viva la arm party!

     Signs that you probably watch too much "South Park": when your Traditional Literature and Oral Narration class reminds you of a specific episode. The teacher shared with us a snippet of Robert Bly's "Sibling Society," which posits that society has moved from a parent-in-charge view to the child-makes-her-own-decisions mindset. And then the teacher even referred to "dog whisperer" Cesar Millan! (The episode I'm thinking about is the one where Cartman's mom, fed up with his running the show, calls in Cesar Millan to help her take charge.) 

       For this outfit I wanted to play with shades of blue and also try out the arm party idea. I originally didn't include the two jade bracelets, but then I decided, the more the merrier.

      I'd be embarrassed to admit just how much time I spent admiring my arm party during class. I truly hope everyone else was too absorbed in the classwork to notice me. I can hope, right?

the elusive white T

     It's so hard to find that perfect white T. I've been looking for one for a while. Many of them are so thin I'd need to layer it over a camisole. Given the perpetually warm weather, that didn't sound very appealing. Another issue is the fit; I want something that isn't too clingy or too baggy and shapeless.
     This is not the perfect white T, but I did get it for $5.99. The perfect price if you're like me and worry about dripping gravy/spaghetti sauce/other delicious things on your white shirts. I have to admit that it came from the girl's department at Target, because I'm not in love with most of the longer-cut women's Ts out there (I could literally stretch some of them to my knees). After wearing it, I wish I had sized down and bought a large vs. an extra-large. I might just have to set it up on a hot date with my dryer this weekend and see what happens fit-wise.

     To spice up my white tee, I layered two necklaces -- a first for me. The white one is carved of bone and depicts a manaia. In Maori culture, the manaia is often depicted as a bird-headed man, and is a messenger between the earthly and spirit worlds. When depicted as the figure-eight-like shape seen here, it is an amulet against evil. (Information courtesy of Wikipedia). Incidentally, the Mr. dislikes these necklaces -- I think he finds the leather cord too masculine. But I still like them.
     I picked up the Volcom jacket a few months back, but it's been too hot to even consider wearing it. I like that it has a drawstring to define the waist, a zipper and snaps, and can be worn as a shirt or jacket. Oh, and it's a linen-cotton blend, which means linen-like look and feel with less ironing. (Sorry, no detail photos because I'm still waiting for my new camera battery charger). :(

         I realize that this jacket would look so much better if I had bothered to roll the sleeves up before taking this photo ...
        Happy weekend!

simple as it should be

    It's a little strange to be a full-time student again! It's also a little disconcerting how much work is involved -- reading, note-taking, re-reading, research. I couldn't even tell you how much time I've spent fumbling my way through various databases, looking for the answers to infernal assignments.
     Monday was showtime for one of my database classes. We needed to present our group project. This outfit is a little ho-hum, but I felt comfortable and that's always important when you're on the hot seat!

DKNY Jeans top (XS); same old jeans

Shell earrings (New Zealand)

     While working on my teaching degree, I was very fortunate to be able to visit New Zealand to attend an indigenous education conference. I like these shell earrings, but I wish I had gotten some of the more expensive, higher-quality, intricately carved ones I longed for but didn't buy. (Note to self: when traveling -- if you love it, just get it!)

 

     What is something awesome that you've picked up on your travels? :)
     P.S.: This post is named for Tristan Prettyman's song, which is one of my absolute favorites. Check out YouTube to hear it ...