I cleaned out my closet today: put everything on a "real" (non-wire) hanger, decided to get rid of some stuff, re-discovered some "new" things and made a little shopping list of things my wardrobe is missing. Mostly it's essentials - fitted white and black long-sleeved layering tees, a new white button-down (I've worn the heck out of my Express button downs and can't expect Mer to let me borrow her DKNY forever), some slacks or jeans and perhaps a new suit.

There are also a few pieces that I love that I've never worn because I don't have the right pants/top/accessories/whatever. And I know that Stacy and Clinton say that if you haven't worn it in a year to throw it out or give it away, and generally I unquestioningly do whatever Stacy and Clinton say, but I just can't give up on the Milly silk georgette top (requires a black satin pencil skirt), the black and white plaid A-line skirt (too dressy for everyday; requires what? I don't know) the jewel-toned purple satin flounce skirt (requires the "right" ivory or white dressy sleeveless top) or the sky blue flowy top with silver thredding (requires the perfect, elusive camisole). And I'm still searching for a skinny black patent leather belt that is meant to be worn at the waist. My kingdom for that belt!

Homesick

I had a strange dream last night about El Paso in which I witnessed an accident - a police car running over a student or something - and I ran around the neighborhood near Franklin High School on foot.

When I woke up I expected to be in my bed at home in El Paso and despite the strangeness of the dream, I was a little disappointed to discover that I wasn't actually at "home" but was at home, in Chicago.

My mom gets subscriptions for me to some El Paso publications (El Paso Magazine and the El Paso, Inc. newspaper) so I can keep up with the news there. Completely aghast at the increasing violence in Juarez (now dubbed one of the most dangerous places in the world; see a good summary of the issue from Newspaper Tree here) and curious about how El Paso will address the issue long-term, I do get homesick from time to time and still think ELP would be a great place to live. No thriving PR or theatre industry there tho, so doubtful we will return permanently.

It could also have something to do with the fact that it's 62 degrees there today. To clarify, that's 62 degrees ABOVE ZERO, because "above or below zero?" is a valid question these days.

Alternatively, the heat of 15 degrees above zero is a little oppressive. Gawd, make up your mind, Chicago - is this winter or is this WINTER? This whole not having to calculate how many minutes away from death I am the second I step outside is frankly a little dull.

Because the only thing more exciting than going to the grocery store on the corner one block away is going to the grocery store on the corner one block away and being able to legitimately ask, "Will I die doing this?"

Before I moved to a cold-weather place I thought that once the temperature fell below a certain point, it just wouldn't feel any colder. This is wrong.

Real insults I have suffered from the Wii Fit

(emphasis mine)

"Well, if it isn't MEG. Too busy to work out this week, Meg?"

"It looks like balance games aren't your forte. Do you find yourself tripping when you walk?"

"You might want to wait to try this exercise again, once you're strong."

"You might want to lay off the afternoon snacks, Meg."

and then, ironically

"Have you eaten dinner yet?"

Ringing in the new year

...with a giant zit.

It looks like this, I'm not even kidding.