58. Organize Shoes: A lot of them

A trip to The Container Store, check.

Photograph shoes, check.

Print iPhoto contact sheet, check.

Trim and adhere to boxes, check.

During the pre-baby months (if we must, I'll call it nesting) I organized my shoes.  While the shoe organizing system is not as well designed as I would have liked, it gets the job done and keeps my shoes clean, neat, and most importantly easily found.  All objectives met. check.

What is it with women and shoes?  I'm a woman who loves shoes, and can honestly say I don't really know why.  I used to think that it was because they always fit, but having a baby disproved that theory. 

Then I considered a moment I shared with my friend and old roommate, Yanessa, while watching the Sex in the City episode in which Carrie is requested to take her new expensive shoes off at a baby shower, but upon leaving discovers that they had been stolen. The episode follows Carrie as she trys to figure out how to deal with an awkward situation with the party hostess.  In the end, she receives an identical pair of shoes from the hostess, but the moment that got Yanessa and I involuntarily bursting with excitement and giggles was the way Carrie skipped onto the city street just after reuniting the designer shoes with her feet.  The part is only two seconds long but we both felt it.  The excitement and happiness of having an elegant pair of shoes on your feet. The moment was completely lost on Yanessa's boyfriend at the time, but he was in awe of our shared reaction.  He thought he had missed something, and he did.  The experience of wearing a beautifully crafted pair of high heel shoes.  Of course, I know there must be some drag queens out there that know exactly what I am talking about.

Here are my favorite shoes.  A pair of Chanel shoes that I purchased from an off-price shoe store on 1st Ave in the East Village.  Heels, of course, in the perfect shade of peach satin with pearl and gold trim.

57. Have Baby: March 28th 2011

After reviewing my list this week, I discovered that I completed some of the projects.  I haven't been that lazy after all.

Project #57 Finished!  Not quite on time, but pretty darn close.  March 29th 2011.  OK, OK, it wasn't exactly something I had a choice about finishing, but hey, I'll take it.

She started off looking like this...

then this...

and now, she is like this...

 

I considered adding, "Raise Child: Lifetime" to my list, but the idea that possibly, one day, I could have everything on my list checked off gives me hope.  I never want to cross that one off my list. 

This Blog is Unfinished

Perhaps I should just add this blog to my "List." What is so difficult about keeping up on a blog?  These last few years, I've written dozens upon dozens of posts in my head while away from my computer.   However, the moment I am even in the vicinity of my computer I stall, lose momentum, and forget.  It's seems so easy to record a few thoughts, goals, or memories, and select "publish."  What is my deal?

This isn't anything new for me; not continuing with a journal.  I recently came across a beautifully bound journal that I requested and received in order to begin writing down my life as a young teen.  Probably inspired by a Judy Blume book or two and the young womens program through my church.  This wasn't the first time I had come across it, as there were several missing pages in an already sparse journal.  Pages that a slightly older teen tore out because the thoughts were clearly too embarrassing and sooooooo immature.  Yes, not a very effective way of journaling.  Blast my older teen self and my life long need for perfection. 

So, here I go again.  For the sake of building on family history, declaring and reaching goals, and celebrating achievements, I begin with the best intentions to make this, if not a daily habit, a weekly one, and most importantly, without tearing out pages.

The Sexy Dress...

... as it came to be known. Named by a good friend because of it's nude lining and black lace. Well, and perhaps the body skimming fit might have had something to do with it. It is one of those dresses that seems to look great on everyone... of various shapes and sizes. This dress was actually loaned out for a number of years. Upon returning to California after my 5 year stint in New York City, it was returned to me. It looked as good as the day I bought it... sometime in 1999.

I, of course, brought it with me on my Honeymoon to Maui.

However, recently I felt the need to put it on once more. Before storing it away with most of my clothes that no longer fit because of the great weight gain that goes hand in hand with pregnancy. Here I am.... 24 weeks, and in the "Sexy Dress." I just couldn't help it.

57. Have Baby: March 27th 2011

Finally, a project... my own little science project.... that I can not procrastinate. She, the little "Texas Ranger," is due to arrive some time around March 27th 2011. While I can't wait for her arrival, I am also extremely grateful for the 9 months of getting used to the idea of this life changing event. Here I am at 22 weeks and 3 days.... just yesterday. I now look pregnant and not just like I've eaten 1 too many snacks at work.... thank goodness. Who knew I would be so happy to have a big 'ol belly.
Perhaps now, I will actually finish project 56.

49. baby bibs: create using leftover fabric

It has been a while.  I know.

About a month ago, I started another project on my list.  It wasn't exactly an unfinished project, but it is something I have wanted to do for a while.  Create baby bibs to give away as gifts.  The trick is that I only allow myself to use supplies that I currently have on hand.  I find that when I approach a project in this way, I tend to get more creative.

So, while my project is not finished, I did make a good start.  I cut and pinned together 15 bibs.... using up 1 fabric and a good chunk of another.

Here is a shot of where I left off.

Sadly, it is still in the middle of my small living room.    Next time, there will be binding... and they will be FINISHED!

#54, #55, & #56

After being sick in bed for a good three days, and having my messy house driving me crazy for the awake hours, I got in a busy cleaning mode this weekend.  Just the usual... laundry, piled up dishes, cleaning out forgotten items in the fridge, etc.  However, the usual turned into a pre-Spring cleaning of my wardrobe.  It was great tossing some in the trash-- If I shouldn't wear a pilled shirt, then someone purchasing at AmVets shouldn't either-- and adding to my donations bag.  Of course, I came across a couple items that need to be added to The List.  

#54.  Brown striped pants.  The hem had fallen out a couple of years ago, and so they just need to be mended.

#55.  Green & white striped T-shirt.    I bought this shirt at a cheapy store, and it held up OK, but now it is really beyond wearing.  I will be cutting it up to make a pattern, and sew a new one.  It was such a good fit for me.

#56.  Baby Quilt.  I proposed the idea to my Mom that we start meeting to quilt once a week... just a little project to help each other use up our piles of fabric-- we are only allowed to use fabric we have on hand-- and to have a set time to meet once a week.  I am planning on making a bow tie quilt similar but not exactly like this.  Oh... and the reason I am making a baby quilt is not in anticipation of growing our little 2 person family, but because I am trying to start out with a manageable project... so that I will finish it!