Wednesday, February 27, 2008

One size fits all

To what garments does this little phrase apply? Hats perhaps? Scarves? Maybe gloves?

Certainly not swimsuits.

In anticipation of fun in the sun come March, yesterday I took courage in hand and ventured into the swimsuit department of the nearest department store to the office. In the brief space of thirty minutes, I climbed into at least thirty swimsuits — all the time my lunch break would allow.

It was quite a feat if I do say so myself. Fortunately, I found a suit — the only one that fit properly, in fact. Some showed too much cleavage, others too much bottom. Many didn't fit my rather long torso, resulting in a comical display. Often the sizing followed no pattern whatsoever. Tankinis proved a complete disaster, with some fitting on the bottom and not on the top, and vice versa. Prints that appeared enticing on the rack looked absolutely hideous on, and a surprising number of solids proved boring to the extreme. Plus, I had a devil of a time figuring out the jargon: phrases such as tummy-tamer, bust-enhancer, fantasizer...remember when you were twelve years old and everything fit!

Oh, for the good ol' days.

No wonder many of the heroines we read about are slim, beautiful and blessed with an extensive wardrobe. We spend so much of our day figuring out what to wear, it's a relief not to have to worry about it when curled up with a good book. Hurray for the perfect size ten (or is it eight these days?)!

I wager finding a matching wrap should prove infinitely easier.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Keeping romance alive

Lest anyone get the wrong idea, nothing untoward has happened. Last week my husband went on his annual ski trip with the boys, that's all; during which time I had a devil of a time putting a bit of spice in my life. You know how it is: when deadlines are the only highlight of the week, amid racing both to and from school, fixing meals, doing laundry, attending to the kitchen sink, and squeezing in the many children's extra-curricular activities too...well, let's just say that sometimes it's difficult to recall the truly important things in life.

A few items helped keep love alive in dear hubby's absence:
  • An edition of Time magazine, in which I learned a great deal about the scientific side of romance—interesting, of course, but hardly the sort of reading that quickens the pulse.
  • The return of Lost, and a glimpse of long lost Sawyer (Josh Holloway). Sigh. Be still my heart.
  • A viewing on the weekend of Enchanted at the neighourhood cinema, a truly wonderful film.
  • A sneak preview of a dear friend's latest romance novel in galley form.
So all was not lost. By the time hubby returned home, muscles sore, fed up with living in a single hotel room with three other men, not to mention sick to death of male banter, drinking, and over-eating, I was in a fine state to welcome him home. I think next year he may skip the ski trip and whisk me away. This year, Valentine's Day came early!

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