INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2407,1,'2010-12-01 21:59:20','2010-12-02 04:59:20','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2396\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bella for Most Lovable\"]<a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2396\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/petcentric1-300x228.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Have you ever watched The National Dog Show?  It is the one that airs immediately after the Macy\'s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  It has become one of my favorite T-Day morning (<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/day-62-pie-for-breakfast-its-good-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>and T-Day morning after</strong></a>) traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year during the broadcast, the announcers kept mentioning the \"everyday dog\" show contest.  Everyday dog owners were encouraged to sign up their pooch at petcentric.com.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So...guess what I did on Day 66?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Bella\'s precious mug is entered into two categories:  Most Lovable (where she looks so stinkin\' cute) and Best Expression (where she looks sweet and coy). </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please cast your vote for Bella by <strong><a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here</a></strong>.  You don\'t need to choose one photo or category; you are allowed to vote for each photo in both categories.  <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>You also have the option of spreading the good puppy karma through facebook and twitter. </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are new to the blog, I adopted Bella three weeks ago today.  She was a street urchin in Yuma, AZ (hell on Earth) and was rescued and fostered by Mixed-Up Mutts.  She is an absolute ANGEL of a dog, and everyone who meets her falls head over heels for her because she has so much love to give.  She snuggles with everyone she meets.  She would actually make the perfect therapy dog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>VOTE BELLA FOR MOST LOVABLE!!!  BELLA FOR BEST EXPRESSION!!!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Whatever the outcome, Bella is my champion. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2398\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Bella for Best Expression \"]<a href=\"http://www.petcentric.com/Win/The-petcentric-Dog-Show/Users/latebloomer.aspx?useridex=744b16f8-611f-43da-bb38-d4c344ef5b0e\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2398 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/petcentric2-300x270.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"270\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 66:  Bella for \"Most Lovable\"!  Please cast your vote!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2395-revision-10','','','2010-12-01 21:59:20','2010-12-02 04:59:20','',2395,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/2395-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2408,1,'2010-11-23 20:17:42','2010-11-24 03:17:42','<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Holy crap!</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">You\'re not going to believe the photo below!!</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First I need to set up our ghostly adventure.  You didn\'t think I was going to whip out the photo right away and kill the suspense, did you?  ;-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 57, the four Ghost Huntresses (me, Christy Jo, Becky Jo, and Sarah) abandoned the comfort and safety of our homes to check into one of the most haunted places in the world.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you were wondering, yes, we\'re nuts. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And also a lot of fun. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And exceptionally brave when Patron is involved. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the <a href=\"http://www.jeromegrandhotel.net/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Jerome Grand Hotel</strong> </a>around dinner time.  The dark and <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">stormy</span> chilly full moon night set the stage for an eerie everning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Jerome Grand Hotel sits on the top of the hill over the town of Jerome which we all agreed looked super creepy.  Christy Jo started freaking out as she drove up the hill.  Apparently, she noticed a bedroom light flashing on and off.   This coupled with the (no) vacancy sign flickering only a \"cy\" reminded her way too much of the Bates motel. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Even I, with all of my bravado, had a \"What the hell have I gotten us into?!?!\" moment.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We all shrieked like school girls as we unloaded our bags from the car.  We schlepped up to the hotel and checked in with a front desk attendant who (god bless him) had no idea that I was about to pepper him with 15 minutes worth of questions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now that I think about it, his rambling and long-winded answers were probably a ploy to keep the excited hottie girls from Phoenix down in the uneventful lobby for as long as he could.  His scheme worked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">We found out that our Room 10 had seen \"activity\".  </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Christy Jo flipped through the guest log and found entries for Room 10 which included bed covers flung off in the middle of the night.  The rest of it I can\'t tell you.  I seemed to have blocked it out as a protective mechanism.  If you want, I can go through hypnosis for another blog day to uncover the lost memory.  Or Christy Jo could just comment below, I suppose. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I stumbled around the hotel website prior to our visit, I unearthed stories of wheezing and coughing coming from room corners.  (The hotel was formerly a hospital.  And yes, there were mental patients because I asked in my 15 minute round of questioning.  I knew there had to be some reason why their restaurant is named The Asylum.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you\'re not catching my drift, there could be crazy ghosts floating around the hotel which is somehow more unnerving than sane ghosts. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other guest experiences include (but are not limited to) strange noises, TVs turning on and off, voices, and unexplained smells of dust and flowers.  There have also been reports of cigarette and whisky smells which I think is most obviously a dead country music singer living it up in the afterlife. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />Guests also claim to have seen orbs of light, ectoplasm (wtf?!), apparations of a nurse, and a woman in white.  According to legend, the woman and her baby died in childbirth.  The woman in white is distraught over the treatment of her child who was buried in an unmarked grave. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Are you scared yet?  :-o </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a first-hand account from my friend, Perry, who didn\'t believe in ghosts until after his stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the middle of the night, Perry heard kids running up and down the hall.  The kids didn\'t let up, so Perry exited his room to tell them to stop.  There was no one there. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When he returned to his bed, the kids ran amuck again.  Perry was officially pissed.  He swung open the door to an empty hallway. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Perry then camped out behind the door with his hand on the knob.  As soon as he heard the kids directly outside his room, he flung open the door. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>No one was there!!!!!  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />At that moment, Perry converted to a believer.  Duh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, back to the Ghost Huntresses stalled in the lobby by the wordy front desk attendant...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When the girls wanted to strangle me for delaying dinner, I graciously thanked Mr. Front Desk Guy, and we were off! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or up, to be precise.  We boarded an old-fashioned elevator that is supposed to be haunted by the ghost of Claude Harvey.  Claude reportedly met with foul play in the elevator shaft. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We creaked open the door to Room 10 and...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Boo!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nothing happened.  Just wanted to make sure you are still with me.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ghost Huntress Sarah immediately scoured the room while I acted like a ghost paparazzi with my camera.  Guests previously captured images and orbs of light at various locations in the hotel.  You can see those pictures <strong><a href=\"http://www.jeromeghosthunting.com/Ghost%20Hunt%20Photos.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tech savvy Ghost Huntresses Christy Jo and Becky Jo whipped out their iPad and iPhone featuring the Ghost Radar app. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Apple, you crack me up.  Ghost Radar app?!?! </span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ghost Radar not only lit up like a Christmas tree with \"activity\", but it also spat out words that Becky Jo swore pertained to us!  Again, I have blocked out those words in my post-haunted-amnesia, so the other Ghost Huntresses really need to chime in and comment below. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all this mayhem, I excused myself to the ladies room.  After I finished my business, I stood in the bathroom and...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">I screamed bloody murder!!! </span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>To freak the girls out. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nothing happened this time either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The girls gasped, \"Michelle?!?!\" from the room, but when I threw open the door, I found them huddled on the other side of the room ready to make an escape. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I made a mental note that I seriously hoped nothing otherworldly happened that night.  My fellow Ghost Huntresses would be of no help and would be outta there faster than you can say, \"Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After this flurry of photo ops and ghost radar apps, we decided to step out to dinner.  The restaurant was conveniently located right outside our room. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As we entered the lobby, a really ugly/scary statue of a twisted wee man sat on an old wheelchair.  Christy insisted that I pose for a photo.  She directed me to pretend to push the wheelchair from behind.  I, always the method actress, performed a mute scream this time around.  A false alarm with your friends is one thing; a false alarm with dinner guests could get me kicked out of the joint. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Christy Jo then spazzed out about something with my camera.  I tuned her out while wondering what kind of food The Asylum served.  Becky Jo flipped out as well as she brought me my camera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And now it\'s time for the photo reveal.  May I have a drum roll, please?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200193.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200193-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Uh-huh.  Those are orbs, baby. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Holy Sh#%balls!!!!! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I nearly hyperventilated.  I just took dozens of photos of the room, and those images were crystal clear!!!  Well...all of them except one.  Look closely at the back of Sarah\'s leg.  It\'s not a bleach stain, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2109\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s a frickin\' orb!!!! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now...when Kimeee saw this photo upon my return, she asked, \"What are these \'orbs\'?  Have you researched them?  What are they supposedly comprised of?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Kimeee is an attorney, and therefore thinks about things logically and rationally on a daily basis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, as her right-brained artsy fartsy friend, see balls of unknown nature in a photo, think back to the mention of orbs on the hotel website, and need no further explanation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Do you?!?! </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and 3 token gents, let\'s be perfectly candid with each other, shall we? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>THERE IS NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION!!!! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There was nothing on my camera lens.  There were no special lighting effects in the hotel lobby as evidenced by subsequent photos in the same location.  You have my word that I did not alter the photo in any way, shape or form. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I believe I mentioned that the location of the orbs was merely several feet from our room?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you experience the supernatural within 15 minutes of arriving at your room, it\'s time to call out the big guns. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200196.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200196-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the rest of the evening, our fear<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">less</span>ful heroines had become comfortably numb.  So who knows if anything else happened. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We did scour the hallways with our Ghost Radar and cameras later on with no trace of anything alarming. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In my humble opinion, the orbs were more than enough. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So there you have it.  The Ghost Huntresses continue to be ghost magnets. <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/17/day-51-we-see-dead-people/\" target=\"_blank\">(See Day 51 for our backstory.) </a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">We are now accepting offers for our own </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ghost </span></span></strong><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Huntresses TV show. </span> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We\'re prettier, smarter, and infinitely more talented than those morons on <em>The Jersey Shore</em>.  If they can land a TV gig, why can\'t we? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Here\'s my pitch to The Discovery Channel:  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong> </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dreams do come true, my friends.  Dreams do come true!  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>                 ***************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Scroll down for more \"interesting\" photos.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210233.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2111\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210233-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>None of us noticed this on that fateful night.  You can see another orb in the foreground.  Click the photo, enlarge, and look at what is near Ghost Huntress Becky Jo\'s ankle.  (She\'s the one sitting on the bed while checking out Ghost Radar.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"><strong>Is that ectoplasm?!?!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200194.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2134\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB200194-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was taken immediately after discovering the orbs in the Orbs Gone Wild! photo above.  A few remnant orbs are still around and ready for their close-up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210198.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2136\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB210198-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Innocuous photo of me goofing off again.  This and the tequila shot photo were both taken with my camera.  I told you there was nothing on the lens!  :-o </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 57:  We Saw Dead People (or if you want to be technical, \"orbs\")','','inherit','open','open','','2098-revision-62','','','2010-11-23 20:17:42','2010-11-24 03:17:42','',2098,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/2098-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(2523,1,'2010-12-10 01:11:14','2010-12-10 08:11:14','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2526\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Ms. Laney&#39;s Kindergarten Class\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a>. </em></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ms. Laney began the story, and then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','publish','open','open','','day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/','2010-12-09 21:13:37','2010-12-10 04:13:37','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2523',0,'post','',7),(2410,1,'2010-12-02 19:47:10','2010-12-03 02:47:10','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I live for this stuff.  This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My contribution:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Your friend, Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-2','','','2010-12-02 19:47:10','2010-12-03 02:47:10','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2411,1,'2010-12-02 19:47:31','2010-12-03 02:47:31','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I live for this stuff.  This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-3','','','2010-12-02 19:47:31','2010-12-03 02:47:31','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2412,1,'2010-12-02 19:48:01','2010-12-03 02:48:01','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I live for this stuff.  This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-4','','','2010-12-02 19:48:01','2010-12-03 02:48:01','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2413,1,'2010-12-02 19:49:08','2010-12-03 02:49:08','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I live for this stuff.  This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-5','','','2010-12-02 19:49:08','2010-12-03 02:49:08','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2414,1,'2010-12-02 19:55:21','2010-12-03 02:55:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-134','','','2010-12-02 19:55:21','2010-12-03 02:55:21','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2415,1,'2010-12-02 19:51:14','2010-12-03 02:51:14','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I live for this stuff.  This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My contribution:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Your friend,</p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-6','','','2010-12-02 19:51:14','2010-12-03 02:51:14','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2416,1,'2010-12-02 19:57:08','2010-12-03 02:57:08','<p>How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>I live for this stuff. </strong></span> This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My contribution:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2414\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Your friend,</p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-7','','','2010-12-02 19:57:08','2010-12-03 02:57:08','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2417,1,'2010-12-02 19:57:39','2010-12-03 02:57:39','<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>How cute is this? </strong></span> Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>I live for this stuff. </strong></span> This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2414\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-8','','','2010-12-02 19:57:39','2010-12-03 02:57:39','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2419,1,'2010-12-02 19:58:56','2010-12-03 02:58:56','<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How cute is this?  </span>Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I live for this stuff.</span> </strong></span> This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2414\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-10','','','2010-12-02 19:58:56','2010-12-03 02:58:56','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2418,1,'2010-12-02 19:58:19','2010-12-03 02:58:19','<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">How cute is this?</span> </strong></span> Original email solicitation:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I live for this stuff.</span> </strong></span> This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My contribution:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2414\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Your friend,</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-9','','','2010-12-02 19:58:19','2010-12-03 02:58:19','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2420,1,'2010-12-02 20:00:26','2010-12-03 03:00:26','<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">How cute is this?  Original email solicitation:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>David\'s class is starting a unit on the gingerbread man. During the unit the gingerbread man is going to run away and travel to far away places outside of Houston. His teacher has requested our help in getting friends and relatives to mail picture postcards telling about a sighting of the gingerbread man. They are going to track the gingerbread man\'s travels on a map to see where he has been.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you have a moment and can help by mailing a postcard it would be very much appreciated. They will be tracking the postcards up until December 16th.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please include \"David\" on the postcard so his teacher will know whose friend or relative it came from.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Mail postcard to:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>H-Town Elementary School</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I live for this stuff.</span> </strong></span> This is when I really, really miss teaching.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My contribution:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2414\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC010185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dear David &amp; Mrs. G\'s Class,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Gingerbread Man was seen running in the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona!  See the mountain on the postcard?  The Gingerbread Man was <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">there</span>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bobcats all wanted a bite of him, but luckily he was too fast.  I heard him say, \"You can\'t catch me, I\'m the Gingerbread Man!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Your friend,</p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>','Day 67:  Gingerbread Man Sighting!','','inherit','open','open','','2393-revision-11','','','2010-12-02 20:00:26','2010-12-03 03:00:26','',2393,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/02/2393-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2421,1,'2010-12-04 11:56:02','2010-12-04 18:56:02','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on <a href=\"http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/polar_express/#\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>RottenTomatoes.com</strong></a> today, I am not alone. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious song for your listening pleasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','publish','open','open','','day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/','2010-12-04 11:56:02','2010-12-04 18:56:02','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2421',0,'post','',6),(2422,1,'2010-12-03 16:34:42','2010-12-03 23:34:42','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision','','','2010-12-03 16:34:42','2010-12-03 23:34:42','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/03/2421-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2423,1,'2010-12-03 16:39:24','2010-12-03 23:39:24','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  Bella, etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-2','','','2010-12-03 16:39:24','2010-12-03 23:39:24','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/03/2421-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2424,1,'2010-12-04 11:05:39','2010-12-04 18:05:39','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com today, I am not alone. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-3','','','2010-12-04 11:05:39','2010-12-04 18:05:39','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2425,1,'2010-12-04 11:42:08','2010-12-04 18:42:08','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com today, I am not alone. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious song for your listening pleasure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-4','','','2010-12-04 11:42:08','2010-12-04 18:42:08','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2427,1,'2010-12-04 11:48:06','2010-12-04 18:48:06','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com today, I am not alone. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious song for your listening pleasure. \r\n\r\n\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"></embed></object>\r\n<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-6','','','2010-12-04 11:48:06','2010-12-04 18:48:06','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2426,1,'2010-12-04 11:46:12','2010-12-04 18:46:12','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com today, I am not alone. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious \n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\nsong for your listening pleasure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-5','','','2010-12-04 11:46:12','2010-12-04 18:46:12','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2428,1,'2010-12-04 11:49:33','2010-12-04 18:49:33','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com today, I am not alone. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious song for your listening pleasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"></embed></object>\n<br />\n<br />\n<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-7','','','2010-12-04 11:49:33','2010-12-04 18:49:33','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2429,1,'2010-12-04 11:55:58','2010-12-04 18:55:58','<p>On Day 74, Laney and I are off on a crazily festive adventure.  In preparation, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laney insisted that I acquire Christmas PJs pronto.</strong></a>  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She was also quite adamant that I MUST watch the movie <em>The Polar Express.  </em>Which I did on Day 68.  Check. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have mixed reviews about the movie.  And after reading the reviews on <a href=\"http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/polar_express/#\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>RottenTomatoes.com</strong></a> today, I am not alone. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My name is not Scrooge, so instead of sharing my two cent armchair movie review, here is a precious song for your listening pleasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oPfX4jXVqL8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 68:  More \"Homework\" for Day 74 Surprise','','inherit','open','open','','2421-revision-8','','','2010-12-04 11:55:58','2010-12-04 18:55:58','',2421,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/2421-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2576,1,'2010-12-12 15:44:49','2010-12-12 22:44:49','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2577\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Where do you think this year\'s tallest Christmas Tree resides?</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Rockefeller Center?</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fantastic guess, but no.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The White House?</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another great guess.  Nope.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Somewhere in Texas?  Where everything is BIG?</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hahahaha!!!  No, siree, boys and girls.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>The answer:  Anthem, Arizona.</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Where the heck is Anthem???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Waaaaay north Phoenix.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Who woulda thunk???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The tree is 110 feet tall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Holy Christmas Tree, Batman!!!</span></span></strong></p>','Day 75:  Tallest Christmas Tree in the U.S.!  ','','publish','open','open','','day-75-tallest-christmas-tree-in-the-u-s','','','2010-12-12 12:40:09','2010-12-12 19:40:09','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2576',0,'post','',2),(2431,1,'2010-12-05 11:15:56','2010-12-05 18:15:56','[caption id=\"attachment_2434\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My Little Cash Calf\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2434\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>The plan was for Sarah and I to meet at the Biltmore Art in the Park on Friday night.  Since the Biltmore is a dog-friendly outdoor mall, Bella was also invited. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The problem was that Sarah, Bella and I couldn\'t find any art.  We actually hunted down a store proprietor to ask, \"Where\'s the art?\"  He directed our attention to a lone easel. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Apparently, the other participating stores displayed a lone easel as well.  Except for the Pet-tique that was supposed to be a part of this soiree but decided to close early instead.  Sorry, Bella. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sarah and I decided that a hot tea on the Paradise Bakery patio was in order.  We were nearly arrested for bringing Bella into the establishment to get our tea.  (In our defense, there was no \"No Dogs Allowed\" sign!!!).  Other than violating health code, we enjoyed a lovely evening of conversation about new directions, hopes and dreams. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>And then...be still, my heart...the compliment to end all compliments. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Bella, being so stinkin\' cute, garners a lot of attention.  She sat in my lap as many admirers cooed over her.  The wisest of these admirers announced, \"I have 5 dogs, but Bella is the cutest dog that I have ever seen!  She needs her own TV show!!!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So there you have it.  Bella is officially my little cash cow.  Or, since she is still a puppy, I suppose that she\'s technically my little cash calf. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here I thought that I and the other Ghost Huntresses might soon sign a deal for my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters idea</strong></a>, but perhaps it is Miss Bella who is destined for TV stardom! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What do you think my pitch to Animal Planet should be?  Help me dream up ideas!  Please submit your suggestions in the comment section below. </p>','Day 69:  Art Walk was a Bust, but...','','publish','open','open','','day-69-art-walk-was-a-bust-but','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/','2010-12-05 11:15:56','2010-12-05 18:15:56','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2431',0,'post','',11),(2432,1,'2010-12-05 10:55:16','2010-12-05 17:55:16','<p>The plan was for Sarah and I to meet at the Biltmore Art in the Park on Friday night.  Since the Biltmore is a dog-friendly outdoor mall, Bella was also invited. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The problem was that Sarah and I couldn\'t find any art.  We actually hunted down a store proprietor to ask, \"Where\'s the art?\"  He directed our attention to a lone easel. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Apparently, the other participating stores displayed a lone easel as well.  Except for the Pet-tique that was supposed to be a part of this soiree but decided to close instead.  Sorry, Bella. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sarah and I decided that a hot tea on the Paradise Bakery pation was in order.  We were nearly arrested for bringing Bella into the establishment to get our tea.  (There was no \"No Dogs Allowed\" sign!!!).  Other than that, we enjoyed a lovely evening of conversation about new directions, hopes and dreams. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then...be still, my heart...the compliment to end all compliments. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bella, being so stinkin\' cute, garners a lot of attention.  She sat in my lap as many admirers cooed over her.  The wisest of these admirers announced, \"I have 5 dogs, but she is the cutest dog that I have ever seen!  She needs her own TV show!!!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So there you have it.  Bella is officially my little cash cow.  Or, since she is still a puppy, she\'s technically my little cash calf. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here I thought that I and the other Ghost Huntresses might soon sign a deal for my Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters idea, but perhaps it is Bella who is destined for TV stardom! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>What do you think my pitch to Animal Planet s</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 69:  Art Walk was a Bust, but...','','inherit','open','open','','2431-revision','','','2010-12-05 10:55:16','2010-12-05 17:55:16','',2431,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2431-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2433,1,'2010-12-05 11:07:52','2010-12-05 18:07:52','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-135','','','2010-12-05 11:07:52','2010-12-05 18:07:52','',2431,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB140178.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2434,1,'2010-12-05 11:09:13','2010-12-05 18:09:13','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-136','','','2010-12-05 11:09:13','2010-12-05 18:09:13','',2431,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2435,1,'2010-12-05 11:13:13','2010-12-05 18:13:13','[caption id=\"attachment_2434\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My Little Cash Calf\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2434\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>The plan was for Sarah and I to meet at the Biltmore Art in the Park on Friday night.  Since the Biltmore is a dog-friendly outdoor mall, Bella was also invited. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The problem was that Sarah, Bella and I couldn\'t find any art.  We actually hunted down a store proprietor to ask, \"Where\'s the art?\"  He directed our attention to a lone easel. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Apparently, the other participating stores displayed a lone easel as well.  Except for the Pet-tique that was supposed to be a part of this soiree but decided to close early instead.  Sorry, Bella. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sarah and I decided that a hot tea on the Paradise Bakery patio was in order.  We were nearly arrested for bringing Bella into the establishment to get our tea.  (In our defense, there was no \"No Dogs Allowed\" sign!!!).  Other than violating health code, we enjoyed a lovely evening of conversation about new directions, hopes and dreams. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>And then...be still, my heart...the compliment to end all compliments. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bella, being so stinkin\' cute, garners a lot of attention.  She sat in my lap as many admirers cooed over her.  The wisest of these admirers announced, \"I have 5 dogs, but Bella is the cutest dog that I have ever seen!  She needs her own TV show!!!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So there you have it.  Bella is officially my little cash cow.  Or, since she is still a puppy, I suppose that she\'s technically my little cash calf. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here I thought that I and the other Ghost Huntresses might soon sign a deal for my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters idea</strong></a>, but perhaps it is Miss Bella who is destined for TV stardom! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>What do you think my pitch to Animal Planet should be?  Help me dream up ideas!  Please submit your suggestions in the comment section below. </p>','Day 69:  Art Walk was a Bust, but...','','inherit','open','open','','2431-revision-2','','','2010-12-05 11:13:13','2010-12-05 18:13:13','',2431,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2431-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2436,1,'2010-12-05 11:13:24','2010-12-05 18:13:24','[caption id=\"attachment_2434\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"My Little Cash Calf\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2434\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PB1401781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>The plan was for Sarah and I to meet at the Biltmore Art in the Park on Friday night.  Since the Biltmore is a dog-friendly outdoor mall, Bella was also invited. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The problem was that Sarah, Bella and I couldn\'t find any art.  We actually hunted down a store proprietor to ask, \"Where\'s the art?\"  He directed our attention to a lone easel. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Apparently, the other participating stores displayed a lone easel as well.  Except for the Pet-tique that was supposed to be a part of this soiree but decided to close early instead.  Sorry, Bella. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sarah and I decided that a hot tea on the Paradise Bakery patio was in order.  We were nearly arrested for bringing Bella into the establishment to get our tea.  (In our defense, there was no \"No Dogs Allowed\" sign!!!).  Other than violating health code, we enjoyed a lovely evening of conversation about new directions, hopes and dreams. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>And then...be still, my heart...the compliment to end all compliments. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Bella, being so stinkin\' cute, garners a lot of attention.  She sat in my lap as many admirers cooed over her.  The wisest of these admirers announced, \"I have 5 dogs, but Bella is the cutest dog that I have ever seen!  She needs her own TV show!!!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So there you have it.  Bella is officially my little cash cow.  Or, since she is still a puppy, I suppose that she\'s technically my little cash calf. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here I thought that I and the other Ghost Huntresses might soon sign a deal for my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Charlie\'s Angels Meets Ghostbusters idea</strong></a>, but perhaps it is Miss Bella who is destined for TV stardom! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What do you think my pitch to Animal Planet should be?  Help me dream up ideas!  Please submit your suggestions in the comment section below. </p>','Day 69:  Art Walk was a Bust, but...','','inherit','open','open','','2431-revision-3','','','2010-12-05 11:13:24','2010-12-05 18:13:24','',2431,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2431-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2637,1,'2010-12-14 01:11:53','2010-12-14 08:11:53','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertbotanical/4172311621/sizes/m/in/photostream/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2648\" title=\"4172311621_f21e59a772\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/4172311621_f21e59a772-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>Are there things in your life that you\'ve always wanted to try but you put off until \"next year\" for whatever reason? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since I moved to my fair city in \'95, I have wanted to go to the <a href=\"http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Desert Botanical Garden\'s Las Noches de las Luminarias</strong></a>.   Some years I missed the boat and they sold out.  Some years I couldn\'t find anyone interested in accompanying me.  Some years I found my schedule too full and procrastinated with \"next year\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...this is the year of Carpe Diem-ing, right?  I found a friend who wanted to go, and I committed to purchasing a ticket online.  No excuses this year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then the airlines stranded my friend in a city far, far away.  Who wants to go to an EVENT alone???  I\'ve dined alone and even seen shows on my own all over the U.S. and Canada, but attend a HOLIDAY EVENT alone? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ugh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was going to suck it up and do it in the spirit of this blog, but...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svennykins swooped in and saved the day as my Escort/Knight in Shining Armor.  Thanks, Svenny!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a monumental traffic jam, limited parking, and Svenny swearing like a truck driver from the stress, we arrived to an enchanting setting of twinkling lights and EIGHT THOUSAND hand-lit luminaria bags.  The scenery had a sedating effect on Svenny, and he promptly chilled out.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is an evening like no other.  If you live in my fair city, you must go. <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Buy your tickets online NOW</strong> </a>as they sell out before the weekend.  Las Noches de las Luminarias runs December 16th - 30th.  (Closed on the 24th and 25th.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Here are my tips for a Luminarias Night to Remember: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The event is from 5:30 - 9:30.  Since Svenny and I are under the age of 65, we thought it was perfectly acceptable to show up at a more reasonable time of 7 p.m.  Mistake!  Go at 5:30 to avoid the traffic, park, and have time to enjoy the multitude of musical talent postioned throughout the garden.  </li>\r\n	<li>EAT BEFORE YOU GO!  Desert Botanical Garden rocks on so many levels, but they are in dire need of a new caterer.  If you are o.k. with mediocre food (i.e., you\'re not a food snob like me), then don\'t worry about it .  But somehow this caterer even managed to screw up the hot cocoa and whipped cream. HOW is that possible???</li>\r\n	<li>Instead of spending money on crap food, get thee to the Gift Shop and support local artists and musicians.  Go early or you\'ll want to beat traffic at the end of the evening and never make it in.  </li>\r\n	<li>Wander aimlessly around the garden and soak in the breathtaking sights as well as the sounds of gifted musicians of all genres.  (Svenny kept trying to reference his map, but it\'s really dark out there and who needs a map??  Wander, people, wander!) </li>\r\n	<li>On your sights and sounds tour, save <span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Scott Jeffers and Traveler</strong></span> for you final destination.  Leave yourself time, and park yourselves there for the rest of the evening.  Trust me on this one.  As we approached, I joked to Svenny that I heard Charlie Daniels in the distance.  But the violin quickly morphed into something reminiscent of that brilliant gypsy scene in <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VshLGLVDPq4\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>The Red Violin</strong></em> </a>and then evolved again into something very <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2SR_P-_98s\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Loreena McKennitt</strong></a>-esque. </li>\r\n	<li>You will be so blown away by <span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Scott Jeffers and Traveler</strong></span>, that you will want to purchase their CDs pronto.  As of today, you have 11 days to enjoy their Christmas recording.  Please visit Traveler\'s website at <a href=\"http://travelerworldmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://travelerworldmusic.com/</strong></a>.   <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who live outside of my fair city, what holiday events take place in your neck of the woods that you have always wanted to check out?  Please share in the comments section below. </p>','Day 77:  Las Noches de las Luminarias ','','publish','open','open','','day-77-las-noches-de-las-luminarias','','','2010-12-13 21:10:17','2010-12-14 04:10:17','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2637',0,'post','',4),(2439,1,'2010-12-15 10:00:30','2010-12-15 17:00:30','<p><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292370799&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2685\" title=\"MakesAgreatXmasGift!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artofnonconformity.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I forget when it was that I first encountered Chris Guillebeau\'s <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art of Nonconformity</strong> </a>blog.  2 years ago maybe?  I\'m not sure that I even knew what a blog was at the time.  I only knew that the title and content resonated with me.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In fact, I related to Chris\'s message so much that I gave him my main email address for updates.  Yep.  I handed over the email address that I normally reserve for those within my inner circle.  The one that connects with my Crackberry.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whoa.  That\'s a BIG step for me.  <br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What exactly is Chris\'s message, you ask?</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Set your own rules.  Live the life you want.  Change the world.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">All while making the world a better place.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I read and digest that message, I get jazzed and warm-fuzzied all at the same time.  Now you know why I freely turned over my usually top-secret email address. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So when Changing Hands (aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Little Bookstore That Could</strong></a>) announced Chris\'s appearance, I erased whatever Late Bloomie adventure I previously penciled in for Day 78 and replaced it with <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-World/dp/0399536108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1292365928&amp;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Art of Nonconformity</strong></a> book signing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so glad that I did. Chris is simply an all-around gracious, humble, smart, and inspiring human being.  He is definitely succeeding in making the world a better place through his extensive charity work and his message presented through his blog and book.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>The fun of Non-Conformity continues!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>Coming soon to a city near or not-so-near you...</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple months ago, Chris announced his upcoming <a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>World Domination Summit</strong></a> in Portland, Oregon for June 4th - 5th 2011.  I did not hesitate to sign up immediately.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Take a look at this!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2686\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2687\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140183-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I received this handwritten Thank You note in the mail a couple of weeks ago for registering for The World Domination Summit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank YOU for hosting, Chris.  Looking forward to jazzy warm-fuzzies galore in 170 days!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Who is joining me in Portland? </p>','Day 78:  Are You an Artist of Non-Conformity?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-78-are-you-an-artist-of-non-conformity','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/','2010-12-15 09:43:46','2010-12-15 16:43:46','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2439',0,'post','',9),(2440,1,'2010-12-05 20:23:44','2010-12-06 03:23:44','','Day 78:  Chris G ','','inherit','open','open','','2439-revision','','','2010-12-05 20:23:44','2010-12-06 03:23:44','',2439,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2439-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2441,1,'2010-12-06 11:11:46','2010-12-06 18:11:46','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody apologetically pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either!!!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','publish','open','open','','day-70-a-real-art-walk-this-time','','','2010-12-06 10:14:12','2010-12-06 17:14:12','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2441',0,'post','',13),(2442,1,'2010-12-05 21:18:05','2010-12-06 04:18:05','<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong></strong></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 399 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"></span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Rennaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision','','','2010-12-05 21:18:05','2010-12-06 04:18:05','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2443,1,'2010-12-05 21:22:19','2010-12-06 04:22:19','','tempebunnies','Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies?  ','inherit','open','open','','tempebunnies','','','2010-12-05 21:22:19','2010-12-06 04:22:19','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2444,1,'2010-12-05 21:21:08','2010-12-06 04:21:08','<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 399 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-2','','','2010-12-05 21:21:08','2010-12-06 04:21:08','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2450,1,'2010-12-06 10:09:14','2010-12-06 17:09:14','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-8','','','2010-12-06 10:09:14','2010-12-06 17:09:14','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2447,1,'2010-12-05 21:24:51','2010-12-06 04:24:51','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 399 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-5','','','2010-12-05 21:24:51','2010-12-06 04:24:51','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2445,1,'2010-12-05 21:23:27','2010-12-06 04:23:27','[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 399 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-3','','','2010-12-05 21:23:27','2010-12-06 04:23:27','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2446,1,'2010-12-05 21:24:04','2010-12-06 04:24:04','[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span></span></span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 399 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-4','','','2010-12-05 21:24:04','2010-12-06 04:24:04','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2448,1,'2010-12-05 21:25:46','2010-12-06 04:25:46','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-6','','','2010-12-05 21:25:46','2010-12-06 04:25:46','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/05/2441-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2449,1,'2010-12-06 10:06:19','2010-12-06 17:06:19','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge and blog again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-7','','','2010-12-06 10:06:19','2010-12-06 17:06:19','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2451,1,'2010-12-06 10:10:31','2010-12-06 17:10:31','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-9','','','2010-12-06 10:10:31','2010-12-06 17:10:31','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2452,1,'2010-12-06 10:11:26','2010-12-06 17:11:26','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody apologetically pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either.  Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-10','','','2010-12-06 10:11:26','2010-12-06 17:11:26','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2453,1,'2010-12-06 10:12:11','2010-12-06 17:12:11','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody apologetically pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either!!!</strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span> Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-11','','','2010-12-06 10:12:11','2010-12-06 17:12:11','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2454,1,'2010-12-06 10:13:07','2010-12-06 17:13:07','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody apologetically pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either!!!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-12','','','2010-12-06 10:13:07','2010-12-06 17:13:07','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2455,1,'2010-12-06 10:13:45','2010-12-06 17:13:45','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2443\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Who needs Reindeer when you have Creepy Holiday Bunnies? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2443\" title=\"tempebunnies\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tempebunnies-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 69 Art in the Park may have been a bust as far as actually gazing upon art.  As I mentioned yesterday, the compliment to end all compliments made up for the lack of...well...art. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 70\'s <a href=\"http://tempefestivalofthearts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tempe Festival of the Arts</strong></a> more than made up for it.  This was an art festival on steroids.  225,000 visitors were expected. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I had my friend and masseuse extraordinaire, Melody, with me or I would have been lost in a sea of white tents never to emerge (let alone blog) again.  Yes, it was THAT BIG. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Melody and I basically taste-tested our way through the streets.  I purposely had only a smoothie for lunch to save room for festival junk.  I think the \"experts\" recommend the opposite:  eat a hearty and healthy lunch so you\'re not tempted to eat the junk, but this strategy has never worked well for me.  It\'s not like I\'m eating this stuff on a daily basis.  It\'s more like once in the bluest of moons.  Moderation in all things, my friends. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Much to my dismay, there was no funnel cake in sight.  I am not sure how this is possible since the festival swallowed so many streets in downtown Tempe that I lost count.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>HOW DOES A FESTIVAL NOT HAVE FUNNEL CAKE?!?!?! </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Luckily, I partook last weekend at the Festival of Lights so there was no need to go on a depraved rampage.  </span></span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Melody can attest that I behaved quite nicely as I settled on the most mediocre kettle corn of my life.   </span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Besides the crap kettle corn, Melody bought a few pre-Columbian flutes (too detailed to explain what the heck they are here) for friends, and I (selfish wench that I am) purchased a piece of pottery for me.  </span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Melody felt guilty for leaving emptyhanded from the other 398 booths.  As she said goodbye, she apologized to the artists for not buying their wares.  I almost guilt-bought from the honey vendor after he fed me several samples, but Melody apologetically pulled me away just in the nick of time.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span></span> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Now that I think of it, I never saw any cotton candy either!!!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Oh, well.  The Renaissance Festival will be here before I know it.  Now THERE\'S some serious festival food.  </span></span></span></span></span></p>','Day 70:  A REAL Art Walk This Time','','inherit','open','open','','2441-revision-13','','','2010-12-06 10:13:45','2010-12-06 17:13:45','',2441,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2441-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2456,1,'2010-12-08 01:11:02','2010-12-08 08:11:02','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0. You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me. If I had an extra $1,500 to spend. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m  a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size. My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when a guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','publish','open','open','','day-71-make-me-over-nordstrom','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/','2010-12-08 08:00:54','2010-12-08 15:00:54','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2456',0,'post','',6),(2457,1,'2010-12-06 10:17:54','2010-12-06 17:17:54','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision','','','2010-12-06 10:17:54','2010-12-06 17:17:54','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2456-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2458,1,'2010-12-06 10:42:43','2010-12-06 17:42:43','<p>make this heavily photo focused and branch off the photos</p>\n\n<p>preface parts 1 &amp; 2</p>\n\n<p>preface my history with shopping -- al butt sand before</p>\n\n<p>intro Katie</p>\n\n<p>what i fed her before -- size tried to describe style 40s new look</p>\n\n<p>she gave me dull and blah</p>\n\n<p>katie reminded me that i\'m not typical 40s.  she described my style as bohemian sexy.  last year i got date compliment of sheryl crow.  sigh...</p>\n\n<p>photo gags</p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows. </p>\n\n<p>i have katie who</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-2','','','2010-12-06 10:42:43','2010-12-06 17:42:43','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2456-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2459,1,'2010-12-06 20:38:59','2010-12-07 03:38:59','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-137','','','2010-12-06 20:38:59','2010-12-07 03:38:59','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2460,1,'2010-12-06 20:41:41','2010-12-07 03:41:41','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-138','','','2010-12-06 20:41:41','2010-12-07 03:41:41','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0501801.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2461,1,'2010-12-06 20:45:05','2010-12-07 03:45:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-139','','','2010-12-06 20:45:05','2010-12-07 03:45:05','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0501802.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2464,1,'2010-12-06 21:52:58','2010-12-07 04:52:58','','StephanieRausser_Kids0','','inherit','open','open','','stephanierausser_kids0','','','2010-12-06 21:52:58','2010-12-07 04:52:58','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/StephanieRausser_Kids0.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2467,1,'2010-12-06 17:43:23','2010-12-07 00:43:23','<p>make this heavily photo focused and branch off the photos</p>\n\n<p>preface parts 1 &amp; 2</p>\n\n<p>preface my history with shopping -- al butt sand before</p>\n\n<p>intro Katie</p>\n\n<p>what i fed her before -- size tried to describe style 40s new look</p>\n\n<p>she gave me dull and blah</p>\n\n<p>katie reminded me that i\'m not typical 40s.  she described my style as bohemian sexy.  last year i got date compliment of sheryl crow.  sigh...</p>\n\n<p>photo gags</p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows. </p>\n\n<p>i have katie who has known me for nearly a decade, knows me well, knows fashion.  i don\'t need a personal shopper.  i need a full stomach, channel/ geting in touch with my inner Sheryl, and katie.  part 4 coming in jan</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-3','','','2010-12-06 17:43:23','2010-12-07 00:43:23','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/06/2456-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2678,1,'2010-12-14 11:08:00','2010-12-14 18:08:00','','Day 81:  ','','inherit','open','open','','2677-revision','','','2010-12-14 11:08:00','2010-12-14 18:08:00','',2677,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/14/2677-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2677,1,'2010-12-19 11:53:31','2010-12-19 18:53:31','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2770\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Don&#39;t try this at home. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501871.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2770\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501871-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>The whole purpose of this 365 Day Year of Living Curiously project is to engage in some sort of soul-scintillating activity each day.  Often, these activities include things I\'ve always wanted to try but have procrastinated for whatever reason. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10 YEARS AGO, I purchased a cookie press from Dina\'s (aka Dina <em>dah</em>ling) Pampered Chef party.  It has lived peacefully amongst other unused kitchen gadgets in the bottom of my pantry ever since. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure why I purchased the press.  The only time I ever bake cookies is at Christmas.  And I usually default to my old stand-by and favorite, Russian Tea Cakes.  Yum! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year, I thought I would haul out the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">holly</span> cookie press to break out of my cookie rut and try something new and different. With the cookie press, I could make delish cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  I could decorate with green and red sugary sprinkles.  Yay! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was all fun and games until the cookie press wouldn\'t cooperate.  \"Like new\" and fresh out of the dust-bunnied box and the bloody thing wouldn\'t work.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called Dina <em>dah</em>ling in a panic.  She told me that hers is \"temperamental\", but it worked the previous night.  She asked me to bring mine over to her house, and she would show me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I walked over to Dina <em>dah</em>ling\'s at 9 p.m.  She fiddled with my cookie press to no avail.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling then announced that mine was defective.  Great. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read something like \"Easy one-step method\".  Bull ca-ca, Pampered Chef.  BULL CA-CA!!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, Dina <em>dah</em>ling explained that the (not-so-)easy method is one and a half steps.  You\'ve got to be kidding.  Dina dahling showed me how to use her \"temperamental\" cookie press. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Here\'s an idea, Pampered Chef:  MAKE A COOKIE PRESS THAT WORKS!!!!</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I took Temperamental Cookie Press home.  It behaved temperamentally.  I started cussing a blue streak from all of the frustration and remembered these were Christmas cookies.  I nearly burst into tears. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">BAH HUMBUG TO YOU, PAMPERED CHEF!!!!  BAH HUMBUG!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was determined to bake these cookies.  I popped two Tylenol and got a grip. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not sure how it happened -- a Christmas miracle, perhaps? -- but somehow I managed to squeak out 5 dozen cookies 2 entire Christmas albums later. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2772\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"A Christmas Miracle \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501881.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2772\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1501881-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you, Diana Krall and Chris Isaak, for keeping me sane and reminding me of the Season during an otherwise painful process. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Dear Readers, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!  Instead, ask my mother for the Russian Tea Cake recipe. </span></span></strong></p>','Day 81:  Cussing During Holiday Cookie Baking.  (I am ashamed.)','','publish','open','open','','day-81-cussing-during-holiday-cookie-baking-i-am-ashamed','','','2010-12-19 11:53:31','2010-12-19 18:53:31','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2677',0,'post','',13),(2470,1,'2010-12-09 12:11:19','2010-12-09 19:11:19','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','publish','open','open','','day-72-have-you-seen-the-santa-train','','','2010-12-09 21:14:57','2010-12-10 04:14:57','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2470',0,'post','',3),(2471,1,'2010-12-07 10:36:17','2010-12-07 17:36:17','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision','','','2010-12-07 10:36:17','2010-12-07 17:36:17','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2470-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2472,1,'2010-12-07 10:37:05','2010-12-07 17:37:05','','Day 72:  Santa Train ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-2','','','2010-12-07 10:37:05','2010-12-07 17:37:05','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2470-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2480,1,'2010-12-07 20:32:58','2010-12-08 03:32:58','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see... </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em>  approach to my closet.</strong>  If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense.  </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient.  </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in.  </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>what i fed her before -- size tried to describe style 40s new look</p>\n\n<p>she gave me dull and blah</p>\n\n<p>katie reminded me that i\'m not typical 40s.  she described my style as bohemian sexy.  last year i got date compliment of sheryl crow.  sigh...</p>\n\n<p>photo gags</p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows. </p>\n\n<p>i have katie who has known me for nearly a decade, knows me well, knows fashion.  i don\'t need a personal shopper.  i need a full stomach, channel/ geting in touch with my inner Sheryl, and katie.  part 4 coming in jan</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-4','','','2010-12-07 20:32:58','2010-12-08 03:32:58','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2481,1,'2010-12-07 20:44:45','2010-12-08 03:44:45','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see... </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em>  approach to my closet.</strong>  If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense.  </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient.  </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in.  </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a gold living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>katie reminded me that i\'m not typical 40s.  she described my style as bohemian sexy.  last year i got date compliment of sheryl crow.  sigh...</p>\n\n<p>photo gags</p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows. </p>\n\n<p>i have katie who has known me for nearly a decade, knows me well, knows fashion.  i don\'t need a personal shopper.  i need a full stomach, channel/ geting in touch with my inner Sheryl, and katie.  part 4 coming in jan</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-5','','','2010-12-07 20:44:45','2010-12-08 03:44:45','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2482,1,'2010-12-07 20:46:14','2010-12-08 03:46:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see... </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em>  approach to my closet.</strong>  If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense.  </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient.  </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in.  </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a gold living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>katie reminded me that i\'m not typical 40s.  she described my style as bohemian sexy.  last year i got date compliment of sheryl crow.  sigh...</p>\n\n<p>photo gags</p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows. </p>\n\n<p>i have katie who has known me for nearly a decade, knows me well, knows fashion.  i don\'t need a personal shopper.  i need a full stomach, channel/ geting in touch with my inner Sheryl, and katie.  part 4 coming in jan</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-6','','','2010-12-07 20:46:14','2010-12-08 03:46:14','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2483,1,'2010-12-07 20:56:53','2010-12-08 03:56:53','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-140','','','2010-12-07 20:56:53','2010-12-08 03:56:53','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2484,1,'2010-12-07 21:00:05','2010-12-08 04:00:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-141','','','2010-12-07 21:00:05','2010-12-08 04:00:05','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2485,1,'2010-12-07 21:10:45','2010-12-08 04:10:45','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-142','','','2010-12-07 21:10:45','2010-12-08 04:10:45','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2486,1,'2010-12-07 21:11:55','2010-12-08 04:11:55','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-143','','','2010-12-07 21:11:55','2010-12-08 04:11:55','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2487,1,'2010-12-07 21:14:42','2010-12-08 04:14:42','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-144','','','2010-12-07 21:14:42','2010-12-08 04:14:42','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2488,1,'2010-12-07 21:15:54','2010-12-08 04:15:54','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-145','','','2010-12-07 21:15:54','2010-12-08 04:15:54','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2489,1,'2010-12-07 21:25:23','2010-12-08 04:25:23','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well-fed, well-rested, hydrated, and ready to shop.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as bohemian sexy.  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>ultimately, i\'m doing o.k.  on my own.  i get compliments.  men tell me i look like sheryl crow.  britt tells me that i have best shoe collection of anyone she knows.</p>\n\n<p>i have katie who has known me for nearly a decade, knows me well, knows fashion.  i don\'t need a personal shopper.  i need a full stomach, channel/ geting in touch with my inner Sheryl, and katie.  part 4 coming in jan</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-7','','','2010-12-07 21:25:23','2010-12-08 04:25:23','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2490,1,'2010-12-07 21:32:27','2010-12-08 04:32:27','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-146','','','2010-12-07 21:32:27','2010-12-08 04:32:27','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050189.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2491,1,'2010-12-07 21:35:58','2010-12-08 04:35:58','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-8','','','2010-12-07 21:35:58','2010-12-08 04:35:58','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2492,1,'2010-12-07 21:36:05','2010-12-08 04:36:05','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-9','','','2010-12-07 21:36:05','2010-12-08 04:36:05','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2493,1,'2010-12-07 21:44:38','2010-12-08 04:44:38','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A couple of months ago, I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-10','','','2010-12-07 21:44:38','2010-12-08 04:44:38','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2494,1,'2010-12-07 21:45:24','2010-12-08 04:45:24','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple of months ago, I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-11','','','2010-12-07 21:45:24','2010-12-08 04:45:24','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2496,1,'2010-12-07 21:47:31','2010-12-08 04:47:31','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-13','','','2010-12-07 21:47:31','2010-12-08 04:47:31','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2495,1,'2010-12-07 21:45:31','2010-12-08 04:45:31','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple of months ago, I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-12','','','2010-12-07 21:45:31','2010-12-08 04:45:31','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2497,1,'2010-12-07 21:47:56','2010-12-08 04:47:56','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-14','','','2010-12-07 21:47:56','2010-12-08 04:47:56','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2498,1,'2010-12-07 21:52:01','2010-12-08 04:52:01','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-15','','','2010-12-07 21:52:01','2010-12-08 04:52:01','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(2499,1,'2010-12-07 21:54:17','2010-12-08 04:54:17','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwhich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwhiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-16','','','2010-12-07 21:54:17','2010-12-08 04:54:17','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(2500,1,'2010-12-07 21:56:09','2010-12-08 04:56:09','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-17','','','2010-12-07 21:56:09','2010-12-08 04:56:09','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(2504,1,'2010-12-07 22:01:42','2010-12-08 05:01:42','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-21','','','2010-12-07 22:01:42','2010-12-08 05:01:42','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(2501,1,'2010-12-07 21:58:20','2010-12-08 04:58:20','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-18','','','2010-12-07 21:58:20','2010-12-08 04:58:20','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(2502,1,'2010-12-07 21:58:27','2010-12-08 04:58:27','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-19','','','2010-12-07 21:58:27','2010-12-08 04:58:27','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(2503,1,'2010-12-07 21:59:04','2010-12-08 04:59:04','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"My size.  Cute.  CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-20','','','2010-12-07 21:59:04','2010-12-08 04:59:04','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(2505,1,'2010-12-07 22:03:03','2010-12-08 05:03:03','[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m officially a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-22','','','2010-12-07 22:03:03','2010-12-08 05:03:03','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(2506,1,'2010-12-07 22:07:05','2010-12-08 05:07:05','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\n</ol>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m  a budget shopper then.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-23','','','2010-12-07 22:07:05','2010-12-08 05:07:05','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(2507,1,'2010-12-07 22:07:08','2010-12-08 05:07:08','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m  a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-24','','','2010-12-07 22:07:08','2010-12-08 05:07:08','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/07/2456-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(2509,1,'2010-12-08 08:00:26','2010-12-08 15:00:26','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0.  You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone?  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me.  If I had an extra $1,500 to spend.  \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m  a budget shopper then.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size.  My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when I guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-26','','','2010-12-08 08:00:26','2010-12-08 15:00:26','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/2456-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(2508,1,'2010-12-08 07:59:22','2010-12-08 14:59:22','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Well-fed, well-rested, and ready to shop\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2459\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is Part 3 of a 3-part series that is now officially a 4-part series.  You\'ll see...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that I was in dire need of a fashion overhaul.  Part 1 involved uninterrupted time with fashion magazines to research new looks.  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/11/day-45-fashion-mags-or-soft-porn/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I never made it past the smutty articles in Cosmo.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  I could always enlist the help of a personal shopper at Nordstrom.  I\'ve never worked with a personal shopper before (aren\'t they only for the rich and/0r famous?), but Nordie\'s allows the common folk to sign up for free.  Go figure.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-59-fashion-makeover-part-2-featuring-enquirer-worthy-photos/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>For Part 2,  I took the <em>Field of Dreams</em> approach to my closet.</strong></a> If you clear it, the updated wardrobe will come.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For Part 3, I scheduled a personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  I <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">dragged</span> invited Katie aka Katie Ann along with me for several reasons.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Katie Ann has innate fashion sense. </li>\r\n	<li>She is a teacher, and therefore very patient. </li>\r\n	<li>Since she is used to children, she perfectly manages my limited shopping attention span as well as my whining about how tired and hungry and thirsty I am an hour in. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Knowing myself, I ate an almond butter sandwich in the car on my way to Nordie\'s.  (Almond butter sandwiches stick with me for hours.)  I also brought 32 ounces of water and slept 8 hours the night before.  I was ready for <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">battle</span> my makeover.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In case you didn\'t guess, unlike 99.9 per cent of women, I am not a fan of shopping.  I can think of a thousand things I\'d rather be doing:  playing guitar, walking the pooch, hiking a mountain, practicing yoga, reading a book, writing a book, etc., etc., etc.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, the poor, poor unsuspecting personal shopper at Nordie\'s.  Let\'s call her Ms. P.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Previously on the phone, Miss P asked me a few basic questions about size, style, my budget and my goals.  I replied, \"Petite small, eclectic/sporty/classic, middle-range, 40-somethingly fabulous new look.\"\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is the dressing room that Katie and I walked into.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"What is wrong with this picture? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2483\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ll tell you what\'s wrong with that picture.  I\'m the woman with a red kitchen, a marmalade living room, a green bedroom, a sunflower yellow office, purple bathrooms, and a chalkboard door.  [It sounds more garish that it really is.  Trust me.  :-) ]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s a personal shopper mini fashion show for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2484\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Don&#39;t hate me, but I&#39;m a size 0. You would never guess it in this outfit.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2484\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050182-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I don&#39;t even know what to say. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2485\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Disco dancing, anyone? \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2486\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I gently explained to Miss P that I am not afraid of color.  She redeemed herself.  Sort of.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These are so me. If I had an extra $1,500 to spend. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2487\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050188-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>$1,500 for 5 tops is middle-range?  I guess I\'m  a budget shopper then.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2488\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I look my size. My taste. CAN YOU SPEND $275 ON A TOP?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2488 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC050181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corporate Giant who compensates me well and fairly, could you float a bigger bonus my way this year so I can afford \"middle-range\" clothing at Nordie\'s?  Thanks!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Needless to say, I walked away with nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the midst of all of this mayhem, Katie Ann waxed fashion philosophical and dubbed my personal style as \"bohemian sexy\".  Her description immediately resonated with me as I recalled a date earlier in the year when a guy whom I was very into told me that my style reminded him of Sheryl Crow.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>And then the night before Thanksgiving</strong></a> Britt (who is quite stylish herself) complimented me on my shoe collection.  She went as far to say as I had the best shoe collection of anyone she knows!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hmph.  Maybe I don\'t need a personal shopper after all.  Maybe I just need a good friend and a bit of confidence while getting in touch with my Inner Sheryl.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And an almond butter sandwich, of course.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stay Tuned for Part 4 -- Coming in January 2011.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 71:  Make Me Over, Nordstrom!  ','','inherit','open','open','','2456-revision-25','','','2010-12-08 07:59:22','2010-12-08 14:59:22','',2456,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/2456-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(2510,1,'2010-12-08 11:29:15','2010-12-08 18:29:15','<p>I ♥ Engineers.  Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Login:  Santa</p>\n\n<p>Password:  train</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-3','','','2010-12-08 11:29:15','2010-12-08 18:29:15','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/2470-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2512,1,'2010-12-09 09:13:19','2010-12-09 16:13:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-147','','','2010-12-09 09:13:19','2010-12-09 16:13:19','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC060178.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2513,1,'2010-12-09 09:17:09','2010-12-09 16:17:09','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-148','','','2010-12-09 09:17:09','2010-12-09 16:17:09','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2514,1,'2010-12-08 11:31:15','2010-12-08 18:31:15','<p>I ♥ Engineers.  Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Login:  Santa</p>\n\n<p>Password:  train</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-4','','','2010-12-08 11:31:15','2010-12-08 18:31:15','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/08/2470-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2515,1,'2010-12-09 09:17:35','2010-12-09 16:17:35','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers.  Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Login:  Santa</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Password:  train</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-5','','','2010-12-09 09:17:35','2010-12-09 16:17:35','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2516,1,'2010-12-09 12:41:56','2010-12-09 19:41:56','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Login:  Santa</p>\n\n<p>Password:  train</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-6','','','2010-12-09 12:41:56','2010-12-09 19:41:56','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2517,1,'2010-12-09 12:43:31','2010-12-09 19:43:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-7','','','2010-12-09 12:43:31','2010-12-09 19:43:31','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2518,1,'2010-12-09 12:43:36','2010-12-09 19:43:36','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself.  Santa Train Man\'s website is <strong><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">www.SantaTrain.com</a>. </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-8','','','2010-12-09 12:43:36','2010-12-09 19:43:36','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2519,1,'2010-12-09 12:46:27','2010-12-09 19:46:27','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-9','','','2010-12-09 12:46:27','2010-12-09 19:46:27','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2520,1,'2010-12-09 12:48:39','2010-12-09 19:48:39','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  SantaTrain.com ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-10','','','2010-12-09 12:48:39','2010-12-09 19:48:39','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2521,1,'2010-12-09 12:50:44','2010-12-09 19:50:44','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train ','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-11','','','2010-12-09 12:50:44','2010-12-09 19:50:44','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2522,1,'2010-12-09 12:51:08','2010-12-09 19:51:08','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-12','','','2010-12-09 12:51:08','2010-12-09 19:51:08','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2524,1,'2010-12-09 20:37:58','2010-12-10 03:37:58','','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision','','','2010-12-09 20:37:58','2010-12-10 03:37:58','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2741,1,'2010-12-18 01:11:45','2010-12-18 08:11:45','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2748\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC1401831-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Remember<a href=\"http://www.shrinkydinks.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Shrinky Dinks</strong></a> from when you were a kid?  You drew on plastic, placed it in the oven, and it shrank into a hard &amp; tiny something-or-rather?  My parents still have our Shrinky Dink ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  Those little suckers are durable!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t remember exactly how this came up, but I passed Corinnie-cakes\' desk one day, and we started talking Shrinky Dinks.  Nostalgic sap that I am, I set out to find Shrinky Dinks if it was the last thing I did.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>First stop:  Target.  Who recently stopped carrying them.  Humbug.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Next stop:  Google. Where the world is your shopping oyster.  I found a box of Holiday Shrinky Dinks through a toy store called Magic Beans.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned Corinnie-cakes bringing over her 2 year old after work for Shrinky Dink festivities, but when you are a mother of a toddler, sometimes you need to get in touch with your inner child without your own child in tow.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2745\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is what I don\'t remember:  Shrinky Dinks is a Project.  Tree making, coloring, cutting, hole punching.  I don\'t have the attention span for this now.  How the heck did I do this circa 1978?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinnie and I kept at it while drinking wine and talking about what girls talk about -- Boys, children, blogs, puppies, and stuff.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Christmas magic trick!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Before\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2746\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2747\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"After\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2747\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC140186-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wowwww...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The instructions read, \"Start baking and watch \'em shrink!  Let them dance, curl, flip, shrink and flatten.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Corinne was particularly excited when she screeched, \"Look at them dance!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was utterly exhausted from all the prep work but did find myself perk up at the dancing part.  How could you not?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You are waaaayyyy cool, Shrinky Dinks!</p>','Day 80:  The Return of Shrinky Dinks','','publish','open','open','','day-80-the-return-of-shrinky-dinks','','','2010-12-17 21:20:41','2010-12-18 04:20:41','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2741',0,'post','',4),(2526,1,'2010-12-09 20:45:34','2010-12-10 03:45:34','','storytime','','inherit','open','open','','storytime','','','2010-12-09 20:45:34','2010-12-10 03:45:34','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2527,1,'2010-12-09 20:59:57','2010-12-10 03:59:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I buy Christmas PJs.  She then assigned me the homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express. </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that we were in kindergarten sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney began the story, and then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-2','','','2010-12-09 20:59:57','2010-12-10 03:59:57','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2528,1,'2010-12-09 21:02:43','2010-12-10 04:02:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I buy Christmas PJs.  She then assigned me the homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express. </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney began the story, and then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-3','','','2010-12-09 21:02:43','2010-12-10 04:02:43','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2529,1,'2010-12-09 21:05:42','2010-12-10 04:05:42','[caption id=\"attachment_2526\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Ms. Laney&#39;s Kindergarten Class\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a>. </em></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ms. Laney began the story, and then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-4','','','2010-12-09 21:05:42','2010-12-10 04:05:42','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2530,1,'2010-12-09 21:05:45','2010-12-10 04:05:45','[caption id=\"attachment_2526\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Ms. Laney&#39;s Kindergarten Class\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a>. </em></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ms. Laney began the story, and then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-5','','','2010-12-09 21:05:45','2010-12-10 04:05:45','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2531,1,'2010-12-09 21:07:04','2010-12-10 04:07:04','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-autosave','','','2010-12-09 21:07:04','2010-12-10 04:07:04','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2532,1,'2010-12-09 21:05:50','2010-12-10 04:05:50','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2526\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Ms. Laney&#39;s Kindergarten Class\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a>. </em></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ms. Laney began the story, and then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-6','','','2010-12-09 21:05:50','2010-12-10 04:05:50','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2533,1,'2010-12-09 12:51:19','2010-12-09 19:51:19','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-13','','','2010-12-09 12:51:19','2010-12-09 19:51:19','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2534,1,'2010-12-09 21:07:24','2010-12-10 04:07:24','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2526\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Ms. Laney&#39;s Kindergarten Class\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2526\" title=\"storytime\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/storytime-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a>. </em></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Concerned that I was less than thrilled with the movie, Laney brought in the book <em>The Polar Express </em>to work.  I decided right then and there that we needed to have a group storytime.  I\'ve bragged before about our corporate culture, so I didn\'t foresee any problems.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I rounded up the girls at 11 a.m. and asked them to come to circle time with their inner child and a mug of hot cocoa.  I asked for everyone to pretend that they were in kindergarten and sit criss-cross-applesauce for Ms. Laney.  (My colleagues often humor me, as I am the comic relief on our team.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All the girls sat nicely in a half-circle with Ms. Laney in the \"teacher\'s chair\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle B. broke character and brought up a good point.  \"Would kindergartners really sip hot chocolate in class?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Not wanting to focus on literal details, I told her that in our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ms. Laney began the story, and then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We were  interrupted by one of our admin assistants who hunted me down to alert me of a pressing need in my sales territory.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crap.  This kind of stuff would never happen in real kindergarten.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  Storytime in Corporate America was fun while it lasted.  All 60 seconds of it.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do you think that on Monday we should try cookies &amp; milk followed by an afternoon nap?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In our imaginations, anything is possible.</p>','Day 73:  Storytime in Corporate America','','inherit','open','open','','2523-revision-7','','','2010-12-09 21:07:24','2010-12-10 04:07:24','',2523,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2523-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2535,1,'2010-12-09 21:10:15','2010-12-10 04:10:15','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-14','','','2010-12-09 21:10:15','2010-12-10 04:10:15','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(2536,1,'2010-12-09 21:14:12','2010-12-10 04:14:12','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-15','','','2010-12-09 21:14:12','2010-12-10 04:14:12','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(2537,1,'2010-12-09 21:14:36','2010-12-10 04:14:36','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2513\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC0601781-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I ♥ Engineers. Not only because my Dad is one, but also because they do really cool stuff at Christmas time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My Dad won the Best Lighting award in our community when I was a kid.  Just last year, Dad received the award again.  And this is when he \"scaled back\" and wasn\'t even trying!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>There is another engineer/genius/good-hearted soul/elf that lives in my fair community.  He makes my Dad\'s display look like the Little Leagues.  (Sorry, Dad.)  I\'m not even going to attempt to describe it because I want you to see it for yourself by <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a href=\"http://santatrain.com/id19.htm\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here.</a></span></strong>  Santa Train Man\'s website is <a href=\"http://santatrain.com/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.SantaTrain.com</strong></a><strong>.   </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Frank aka Santa Train Man even has a webcam that you can access through his website!  I emailed him and asked for login permission.  He graciously provided it for us.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Login: </span> <span style=\"color: #008000;\">Santa</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Password: </span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">train</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please note that the login info is case sensitive.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for making our Christmas merry and bright, Santa Train Man!</p>','Day 72:  Have You Seen the Santa Train?','','inherit','open','open','','2470-revision-16','','','2010-12-09 21:14:36','2010-12-10 04:14:36','',2470,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/09/2470-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(2538,1,'2010-12-12 11:43:51','2010-12-12 18:43:51','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/signalnoise/1352407570/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2563\" title=\"north pole\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/north-pole-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>. </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  (I forgot to mention the other day that the publisher of the book is a competitor.  Does this mean that I committed corporate treason?? Oops!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWay up north in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong> </span>\"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Laney</strong>,</span> still not taking \"no\" for an answer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Laney:</strong></span> We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Crap!</em> All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Sign me up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter much anticipation, Day 74 arrived.  Laney and I finished work early and started schlepping up north with her 2 kids and tons o\' snacks.  We conveniently ignored all healthy snacks and solely concentrated on the junk food.  I am not sure if you are aware, but once you cross the Santa Barrier on your way to the North Pole, calories don\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSurprisingly for me, we reached our destination with about an hour to spare.  We used our time wisely and scouted out drive-thrus for more junk food.  Hey -- when you\'re getting in touch with your inner child, you either go big or go home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then....there it was.  The Polar Express.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2564\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2566\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the fun begin!  As we zipped through the dark forest on our way to the North Pole, we sipped hot cocoa, munched on cookies, watched and listened as the crew read us the book of <em>The Polar Express</em>, and sang Christmas carols.  Oh -- and unless you\'re a Scrooge, <em>everyone</em> wears their PJs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe then made a pit stop in the North Pole to pick up some precious cargo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2565\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSanta handed out bells to the children.  Do you know the story behind the bell in <em>The Polar Express</em>?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them.  Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound.  Though I\'ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe bell still rings for me.  Can you hear it?','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','publish','closed','open','','day-74-all-aboard-the-polar-express','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/','2011-09-05 10:07:27','2011-09-05 17:07:27','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2538',0,'post','',4),(7476,1,'2011-09-06 01:11:48','2011-09-06 08:11:48','[caption id=\"attachment_7477\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Def Leppard 2011 were great. But Heart! HEART!!! Be still, my Heart!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-7477 \" title=\"IMG00600-20110903-2134\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG00600-20110903-2134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nI mentioned a couple of months ago that <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/16/day-287-repeat-of-my-first-concert-ever/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I purchased tickets to Def Leppard</strong> </a>who just so happened to be my First Rock Concert Ever in 1983.  Opening up for them:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.heart-music.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Heart.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I wondered about this.  HEART???  One of the Supergroups from the 70s who continued strong through the 80s?  Shouldn\'t they be the headliner?  It didn\'t make any sense to us.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the concert, we remain flabbergasted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>My advice/plea to you:  If you have a chance to see Heart, GO!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeart reminded me of Paul McCartney whom I saw in concert a year ago.  Like Paul, Ann and Nancy Wilson are freaks of nature.  Time has not slowed them down.  THEY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY DID IN THE 70s!!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnn Wilson is arguably the best female vocalist in rock history.  In my humble opinion, Pat Benatar is the only one who comes close to touching her.  (I would also throw in Linda Rondstadt, except that she didn\'t really sing the \"harder rock stuff\" like Ann and Pat.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is the common link between Ann, Pat and Linda:  They\'re all naturally gifted,  but they\'ve all heeded the advice of their vocal coaches.  Since Ann learned to use her voice correctly, she is still able to sound the same at 61 YEARS OF AGE as she did in her 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s move on to my guitar goddess idol, Nancy Wilson.  From the seats, if you had no idea who she was, you would guess that she\'s in her early 20s as she runs around the stage while tossing her blonde mane about and kicking her legs up into the air.  I kept on turning to Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous in awe.  \"How old are these women?!?!  I was listening to them when I was 5!!!\"  Nancy is 57, folks.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am dubbing Ann and Nancy as the Poster Women for Aging Gracefully and FABULOUSLY!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Friend Who Shall Remain Anonymous and I witnessed something extraordinary that night.  We were both awestruck.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was able to find a recording filmed earlier this year in Montreal (sigh...) to share with you so that you can experience the magic for yourself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQDMZP7_Yo8\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"420\" height=\"345\"></iframe>','Day 342:  Reliving My First Concert Ever','','publish','open','open','','day-342-reliving-my-first-concert-ever','','','2011-09-05 18:56:39','2011-09-06 01:56:39','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=7476',0,'post','',2),(2539,1,'2010-12-10 21:19:32','2010-12-11 04:19:32','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision','','','2010-12-10 21:19:32','2010-12-11 04:19:32','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2538-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3952,1,'2011-02-14 01:11:31','2011-02-14 08:11:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P2100181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3955\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P2100181-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>While on an errand mission at Target, I stumbled upon The Valentine’s Section.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know what I’m talking about, right?  Target and Walgreens tend to go a bit overboard with their Seasonal Sections.  (If Target and Walgreens are outside of your geographical radius, think aisles and aisles of seasonal crapola.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Back in the day, The Valentine’s Section used to make me squirm if I happened to be single.  And since I’m serial single, let’s just say it’s been most of the Valentine’s Days outside of the years 1995 – 2001.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Today, in 2011, I am proud to announce that I no longer shudder at the thought of being single on February 14th.  It’s Valentine’s Day.  It’s a day about Love.  I’m a sucker for Love.  Let’s celebrate!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>While lost in The Valentine’s Section, I spotted those silly Valentine’s cards that we used to hand out as kids.  I concluded that I needed them.  For my friends.  Especially for my single friends who are torturing themselves over a Hallmark holiday.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also happen to be a sucker for fake tattoos because:  a) I’ll always be a kid at heart and b) I can have fun but I don’t have to commit to a real tattoo that I will outgrow in 10-20 years and c) We can make ALL KINDS of relationship analogies about “b”, but we’re not going there because d) It’s Valentine’s Day and we’re going to focus on Love.  ♥</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Will you be my Valentine?</span></span></strong></p>','Day 137:  Be Mine?','','publish','open','open','','day-137-be-mine','','','2011-02-13 11:12:57','2011-02-13 18:12:57','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3952',0,'post','',7),(2543,1,'2010-12-13 01:11:58','2010-12-13 08:11:58','<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here is my holiday gift to you.  Click the highlighted song and enjoy.  For those links that take you to Grooveshark.com, you\'ll need to press play on the song.  </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s Holiday Playlist: </span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></strong></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1.  <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Little St. Nick -- </strong><strong>John Denver &amp; the Muppet</strong><strong>s</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <em>A Christmas Together</em> with John Denver &amp; the Muppets is my favorite Christmas album of all time.  I like this cover better than the orginal.  Yes, Beach Boys, the Muppets rock it better than you.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\"></a>2.  <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=santa%20lost%20a%20ho\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Santa Lost a Ho -- </strong><strong>Christmas Jug Band</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was a happy discovery a few seasons back on iTunes.  This song is hysterical, and the rest of the album is top-notch.  A talented group of musicians with a hilariously warped sense of humor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3.  <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gotta Be Good -- </strong><strong>Chris Isaak</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, my.  Chris Isaak makes my knees buckle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>4.  <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Little Drummer Boy -- Mercy Me </strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This is like no other Little Drummer Boy you have ever heard.  Off the charts Goosebump Factor at the \"bridge\".  You\'ll see.  Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5.  <strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=river%20robert%20downey\" target=\"_blank\">The River -- Robert Downey Jr. &amp; Vonda Shepard</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You are so cool, RD Jr.  Is there anything you can\'t do? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I love playing this one on the guitar.  RD Jr., call me and we\'ll sing our version next year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>6.  <strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=better%20days%20goo\" target=\"_blank\">Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had to include Goo Goo Dolls or my sister would never speak to me again.  \"The River\" can be a bit depressing, so these lyrics will pick you back up. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>7.  <strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=zat%20you%20santa%20claus\" target=\"_blank\">\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s Louis Armstrong.  Enough said. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>8.  <strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=linus%20and%20lucy\" target=\"_blank\">Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>Please stand up, move away from your computer, and dance to this one like the Peanuts kids.  No one is watching, and you know you want to.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>9. <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=god%20rest%20ye%20loreena%20mckennitt\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have never listened to Loreena Mckennitt, then you are in for more goosebumps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>10.  <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=nutcracker%20brian%20setzer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For you Gen Xers, yep.  Brian Setzer from The Stray Cats.  Another King of Cool. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>11.  <strong><a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=up%20on%20the%20housetop%20jingle%20cats\" target=\"_blank\">Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</a></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because I\'m a dork.  My students used to beg me to play this for them.  Bella isn\'t sure what to make of it.  She just cocks her head and then runs away. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Ho, Ho, Ho, Everybody! </span> </span></span></strong></p>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','publish','open','open','','day-76-my-gift-to-you-merry-listening','','','2010-12-12 20:22:13','2010-12-13 03:22:13','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=2543',0,'post','',7),(2544,1,'2010-12-10 21:43:06','2010-12-11 04:43:06','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- Chris Isaak</li>\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision','','','2010-12-10 21:43:06','2010-12-11 04:43:06','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2545,1,'2010-12-10 21:43:52','2010-12-11 04:43:52','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\r\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\r\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Isaak</a></li>\r\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\r\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\r\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\r\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\r\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\r\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\r\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\r\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision-2','','','2010-12-10 21:43:52','2010-12-11 04:43:52','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2546,1,'2010-12-10 21:44:13','2010-12-11 04:44:13','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\r\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\r\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Isaak</a></li>\r\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\r\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\r\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\r\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\r\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\r\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\r\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\r\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision-3','','','2010-12-10 21:44:13','2010-12-11 04:44:13','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2547,1,'2010-12-10 21:44:58','2010-12-11 04:44:58','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\r\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\r\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Isaak</a></li>\r\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\r\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\r\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\r\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\r\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\r\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\r\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\r\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision-4','','','2010-12-10 21:44:58','2010-12-11 04:44:58','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2548,1,'2010-12-10 21:45:09','2010-12-11 04:45:09','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\r\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\r\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Isaak</a></li>\r\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\r\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\r\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\r\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\r\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\r\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\r\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\r\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision-5','','','2010-12-10 21:45:09','2010-12-11 04:45:09','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2549,1,'2010-12-10 21:45:39','2010-12-11 04:45:39','<p>Here is my holiday gift to you:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Little St. Nick -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkRvfo8jVE\" target=\"_blank\">John Denver &amp; the Muppets</a></li>\r\n	<li>Santa Lost a Ho -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/artist/Christmas_Jug_Band/1100384\" target=\"_blank\">Christmas Jug Band</a></li>\r\n	<li>Gotta Be Good -- <a href=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=chris%20isaak%20gotta%20be%20good\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Isaak</a></li>\r\n	<li>Little Drummer Boy -- <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y09LZ5N42E\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Me </a></li>\r\n	<li>Winter Wonderland -- Travis Tritt</li>\r\n	<li>Better Days -- Goo Goo Dolls</li>\r\n	<li>\'Zat You , Santa Claus?  -- Louis Armstrong  &amp; The Commanders</li>\r\n	<li>Linus &amp; Lucy -- The Vince Guaraldi Trio</li>\r\n	<li>God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman -- Loreena McKennitt</li>\r\n	<li>The Nutcracker Suite -- Brian Setzer Orchestra</li>\r\n	<li>Up on the Houstop -- Jingle Cats</li>\r\n</ol>','Day 76:  My Gift to You -- Merry Listening! ','','inherit','open','open','','2543-revision-6','','','2010-12-10 21:45:39','2010-12-11 04:45:39','',2543,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/2543-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2550,1,'2010-12-11 17:24:22','2010-12-12 00:24:22','<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney, still not taking \"no\":  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Me:  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney:  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crap.  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Me:  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-2','','','2010-12-11 17:24:22','2010-12-12 00:24:22','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2551,1,'2010-12-11 17:25:22','2010-12-12 00:25:22','<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-3','','','2010-12-11 17:25:22','2010-12-12 00:25:22','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(2552,1,'2010-12-11 17:27:34','2010-12-12 00:27:34','<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-4','','','2010-12-11 17:27:34','2010-12-12 00:27:34','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2556,1,'2010-12-11 17:33:24','2010-12-12 00:33:24','<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>\r\n','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-8','','','2010-12-11 17:33:24','2010-12-12 00:33:24','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2553,1,'2010-12-11 17:32:02','2010-12-12 00:32:02','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></a></strong><strong><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, Laney brought in the book.  I naturally staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t the train more than 3 hours away?  Near the Grand Canyon???\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour and a half.  We\'ll then get fast food for dinner in the car and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-5','','','2010-12-11 17:32:02','2010-12-12 00:32:02','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2555,1,'2010-12-11 17:33:19','2010-12-12 00:33:19','<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-7','','','2010-12-11 17:33:19','2010-12-12 00:33:19','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2554,1,'2010-12-11 17:32:16','2010-12-12 00:32:16','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></a></strong><strong><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/04/day-68-more-homework-for-day-74-surprise/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, Laney brought in the book.  I naturally staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t the train more than 3 hours away?  Near the Grand Canyon???\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour and a half.  We\'ll then get fast food for dinner in the car and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends now pull the blog card whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-6','','','2010-12-11 17:32:16','2010-12-12 00:32:16','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2557,1,'2010-12-11 17:34:31','2010-12-12 00:34:31','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-9','','','2010-12-11 17:34:31','2010-12-12 00:34:31','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2558,1,'2010-12-11 17:34:45','2010-12-12 00:34:45','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Polar Express</a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-10','','','2010-12-11 17:34:45','2010-12-12 00:34:45','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2559,1,'2010-12-11 17:36:13','2010-12-12 00:36:13','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-11','','','2010-12-11 17:36:13','2010-12-12 00:36:13','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/11/2538-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2561,1,'2010-12-12 11:07:15','2010-12-12 18:07:15','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After much anticipation, Day 74 arrived.  Laney and I wrapped up work early and started schlepping up north with her 2 kids and tons o\' snacks.  We conveniently ignored all healthy snacks and solely concentrated on the junk food.  I am not sure if you are aware, but once you cross the Santa Barrier on your way to the North Pole, calories don\'t count. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Surprisingly for me, we reached our destination with about an hour to spare.  We used our time wisely and scouted out drive-thrus for more junk food.  Hey -- when you\'re getting in touch with your inner child, you either go big or go home. </p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-12','','','2010-12-12 11:07:15','2010-12-12 18:07:15','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/12/2538-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2562,1,'2010-12-12 11:07:41','2010-12-12 18:07:41','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>.  </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong>  We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Crap!</em>  All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Sign me up. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After much anticipation, Day 74 arrived.  Laney and I wrapped up work early and started schlepping up north with her 2 kids and tons o\' snacks.  We conveniently ignored all healthy snacks and solely concentrated on the junk food.  I am not sure if you are aware, but once you cross the Santa Barrier on your way to the North Pole, calories don\'t count. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Surprisingly for me, we reached our destination with about an hour to spare.  We used our time wisely and scouted out drive-thrus for more junk food.  Hey -- when you\'re getting in touch with your inner child, you either go big or go home. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then....there it was.  The Polar Express. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-13','','','2010-12-12 11:07:41','2010-12-12 18:07:41','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/12/2538-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2563,1,'2010-12-12 11:18:26','2010-12-12 18:18:26','','north pole','','inherit','open','open','','north-pole','','','2010-12-12 11:18:26','2010-12-12 18:18:26','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/north-pole.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2564,1,'2010-12-12 11:20:18','2010-12-12 18:20:18','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-149','','','2010-12-12 11:20:18','2010-12-12 18:20:18','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2565,1,'2010-12-12 11:30:19','2010-12-12 18:30:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-150','','','2010-12-12 11:30:19','2010-12-12 18:30:19','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2566,1,'2010-12-12 11:33:34','2010-12-12 18:33:34','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-151','','','2010-12-12 11:33:34','2010-12-12 18:33:34','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2567,1,'2010-12-12 11:34:05','2010-12-12 18:34:05','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/signalnoise/1352407570/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2563\" title=\"north pole\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/north-pole-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Did I build up Day 74 or what?  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In preparation for Day 74, Laney insisted that I <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/01/day-64-christmas-pjs-to-be-continuedworn-on-day-74/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>buy Christmas PJs</strong></a>.  She then assigned me the <a><strong>homework of watching the movie <em>The Polar Express</em></strong></a><strong><em>. </em></strong>Worried that I was less than jazzed by the movie, she brought in the book and I staged a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/10/day-73-storytime-in-corporate-america/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Corporate America Storytime</strong></a>.  And then...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Day 74 arrived.  It\'s probably pretty obvious by now, but three guesses as to what Day 74 entailed.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Way up North in my fair state, <a href=\"http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Polar Express</strong></a> takes children and children-at-heart to the North Pole every December.  I have always wanted to go.  Weekend trips sell out nearly a year in advance!  I\'m organized, but not <em>that </em>organized.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>About a month ago, Laney asked me if I wanted to go with her and her boys on a Wednesday.  I wasn\'t able to take the day off from work.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney doesn\'t take \"no\" for an answer.  The train was scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.  We would start work before the crack of dawn, wrap it up early afternoon and leave for The Polar Express around 2 p.m.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I looked at Laney as though she was smoking something funny.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> \"Laney, isn\'t Williams more than 3.5 hours away?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney</strong>, still not taking \"no\" for an anwer:  \"Yes, we\'ll make it there in time.  The train ride is an hour.  We\'ll then get fast food and head home.  We\'ll be snuggled in our beds before midnight.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> Can I have some of that funky stuff that you\'re smoking?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Laney:</strong> We\'ll make it to the North Pole and back in 9 hours or less.  You need to do it for the blog.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><em>Crap!</em> All my friends pull the blog card now whenever they want me to do something.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> Sign me up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After much anticipation, Day 74 arrived.  Laney and I wrapped up work early and started schlepping up north with her 2 kids and tons o\' snacks.  We conveniently ignored all healthy snacks and solely concentrated on the junk food.  I am not sure if you are aware, but once you cross the Santa Barrier on your way to the North Pole, calories don\'t count.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Surprisingly for me, we reached our destination with about an hour to spare.  We used our time wisely and scouted out drive-thrus for more junk food.  Hey -- when you\'re getting in touch with your inner child, you either go big or go home.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then....there it was.  The Polar Express.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2564\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080187-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2566\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080190-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Let the fun begin!  As we zipped through the dark forest on our way to the North Pole, we sipped hot cocoa, munched on cookies, watched and listened as the crew read us the book of <em>The Polar Express</em>, and sang Christmas carols.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We then made a pit stop in the North Pole to pick up some precious cargo.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2565\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/PC080204-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 74:  All Aboard the Polar Express! ','','inherit','open','open','','2538-revision-14','','','2010-12-12 11:34:05','2010-12-12 18:34:05','',2538,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/12/2538-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(3272,1,'2011-01-12 19:36:02','2011-01-13 02:36:02','<p>That\'s a definite \"maybe\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t cook.  I assemble meals.  (I stole that from <strong><a href=\"http://marthabeck.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Martha Beck</a></strong> years ago.  She\'s brilliantly funny.  If she\'s ever speaking at a bookstore near you, GO!)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>It\'s so true.  How does any woman who works a full week and attends to hobbies/kids/puppies outside of work find time to COOK?  Are you frickin\' kidding me???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>It\'s both expensive and unhealthy to eat out all the time, so I assemble.   A typical dinner for me is a grilled chicken burger (from a drug-free chicken who roamed the range), a steamed (and previously frozen) veggie, and maybe some brown rice.  Woohoo!!  Isn\'t that exciting?   </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Confession:  I am also addiced to the whole wheat crumbed chicken tenders from Whole Foods.  I\'m sure that everyone else that eats them are under the age of 12, but they\'re fast, healthy, and tasty. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>EVERY Sunday Nana asks me what I\'m cooking for dinner, and EVERY Sunday I have nothing to stellar to report.  If I baked muffins for breakfast that morning, I tell Nana to appease her.  I am awarded bonus points for always baking from scratch. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>With all of this grandmotherly guilt imposed upon me, I asked Mom for a Cooking Light magazine subscription a year ago Christmas.  Santa Mommy delivered.  Thanks, Mom! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>One year and a few weeks later, I have yet to cook a recipe from Cooking Light.  That\'s right.  12 ISSUES and I have not cooked a damn thing. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nice, huh? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I originally announced to a friend in a moment of Eureka-ness that I would cook one recipe from each issue for the blog!  And then realized that would suck 12 days from my project.  I\'m not so sure I want to do that. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However!  I am committed to making at least ONE recipe on Day 109.  We\'ll see how that goes and then proceed from there.  The recipe worries me a bit.  More to follow...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now what on earth does this all have to do with the bloody pantry, you ask?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When you are born under the astrological sign of Virgo, you crave a neat and tidy home environment.  You surely have bouts of messiness, but before long, you literally clean house.  Along with your cleaning lady. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When you start a blog and adopt a puppy, this all goes to hell in a handbasket. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And the puppy\'s food, treats, bones, and other paraphernalia take over your pantry. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And then when you have good intention to cook rather than assemble for a Cooking Light mini-project as well as an upcoming project, you break out into hives when even thinking about entering that pantry. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since you are a freak of nature who actually gets excited about cleaning out your pantry, this sadly meets the criteria of your 365 project blog of trying \"one soul-scintillating thing each day.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oddly, I am not alone.  Fellow organized types are getting their freak on by decluttering their hearts out.  Go figure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 107:  Clean Pantry = Clear Mind = Maybe I\'ll Cook Now','','inherit','open','open','','3271-revision','','','2011-01-12 19:36:02','2011-01-13 02:36:02','',3271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/12/3271-revision/',0,'revision','',0),