Sunday Happenings

So I went to the shower - it actually turned out to be a lot of fun.

I tried to take a picture of my new hairstyle in the mirror before I left, but you can't really see it too well.

So anyway, the shower was fun. I was nice seeing some of the cousins that I hadn't seen in awhile who are about my age. Usually I am always seated with Jim's aunt Vicki (who we are closest to and that we spend holidays with) and her daughter Tracy and her kids (the sweater models) but this time I was seated with Jim's second cousins and/or the second cousins' wives. It was kind of like Sex and the City in a way - no topic was off limits, as two of the unmarried cousins in their 30s lamented about their dating dramas and the two other married women (married to the cousins, who have kids) and I kind of all laughed together about the dramas. I usually never see the married ones without their young kids, and also they married into the family so I haven't known either of them as long, so it was nice to get to know them better as individuals. They were fun - they had funny kid stories to share, and were very into celebrity gossip.

I could kind of relate to both sides as I'm almost a hybrid - married, but no kids. So I feel single in some ways and married in others. The single ones have a strong career focus (one of the cousins is in pharmaceutical sales and the other is finishing her residency to become an OB/GYN) so I can relate to that, but then I can relate to the married ones in that we have houses and go grocery shopping and have stuff in the refrigerator besides wine and beer and know that we have a toaster and where it's located (funny story for one of the single cousins.)

I usually have low expectations for the food at any type of event (honestly!) but it was FABULOUS as Italian showers (or any other type of event, really, hosted by the Italian side of our family) always tend to have that attribute. It was at the new location of Volare out here in the suburbs and they did a great job. I just tasted a little of everything and didn't get too crazy. First they had a half hour of cocktails (mostly champagne), then appetizers of eggplant parmigiana and calamari, then a great salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, then there were the main courses of lemon chicken, grilled salmon, some sort of pasta with bolognese sauce, and rigatoni. All the while white and red wine was being freely poured. The dessert was plates of assorted cookies and cupcakes served from a sweet table. Then there was about 45 minutes of the future bride opening up her gifts. She liked the comforter I bought her from Bed Bath and Beyond from her registry, so that was good. I had it directly shipped to the registry address (her mom's house) and I just had brought the card saying that it had been sent to her, but her mom went ahead and wrapped it and brought it to the shower. So I felt a little bad about her having to do extra work, but that's the way BB&B handles many of their comforter purchases from registries as they don't carry every style in every store.

Anyway, the shower was over at about 3:00, so I went home and changed, then went out to Jo-Ann's to use my 40% off coupon for another bolt of muslin and to Barnes & Noble to look for a new book with my 25% off coupon. I bought another cookbook, then I went to the grocery store and bought some ingredients for quick meals this week. It feels good to know that we're prepared with stuff than can be made pretty quickly and have a plan. Jim resists planning, but I think he even liked me having a plan - as long as he didn't have to try to come up with it, he's on board with executing it.

Last night it was freezing out and we've turned the heat off for the season. So I sat in front of the fireplace and started a cold weather knitting project with some Rowan Plaid I had purchased a while back.

I'm making it in the colorway shown, and just modifying it to knit it in the round (bottom-up) to the armholes. I love nice warm, soft alpaca and wool blends on size 10.5 bamboo needles. Candy. I'm crazy, I know. I just couldn't get motivated to work on a tank top when it's so nasty out.

Comments

[Jenny]

We just got that cold/rainy stuff this morning and I am suddenly VERY ready for my Clapotis to be done! I am freezing right now! Isn't it funny how people have a 'no turning back' policy with the weather & their furnaces?

I had the same trouble getting my new haircut to show up in pictures. It looks so good in person; I wish I could get a good picture of it!

[Monica]

It sounds like you had a great time!! Good food and good conversations!! Your haircut/color looks great too. You really can see the highlights and layers.

I'm the same way, I can't think about summer knits when it's cold out!

[kaet]

your hair is totally cute! glad the shower was a fun time...chit chat with"the girls" is always fun and the racier and funnier the topics, the more fun it is!

[adrienne]

That color looks wonderful on you!!!!

[sheila]

The pic is clear enough that I can say it looks great, definitely lighter. I can't believe this weather, I also shut down the heating system and had to pull out the flannel pjs...lol.

[Debby]

We're getting the cold rain today, so I turned the heat back on. Otherwise I'll turn into the human popsicle! But I don't know if I'm ready to pull out Fantine in Rowan Big Wool just yet.

I'm so glad you had a good time at the shower. My family's Italian so I know what you mean about the food; I worry about it whether I'm going somewhere or having company myself. I hope you have a successful week with the cookbooks. And your hair looks great in the lighter shade. :)

[tiennie]

Cute hair! Sounds like a blast! I like family/big gatherings.

[Michelle]

Glad you had fun at the shower, those where you don't know alot of people can be iffy!

I was very sad when this morning I had to actually put on socks and shoes! I probably will again tomorrow to but after that another warm up!

[Sourire11]

Glad the shower was fun! Or at least not awful...

I had to wear my winter coat today. Ugh...

[Kat]

Wow! What a perfect day!!! You look fabulous with your new do, eating an Italian feast at a shower with good company, and to top it all off--going to JoAnn's.