one closet, one year!

I was getting dressed for a friend's birthday party and I didn't know what I was going to put on my body. I looked in my closet and it seemed empty, unpromising. I've had these moments before; everything was old, ill-fitting, or blah. I thought to myself, "Ugh! I have NOTHING to wear!" Then I began rifling through my closet and saw a forgotten shirt I loved and many more, and I realized I was crazy. I had plenty to wear, and plenty to choose from. My closet was FULL of treasures! At that moment I decided I would take a year to explore my closet and to add NOTHING new to my wardrobe.

I would create a NEW outfit for each day in order to maximize my wardrobe and shake up my style.

Basically, I would try to "snap out" of my fashion rut, and appreciate what I have.

It was my New Years' project:
One Closet, One Year.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Riddle of the Jinx

I suppose I jinxed myself by stating that "26 kids"... blah, blah, blah. When I picked Leo up he was determined to prove me right. Everything he could do to irritate me and harm the environment, he did.

This included:
  • skateboarding in my aunt's house,
  • slamming gates,
  • playing with the record player,
  • stealing Hollis' apple,
  • running away from me as I was trying to leave my aunt's house (causing me to get poured on).
  • Kicking the back of my seat in the car.

Once we were in the car en route to pick up Charlie, Leo promptly took the book Hollis was reading and again shifted our space into chaos.

Of course, I blame myself for Leo's antics. I swear that Leo is my Karmic Retribution child. For every time I scoffed at, or judged a parent, including my own, I get Leo. My beautiful, charming, complicated whirlwind, Leo. I also think that there is a mom out there who's temperament would better suit him. I do my best, but Leo is at his worst in my company. I should confess also that my best is often sub-par.

Of course, Leo is also my most sensitive, empathetic, and affectionate boy. If he sees that he has upset me, he says "Sorry" and really means it. He ALWAYS shares with his brother and he often makes extra effort to look out for Hollis (when he's not stealing her stuff). He buses his dishes without being asked. He is helpful. He gives me hugs when I don't know I need them. He is silly and melancholy and sweet and defiant and adorable and infuriating, and... a lot like me. We push each others buttons and I have much to learn from him. What I've learned so far is that this whole parenting gig comes with a GINORMOUS slice of humble pie. I eat it every day. It's good for me!

Got called at 6 a.m. to work, so post and outfit is a wee bit rushed!

Outfit:

Black Shirt: From Goodwill. I love the print. It's Moschino.

Red Skirt: Also from Goodwill. Made by Old Navy. It is a dress, really, and it is the only thing red in my closet. I realize I am not a fan of red on me.
Sweater: Salvation Army in MA, near my mom's. Its made by Express.
Boots: Friend. Very useful this week!
Belt: belongs to dress.

2 comments:

  1. Let me just say that though he can be infuriating and annoying at times you actually are the perfect mother for him. He chose you (that's my airy fairy belife anyway) and you chose him. You're not the only working out karma. He's right there with you.

    And, that picture of Charlie is amazing. I hope you'll make extra effort to show that one to his first girlfriend and everyone after that.

    Love you. Love your family!!!

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  2. You are too kind! Karma's a bitch!!!! xo-S!

    ReplyDelete