a deep crimson-wouldn't that be pretty?

Enough about me. What have you been up to?  I'd love to chat :-)