I'm trying to decide how many more of that style to make. I'll probably make three more, so there's an even number. I'm going to take a break from it for a bit, though, and try another fun style.

Oh dear. Remember a while back when we were posting pics of fugly boots? Weren't one of them sort of horrible tan suede elf boots? I swear my boss is wearing them right now. With jeans tucked in. And a long black sweater wrap thingy.

ETA: Kinda like these [link] only tan

Gronklies.

We haven't decided yet whether Annabel is too sick to be babysat. Need to do that soon.

My cold symptoms are no worse, but my lower back is stiff, probably as a result of all the time I spent sitting in stop and go traffic yesterday fetching our keynote speaker from the airport, dropping her off at the hotel, and going home. There was still bad traffic at 7:30. Ugh.

no back spasms no back spasms no back spasms.....

Speaking of boots, I'm wearing these today, which I bought yesterday, and so far I *love* them: [link]

Comfy, cool-looking, and since they have a heel, I feel (and sound) like a badass when I walk down the hall.

(Yes, they're from Payless, because I am [1] hell on shoes -- I destroy them in a matter of months; and [2] cheap, partly b/c of [1]. No point in paying a fortune for shoes that I'm going to systematically destroy. And I tried the theory of "more expensive means better-made, which means they won't get destroyed so fast" -- but, no. That theory doesn't work when it comes to me and shoes. I only pay a lot for gym shoes.)

Ooh, I like.

I'll buy cheap shoes every once in a while. I have a pair of mules at payless that are my default dress shoes for now because of the low heel yet sexy, pointy toe. They work for me with the pregnancy back pain and were like under $10 on sale.

I only splurge once in a while on the spensive stuff--and then it's only mid-range, not the truly pricey shoes. But I lust over them. Oh, yes. I lust over them constantly.

Pete, I'm late to the party, but there should definitely be shirts from the gorgeous caricature/icon of Jilli.

and then it's only mid-range, not the truly pricey shoes.

I can't do the mid-range shoes. I will buy cheap, or I will buy expensive, but I cannot bring myself to go for the in-between.

Morning, All.

I'm starting to get an itchy nose and a tickle in my throat. In the next 48 hours of my life, I will be A) very busy, and B) very much in the public eye, including speaking in front of 150 people or so. And I don't do well with most cold medicines, since sudafed makes me jittery, with galloping heart.

Susan, I've been a strict adherent to Vitamin C for years, but last winter I got so many colds anyway. One of my co-workers recommended Zinc, and I decided to give it a shot. Not a single (non-allergy-related) sniffle since! Can't recommend rest and eating your veggies highly enough, either. Good luck with this weekend.

GC, that sounds like a great box to get.

vw, those prezzies look great to me. Also, very pretty afghan square - really a gorgeous shade of blue for the main part. Good luck with re-charging over your long weekend.

Raq, no kidlets of my own, but from my vast babysitting experience I seem to remember (and agree with everyone else), that kids three-ish and under nearly always cry when Mommy leaves. And generally chill back out within a half-hour. I'm sure Mal's fine. Even though it must be heart-breaking for you. {{Raq & Mal}}

brenda, those are hid-e-ous. I feel bad for you having to see them all day.

So, the woman with the Jaguar emailed me yesterday that she was going to get an estimate yesterday afternoon. And went from being really nice in person to having sort of a tone in her email. And now she still hasn't emailed me the estimate. Pins and needles here, E! I really need to know whether you're gonna break my (sad, pitiful, little) bank!

When s-i-l was going out the door, he ran over, hugged her leg, and pleaded in the sweetest voice I'd ever heard, "Mommy, please don't go. Don't go, please. Please. Stay home with me." Oof.

My niece did this, proceeding to hysterics, at being left home with her dad when my sister was coming out to a movie with nana and grandad and me. Kinda made the movie a lot less fun for all of us, especially my sis.