France - 11/15/00

11/15/00

Saw "Snatch" tonight w/ S., M., Ramsey, and Andrew.  It was alright, but way too gory for me - not to mention the awful language.  I met Kristen, the woman that Morgan babysits for, today... she's really nice.  Also found a cute "I love you" book at Les Volcans that I'm going to send to Jamie.  Bought [I bought a lot of lingerie that year.  I'm going to stop typing it all in these entries.] at Etam Lingerie.  I'm tired.  I'll be in bed (asleep) by two.  Just have to do crunches and devotional.  Oh yeah - I got a letter from Jamie's parents today.  I'll have to write back soon.  I like his parents.  Also got an email from Mom saying she won't be able to type letters at work anymore, so I won't get them often anymore, and one from Alan telling me how he proposed to Aubrey.  Gotta get ready for bed.  I love you, Jamie!

France - 11/14/00

11/14/00

I think I'm going to be in bed by 12:30!  Morgan and I didn't get to go to the Louvre Sunday mainly because a guy who works there said my suitcase was too big to check in.  And then a rude waiter wouldn't let us order just dessert and drinks at a place because we weren't ordering a full meal.  But we still had fun.  I got another letter from Jamie today, and a short email that said he got a 92% on his accounting test!  My smart, sexy man.  [etc.]  Gotta wash my face and brush my teeth and then I'm completely ready - including crunches.  G'night sweetheart, I love you!

France - 11/13/00

11/13/00

I got a letter from my sweetie today, and I love him.  This will be short entry - I had to take a second painkiller and it's making me lose coordination and things are kinda fuzzy and my head is heavy.  I skipped crunches yesterday so I'll try to do them today.  Teaching was better but the rapists that are somewhere in the city {news story at the time} are making me not at all enjoy my walk to and from the bus stop.  I talked to Matt and Nat too and I can't remember what Nat gave as a gift idea for Matt.  For her it was neat carousels - for Matt it was cool knives.  I remember now.  Gotta get ready for bed.  Love you Jamie.

France- 11/12/00

11/12/00

Today was  Morgan's birthday... can't really write anything right now because I have to be up in 3 hours, but I'll try to remember to write tomorrow about the Louvre, the rude waiter, the train, and talking to Mom.  I love you, Jamie!

Paris, France - 11/11/00

11/11/00

Long day.  It's night time and M. and I just woke up from our 15 minute nap.  Now we just have to get ready and get in bed for real.  I bought a black satin pj set at Etam Lingerie today that I love - also, 2 old ads and the Getaway People CD.  With "There She Goes" on it!  I spent an incredible amount of money on it (160 francs), but I think it's worth it.  We saw Notre Dame today and had lunch at a bistro near the école militaire; M.'s fish came with the head still on.  Dinner was at an Italian place near Montparnasse after we went to the top of the tower.  Then Haagen-Datz ice cream and an attempt to see Saving Grace, though it was sold out.  I'm really tired... wash my face, brush my teeth, and skip crunches.  I love you, Jamie.  I can't wait until you're here, doing this all with me.

Paris, France - 11/10/00

11/10/00

Morgan and I are in Paris!  She's brushing her teeth and I'm doing my best to ignore my aching feet.  We're in a hotel near the Eiffel Tower and really near a bunch of good stores.  I bought a red sleeveless shirt at Pimkie that I love.  We saw the Eiffel Tower tonight all lit up, and at 8pm it sparkled for about 5 minutes.  It was really pretty.  We had dinner right off the Champs-Elysées at a Chinese place, bought CDs at FNAC and the Virgin Records megastore, and rode the Ferris Wheel at Place de la Concorde.  We finished by walking down Rue St. Honoré by the Louvre, to gape at all the designer shops.

[Later]

All ready for bed and debating on whether or not to do crunches... it depends on whether or not it'll bother Morgan - she's also sitting on the bed writing in her journal.  I miss you, Jamie.  [etc., etc.]

P.S. I bought "My Best Friend's Wedding," a Corr's CD, a Don McClean CD, and Saving Grace today!

France - 11/9/00

11/9/00

Ate at Le Menhir tonight w/ S. and M.  I love the caramel dessert crêpes!  Afterwards, we went to Katrine & Christiane's apartment.  5 Rue de Chassetiers.  There were a bunch of people there and we had a good time in the 20ish minutes we could stay.  Afterwards, we went to a bar in the square next to the cathedral to hear Tim play.  There were even more people there.  Tim played really well, but S. and I had to run to Jaude for the last bus de nuit.  Zack escorted us, and we had to run when we got there.  He said he and Celine are together but "the magic isn't there" so he's got to figure things out this weekend.  Before dinner, when Sarah and I were waiting for Morgan by the fountain, a group of 3 flight attendants (two guys and a girl) came up to ask if there were any good restaurants here... I directed them to 1513.  Hope they liked it!  I wrote a letter to Aunt Monique & Uncle Ron tonight and finished one to Jamie, as well as washing my jeans, so I feel like I accomplished something.  Have to pack and get to bed; my eyes are crossing.  G'night, sweetheart!  I love you!

France - 11/8/00

11/8/00

We (Sarah, Morgan & I) saw Shaft in French today after Morgan got her hair cut.  It was entertaining, but I think just about any American movie we see in French will be entertaining.  No idea how the election went as of now.  When I talked to Jamie this morning, Bush had just won since he won Florida, but then they ("they" being The People Who Know These Things) retracted that statement and said they had to recount Florida's vote since Bush won the state by less than 1000 votes... I'll call Mom & Dad later and see if there's anything new.  Jamie... I miss him.  Steph told me today - yesterday, actually - that Chad (I think that's his name... her boyfriend) is coming for Christmas!  I'm really happy for her because I know perfectly well how excited she must be.  I'm going to write a letter now.  I love you, Jamie!

France - 11/7/00

11/7/00

I keep wondering how the U.S. Presidential election went and then I realize that it's only 6pm there and they don't know yet.  I'm going to call Jamie in the morning to see how it's going so far.  He's going to be in Manhattan [Kansas] this weekend, so I don't get to talk to him again until Monday.  (Except for in 7 hours, of course.)  I wrote him a short postcard tonight... that, and a bunch of hand-washing are the only two worthwhile things I did today.  Thierry had "personal problems" today, so we just wrote an essay this morning with the secretariat watching and then didn't have civ. at all.  Sarah and Morgan and I ate at the Chinese place again.  Free Cantonese rice!  Nice guy.  I got a card/letter from Mindy today along with three pictures from her & Jeff's New York trip... I always enjoy her letters.  I really need to go to bed.  G'night Jamie - I love you!

France - 11/6/00

11/6/00

Well, new journal.  Today was a really sucky day of teaching.  I need to pray that God will put a love of that job in my heart.  All in all, it was a long day.  However, I got a letter from Mom with an US Weekly magazine and a letter from Jamie with pictures!  I can't get over how good-looking he is.  Especially that smile!  [etc., etc.  You don't need to read all of it.]  I need to go to bed now.  I can probably get a little over 5 1/2 hours of sleep tonight!  I love you, Jamie.

Stitch Fix #5

Stitch Fix #5!

Pictures courtesy of my awesome, patient husband.  Thank you!

This box was promising right off the bat.  Good colors and patterns! 

The first thing I tried on was the "Jeane" Stripe Sleeve V-Neck Cardigan from Mak ($38):

 This was close to being good!  I liked the mix of solid with pattern, but the sleeves were a bit too bold and distracting.  The real problem, though, was that it looked a bit frumpy on, and wouldn't close over my hips.  Sending it back.

Next up was one that looked really good - Pomelo's "Avah" Chevron Print Dolman Sleeve Top. ($58)  I kept a Pomelo top from a previous box, so I was hoping this would be just as perfect:

 Alas, not quite.  I liked the color and pattern and it was really soft, but the band around the bottom was a bit too snug on my hips and I had to suck in or my tummy looked really lumpy right above that band.  Not flattering.  It would look really good on someone with no tummy, or who was a few inches taller than me and had more room between that snug band and the more billowy top.  Sending it back. 


Next up, Market and Spruce's "Harlin" V-Neck Plaid Print Knit Shirt ($48):

Again, so close!  This was fairly flattering, despite it's extra length on my short frame - it fell away from my tummy and hips and was very comfortable.  The back was the problem here.  The plaid wasn't my favorite pattern and was brighter than the picture shows.  It just was... okay.  Not keeping.


The last top was Loveappella's "Canon" Button Detail Striped Knit Top ($48):

I really, really liked the style of this one!  The grey at the shoulders continued across the top of the back, and the button detail on the sleeves was really cute.  It just didn't fit well.  It was a bit snug across my chest and the fabric was the kind that showed every lump and bump.  It needed to be a bit looser for that type of fabric.  It was also a bit rough & scratchy feeling, which I knew would keep me from wearing it very often.  Reluctantly sending it back.  


The last item was a dress, which was a surprise since I had asked for just tops.  The "Kamile" Jersey Ruched Detail Dress from Gilli ($64):

 

What a surprise!  I have a hard time finding dresses that I'm comfortable in, but I liked this one!  It had a very defined waist, was a great color (a little more olive than the picture shows), and was a super comfortable jersey knit.  Keeping!

Overall, I think this stylist, Hillary, was pretty on-point in terms of style.  She also had obviously read my styling note and looked at my Pinterest page, judging from her note in the box and her selections.   I've already requested her for my next box.  I think that with a little more time maybe we can get the fit issues worked out and this could be the beginning of something beautiful.  

If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix yourself, I'd encourage you to check out my other reviews to see some better examples of boxes!  My referral link is here if you'd like to try it out!

France - 11/5/00

11/5/00

I have to teach tomorrow.  I really should try not to dread it so much... I talked to Dad, Uncle Paul, and Mom tonight... I really can't think of anything to say.  Had McDonald's for breakfast this morning and it was really good - yummy pancakes.  (I need to set that stupid tick-tocking alarm clock.)  Had an uneventful train ride home.  I miss Jamie.  Dad asked how we were doing and I couldn't tell if he wanted me to say good or bad.  That bothers me.  I wish I could sit down and have a talk with him - I know he likes Jamie, so I want to know if he just doesn't want me getting married any time soon or what.  I really have no idea.  It really is bothering me.  I need to check the bus schedule and get ready.  If I remember correctly, I have to be up in 3 1/2 hours.  I love you, Jamie!

(New journal!!!)

Tours, France - 11/4/00

11/4/00

Talked to Jamie tonight.. He got his birthday present and liked it.  And I said the words "we'll get married" without too much of a pause beforehand.  Sarah and I saw "Coyote Girls" (Coyote Ugly) in French tonight.  Entertaining, but cheesy.  Now I have to see it in English to know what I didn't catch... we went shopping this morning (didn't find anything) and then saw Chenonceeau and Chambord today.  Also saw Amboise, Blois, and a few others just driving by... I liked Chambord better than Chenonceau.  The grounds weren't as pretty, but I liked the architecture better.  My hand is tired - crunches and sleep.  I love you, Jamie Lowery!

Halloween 2014

A little late on the picture posting, but just look how cute Superman and the fairy witch were on Halloween!

And as a bonus, I'll show you the cuteness of the two of them posing in the "pumpkin patch," aka HEB, a few days before that:

Tours, France - 11/3/00

11/3/00

Sarah and I are in Tours.  We ate dinner at a pizzeria and dessert at a crêperie... The hotel we're staying in is about $30 each for two nights - includes 2 double beds and a full bathroom in the room.  Tomorrow morning we're going to sign up for a tour of Chenonceau and Chambord and then do a little shopping and eating before the tour starts.  Don't think we'll have time for anything Sunday - our train leaves at noon.  I'll ignore the 7 people I really need to write to in favor of writing a letter to Jamie tonight.  I miss him.  Sarah and I walked to a movie theater not too far from here tonight to find out they had nothing worth seeing... but we saw the cathedral all lit up and it's gorgeous.  I'm tired... going to bed now.  I love you, Jamie!

France - 11/2/00

11/2/00

I'm going to finish this journal in the next few days... and then I get to start a second one!  Sarah and I decided tonight that we're going to Tours tomorrow.  We'll leave after class and stay Friday & Saturday nights there.  We're going to look into taking a chateaux tour one day and seeing Chenonceau the next.  And I get to talk to Jamie Saturday night!  Zack and I are putting off dinner until next week - I just didn't feel like going back into town tonight... Sarah and Morgan and I went to Fnac and I bought an adapter and speakers!  I've already listened to a couple CDs and the speakers are pretty good for as cheap as they are.  (I spent about $20 for the speakers and adapter together.)  I'm ready to get to bed... my packing is done, except for shower/makeup/hair stuff that I need to put in there in the morning.  I'm almost ready for bed.  50 days (now, officially 49 - in the 40's!) until I see the love of my life!  G'night, sweetie.

France - 11/1/00

11/1/00

Jamie is coming next month!  I saw a film called Saving Grace tonight (British).  I really enjoyed it!  And I want to find the soundtrack.  Tomorrow, Zack and I are going to go to dinner and catch up on each other's lives - he'll tell me all about how it's going with Celine, and I'll tell him more about my wonderful Jamie.  Tonight, Kristen, Aimee, Joanna, Sarah, and I ate at the Mexican place (yummy apple-cinnamon pie with wonderful ice cream!) before the movie.  I saw Saving Grace and they all saw The Yards.  (Mark Wahlberg/Charlize Theron)   Sarah and I tore through our homework after the cab dropped us off here, so I just have to do my devotional & crunches and get ready for bed.  Already in pjs (I love Jamie's weightlifting shirt!)  Quite tired.  And wanting Jamie.  Next month!!  I love you, sweetie.

France - 10/31/00

10/31/00

It's officially November (Jamie is coming next month!) but I'll write about Halloween Day.  6 1/2 hours of class!  Afterwards, to celebrate the end, Morgan, Sarah, and I had dinner at our Chinese place.  Yummy!  And then caramel sundaes at McDonald's for dessert.  There was a guy there in drag as Cruella DeVille and it was one of the best costumes I've ever seen!  99% of the kids dressed up were witches, vampires, or other evil-scary things.  France hasn't gotten to the point yet where kids can be friendly clowns or princesses or things.  I wrote two letters tonight so I'm feeling like I've accomplished something.  One to Jamie and one to family... Tomorrow (after I sleep in) I'm going to write more letter and balance my register.  I should also clean, do hand laundry, and wash dishes, but I don't know if I'll get to it all.  I've realized that Luke brings out the worst in Sarah.  She takes to calling me "anal" about everything, criticizing the way I play [cards], contradicting everything I say, and trying to draw attention to herself by acting out-of-it yet giggly.  I'm tired of it.  (sigh)  Nice to get that out of my system.  On a happier note, I go to talk to my Jamie tonight and he sounded adorable!  I love you!

France - 10/30/00

10/30/00

I love my wonderful Jamie.  Matt and Nat gave me a picture mom had sent them of me and Jamie and he looks so adorable in it.  I like having a hot boyfriend!  He wrote to me and ended his letter saying he can't wait til I'm back and til we're together forever.  I love it when he says things like that!  But I hate it that I can't hug him when he does.  [etc., etc.]  The train ride back was uneventful - I slept most of the way.  I don't like being back here where everything makes me think of my teaching job and all the classes I'm taking.  argh.  I just get worn out and depressed thinking about it.  Kinda like what Jamie's going through, except that he can't just go to Germany for a weekend to forget about everything.  I miss him.  I need to do my devotional and get to sleep.  Maybe I can get five hours.  I love you with all my heart, Jamie!  G'night.

Countryside between Germany and France as seen from the train

Germany - 10/29/00

10/29/00

Wow.  I just finished packing the green suitcase and it's stuffed.  I can hardly lift it.  I still have a lot of stuff, so I'm really hoping I'll be able to fit it in my backpack.  But no idea how!!  The suitcase is really bulging - I hope it doesn't break on me tomorrow.  I really don't think I'll be able to fit everything.  I wonder if Matt & Nat have an old bag they'd let me take... ?  hmm... I made chocolate chip cookies today!  And we watched The Whole Nine Yards and Son-in-Law tonight... tried washing my laundry [load of lights that had turned bright purple] with color-safe bleach and it didn't do any good whatsoever, so I just threw them all away.  I have a horrible headache... hope it goes away soon.  I miss Jamie.  I love Matt & Nat, but hate being around them when they're kissy (and it's all the time) because it makes me miss Jamie even more.  I love that they're so in love, though!  I need to remember - their anniversary is Oct. 2, 1998.  I need to go to bed - my head is killing me and I've got to be up in just a few hours.  I love you, Jamie!

Jamie is 36!

This cutie - the love of my life, the amazing father of my children, and the best husband I could ever have asked for - is celebrating his 36th birthday today!!!

Happy birthday, Jamie!  

And here's to the next 70 or so!  ;) 

Germany - 10/28/00

10/28/00

It's "fall-back" time, so all the clocks are 1 hour behind where they used to be now.  OU beat Nebraska today!!!  We're #1 in the country!  I had a pretty bad phone conversation with Jamie, though.  He wasn't happy about the game and I didn't understand why.  He explained that he doesn't like that OU is getting good again... I think, from what I understood, that he thinks it's K-State's turn to be the best since OU has already had their chance.  But I'm not sure.  He wasn't in a good mood, though, and that (combined with the fact that he wasn't happy about the game when I needed him to be combined with the fact that when I talked to him earlier today he sounded less-than-thrilled to be talking to me) made me think there were all kinds of things wrong... foremost in my mind, of course, the wondering if he was tired of the whole long-distance thing and didn't care enough to keep it going.  I just really miss him and I can't do anything about it.  I was definitely crying on the phone... I'm still not happy.  I have no idea what else to get for his birthday and I hate only being able to send him little things, and I don't know how I'm going to make it from January to July without him.  I don't know how I can even get through the next two months.  All this space and I didn't even mention our day in Trier!  Or the pj tank (grey w/ stripe-ish trim) and sweater I bought.  Or the Commisary, or anything.  I love you, Jamie, even when you don't sound happy to talk to me!