1986
Six more weeks until my due date. On the one had, it seems very soon. On the other had, so long to wait. I am not as ready as I’d hoped to be by now, either at home or at work. But then, I always plan to do too much. After Thanksgiving, Kiddo. The most likely time if between November 24 and Dec. 22. So it might be 4 more weeks, or it might be 2 more MONTHS. (A truly horrible thought.)
1997
A day off, and it promises to be interesting and lively. I finished the summer research proposal (yay! Yay!! YAY!!!) and the concert was magnificent. The dental appointment was even ok, as I asked about cold sensitivity and got answers and solutions.Why do I want to suffer in silence? Not such a mystery: it was Mom’s constant complaining and sharing her pain, and not wanting to be like her.
Today Kiddo 1 and I go to visit UMBC, with Sandy and Rachel. Our first real step toward her going off to college. Sigh. If I could just have her back as a seven-year-old, if only for a moment.
2016
So it is time to pack. After decades of conferences, I normally have this down to a science. It's a short list: one pair black conference trousers, one pair of jeans, and enough solid-color tops to last the duration, plus a light cardigan for layering, and a small assortment of colorful accessories. Add a tailored jacket, and I am set. But this is not a conference, and I will be away for nearly a month. I will be among strangers who used to be classmates nearly 60 years ago, and I want to make a good impression, but still be myself. I am not trying to blend in or pretend to be someone I am not. I have no idea what activities I will be doing. (Can I join the yoga class at the Methodist church?)
Add to this my three degrees in clothing and a career teaching and writing about fashion, which makes me well-aware of the role of dress in forming first impressions. So I am thinking, rethinking and -- probably -- overthinking. Are the red Mary Janes with the cutouts too hippie? Do 67-year old women in North Platte wear jeans as much as I do? Do I pack my black skinny jeans?
I will post my packing list once I get this worked out.
UPDATE:
Ixnay on the innyskay eansjay. I don't wear them that often.
Traded the winter jacket for the just-as-warm but more packable layers of silk undershirt, thrift store cashmeres, and fleece vest.
No yoga clothes. Who am I kidding?
Other than it, it's my conference wardrobe, plus a pair of corduroy trousers.
And yes, yes, YES to the red Mary Janes with the cutouts.
Additional update:
A friend who is originally from Omaha convinced me to take the yoga pants.