Friday, October 28, 2011

And Wondering What Dress To Wear Now

OR Why Clothing Size Doesn't Really Matter

Today, I bought two super cute dresses - one a size 8, another a 10. After I tried them on, I put my size 13 pants and XL blouse back on.

If you hadn't read that just now, you wouldn't have known at all that I was wearing or trying on 4 differently sized things. All you would know (if you could see me, that is) is that I was wearing clothes that fit well, or even a little loosely if you were looking at the pants, and flatter my new, slimmer figure.

Clothing size is rather arbitrary. It depends on where you're shopping, the fabric, the cut, the style, and so on. Men have it relatively easy, since it's much more about measurements (neck circumference, shoulder width, waist size, inseam). Women come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes and so does their clothing.

And you know how celebrities are always wearing clothes that fit them perfectly? It's not because they have magically perfect bodies and all the money and time in the world to find the clothing that fits their perfect bodies. It's because they have everything tailored. Everything. They buy clothing that fits and flatters in their widest area, then have the rest tailored.

So don't worry if you're a size 4 or a 14 or a 24. Wear what fits and matches your personal style and you'll look amazing!

Here are some numbers that actually matter:

8 months and 1 week - how long I've gone without missing a workout
$22 - how much I spent on 2 new (to me) dresses
3 - how many more full pushups I can do compared to Cabeza, who is a boy
13 - days until I get to see my family
100 - lbs. of my own body weight I can pull-up 6 times in a row (I'm working up to my full body weight)
5 - seconds I can hold a frog stand, last I checked

Now, who wants to go swing dancing? I have the PERFECT new dress. . .


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Fall is here, hear the yell, back to school, ring the bell

You may have noticed that I've been awfully quiet around here. Even my regular Sunday posts haven't been so regular. There is a perfectly good reason for that - I'm back in school, pursuing a Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in [Insert Working Title Here] at George Mason University.

Essentially, I'm studying Musicology. And yes, that means I'm studying the study of music. I'm about a month in to this degree, and I'm absolutely loving it!

It came as a bit of a surprise. Way back in January, I started feeling like I needed to explore other options regarding either my career or education. Eventually, it basically came down to going back to school for a teaching certificate or going back for a music degree. There were even two or three variations of either of those options, and I consulted several people about the direction I should go.

Finally, I decided on the MAIS degree program at Mason. With the help of the graduate director in the school of music, we could create a program of study that was most in line with my career goals - to be an academic music librarian. I'll take classes like music history and ethnomusicology and skip all the performance based classes of an official music degree, which means I'll get done a LOT faster.

It felt like the perfect option. I applied. And I waited. And waited some more. And almost waited so long that I'd all but forgotten the very real possibility I'd be in school again this fall.

Then, on a Saturday two weeks before fall semester started, I got an acceptance letter! Over the next two weeks, I had to figure out which classes I was taking, arrange financial aid, quit my part-time job, rearrange my full-time schedule, buy books, and so on. It was a bit maddening. Of course, when classes started, I had this totally new, rather overwhelming new schedule to get used to. Yes, I know how to be in school, but I had to remind myself of those skills. Additionally, I actually attend classes in person this time, unlike my last degree which was entirely online.

I feel nothing short of crazy. Full-time job. 9 credit hours. Gym. Church. And everything in between! (You know, like a social life?)

I'm making it work, and it's slowly becoming more manageable as I get into my groove. I really do love my classes and it's kind of fun getting to know another college campus. Of course, I'm already looking forward to being done, but at least I know I'll enjoy it along the way.

I hope I'll find snippets of time for blogging here and there. I have plenty to talk about with this new chapter in my life, but not so much plenty of time to do anything but live it. In the meantime, don't miss me too much! 

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The morning breaks, the shadows flee

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

It's once again time for the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I've really enjoyed the sessions so far, so I'm excited for today's meetings as well. You are invited to join us, hear what we're about, and, hopefully, be spiritually uplifted. You can watch online by following this link.

This is what I wrote about General Conference in April. This time, all I have to add is my favorite quote thus far, from yesterday's talk by Elder C. B. Cook -

"Look up. Step up. Cheer up. God wants you to be happy."

I fully believe that!

Happy Sunday to you!