TToT – Summer’s Fast and Final Blast
How can a week go by so quickly and so slowly at the same time?
Somehow, these last two weeks have flown by in exactly that manner and Labor Day is upon us. We’ve had a wonderful last bit of summer, even if it did go by a little too quickly. Zilla and I have spent a ton of time doing chores, learning math games for school, playing, crafting, and doing a bunch of nothing but snuggling. The Hub has been with us for some of it, but most days has been happily busy at work. We’re still reeling in the thankfulness for that!
But there are many more thankfuls this week, so I’m going to dive right in…
Let’s start by picking up with the end of last week’s list. When last we saw our Heroine (that would be me), she was headed off on a desperate last-minute search for beach-appropriate attire. Super Sister and I walked into the store and it was FALL I tell you. Fall sweaters and jeans everywhere. Nevertheless, we were there for swimwear so we hit the clearance racks and – unbelievably – were successful!
Let me just insert here that clothing shopping flat out sucks. I don’t care how old or young you are, what size or shape, thick, thin, tall, short, your ideal whatever. Clothing shopping is a horrible feat for nine different reasons. Period. But every now and then it can be somewhat tolerable. Even a pleasant surprise.
For starters, I did indeed find swim separates. In my size, even. I found black bottoms that I liked well enough and a swim top in precisely my bra size. However. The top? OMG with the very large very shiny very gold designs on it. Mmmm…no thanks. And the bottoms ended up being very long – like up to my chest long. So scrap that. But we did find a pair of better-fitting bottoms in my size and an athletic top that worked together. Good enough. And here’s the best part – since that top is actually an athletic top, it will see good use for exercise. I’ve already worn it on two other occasions because it is wicked comfortable. Worth the sale price for sure.
In addition, I found a terrific t-shirt-y maxi dress that was perfect for the beach. OK, so it’s actually labeled “sleepwear,” but Super Sister pointed out that it was more coverage and better material than some of the non-sleep, actually intended for public viewing maxis. I grabbed it because it looks awesome. OK, maybe not on the hanger, but trust me – it’s cute and it’s way comfortable.
AND – yes, there’s more – AND I tried on a maxi that I would never in a million years have tried say two years ago, but the BFF has convinced me that it never hurts to just try and not to be afraid of how anything might look. So I tried on this crazy-looking maxi in a green and black stripey pattern and was pleasantly surprised to find out that it fit perfectly and was unbelievably comfortable. Sold. I look like a big, beautiful green and black zebra in it and I love it. Wearing it to dinner tonight for a date with the Fab Hub.
So I walked out with all four pieces for less than the original price of the zebra dress alone. THAT, friends, is a tolerable shopping trip. And having the Super Sister along was great fun. Her eye is much more complimentary and forgiving than my own about my outfits. So while clothing shopping is generally a torturous experience, this one was one for the record books.
On Monday we took a semi-impromptu trip to the beach for the day. Late last week we saw that the weather forecast was to be absolutely perfect, so we decided to go. The weather really was perfect – temps in the upper 70s, not a single cloud in the sky, and a very light ocean breeze. It was lovely. The worst thing we could say was that the surf was a bit rough, but with tropical storms off the coast in the days prior to our trip, it wasn’t surprising.
Overall, we had a great time. Zilla got her first taste of the beach and the ocean. We spent a few hours on the beach, visited the boardwalk aquarium, and had dinner and frozen yogurt in town before heading home. We opted for a day trip because, well, it was not exactly planned in advance and we didn’t want to make a huge commitment in the event that Kidzilla hated the beach. She loved it – particularly the taste of the salt water on her lips – and asked to go for her birthday next summer. While a two-hour drive isn’t the worst for a day trip to the beach, I would not choose to do that again – you can’t possibly do everything you want to do in a day trip. So in the future, if we do the beach, we’ll plan to go for a few days.
I should probably say here that I am thankful my Mom and the Fab Hub did not toss me out of the car on the drive home. I’m a terrible, nervous passenger and my road anxiety levels were particularly high on the return trip. And that is a gross understatement. I’m thankful to the Hub for being a patient and calm driver, even with a crazy anxiety-riddled wife in the passenger seat, and for getting us home safely in spite of all the crazy not-so-safe drivers that shared the road with us.
I’m thankful to be holding on to my previous weight loss, despite several restaurant meals in the last couple of weeks. That can add up pretty quickly. So I’m glad to have made fairly decent choices, I guess, or else thankful to be lucky enough not to have re-gained those lost pounds.
As the news that I am not returning to my teaching position this year started to spread this week, I’ve been asked by several people what I’ll be doing now. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reaction from people and thankful to have figured out a good answer! I was kind of stumbling all over that for the first few inquiries.
And in other job-related news, the Hub was asked to step into the office on his way out of work yesterday. He emerged surprised and delighted to find that the length of the term of his employment has been extended! He was originally brought on as temporary until the end of October with a review of the technical needs of the position sometime during that month to determine what would happen at that point. But we are so glad to know already that he’ll be staying at least for the year!
Tonight the Hub and I are having a grown-up dinner out and Kidzilla will get to spend time with my Aunt D. and Uncle D. (her Godfather) and their dog so she will have a wonderful time, too!
OH, yes, and I must mention how thankful I am to Rotten Cats One and Three for helping with the laundry this week…I really wanted to wash that basket of whites twice, Cat One. Good job reminding me. And thanks, Cat Three, for napping all over my freshly-folded jeans.
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Cat Three also provided more than a few minutes of laughter for us this week when we discovered that he’s afraid of our new lobster sheets. He kept walking on them, sniffing at them, then jumping back when his own weight made the lobsters wiggle.
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I so wish I had video, but we couldn’t grab the camera fast enough. Trust me when I say it was highly entertaining. If you have cats, you can imagine!
I’d say that’s a pretty full week…now it’s your turn! What have been your moments of thankfulness this week? What events surprised and delighted you? Share ’em in the comments or – better yet – link up with the Ten Things of Thankful hop!
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Your day on the beach sounds like so much fun, Lisa! Especially with a new swim suit. And congrats to your hubby for getting his contract extended! The dinner with hubby was definitely a good way to celebrate! Have a great weekend!
Well, we’re still waiting on some (OK most) of the details of his extension, but we’re very hopeful that it will all be great. As for dinner…unfortunately, we do that far too seldom so it will be a very good thing.
Have a great weekend to you, too!
Well, I like this post because it gives a bit of a glimpse at the physical you. Shopping, and I assume that’s Zilla in the leopard suit with pink ruffles. Still eager to hear more of what you’ll be doing with yourself. Now with some extra time on your hands, you could always travel to the DC area, you know.
Yes, that’s our little pink leopard girl. As if the suit wasn’t enough, imagine the entire ensemble…matching sunhat, beach bag, flip-flops, AND sunglasses. To die.
I could travel to DC. Except that means highways. Things like the Beltway or I-95. And I’m still in post-traumatic stress mode from the Garden State Parkway. 😀
Oh, my goodness, I love the story of Rotten Cat #3 and the lobster sheets! I can picture it clearly! I always get help with laundry and bed making, too. Do yours ever get under the fitted sheet, lie on their backs, and push all four feet up against the sheet for you to play with?
Good news about Fab Hub and the job! Yay!
Your beachwear shopping expedition is to be envied. And I love the maxi dress!
So glad Zilla loved the beach! Now you know and can make plans for next summer. I’m envious that you can take a day trip to the beach! It’s quite a commitment for us to go!
Yeah, he’s hysterical being afraid of them. And I may or may not have exacerbated the situation by making them wiggle at him. Can’t say any of them have ever gotten under the fitted sheet, but they do manage to get between sheet and spread and then get all upset that they’re trapped.
It is good news about the Fab Hub – we’re still waiting for some details, but it’s a great thing. Now we don’t have to wonder until October. Truly an answer to prayers.
How great is this dress??? Honestly, two years ago I would not have put on anything like this but I think the older I get the more I think “eh, who cares? I’ll wear what like.”
Well…the daytrip thing is a matter of opinion. Yes, it’s a two hour drive which, in theory, makes a day trip reasonable. But. It took us more like three with traffic. So it’s kind of on the fence, if you ask me. But in theory, yes, it can be done. I think I’d much prefer to stay a few days. And if we do go next summer, we’ll look for a place a bit less “Jersey Shore” and more family-centered. 😀
Ohhh that beach looks GORGEOUS! I’m glad you had such a lovely time, and that you’re going to go back for LONGER next time. YAY! BEACH! What are the shells like?
Hope you have a gorgeous date, and YES! Now I see what you mean about clothing thankfuls. You’re right. There are definitely clothing thankfuls here. And I’m still smiling at the corners to think of you as a beautiful black-and-green zebra 🙂
The beach was nice, but nothing like the really nice beaches here. It was a gorgeous day, though. The shells are lousy – Zilla was quite disappointed. We get lots of tiny little broken things. Nothing good, really. It’s sad.
I’m glad you enjoyed my black and green zebra image. It’s really the best thing I can think of for an explanation.
I loved reading about your week. Gee, we have a lot in common. That clothes shopping thing. UGH. But I love clothes, I just hate to shop for them. It’s great to find something that fits and looks good, too. The teaching thing, too. I left in June 2013. I’d love to know the answer you give. Hope you had a great date with your hub. The weight loss thing is forever.
The clothing thing is universal, Val, I’m convinced of it.
Seems we do have a few things in common! I’ll be posting more about my new life (and my answer) this week. For real this time!
We had a lovely date…until the kid at the next table started screeching! Honestly, why do people take small children to grownup restaurants so late at night???
This Kansas girl LOVES the beach! And in new and appropriate fitting swimwear?! Lets just say I can only imagine!
So, glad your husband’s job is working out so well. Long as he is happy, I will keep my fingers crossed for permanent employment!
The Hub absolutely loves what he’s doing and he is indeed very happy. It’s hard to imagine any of this from where we stood two years ago, but I believe it is all for the best and all exactly where we’re supposed to be right now. It is so good to see him enjoying what he does and coming home excited about how he spent his day, rather than worn down by it as had been the case several years ago. Losing his job was not even close to what we would have wished for, but it’s turned out to be the gateway to great things for all of us. You just never know where life will take you. Keep those fingers crossed!
I love your dedication to doing the weekly thankful post. It sounds like this week made it super easy to find those 10 things. I’m glad you had a great week – you survived bathing suit shopping (which is huge), but even more importantly, the lengthening of your husband’s contract must take so much pressure off you both.
Thanks, Tammy. The TToT post is a great thing since it’s about all I get posted lately! I have so many drafts and so many things to post…but then the week gets away from me and the next thing I know, it’s the weekend again!
Surviving bathing suit shopping was awesome – and my new bottoms are a swell hot pinkish, too! Fantastic!
Yes, this extension is a great thing in a lot of ways – we’re pretty excited!
SO I went back twice because I am not good at reading for content but did you say what your answer was re what you will be doing without teaching? Just wondering cuz happily it sounds youre very content with your decision… maybe I will go check one more time… I love the rotten cats btw! This week I had just ironed some clothes for work (linen… why bother ironing) and had laid it out on the bed … only to come out of the shower and find skip had nested in it and had it all bunched up under him while he slept… (I think he is part rotten cat… rotten poodle?)
Haha – I did not actually say what my answer was. Very clever, Zoe! I’m saving it for later. Mostly because I like to keep Dyanne guessing! I am completely happy right now and very content with the decision – it feels very right. I think I was just kind of stunned to have to answer the question at all!
The Rotten Cats are pretty loveable…I have to admit it. But they absolutely enjoy doing things to completely torment me. Uh oh – sounds like Skips and the Three Rotten Cats have been secretly communicating. Think we should worry?
The suit is too cha-cha for words! Love that kid and so happy she enjoyed her beach time.
Only my kid could pull off that ensemble…you should see her with all the matching accessories!
Meanwhile, did you miss the other great stuff in that list??? There is much you do not even know yet…
I didn’t miss it 🙂 I thought we could try to grab coffee so you can catch me up!
We can do that…before the school year eats you up! Texting you now.
I hate shopping and only do it when absolutely necessary. Lately I’ve been shopping online quite a bit. Sounds like you got some awesome deals though.
Hope you’re having a great long weekend. I’d love to go and jump in the water in your beach pictures. Cats are so entertaining!
My sister has taken to shopping online almost exclusively. Have to admit it’s a much better prospect – no overheated stores, no blazing lights and unflattering mirrors. But I have to try things on before I commit and online shopping makes that kind of difficult. Yes, items can be returned fairly easily but that feels like a hassle. I do love a good sale, though!
We are enjoying the last long weekend – hope you are too!
Lisa, congrats to you and hub on the job front. That sounds like incredible news!
We were surprised and delighted, Michelle. Thanks!
agree with L a very good looking beach…and weather and such.
while I do am not prone to car travel-based anxiety, I can commiserate with the experience of, what we call in our area, ‘beach traffic’….this is a genuinely peculiar thing, the percentage of jerks-driving-cars is way high and every other negative aspect of driving in traffic conditions is totally heightened.
good news on the good and not-job-but-comfortable-with-transtion-of job-related-aspect-of-life front!
…lol (that last made sense in my head, at any rate).
Yup, beach traffic – that’s precisely what it was. Although by the time we were back in PA, I think it was just plain old jerks-in-cars syndrome. Driving used to be so much more enjoyable when I was younger…
Have to laugh because that last part made sense in my head, too. Completely.
I really hate clothes shopping too so whenever someone has a winning experience then it is all good! The beach is a good place to go a day trip. That is all I can handle of the salt & sand. But kids love it and apparently Kidzilla does too! Such good news about your husband’s job! I will be happy when we are finished with our search.
I’m with you on one day of salt and sand being enough! I’d much prefer being near the beach to on it. But when the kids love it, we go, right? Makes everything different.
It is great to have this news about his job – just need a few details worked out. Best of luck to you with your continued search – I’ve been following that. It stinks, doesn’t it?
That is a really full week! Sounds like a great one. Those photos of the beach make me want to jump in my car and go right now!
That’s kind of what we did – we saw the forecast a couple of days out and decided to go for it!
I’m so glad you posted a photo of the dress–it looks much better than my imagined green-and-black zebra dress did! Woo hoo for a great shopping trip!
Haha…zebra isn’t quite right I guess. The dress is so comfortable.
Shopping for beach appropriate attire… *shudder*
I hate swimsuit/beach shopping with a passion. For one I’m rather small, so any dress immediately becomes maxi, second I’m rather … busty. So either my ladies spill out of the bikini or I’m looking like a Dolly Parton wannabe.
I hear you. Had to laugh at the busty part – I completely understand. Makes shopping for many things difficult, doesn’t it? All in all, I did pretty well, so that’s a big plus!
Ah- so glad you had such a lovely day at the beach and kidzilla loved it!! Definitely worth staying a few days next year!! What a great way to embrace the moment and just go!
Great news about hubs! And YOU with your response to inquiries…
Here we go fall…
Ready or not. It’s here. Sigh.
It is here indeed – ready or not. Kidzilla has jumped in with both feet and so far loves first grade! I…well, I’ve been sick all week so I don’t have much to add! But I do love fall, even if it does mean back to school and back to busy.