I will admit it....

...I was actually in tears at one point yesterday.  Shopping, an activity I once adored, is now my nemesis.  When did it become so difficult?  All I really wanted to come home with was a bathing suit and something nice to wear to church on Sunday.  Did I come home with either?  Nope. Well, that's not true, I came home with a swimsuit but it will go back to the store.  I had given up shopping for me and was picking up something for Jason's birthday (on Friday).  I had grabbed the wrong thing and so I had to go back and pick up the one that was on sale. On my way back to the register I found I suit I thought might work.  I didn't really like it all that much, but I was getting desperate.  I couldn't find the dressing rooms (why oh why do stores like to hide them??) so I just bought it and figured I would take it back.  Although better than all the others I tried on, this one still is not going to be mine.

Really, I don't know why this is so hard.  I want a one-piece that doesn't show off so much skin that it might as well be a bikini and I want one that doesn't make me look like a neon billboard.  Seriously, just because someone wants a one piece doesn't mean that I weigh 200 pounds and think that bright fluorescent flowers are attractive on a bathing suit.  I am not 70 years old. 

I didn't find any dress clothes, either.  Maybe after living overseas and shopping once a year I am out of shape when it comes to shopping.  Or maybe the fact that I still don't think the fashions of the 80's are attractive. Or maybe it is that the price tags of things I actually like they scare me back into stores that seem to think that leggings under jean skirts and bright yellow polka dot shirts are the epitome of good taste.  I mean seriously, if we are going to go that far where are the huge bangs and bad perms?

At least I didn't come home totally empty handed.  I got Jason a birthday gift, Caleb and Levi both got new shoes, I picked up a small toy for Levi's birthday, got Alaina and Caleb new soccer balls, picked up a few computer games for Alaina that I had planned on putting in her Easter basket but she is just like me and completely nosy so she has already studied the box in its entirety.  And just so you don't feel too bad for me, I did buy a pair of running shorts.  Not quite Easter Sunday material but at least I will look good at the fitness center!

Anyway, enough of my sob story.  Maybe once I move out of this small little town and have more stores to choose from and I don't have to spend an hour driving just to get somewhere I will be able to do something about this pitiful wardrobe of mine.  I used to be the girl with all the clothes...just ask my mom (or my sisters who insisted growing up that i must be getting more money than them because I had so many clothes).  In case you were wondering, no, I didn't get more money....my mom just taught me the fine art of bargain shopping and the joys of TJMaxx.

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So, do you ever take a picture and you realize that it totally captured who a person was?  Usually they are not the planned moments and fake poses.  They are the real, unplanned for moments when you see something and you are fortunate enough to have the camera nearby.  So here she is, my four year old in all her lovely, messy haired glory!

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So, my sister Sally had the fun little thing on her blog.

Here's an assignment for you:

Google "{your name} needs" and find the top ten needs that you have.

So here are my needs...

1. Janet needs 500 more tiles for her international path
2. Janet needs our help
3. Janet needs to get on the radar, for real.
4. Janet needs HELP!
5. Janet needs to be terminated.
6. Janet needs another cat.
7. Janet needs access to my engineering .html page.
8. Janet needs your help.
9. Janet needs to get busy.
10. Janet needs to take a break and shop...for a new record label.

So, what do *you* need today?

I am sorry I didn't respond to emails and comments yesterday.  I was gone most of the day and then when I got home Jason made dinner for me and then we all played in the yard and went on a walk.  Then Jason and I just hung out together.  So, no computer time for me!

Hope you all have a great day!

Comments

[Liz]

Janet you and your sister are such pretty ladies! Oh and about your shopping fiasco I totally relate to you but i need to lose weight first this weekend we went shopping for a dress for a wedding we have in 2 weeks I almost cried too because nothing suits me. It is really really depressing. :( I found shoes but no dress. Anyways Alaina is beautiful!

[MandaKay]

So sorry to hear of your shopping experience. I find that any time I go shopping with something that is "needed" I never find it. It is when I go shopping and don't "need" anything is when I find everything and haev no money to spend on it! Love the picture of Alaina - these shots are what the scrapbooking is all about to me. Not a "perfect" looking child that is looking into a lovely pond (although I do have and love those photos as well, but I don't think they will mean as much to my kids and family later - like these pictures will!!!) Glad you had a great night with no computer yesterday!

[PaulineLucille]

Ooooooh Janet! SO sorry about your shopping event! That stinks-esp since you have to drive so far to get to the stores! I have to admit though, I LOVE many of the styles that were popular in the 80's-LOL!! Not the tacky fad stuff, but the classy stuff that was a take-off on the 50's styles--love it to pieces and I was so glad to see it back this season--or starting anyhow-LOL. I love stuff like penny loafers, argyle patterns, cardigan sweaters. Fun fun!!! But I know there were some horrible fads too and I shudder when I think about them returning to the stores-LOL!! And I love the photo of your sweetie Alaina! Can't wait to see the awesome page you'll do with it! Have a super day!
--Hollie

[Bellbird (aka Justine)]

i loved that google assign idea - did mine
http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/84635/view/65297.html

.. and sadly i can relate with the shopping disappointment thing - i over compensate by buying more clothes for DD

[Jodi]

Sorry to hear your shopping was so disappointing! As far as swimsuits, I also live in a small town & have to do mailorder for suits. I really love Land's End suits, did you check there?

I love that pic of your daughter-adorable!!

[Heather]

I loved your comment about the 80s styles with bad perms and poof hair. What is up with the 80s returning? Too crazy!