1. Let’s say that you enjoy walking outside. And that your apartment complex has a lovely ovular walking path that is conveniently one mile long. Let’s also say that seemingly every time you go for a walk, a specific spandex-clad girl is also walking. But she is walking in the opposite direction. So you pass her twice per mile.
What do you do every time you see her? Smile? Say hello? Pretend she is invisible? Start walking in the opposite direction?
2. If your apartment complex offers some really great amenities… Like a gym with TVs in all the cardio machines… And free WiFi… And a pool…
Do you complain if one (or multiple) of those things stops working? Is that being greedy? Or do you figure that part of your rent is paying for those things, so it’d be best if they were in working order?
3. If you enjoy working out in the gym of your afore-mentioned amenity-packed apartment complex… And the gym windows are always open in the summer… And there is no way to CLOSE those windows… And the apartment complex staff members enjoy smoking outside those windows, in such a fashion that the smoke wafts into the gym and into your rapidly-filling lungs… Seemingly no matter WHAT TIME you make it to the gym…
What would you do?
4a. Let’s say your husband were about to (hopefully) match into a fellowship program that would determine where you would live for three years… Let’s also say that the earliest he can find out where (if) he matched is noon, via the Internet… And that you will be at home, working, at noon while he will be in the hospital, also working, at noon…
Would you require want him to wait to check his match status online until such time as he could call you simultaneously?
4b. What if you were going to be out of town, with work colleagues whom you do not want to cry in front of (should he match at your bottom choice or not match at all), and didn’t get done with work until 6:00?
Would you require want him to wait to check his match status online until such time as you are able to get away from your coworkers and call him on the phone?
5. Is there such a thing as too many pairs of nude shoes? (And by “nude” I mean “neutral-colored,” not “shoes that you where whilst naked.”)
6. Let’s say you got wind of a great sale at Ann Taylor Loft and saw a shirt that you liked. That was only $15. Which you feel is a Real Deal even though you likely don’t actually know what a Real Deal is. How many of the same shirt – in different colors, of course – is it reasonable for one person to own?
7. If you bought a cute mesh-style hooded sweater from AnnTaylor during the afore-mentioned sale, even though it wasn’t on sale, just to make sure you were able to get free shipping… And you could recall seeing folks of the Carrie Bradshaw and Kim Kardashian variety in similar shirts, wearing only a (clearly-visible) dark bra under the mesh…
What would you wear under the mesh sweater?
8. If your gym did NOT have a specific no-cellphone policy, would you nonetheless be annoyed by people who not only talk on their cellphones whilst treadmilling but do it at a volume loud enough to pierce through the sounds of your own labored breathing and Judge Judy in your headphones?
9. Let’s say that you open the freezer to get some ice. And you spot the box of Skinny Cow cookies-n-cream ice cream sandwiches sitting right next to the ice tray. And you forego any other sweet treats so that you can both eat a Skinny Cow cookies-n-cream ice cream sandwich AND still stay within that days’ self-imposed caloric boundaries. And you think about the creamy ice cream sandwiched gently between two chocolatey cookies ALL DAY. And then you go to retrieve your sandwich from the box and find that the box is empty…
What would be the appropriate response to the spouse who left the empty box in the freezer?
10. Let’s say you got invited to a wedding. In Dallas! In September! Let’s say the wedding is an early afternoon wedding on a Sunday… and that the reception is a “brunch” that goes until 5:30.
What would you wear? (Links welcome.)
All right, Internet. I would like any and all answers you have to these questions. And if you have any hypotheticals that need answering, have at it in the comments.
Work your magic!
Love this
1. I usually politely smile. Or nod. As long as she’s friendly, I try to acknowledge. No need for chit chat though.
2. I would politely inform them that the equipment is no longer functioning and ask if they know when they will be fixed. You pay for it. It should work.
3. Umm….tricky. Maybe ask the workers to stand in another spot where it won’t waft into the windows?
4. If you are me, you ask the husband to wait until you can both be involved. That’s me. But I also know my husband would be anxious to find out, so something would have to be worked out since it would affect my life just as much as his.
5. HAH. I love nude shoes. My husband hates them. Like, passionately hates. Never seen a man so vehemently protest a fashion trend. Therefore, I own none, but oogle and stare at them constantly. I say as long as they aren’t all the same style, (some pumps, some pointy, some peep toes, some flats, etc) you’re fine. But then again, I have an obsession so I may not be the one to ask.
6. I say 3. But I have 6 of the exact same Old Navy tshirt in different colors bc I love them.
7. Not a dark colored bra?
8. Absolutely. The treadmill is not the time for a loud and lengthy conversation. Yes, I have answered a call only to say, “I’m at the gym, I’ll call you back” or, if I needed to talk to them, then I would get off my machine and walk out of the room bc it’s annoying.
9. Yelling. HA. Or demands that they go buy more. Immediately.
10. Cute summery dress with cute summery shoes. And good deodorant. Bc Texas is hot. haha
Hope these help. And that you didn’t die of boredom reading my answers.
1. Smile
2. Yes. It is supposed to work. But you start your complaining nicely. “I just wanted to let you know that the wifi isn’t working.”
3. You send a letter to the management. A nice letter, but that is not cool.
4. I don’t think I would care when HE found out as long as he called me as soon as he possibly could.
5. No. But I don’t own any.
6. Um, I used to have like twelve of the same shirt in different colors. Maybe more. I got rid of a bunch of them when they wore out, but I wore the green one today. I still have about four.
7. I am not cool enough to buy a mesh sweater.
8. Yes. And I would curse them silently and perhaps learn voodoo.
9. I would send that spouse to the store immediately.
10. I always wear the same dress to weddings. However, I do not have a picture. It’s a dark maroon-ish sundress (printed with big flowers, but like, um, elegant flowers?) made out of dry clean only material (in other words, not cotton). It falls halfway between my knees and my ankles. I wear fancier or more casual shoes and hair and makeup depending on the fanciness. And I always look just fine, usually better than the people who come wearing too low sundresses and flip flops. (Flip flops are not for church weddings. They are for beaches and swimming pools.) (It was three years ago and I am still mad.) (And not even my wedding.)
1. Nod and smile politely each time. Perhaps pretend to be looking at your cellphone the second time.
2.Your rent pays for those amenities. Complain politely.
3. Stick your head out the window and politely ask them to smoke someplace else. Follow up with management requesting that they ensure that the staff smokes someplace else. Hopefully that someplace else is not situated outside your bedroom window.
4. I would want to know as soon as possible, regardless of other people seeing me cry. I would probably demand my husband’s password and check myself at 11:59.
5. Whilst…ah, those crazy British. Yes. I cannot think of an occasion where one might need more than one pair of nude shoes. 800 pairs of black shoes, that’s fine. Nude? One pair. Maybe 2. But that’s just me. Perhaps you have many occasions that require nude shoes. If so, go for it.
6. Every single color it comes in, if you really like it and it fits. If you really really really like it, buy an extra or two for replacements in case you get something on it.
7. A tank top that covers one’s breasts and bra straps, for the love. There is no reason I should ever be subjected to someone else’s mesh-covered breasts unless those breasts have an extra layer of opaque fabric not consisting of a bra over them. (To clarify, that means wear a bra, a tank top, and the mesh top.)
8. Yes.
9. This drives me insane. My husband does this all time.
10. I imagine Dallas in September is still hot. Cute summery dress and little shrug over the arms in the event of airconditioning. Sorry I do not have any summery dresses to link to.
As for the Match, I don’t know your husband. But I know mine. And he would DIE if I made him wait even 10 minutes. Consider who is going to be getting the worse end of the deal, him waiting vs. you crying. (And the crying is only hypothetical crying. Unless you cry with joy!) If you are a strong no-crying-in-front-of-people person and he’s a laid-back waiter, then I’d say make him wait. But otherwise, I wouldn’t.
For the Dallas wedding: treat it like summer. Sundress, cami, sandals.
Definitely complain to someone in charge at your complex. Someone in charge who does not smoke by the gym.
As for Ann Taylor, I am NOT the person you want to be asking as I’m completely fashion challenged.
1. I’d smile if she’s looking at me, ignore her if she’s not. I usually let other people take the lead in these situations because I’m passive like that.
2. I would absolutely complain because you’re paying for that in your rent, and you deserve to have it be in working order. Hell, I’ve complained at places that I’m not even living in anymore but just kept the key to their gym. (Should I be admitting that?)
3. I would complain incessantly to my husband and do nothing more. (Remember? Passive.)
4a. I would totally want him to wait and I would try to guilt him into waiting but then he’d make me feel bad and I’d tell him to look without me, but I’d be really unhappy about it.
4b. See above.
5. Absolutely not.
6. As many as there are colors that you like.
7. Probably just a white tank top. But I’m not too exciting with my style choices.
8. I would be incredibly annoyed, but I would do nothing (other than turning up my headphones and hope Judy would drown them out).
9. I’d be pissed. And I’d probably make him go buy me some more.
10. I’d wear a sundress that was already in my closet because I’m incredibly cheap and terrible about actually purchasing things for myself.
Oh my – those are some awesome questions!
1. I would smile at the walker – after all, she’s a neighbor.
2. You should ask that the complex fix the things that are broken. You are paying for them, regardless.
3. Let the staff know that the smoking is affecting those who are working out in the gym. That’s so not cool. It’s gross.
4. He must wait until you can be on the phone with him so you can hear the match together. It’s the only fair way!
5. I do not own any nude shoes so I don’t have an answer other than there is no such thing as too many shoes period.
Those are my answers for you. 🙂
Oh my gosh, this is a lot of questions. But I will do my best.
1. Smile every time. Or nod.
2. You’re paying for the amenities, so they should work. That’s not greedy.
3. Mention that the smoking is wafting into the gym.
4. I would let him check the matches right away. Hypothetical you should call him when you’re free to find out the results. I don’t see the point of making him wait.
5. Yes, there is.
6. I would say 4 shirts is a good limit.
7. Tank or camisole.
8. I would be annoyed, but I wouldn’t do anything.
9. That has happened to me so many times. I just sigh and tell my non-hypothetical husband how disappointed I am.
10. Sundress type of thing. In Dallas, I would err on the side of dressy.
Here’s a link for #10. Obviously I would choose a color other than white.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/SleevelessCottonShiftDress~221408_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::WHI&CM_MERCH=IDX_Women-_-DressesSkirts&origin=index
1. I would start walking in the other direction. Or, if I didn’t want to do that, I’d do a little collection of Burma-Shave-like signs to show the girl one sign per half-mile, for entertainment.
2. Our old apartment complex was like that. They had “maintenance request” forms we could use for our apartment, so I would use them to request maintenance on the public areas as well.
3. My FANTASY self would address the smokers directly, in such a charming manner that they would be charmed instead of annoyed and put-out. My ACTUAL self would write an anonymous (but very friendly and polite and understanding) note to the apartment manager.
4a. No, because I would want to give him time to react privately. But I WOULD require that he check VERY SHORTLY after noon and call me VERY SHORTLY thereafter. Let’s say, for example, 1:00 would be the time I could justify a full-blown fit.
4b. No, I would want him to check right away. I don’t know WHY, though: it seems more like me to want him to suffer if I’m going to suffer. But I guess in this case, I would want the comfort of knowing that ONE of us knew.
5. I have zero pairs of nude shoes. In general, my skin tone looks icky with anything nude, but perhaps I haven’t found the right shade of nude. All right, that’s enough saying nude.
6. I am perhaps the wrong one to consult, because I wear pretty much a uniform of the same pants (jeans in cold weather, pedal pushers in hot weather) and same shirt (Old Navy perfect tee, which I have in a dozen colors) EVERY DAY.
7. A snug tank top, or a what’s-it-called, that thing that’s like a tank top but with spaghetti or lace straps and usually a slinkier fabric.
8. Why, yes. Yes, I would.
9. Is this a trick question? I mean, it’s “death,” right? “Slow death”?
10. Fancy bikini.
I love this post.
1) Smile.
2) I think it depends on the frequency. If things are broken a lot and then they take a long time to fix them, I would complain.
3) I would like to say that I would come up with some clever and snarky comment about the logice of exposing people to CARCINOGENS at the GYM where they go to get HEALTHY. But I would probably chicken out and resort to sighing and rolling my eyes in their general direction.
4a-4b) He would have to tell me immediately. I could never wait.
5) Not if you like them and have plenty of clothes to wear them with.
6) 2 or 3
7) Tank top or cami
8) Yes. But see my response to #3. I would chicken out again.
9) Ummm… yelling? Punching? Not a punishment in the world harsh enough?
10) Sundress with cute sandals.
1. Nod the first time you notice she’s a repeater. Then ignore her.
2. You’re paying for it. Go complain.
3. The people in our building smoke outside our (open) windows all the damn time. I have found no way around it, so I feel your pain. Empathy is all I can offer you.
4.a. No. As a matter of fact, this isn’t hypothetical to me at all. My husband hears about his job first. Period. He needs time to process it first before can deal with my own emotions/fears/questions.
4. b.Obviously not. As a matter of fact, it might be NICE for him to have time to think about it before he has to deal with me. (Yes, I need to be dealt with. I am a diva after all.)
5. One is too many.
6. Three is my limit. But do what you like.
7. I wouldn’t.
8. Yes, I would be annoyed.
9. Just a snide remark about putting the empty box in the recycling would probably be enough.
10. I also vote for a cute dress (with a possible coverup on the off, off, off chance it’s cold like a sweater or scarf) with cute shoes. I think that I would go with fall colors as opposed to summer colors, though because it’s in September.
In agreement with other commenters:
1. Smile
2. Complain politely
3. Most definitely complain, that is disgusting! Does your state have any laws about how far from an entrance a smoker must be? In NY is it 20 feet. And, yes, I realize it’s not a true entrance, but an uncloseable window should fall into that category somewhere!
4a, 4b- My first answer is: do not ask him to wait. If he offers to wait, wonderful (and wow, I would be impressed with someone that patient), but I think that would be a lot to ask. He’s worked his butt off for this, I can’t imagine it’s not eating him up inside. How could he focus all day knowing the answer was there, but he isn’t allowed to know yet?
That being said, I’m a little confused as to where you will be when he can check the match- at home or out of town with coworkers? If home, I would either ask for his password so I could check myself, or tell him to call me as soon as he knew, even if all he had time for was to say where it was and then say goodbye. Then I would spend whatever time I had gathering my thoughts and feelings about that inevitability- crying if necessary- jumping for joy if necessary (hoping for the latter!!). I’d compose myself and carry on with my day and would talk to him about it in detail later when we would both have an appropriate amount of time to devote to it.
If I was going to be with coworkers during the time when he would be checking, I would wait until later for him to tell me when we could cry/cheer/discuss together. Yes, it would suck being in the dark for so long, but sometimes you just need to do what you need to do before you can worry about other things.
5. Don’t own a single pair of them but, for me, replace nude with black and the answer is… no.
6. Gut feeling was 2, 3 is pushing it, no way to 4.
7. Tank/Cami
8. It is annoying. I know confrontation is not your thing, but maybe asking politely “Could you lower your voice just a little?”
9. He’d walk in the door and I would say “So, where are you taking me out for ice cream?” And I’d get a waffle cone. Dipped. With sprinkles, dammit. I didn’t say it would be right or honorable or healthy, but it sure would be tasty.
10. Short answer: sundress in your best color(s), wedge sandals, sun hat
Long answer:
Sundress: No higher than the knee. Cotton is ok as long as it is dressed up with an elegant pattern or maybe a little lace (if that’s your thing). I’d shy away from spaghetti straps, too informal. Sundresses are nice in that you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion, helping to guarantee it’ll get worn again instead of collecting dust in your closet. Someone mentioned a shrug for air conditioning and that is a great idea.
Some dresses. I think I am in love with the black and white one furthest left in the second photo block.
http://kenziekate.blogspot.com/2007/03/dress-for-every-occassion.html
Wedges: Again, they can be formal or casual depending on the rest of the outfit. I personally like the kind that have ties up the ankle, very flirty.
http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/karen-millen-gingham-espadrille-wedge-sandal-2
http://www.shopbop.com/aviya-open-toe-piece-ankle/vp/v=1/845524441904218.htm?folderID=2534374302189320&extid=affprg-1609763-PSIMN2000011611
Sun hat: Fun, sexy/flirty, and, if outdoors, necessary in that hot summer sun!
http://shopjom.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1108
http://www.ioffer.com/i/new-woman-straw-beach-hat-wide-brim-with-flower-white-169976123 (scroll down)
I attended a Vegas wedding last summer that was fairly informal, outdoors at a canyon (read: desert) and wore something like this (all in black and white) and it worked nicely. Since, I have worn every piece of the outfit for other occasions at varying levels of formality so I feel they they were all good purchases. Though, if you are expecting to be in a lot of pictures with the bride, I would be cautious about black and white. The white in my dress was whiter than her gown and, furthered by the contrast with the black, it made my dress pop out in photos moreso than the gown. For my brides particular dress, more muted tones looked better next to it.
Wow, that was long. Hope you are enjoying reading all these “hypothetical” answers!
-Holland
Ohhh my good Lord, I don’t even know where to start here without looking back at the post-so, I’ll try: say hi to the girl once, they need to fix the shit you are paying for, tell them to quit smoking there, no clue on the mesh, wear the shit out of the shirt in 34 colors, nude shirts rock, and I would beat my husband about the ice cream!!! 🙂
1. Just a small smile, the first lap say hi as she probably will, after that just smile or put on the headphones and zone out
2. How long has it been broken? That would determine when and how loudly to complain.
3. Talk to management about the smokers – and talk to them until they can’t stand hearing from you anymore and do something about it. Its absurd to go to the gym to get healthy while inhaling smoke.
4. Get his information/login so you can check his status yourself. If he’s going to be busy and wants you to call him with the info, do so, otherwise you both check the status and when you finally meet up at the end of the day.
5. How many will your closet hold? Probably I’d limit it to a pair of flats and a few pairs of heels of varying heights…
6. Two
7. Tank top, just because the Kardashians wear just a bra doesn’t mean they should
8. Yes, if you can hear it over your headphone music that’s too loud. To be passive-aggressive I’d probably find a way to annoy them while they were on their phone also
9. I would throw said empty box at husband and ask him WTF is he so lazy he couldn’t recycle the box? mention that you were out? stop and buy more?!
10. Something sleeveless, maybe floral if you can wear that or a solid pretty color, knee length dress
That was fun. Thanks.
I don’t have the time to answer all of your very legitimate questions (I have drastically cut back my blog reading/commenting at work), so I’ll answer the quickest one, quick being I recently tried on Every Dress Currently In Stores for an upcoming wedding, and I think I would wear this (or something similar):
http://www.dillards.com/product/Antonio-Melani-Harper-Dress_301_-1_301_502686391?splashlink=w_tc1_dressesspecialoccasion
If one can talk on the phone while treadmilling, one is not treadmilling/working out correctly. That’s my two cents on that! And yes, it would annoy the crap out of me!
1. Awkwardly smile every time, then quickly look away.
2. I would definitely complain, though the amount of effort I put into that complaint would be directly related to how often I use the broken amenity.
3. I would probably eventually say something to the manger/front desk person.
4. I think I’d want him to wait for me.
5. I don’t own a single pair of nude shoes!
6. I have um, an embarrasingly large number of multiple shirts. There is no limit to the number of shirts it is reasonable to own.
7. I say no to dark, visible bras, ever. Always.
8. I would probably shoot the cellphone user annoyed glances and think mean things about them in my head. Because I’m passive-aggressive like that.
9. Unbridled rage.
10. I will be checking back for links because I have a wedding in Houston in August that I have no idea how to dress for. Good luck!
This is FABULOUS.
1. I smile ONCE in the first passing and then ignore her. If I turn around and go the same way my walk become competitive because I want to lap her.
2. COMPLAIN. Hello, you are totally paying for that.
3. COMPLAIN and talk to anyone who will listen. Reread EVERYTHING to see if there is anything legal in the state, city, county….about smoking. NORMALLY there is. 🙂
I of course could GO ON but, whoever HUSBAND left the empty box should GET IT big time. I would be passive aggressive of course and buy a new box and hide it from him. 🙂 That way I could eat them ALL…. Once you have children you can hide it from them too… I think his Match Day should land him pleasantly in Colorado…
1. This happens to me alot – i smile and say hi the first time and then zone out – it is not necessary to acknowledge her every couple of minutes. Sometimes if said person is already there and walking when I arrive I will start walking in the same direction to avoid this scenario.
2. I would give them a couple of days to fix things and then mention to someone in the office “I am not sure if you are aware that “x” is not working” a couple of days after I reported if it wasn’t repaired I would leave a written note for the apt. manager that i reported “x” being broken and it has not yet been repaired. You pay for these things in the rent and they should work. I am VERY outspoken and at some point would noisly demand that they be repaired.
3. I would nicely ask the workers to move, find new location – “I’m not sure if y’all are aware but your smoke wafts in the gym” if they continure see #2 – mention to office staff and then in writing to the manager.
4. This is hard. I do not like surprises or waiting for news. I think, regardless of where i was, I would want to be on the phone with husband when he checks the site. It does affect both of your lives. No long drawn out discussions – an agreement that we’ll find out at the same time and then go back to our day and discuss when he gets home.
5. I own 2 pair pumps and flats. If they are your thing and you love them and wear them with everything then NO!
6. My answer to this would have been 3 or 4 until this winter when i found a great sale on a scoop neck, light weight sweater that was perfect for my climate and for the office. Read $10 each. I first only bought 3 (black, white, and royal blue) Then I went back and bought 5 more (gray, emerald green, cream, plum, raspberry). I wore them every day with slacks.
7. tank/cami
8. See No. 1. I am VERY assertive but would start by nicely asking said person to keep it down. I can hear everyting you’re saying through my headphones. And become increasingly more confrontational if they continued. But that is just me – I am a lawyer and have no problems with confrontation 🙂
9. Husband would be sent immediately to the store to buy more!!
10. Early afternoon on Sunday is an interesting time for a wedding, and much to late for “brunch” so I am having a hard time trying to figure out the “style” of the bride/wedding. Things to remember – it will be swealtering (Indian Summer) in Dallas in September but most places will have the AC going on full power so bring a wrap or sweater. A nice sundress and strappy cute shoes with great accessories. I would probably stick with summer colors because of the temps (most fall colors come in fall weight fabrics). I also suggest staying away from linen. In “my” deep south world the rule still applies about linen after labor day!
I like the styles of both of the dresses linked below (the first one is a bit short though)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-cotton-eyelet-shift-dress/3168359?origin=category&resultback=6384
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-dress/3183506?origin=category&resultback=6995
BAH! So many questions!
Here’s the ones that stick out. I would smile to the woman the first time, and ignore her the rest of the time. You did your neighborly duty, now get to working out. I would ask the people smoking if they could move away from the windows ASAP because, gross, and if an amenity at the complex is broken, ask them to fix it for sure. You pay for those things, you chose this place for those things, they should work! Uhh… I forgot some of the others. 🙂
1. Smile sometimes, say hello if they do, walk the other way. Oh, wait. That answer isn’t helpful. I do a little bit of everything depending on the day, my mood, and the person!
2. DEFINITELY COMPLAIN! You’re paying for those as part of rent. Those things won’t get fixed if people don’t complain (at least from my experience, and then I had to nag a ton), and I want to use them and not pay for a gym separate from my way too high rent money. Also, sometimes they don’t know because nobody tells them and assumes someone else has already. Or people keep trying to use a half-broken treadmill and kill it completely.
3. Ugh, here’s where I don’t know. Our gym had windows that COULDN’T open – in two places I lived! I’m pretty sure that was a fire hazard since there was only one door to exit, but it wasn’t worth me complaining to the city. However, it was hot and miserable inside. The only smoking issue I had was when creepy maintenance came inside to work out after smoking – and I think only because women were using the small gym. I say casually mention it to front desk people and ask them to pass the word along to please smoke elsewhere than near the gym. It’s hard to breathe when running and smelling smoke!
4. I would want to know asap. He can check. Process the info. Tell you when it’s best for you. I don’t know if at the same time is necessarily as important as being able to tell you asap and being able to respond to it in a good thought out way.
5. No. But please find me some because my wide feet can’t find any good heels! 🙁
6. I’m awful at not buying multiples of what I like – so I say buy a few and you’re good!
7. Nude bra? (nude color, not nude nude – please no, not appropriate!)
8. I would only be annoyed if it was high volume and constant. If it were the equivalent of a conversation with someone near them at the gym, I wouldn’t mind. But high volume? Obnoxious. I hate when people have their music so loud I can hear it from their headphones across the gym! So I can see where that would be super annoying.
This is going to be a long reply . . . With my oh so knowledgeable feedback.
9. I wouldn’t say anything, so much as go and get myself some and not share. 🙂 (JK) I’d show him the box, give him a look, and that would be all that was needed before a laugh and he would understand the problem.
10. Ohh. Dress… I’m no help on here without a lot of searching!
Never too many nude shoes, they are the best thing around and provide for absolute versatility so there need to be options!
As a native, treat September in Dallas just like July… nice sundress, strappy sandals, etc.
Enjoy!
4. I wanted my husband to check as soon as possible. But he tricked me and told me match day was on the 2nd when it really was on the 1st!
6. If it’s a basic shirt you can buy a lot. But if it’s unique then by one or two to have a back up!
9. My husband leaves all his empty containers in the fridge all the time. I’ve stopped commenting on that. I don’t know if it’s because he’s so tired from residency or if it’s because he grew up with a live in maid. ahh.
1. Smile/say hello the first time, then pretend she doesn’t exist for every time after that.
2. Yes, complain; the cost of those amenities is included in your rent (there’s no such thing as a free lunch and all that jazz.)
3. I’d complain to management that either the windows should be closed or the staff needs to smoke elsewhere. I think most people would be amenable to that. You’re trying to be healthy by working out; the second-hand smoke obviously negates that.
4a. and 4b. No and no. BUT, my husband and I are texters; we’re not really phone people. So he would probably check, then text me, then we’d chat about it later.
5. No. There are never too many shoes of any kind, ever. Except maybe clogs.
6. 3. One black, one neutral, one in color.
7. A camisole in a color the exact opposite shade of the sweater (i.e.: black sweater, white cami; white sweater, black cami.)
8. Yes, so annoyed. See also: People who talk on their cell phone in THE BATHROOM STALL, WTF.
9. “Dude! What the hell! You owe me Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches!”
10. NO IDEA, but I’d love to see what you choose!
Wow, not sure I’ll be able to answer all these, but well. Here goes.
1. I’d probably say “hi” the first time I passed her (per walk), then just smile if we happened to make eye contact the other.
2. I’d complain, but politely (as Jen suggested above) at first – “by the way, I don’t think your … is working right now…”, reserving snittiness for later.
3. Definitely complain. I loathe cigarette smoke (though to be honest, I loathe exercise too and have never set foot in a gym as an adult) and would definitely ask for some kind of solution to be found.
4. Hmmm. If you’re both available at noonish, I’d say he should wait so you can be “there” simultaneously. If you can’t be there till much later, I think it would be cruel to make him wait.
5. I’d have to say “yes” to this one as “nude” anything on me looks terrible: I have really pale skin (with very attractive tendencies for blotchiness) and look like a corpse in nude. I also (in direct betrayal of my feminine heritage) loathe buying/wearing shoes as my aforementioned pale, blotchy skin is hideously fragile and EVERY pair of shoes causes horrible pain the first few times I wear them (and not always in the same place. No, that would be too easy). So I buy shoes as rarely as possible and go barefoot wherever I can.
6. Here, however, I’d say that you could probably never have too many, assuming you really like the article (I have loads of virtually identical T-shirts, for example. What I don’t spend on shoes, I spend on T-shirts, apparently).
7. No idea, really, as I can’t imagine myself ever wearing such a thing. But Home Sweet Sarah’s suggestion sounds quite good…
8. Bearing in mind that I hate the phone in general, and the mobile in particular, this would drive me batshit. Not sure what I’d do about it, apart from fume and harumph in a not very subtle manner.
9. I’d be furious and demand that the item be replaced. STAT.
10. This question was my primary motivation for answering this! I bought myself a dress for my birthday (I’m a sad, lonely person and now resort to buying my own presents – at least I know a) I’ll get a present and b) that I’ll like it!) and I LOVE it. It’s by my favourite British designer, Cath Kidston, and it’s smart, but not overdressed, as well as slightly retro. It may not be your taste at all, but it’s definitely what I’d wear (with some cute orange sandals – which I’d have to buy, of course, which in turn would stress me till September). Here’s the link: http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-16229-cath-kidston-sun-spot-orange-echo-dress.aspx
If you don’t like this, there are some other lovely dresses on the site. Also see http://www.boden.co.uk (can you tell I’m British?!), which is expensive but does have a US site I believe.
Wow. Long answer. Sorry!
hmmm, i can’t answer all of them but i say that for 2 and 3: definitely call the management up!
1- smile politely. Unless you think you can be friends. Then say hi. Or make a corny joke.
2- I’d totally complain. I’m needy.
3- Throw things at them. JK. Ask them to move to a different place. Like I said, I’m needy.
4- check it together. Unless you can check it first before him. Then you first.
5- there is no such thing as too many shoes. the end.
6- Ann Taylor Loft? Can we be bff? Please??? I just spent about $300 there…..idk how. I think I have an addiction that needs to be addressed. But not yet. Bc I need some more clothes first. Oh wait this was a question. 3 That’s my general rule of thumb. Unless it’s one of those neutral tops…that you can wear with anything timelessly. Then 5.
7- Tank top. Always. I have a gazillion. For this reason. The ones that are super thin with see through little top thingies (know what I mean?) look like a bra, but classier. Bc that’s me. Classy (ummm no).
8- I get annoyed with everything. And I’m hypocritical. I’m not a good person to answer this one.
9- Kill.
10- Hmm…summer dress. Actually, I’d call everyone I know that’s going and grill them about what they plan to wear and threaten their lives if they forget to update if they change their minds.
I may be a little late in getting my comments made but just got online again.
1. After the first time when I would have said “Hi”, I would just smile and keep going.
2.Yes, complain tactfully but firmly; after all you are paying for it.
3.The whole point of going to the gym is to get healthy; complain and ask that the smokers move away from the building completely.
4a.NO. Your husband should not wait. It is his job, his next position. If he is disappointed he needs time to re-group. I would just ask him to call me with no pressure as to when he calls.
4b. NO. If you don’t want to cry in front of your co-workers, ask your husband to wait til you get home.
5. Does your budget allow the extra shoes? If they fit and will stay in style–go for it–as long as you can afford it.
6. Same answer as 5; I’d probably get 3-4 different colors.
7. I’d go with a tank top–I really hate the bra show.
8. I’d speak to management and ask that an employee suggest to the offender to take the call elsewhere. (Though I’ve also spoken directly to someone like that with an ‘oh so innocent’ look on my face and asking : Gosh, do you know we can hear everything you AND YOUR FRIEND are saying?! You might want to go somewhere else to talk!”)
9.Argh. When this happens, my sweet hubby looks at me and says: “Oh I left it there so you’d KNOW we were out!” So no, I don’t know what to say! 🙂
10. I’d wear a summer dress with sandals or strappy heels. It doesn’t need to be super dressy but it also shouldn’t be so casual you’d wear it to go to the grocery/on errands or to the beach. Pair it with a fancy necklace or pendant to dress it up (or tuck the jewelry in your purse til you see how dressy the event actually is–you can always slip jewelry on to make yourself fancier looking.)
Oh how I’ve missed reading your blog! I’m working on catching up so bear with me. I hope the smoky-air has stopped at the gym. How are the windows open? isn’t it hot? Sorry…that bothers me that the apt. staff would even consider smoking next to open windows that go into a building in general, not to mention a gym!