Miss Celie's Pants

As evidenced by my earlier post, I like my trees white, pink or black and faux. It works well for my personal style. I asked my frequent male companion if he was going to get a tree this year. He answered in the affirmative. I suggested Ikea and he said, ‘Why wouldn’t I go cut down my own?’ You see. He’s from the midwest. And there, apparently, you go and cut down your own Christmas tree. What a novel idea! I was game.

I remember two years in a row my mom and I got a free tree on Christmas Eve from the abondoned tree sales lot. I don’t know that I’ve ever paid for a tree never mind left the City limits looking for one. So, on Saturday a group of us went to the country, err *county* to cut down some trees.

Turns out there is a lot of walking when looking for the ‘perfect’ tree. Perhaps, dare I say, it’s like hiking?

You walk

And survey

And walk some more.

And evaulate and compare different trees.

Finally, you settle on one tree (when truthfully the three ‘contenders’ look the same)

And it must be cut.

Not with power tools. But, a hand saw. Unless you choose to ignore the rules…

And the tree comes down.

I did initially help with the carrying of the tree. I mean truthfully, I felt my role was to document the process. And to insert my will over color schemes. But, apparently, I didn’t do a very good job with the carrying.

Hah! Well. That’s one thing I can check off my bucket list!

The swearing in was yesterday.  It was a really beautiful setting outside of City Hall on the plaza. Unfortunately, it was rainy. But, not torrential.

Later that evening was the gala / ball. The room was set up with murals of Baltimore with live painting.

Here I am with my work girlfriends. We’re a little Model UN! Eastern European, South American, Indian, German-American and me.

I was excited to see style blogger Jessica from her fun style blog, Get Jessed Up.  How sharp does her date look in his tux? I had to show off my my Princess Diana sapphire ring. I’m hoping to pull myself together to do a guest post for her soon.

Finally, here’s a photo with my frequent male companion. My boss loaned me the art deco inspired jewelry. She found the earrings at an estate sale.

Apparently, I can only take photos with my hand on my hip.

Have I mentioned that I’m unabashedly obsessed with the Royal Wedding?  That’s right. Obsessed. I’ve been brushing up on my on my pretentious fake British accent too (think Madonna, Tina Turner and Gwenyth Paltrow). Some folks have thought to remind me that the US won thier independence in the 1770s. Others feel that just because my mom lived in England for 10 years that doesn’t make me British. A few think it somehow matters that both my parents’ native countries received thier independence from the UK in the 60 and 70s. I don’t care. I’m quite comfortable with my  Anglophile status.

I have my commemorative mug in the china cabinet waiting to be filled with Earl Grey Martinis on Friday morning. And expect my future children to laugh at me some day when they see all I have accumulated. I say  BRING IT. Here are a few other items in my current collection.

I had the Diana paper dolls when I was 8. It came with a paper tiara. I wore the heck out of that tiara.  I even remember my mom making some repairs to it. My friend Liz gave this to me this one for my birthday. I may have teared up a bit.

I may or may not have more than one of these rings. In my defense, at least one was bought prior to the current engagement. I’ve always wanted a  copy. I just had way more choices after the announcement.

I’m going to a watch party at friends. So, I’ll be baking my popovers (I know they look more like muffins. These are dietary modified for the people I’m watching the wedding with)

There was no time. But, as soon as I find the right shade of blue — I will be knocking off the engagement announcement dress.

The person who brought me a commemorative mug from England told me about this model MINI Cooper (I drive one). I purchased it on line and had it sent to Melissa from Fehr Trade . You know, so I can combine shipping with all the useless things I’ve ordered related to the wedding.

I have resisted the Boden scarf just because it’s crazy overpriced. But, if any of you UKers see something I should buy *cough* feel free to tell me.

Talk to you after the frenzy!

Asked at the 7-Eleven on the way to recital: “Girl! Where you get your bun at? It look goooood!” I explain that it’s all my hair tucked under the hairnet. She sucks her teeth and says, ‘That’s why the color match so good.” Yes. Yes it is.

I’ve got the lining cut and sewn for the jacket. Tonight, I’m going to sew it in while watching Meet Me in Saint Louis. It’s my favorite movie to watch at the holidays. Judy Garland’s red dress at the end is A-mazing. Energy usually reserved for Saturday night was expended being entirely nervous and sweaty for a 1:30 Waltz of the Flowers. Sadly, I don’t have photos of the amazing bun I put together thanks to Phyllis‘ instructions. Let’s just say my blowdryer has never had such a workout.