Fashion Friday - Apples

Okay, before I get started today with my weekly fashion faux pas (and if you have read my other fashion posts, you know one is coming...), I want to say that my "Fashion Friday" title may be the result of my addiction to blogs.  As I was reading through some of my favorite blogs, I realized that there are a lot of us that use the "Fashion Friday" title to talk about, well... Fashion.  

And in my defense, I was not copying....  At least, I did not realize I was... It just rolled around in my head until I thought "Fashion Friday!  That's sounds like a great title and it forces me to show off my lack of style every Friday!"  I have to say that it just sounds right.... It rolls off the tongue...  It's "cutesy"...  

Roll with it friends!

On to fashion:  Unless you live under a rock, you most likely have seen men walk around with their pants hanging off their bum....  (On behalf of all of us moms, this just looks ridiculous.  Seriously...)

Justin Bieber... You know his momma is probably cringing... "I taught that boy better!"  Okay, maybe that is what I would have said if he was my son...    Really?

So you can imagine what I said when I noticed this:

Yep, that's my pants with my crotch almost to my knees... Okay, almost halfway to my knees...  (This New Year's resolution to "not exaggerate as much" is getting on my nerves!)  Do you think I could start a new trend with this look?  Middle-aged women with low hanging crotches?  

That last phrase sounded better in my head.

  And yes, my zipper does not lay down flat....  Why am I still wearing these?

On Fridays, it is "bluejeans" day at work.  We pay $5.00 for the privilege to wear the jeans and that money goes to a local charity.  I like my little bluejeans Capri pants.  Because I get hot easily, I cannot wear bluejeans all summer long.  So these Capri pants fit the bill.  But I think pants that fit are a better choice.  

My body type is an "apple".  Which basically means that I carry my extra weight in my upper torso with most of my weight focused in my mid-section.  (Lucky me!)  My legs are thinner than the rest of my body and it can make buying pants a problem.  If I get them to fit around my tummy, they generally hang around my legs, hence the sagging crotch.  

With my new commitment to learn how to style myself, I wondered how an "apple" should dress.  

So I "googled"....  Googling is my favorite.

Here are some fashion tips for all of us "apples" out there:

Pants:  

1. Wear boot cut or wide leg.  What I've been reading is apples cannot wear skinny jeans under any circumstance.  I protest this.  And I will capture pictures in a later post to get your thoughts.  I protest this because I LOVE skinny jeans/pants with the right pair of shoes.  Like a pair of boots... or some wedges.  Sometimes, I want to wear a skinny pant.
2. Wear stretchable fabric.  (Duh.)  Stretchable fabric has been my friend since puberty.  In fact, I believe stretchable fabric has never left me like some of my other friends have.  Always loyal, always true. 
3. Purchase a "long leg line".  Because 5' 3 1/2" can totally find a "long leg line."

Tops:

1. Purchase button down shirts and tailored jackets.
2. Purchase tops long enough to hit the hip area (hit below waist line) to hide the problem area - ya' think?
3. Purchase ‘V’ neck tops which give a natural slimming effect.

I will blog pear, hourglass, and tube body shapes in future posts. 

What are you creating this weekend?

xoxo,

Tracy

"Every artist joins a conversation that's been going on for generations, even millennia, before he or she joins the scene."  John Barth

References:

http://lifemixx.com/apple-shaped-body-best-exercises-suitable-clothing.html

http://www.full-figured-beauty.com/apple-shaped-body.html

Friendship Series - The Pursuit of Friendship

To every thing there is a season,and a time to every purpose under the heaven… Ecclesiastes 3:1

   

I’m sure you have seen the email that has made its round on the internet a gazillion times since the beginning of the Internet (when Al Gore invented it).  The one that says something like:

“Some friends are only for a season… Others are for a lifetime.  Forward this email in the next 60 seconds to 10,000 friends otherwise a hairy mole will appear on your face in the morning…”   

Okay, maybe I embellished the last part.  But, you know the one.   

As a woman who has had my share of “come and go” friends, it prompted me to question:  Are friends for a lifetime, or are they just for a season, whatever that season may be? A season may be just a summer, or a season may include all of our lives.   Is friendship fleeting?  Can we women not have life-long friends?  Or are we supposed to come in and out of each others lives as we need each other?

My mom is always saying “Women don’t like me…”  And I, like her, have had my share of revolving friendships.  I will have a friend today and then tomorrow, that person does not want to talk with me any longer.   Or maybe I do not want to talk with them. 

It got me to thinking: We as a society have great examples of great women relationships.   Just look at Laverne and Shirley. 

Need I say any more? 

Come on!  They are a perfect example!  Two opposite women in a long term friendship who forgive each other their faults and make each other better. 

Sidenote:  Do you remember the episode where Laverne and Shirley join medical studies in order to make a little extra money?  Laverne's is the "sleep deprivation" study and Shirley's is the "food deprivation" study?  OMGoodness!!  It still makes me giggle.

Just watch:

Shirley always believes she has the moral high ground over Laverne, but in the end, Laverne teaches Shirley acceptance and love.

And what about the women on Sex in the City?   Here you have four, very different women.  Yet, through all their flaws, they forgive each other.  Though they are different, they come together and connect.  There appears to be no jealousies.  No envy.  They are very honest with each other, which can be brutal, yet, they are four women who want what is best for each other.  That is always evident in each episode.

I know these are TV shows, but can we women have this type of connection in "real life"?  I have friends that no matter what happens in our lives, we pick right back up where we left off.  We can go years with no contact and when we see each other, it is as if we spoke yesterday... So why do we have to wait so long in between to see each other?  Are our lives so busy that we cannot set aside time for those that we love?  Can our husband and children really not survive without mommy around for a few hours? 

And why are some friends just for a season?  Do we really change that much during the relationship? 

Well, I'm going to be writing about some of the women that have touched me during my life.  I want to explore our friendship and the joy that it brought to my life.  I hope we can enjoy this series together.  What are your great examples of friendship?  Why do you believe that some friendships do not last the test of time?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I tell my daughters all the time that "To have friends, you must be a friend." Just like any relationship, friendship must be cultivated, nurtured and valued.   I hope my girlfriends know that they are important to me.

"You can't use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have."  Maya Angelou

Keep creating friends!

xoxo,

Tracy

 

Fashion Friday - Scarf Love

First of all, Happy Anniversary to my mom and stepdad!  Today, they have been married 38 years!  Good for you both!

 

Okay, I believe I am getting better at this fashion stuff...  (I am not sure what you believe.... This is where you say "Hey, I'll leave you a comment then!" Hint...Hint...)

I discarded those HIDEOUS Capri pants, along with a few others, so I am making progress.  

One a side note:  Make sure you have one person that will be completely honest with you about things like your wardrobe.  For me, that's my sister-in-law (SIL) Krystal.  And I LIKE that about her...   Not only will she be completely honest, but she will totally laugh about your gross lack of style!  In fact, I think the exact phrase during her fit of laughter was "Oh my gosh!  You wore that?"  It only added to my shame!!!  Once the laughter has subsided, she will say "Let's go shopping..."  So at least she mocks and then offers assistance....

This week, I added a scarf to one of my outfits.  I was supremely proud of myself!  Now listen...  scarves and I kinda have a love/hate relationship.  I love the fashion sense they give me, but once my "personal summers" kick in, the scarf gets flung across the room....  People walking by me must be willing to duck at a moment's notice!

This week's outfit includes my standard black work pants and a red pullover top.  I added my scarf that has matching colors.  While I am trying to get more "hip", I still have issues with mixing contrasting colors.  Baby steps people....

I think for the summer, that I need to purchase a few "lighter" scarves.  I am sure you are thinking, "It is a SCARF!   How light does it need to be?"  But there are differences in thickness.  Because I have hot flashes, I need something thinner in material.  

Like this one:

 

Or this one!

It's 100% silk and only $7.99!  You cannot beat that.

So, how did I do this week?  

I know this... I did not feel that I needed to hide under my desk this week.  THAT is a good thing!

ON A SERIOUS NOTE:

While I try to keep my blog lighthearted, I wanted to take a moment to discuss this wonderful video below.  (Get tissues handy...)

I have been the hardest on myself my whole life.  I am the first one to criticize myself because I know that if I do it first, then you (the populace) cannot hurt me with your words.  It is my way of protecting myself.  In fact, I would love to point out my "flaws" in the above picture, but I am refusing to allow my negative thoughts to intrude.  

Unfortunately, my insecurities trickled over onto my daughters and now they battle with self esteem.   Us women have been taught our whole lives that blond, blue eyes, tall, and thin (too thin!) is beautiful.  We see if from the time that we are small girls.  Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine are all tiny, big breasted, big eyes and lips, sexual cartoons and we all know from an early age that society believes those women to be beautiful.  When our adjectives to describe ourselves are different, we believe that we must not be beautiful.  

Watch the video below and notice how these women describe themselves, and then how someone they just met describes them.  You will see our warped sense of self.  And after you watch this video, be a little kinder to yourself.  I know I am going to be.

Show your beauty in your creativity.  Whether it is a funky manicure, dynamic eye shadow, a homemade card, or a beautiful home, you can create in your every day life.  YOU and your creativity are what make the world beautiful!

"Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."  Albert Einstein

xoxo,

Tracy

The "Ugly Cupcake" Shower...

My sister-in-law Krystal and I gave our new SIL, Alicia, a baby shower on Sunday.  Actually, Krystal really did everything for the shower.  She booked the 3D ultrasound location, she hired the caterer and she sent out the invitations.  She did all of that because I was at the end of my wedding planning for my daughter during the baby shower planning and Krystal did not want to add any more stress to me.  (Thank you Krystal!)  My job was to handle the decorations and the cupcakes.  That was my only responsibility.  Easy, peasy... I can handle that!  After all, I just hosted "The Wedding of the Century!"

So I ordered the cupcakes about 4 weeks ago.  If you have a Publix Supermarket near you, you know that their bakery makes a delicious cake!  And usually, there are beautifully decorated cakes!  When I called the bakery, I told them that I needed some cupcakes that were decorated for a baby girl.  I told her that I did not know what they had for decorations in regards to cupcakes, so just make it something like sprinkles or roses or something cute.... Apparently, I was too vague...

As I walked up to pick them up, I saw these sitting on the shelf and I said to myself "Please do not be my cupcakes... please"...  And sure enough, she grabbed these ugly things when I said I was here for a pickup.   At this point, 1 hour from the shower, what is a person to do?  Are you kidding me???

Have you seen a cupcake any uglier?   Was it "Bring your 3 year old to work" day and I was just unaware?

I had to call Krystal and be talked off the ledge....  I almost took these back, but I needed to get to the shower to help set up...  They were delicious, but HIDEOUS!   What do think?

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is staying an artist when you grow up..."  Pablo Picasso

Keep creating folks!  It is good for the soul!

Tracy

Fashion Friday - Post 1

Okay, you realize that the only reason I am posting this is to keep myself accountable so that I make a change, right?  Because... this is embarrassing.  

As I have stated before, I am trying to update my fashion sense and I am failing miserably.  Take a look at this ensemble that I actually wore to work this week. 

Egads!  (Does anyone say that anymore?)

I am a short woman.  These Capri pants did NOTHING to help to elongate myself.  The sneakers I can forgive because I have a sprained ankle (hence, the untied shoe).  But the casual shirt, the too big Capri pants?  I look as wide as I look tall!   Not a great combo.  

Now, because I know me, I will have to actually take these pants to Goodwill this weekend (after a wash) and donate them so that I will not wear them again.  If I do not do that and hang them back up, you can bet your sweet bippy that I will put these puppies on again!!!  (Does anyone say "sweet bippy" anymore?)

What I was thinking when I walked into my closet today was "comfort" and "cool" (because it is going to be warm today).  For me, those two adjectives will make me show no concern for fashion in a quick New York minute.  But once I arrived at work and realized my fashion faux-pas, I sat at my desk all day, dying of shame and hoping no one would need me so people would not see me!  The question is, how can I get "comfort", "cool", and "fashion" all together?

So, I have once again been scouring the Internet for fashions for plus size women.  And what I find frustrates me.  Take a look at this picture....

I like this top.  She's lovely.  However, does this woman look like a plus sized model to you?  Do you KNOW what that top would look like on me and my shape?  Okay, I know that you do not know me personally, so take it from me... It would accentuate the part of me that I want to hide!  How can we women make sound choices on fashion when clearly the fashion world does not appreciate that women come in all shapes and sizes?  I think I need to write to the Fashion Police and express my concern...



I found a few new websites for plus sized shopping.  Check out Roamans.  That is where I found the top above and I am liking everything I have seen so far.  

Except for maybe these:

Really?  

I do not think I could wear those to work either.  Are we back in the 70s? 

Also take a look at OneStopPlus.  Look how cute...

And this....

Both sites have really cute clothes for reasonable prices.  I just wish they would use a more realistic view of their clothing.  I tell you what... I will order something and give you feedback.   I will tell hubby it is for research!  This blogging is getting fun!

Thanks for continuing to read!  I appreciate your support!

Keep creating because it makes the world a beautiful place!

Tracy

Scaredy Cats...

Last night, I was talking to my youngest daughter...  just catching up on our day.  I told her that when I was old, alone and poor that I wanted to live with her because she and I get along famously.  We do not butt heads, much...  (Notice the placement of that comma.... It causes you to pause and then you realize the emphasis...  clever, huh?)

As we were talking, a wasp came out of no where and flew near us.  She makes the sound that Moe (or was it Curly?) of the Three Stooges used to make... kinda a shudder/moan and yells "Bee!"  She starts hightailing it my way as I proceeded to grab her and off we go in the other direction, grasping onto each other like we were being stalked by Jack, The Ripper.

Let me explain something here... I believe that parents are supposed to exhibit behavior that they want to see in their children.  You know... show them courage when taking medicine, and they exhibit courage.  Show them attention when they are explaining every detail regarding the movie that they just watched, and they will show you attention when you are explaining why broccoli is good for them (okay, that one is a stretch....).  Show them how afraid of bugs you are, and they do will become deathly afraid of bugs too...   WAIT!  What?  (One of these things is not like the others...)

I couldn't help it friends...  I tried to be a good mom, I swear I did... But bugs are my nemesis... My ultimate fear... Just the thought of one crossing over my body and I can feel their legs makes me cringe as I am typing this.  I shuddered just then... Seriously...  Once when watching Survivor (when the family comes to visit the contestant and the family member must eat a bug to see each other), I told my hubby that he would be on his own... I would flat out refuse.  I have had this deathly fear since I was a kid.  And I just have no desire to conquer it.  They are GROSS!  So back to last night...  My kids have the same fear.  All of them.  I have had to have neighbors come over to kill bugs if my hubby is not home.  It is a sickness, I know...

I have three cats and none of them were interested in this bee.  Well, Harley Dent was a little interested, but she's a black belt when it comes to killing lizards, so a bee just did not interest her.  "Thanks A LOT for NOTHING, Baby Dent!"

As we are running from a tiny bee and I am having to hobble because I have a sprained ankle, Allison decides that she is going to suck the bee up with the vacuum cleaner.  But the thought of "a long tube with a trapped bee inside it" and Allison holding that "long tube with no chance of the bee getting out but she's holding it"  prevented her from making the move.  RIDICULOUS!  That opportunity is lost in a split second (it's a bee!) and it flies off.... Into the dishwasher....  Where we promptly close the door and turn the unit on....

I think I might change my mind when it comes to living with her...     



Be creative!

Tracy

More realistic fashion...For a woman my age...

I have been reading blogs lately and I am thoroughly enjoying most of them.  My recent favorites are Mix and Match Family, and Pinterest Told Me To, among others.   These women are fun, fashion conscious, young mamas and it is fun to read about their daily lives.   I have been wanting to work on my wardrobe for many years and I am sure that if I were ever to go on the TV show "What Not To Wear", I would be the first person that Stacy London could not makeover.....  (Who doesn't love a pair of sweat pants and a big fluffy sweat shirt?)  So I love to see what fashion Shay and Sheaffer are conjuring up for us ladies...  The fashions on these blogs make me think "Oh!  I should try to wear my shorty shorts with my WEDGES!  Why didn't I think of that!" Because that is what women in their late 40s are doing these days!  

NOT.  And if we are, we should all make a "citizen's arrest!" when we see one.  Come on!  Not only is it a crime against all humanity, but did you see my post about my ankle?  It cannot take the agony of a wedge, as cute as they are....

The common theme with most of the blogs I am reading lately are that they are young moms, who are all skinny!  (I do not remember being skinny when I was a young mom!!!)  Are there any blogs out there discussing fashion for us older moms who have rounded around our edges?  ("Rounded around"?  Hmmmm....)

To answer that question as I am writing this, I am not sure.  So why can't my blog discuss fashion?  Even though my fashion tastes leave a lot to be desired, I would like to talk about fashion for us "older" women and what looks good and makes us feel pretty.  After all, skinny jeans may not be for everyone....

Strike that last sentence.  Skinny jeans ARE for everyone!  They make your legs look really good, as long as you pair them with an oversized shirt that hides the lumps and bumps.  You know which ones I am talking about!  And if our ankles are sensitive, why can't we wear cute flats instead of a wedge?

I am going to have an occasional post regarding fashion for women in our 40s and 50s.  And I'm going to start with Cato Fashions.  This is one of my favorite stores to find clothing that FITS me and is fashionable.  (Note:  I am not being endorsed by anyone, as you can see, on my blog.  This is my personal opinion.)  

Take a look at this lace top!

I'm not sure about the "no-sleeves" for us with our own private wind-sails, but this is so pretty!  It's $27.99!  What a great addition to amp up your summer wardrobe.  Throw away those t-shirts ladies!

And look at this cute ensemble...

LOVE those wedges!  Wish my ankle could wear them!  The top is $19.99 and the pants are $24.99.  What a cute outfit at an affordable price.  

Where do you shop for affordable clothes that make you feel pretty?  Give a shout out to let us know!

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

Let's analyze....SPOILER ALERT!

SPOILER ALERT:  If you have not watched the Season 3 finale of The Walking Dead and do not want to read spoilers, please do not read any further.  I will now add several lines of blank space....

And while you are scrolling, you can take a look at Daryl, there on the left with the crossbow.  Are you kidding me?  Just pause here for a minute.  You will thank me... And Rick, there in the center...  Ah....  Usually I do not like scrawny men... Just... something... Cannot put my finger on it... Or can I?  

I hear a faint voice that sounds like Cher telling me to "Snap out of it!"  (Name that movie!)


Back to our analysis....








 

WHY THE FACE???  Look, I was sick of Andrea just like most of The Walking Dead's viewers!  I mean, COME ON!   Walking around with a chip on her shoulder all the time... Ridiculing Dale each time he tried to project humanity within the group...  Then going all soft and IGNORANT when she met the Governor...  I just feel like her storyline was set up for us to not like her.  She was a bad-ass the entire time and then all of a sudden, when she knows how evil the Governor is, she cannot take him out for the sake of humanity?  

Here is Andrea mourning the loss of her sister right before she puts a bullet in her head for the sake of humanity!!!  As I said before, she was a bad-ass!

The hesitation of not taking out the Governor cost a lot of lives!  But that is not my real beef...  Let's discuss...


Remember this scene?

Here Andrea was bound by the walker on the left side of the tree, but still was able to kill several more walkers while she was being held!  She valiantly got out of the proverbial "pickle" and was able to live another day....

So WHY?

First of all, WHY do you continue to talk to a man who is dying and will be a zombie in 30 seconds after said death, instead of making progress with grabbing the pliers with your toes?  Even MILTON, who was DYING said "You need to hurry!"  When did Andrea become so ignorant?

How is it that Andrea gets one hand free with the pliers before zombie Milton "awakens"... has pliers and a free hand (as mentioned two seconds ago) and cannot kill zombie Milton???  After the tree incident above???  Seriously? 

But to no avail... zombie Milton bit Andrea on the neck, even though Andrea could have shoved the pliers into his eye socket and killed him.. held onto those pliers while he keeled over... and then uncuffed her other hand...  See, I should be a screenwriter....

Alternate ending:  Andrea could have kicked zombie Milton in the chest to knock him backwards while continuing to free her other hand.  She could have continued kicking him until her other hand was free and then shoved the pliers into his skull...  Darn, I'm good at this!

By the time help arrived, Andrea was burning up with the fever.  The zombie fever.  (We should make that into the newest dance craze!  Forget the Harlem Shake!)  Andrea had to take her own life while her best friend Michone was holding her hand until the dying end.  Or so we think that is how it happened since the cameras did not let us see it actually happening...  What if Andrea killed Michone and is coming back to eat the entire cast???  

Okay, maybe I shouldn't quit my day job.

I need a diversion from all this angst...

Okay, all is again right with the world...  Your thoughts on the season 3 ending?

Do something creative!  Make the world a more beautiful place!

Tracy

No "Dancing with the Stars" for me...

So I waited until my baby got up for the morning on Saturday and immediately said "Let's go for our walk!"  She reluctantly agreed.  It was not hard to convince her since we live in such a cute little town (Senoia) and the town was having an Easter egg hunt in the businesses.  (Such a cute idea!)  Allison and I walked up to the town and I went into one shop to check out Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  (I think I'm going to bite the bullet and pay the price for a quart.  I think it will make my kitchen cabinets look so much better than they do now!  But that's for another post.  Back to my walking story...)  

Let me give you a little history here... At the age of 12, I was walking in the breezeway of my middle school when I stepped wrong (I do not know how) and I sprained my ankle.  The kids in the other classes could see me and began laughing at me.  (Yes, kids are cruel).  My ankle swelled up, but I got myself up and walked to class just to save myself the humiliation I was feeling with just sitting there!  Since then, I know I have sprained my right ankle AT LEAST 15 times.  I am talking at least 15 SERIOUS sprains.  I have even sprained my left ankle, but not as often.  (Is it possible to do an ankle replacement???)  Fast forward to Saturday...

Sprain number 16...  Yep... As I was walking home, all I remember is hearing a POP, then I landed on my opposite knee and pulled a "slip and slide" move, face first.  Somehow I managed to NOT break my glasses.  Geez...  Apparently, I was walking to close to the side of the rode and the gravel and I just stepped wrong.  Allison actually got MAD at me.  It was her reaction to feeling bad for me and feeling frustrated that I keep doing this.  

So needless to say, I do not think I will be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars..."  (Yeah, because my bad ankle is the reason I will not be invited to dance on the show...)

Us before the "accident"...  Luke loves to go for a walk.

 Icing the ankle...

This knee got scraped worse than the other knee, but it did not take the brunt of the fall...

This knee took the hit.  It is swollen and so, so sore... (Ignore the "old" legs... That's a filter I used for the photo since my legs are so youthful looking and I did not want anyone to feel insecure about their own legs... )

Here is the swollen ankle before my entire foot swelled.  The small "knot" that I have on my ankle is a stress fracture residual.  It popped up on one of my many sprains....

 
4 days later and I cannot walk on the foot and it is still swollen.  Although, I CAN put pressure on it, so that's a good thing.  I am ready for it to heal so I can get out there and keep walking!  I know you are thinking "Are you crazy?"  I LOVE walking.  It makes me feel good. 

Speaking of "Dancing with the Stars", how about that Kelli Pickler?! She is amazing!   Do you think they stack the deck for Derek Hough?  I like Derek, but it sure does seem as if he gets the really talented celebrities!  

Keep creating friends!  It heals mind, body and soul!

Tracy

Who is this imposter?

I have been trying to figure out my new identity.  

You know what I mean... 

Where your life has changed and you are no longer who you used to be...  

I USED to be a newlywed who was moving to strange lands (Oklahoma - there are no trees in Oklahoma!) and foreign countries (Japan - yep, for three years).  That woman was young and naive and was learning how to live with her new husband (which was sometimes difficult!) and was trying to make new friends (which was also sometimes difficult!).  

This picture was overexposed when we got it (Hey!  It was the '80s!).  But I liked it, so I kept it.  We had been married two months when this was taken.

I USED to be a mom of young children and I could talk about strollers or which formula worked best for my kids.  That mom used to have lots of friends with children who were the same age and we could get together over coffee while our children played in the "balls" at McDonald's.  We took our kids to Disney during this phase and we would love to see the "magic" on their faces.

This picture is of Michael and Jessica before Allison.  They are so darn cute!  Jessica is my daughter that just got married!  They grow up so fast.  Do you like my movie star sunglasses?

I USED to be a working mom who had to "corral" my sweet babies in the morning, get them a bagel and drop them off at school at 7:00 am so that I could make it into downtown Atlanta by 8:00 am.  Then I would leave work at 5:00 to rush home to pick them up at daycare by 6:00 to avoid paying $1.00 a minute/per child after 6:00.  I would have to quickly think of something for dinner because they were starving!  And we had to do homework!  (Lots of exclamation points because those were stressful times!)  But I liked working because I was "me".  Not a mom/wife/sister/daughter... Just "me".  If I was successful, it was because I worked hard.  I could make people laugh and I enjoyed the friendships.

I USED to be a mom of teenagers who were not turning in their homework or not telling me about career day at high school because they would rather have their teeth cleaned daily at the dentist than be seen with their mom!  We took our kids to Disney during this time and we would love to see the "magic" on their faces (do you see a pattern evolving?).  Professionally, my work life had begun to consume me and I rose in the ranks.  I enjoyed the "control" and "leadership" that my new work life involved.  The people that I worked with for 11 years became, in some case, life-long friends.  People that I could count on.  People that watched my children grow up.  People that cared about me.  This was probably the most satisfying professional time in my life to date.  I do not think it was my shinning moment as a mom.  I was working long hours and was quite often grumpy.  It is amazing what God does to get our attention, isn't it?  Boy, he got my attention in a BIG way...

Our family, including a niece at Disney in 2000.

Today, I am a wife, a mother of grown children, a mother-in-law (that's new!), a student, and a contract worker.  The children are out on their own.  The contract worker is not as satisfying as I had hoped.  And the hubby works an opposite shift so we are not always together when I am off of work.   Now can you understand why I am trying to figure out my next move, professionally and personally?  I read lots of blogs and most of those that I enjoy are moms with small children just talking about their daily lives.   I am also writing about my daily life, but I no longer have the topic of motherhood cornered.  I especially enjoy the blogs that deal with DIY or home improvements.  (You know how I love being creative!)  I love to cook.  I love to travel.  I love to create things.  I am starting to dabble with my "What Not To Wear" wardrobe and I'm actually interested in some fashion!  (Wouldn't that make for a good blog post if I chronicled me throwing out my Christmas vests???)  I love to make people laugh.  I love to help people.  I would love to have sponsors on my blog so I can get paid to write!    So, what does an empty-nester talk about on her blog?  What does an empty-nester do with her time?  

Any suggestions?  I would love it if you left me some comments!  I never get any.  (That was a shameful "sympathy plug"...)

Keep creating friends! 

Tracy