Accomplished

For probably the first time since football season began, JG and I managed to have a weekend that balanced fun and productivity. Usually, we’re so sacked out from yelling or heavy lifting or tailgating in the rain to be good for anything and we spend the rest of the weekend alternating between sleeping and watching football on TV. Then, we feel like slugs, which is not pleasant, and the weekend has flown by. This past weekend was a refreshing change and a jump start into the holiday heyday.

I braved the new stylist and came out with a sassy haircut, which I love. The salon itself was very chic and modern, so much so that I felt almost underdressed in a sweater, jeans, and ballet flats. My new girl sat me down, listened to my crazed spiel about my hair, paused thoughtfully, and said, “So, it sounds like you are in the mood for a change, but you’re not sure what that is.” Um, yes. Thank you for summarizing two minutes of babbling into one sentence. She agreed with me that the length was weighing me down, but she understood that I wanted to be able to put my hair up if I needed to. Ultimately, I ended up with a cut that looks basically the same from the front, with just about an inch off of the overall length. However, in the back and around my crown, she did some trickery with layers that somehow gives me volume! And body! I was amazed to see myself in the mirror. A few days later, I am slowly getting the hang of this styling thing, but I think I can handle it. If nothing else, I have a cut that is miles better than what I was getting before, so that will make all the difference. I have also learned, from this experience, that taking pictures of my own hair is a skill I do not possess. My arms are just not that long enough.

We bought new bedroom furniture! We scouted out sets online and I was relieved that, when we found the one we liked the best, I liked it as much in person. The wood is a darker cherry finish, and I think we’ll go with the brushed metal knobs rather than the wooden ones. Thanks to a tricky scheme for people who don’t pay off their credit cards, we managed to get 12% off and come in under budget for a bed, two nightstands, two dressers, and a mirror! JG is uncharacteristically excited about the prospect of having somewhere to store sweaters other than the wire closet system we have now, so the December 1 delivery date can’t come soon enough.

JG and I went out for free drinks and appetizers, courtesy of friends who won a giant gift card to a local microbrew chain. JG sampled lagers and ales while discussing the state of college football while I sipped mojitos and discussed the wedding of a newly-engaged girl. Laughs were had when I was unable to push myself into or out of the table; I am simply too short to sit in pub chairs! For the small cost of chipping in for a tip, we had a really excellent time and I am so glad we went. We are usually weekend homebodies because of cost, tiredness, or lack of interest, but this time, I actually felt like a twenty-something, young professional out on the town.

I finally finished a book for the first time since September, which is more of a score for dignity than an actual accomplishment.  I wrapped up the somber Angela’s Ashes and immediately jumped into The Pilot’s Wife, which I didn’t know was about a grieving widow, but now I am completely sucked in.  So much for some light bedtime reading, I guess.

Now comes the time to start executing all of the holiday-time lists I have going, starting with the Thanksgiving packing list. JG has parent-teacher conferences this week, so our schedule is kind of wonky, but we’ll settle in at Mimi’s soon enough for all of the Thanksgiving rituals.