On Progress and Useless Accoutrements

This diet business still seems to be working. Bataan Power Walks during lunch are apparently enough to keep my metabolism awake (though the lack of aikido is starting to tell in stiffness and backaches). Another pair of new slacks are somewhat loose now. Wherein I realize a truth: although women's dress pants may have belt loops, they are functionally useless. The waistband is usually cut to ride low, or even slant slightly down, so trying to wear a belt with them doesn't work right at all. (Aside from the fact that, depending on your blouse, it may deform the line somewhat.) WHY DO THEY BOTHER?

I need more skirts. Beth is eager to teach me patternmaking, particularly for skirts which she says are easy and fun, but I have sworn I'm going to clear off a bunch of my sewing obligations before I start any new projects. And I have a lot of them.

a fashion report

I've been feeling a bit constrained in my workly garb of late (usually dress slacks, and a blouse or button-down shirt of some kind)--and I feel a touch overdressed by turns, compared to my colleagues--so I pushed the envelope a bit last week. I dug out an old favorite (which had been put away when I went up in size, and it now fits again, YAY) that some of you will have seen: black turtleneck under a brown plaid wool jumper. (...That is, American-style jumper, you right-pondians; I did not go to work clad in nothing but a sweater. kthxbye.) Now, I had been accustomed to accessorizing this a la Mod with torn fishnets, black rubber clogs, my London Underground lunchbox-purse, either a Hello Kitty necklace or my heavy locking chain, and if I wanted to really make Steve uncomfortable with the schoolgirl imagery I'd do my hair in twin braids; but none of this seemed appropriate for $CURRENT-ORK. So instead: black silk leggings, black leather ankle boots, tasteful white-gold necklace, and regular purse. (I did forget that it looks even better if I wear my glasses instead of contacts. Well, next time.)

I thought it struck a tolerably good balance between self-expression and professionality. (I also got a compliment from one of my officemates, viz. "Work that miniskirt, girl!". *smug*)

ObMusic: iTunes appears to be as psychic as my MP3 player.

a classic street moment

The corner of 78th and York. I'm getting ready to cross York to head down to the river. The light is just about to turn in my favor, but there is a fire engine coming down the avenue all blarin' and flashin', so I maintain position on the curb. The usual few taxis try and dash in front of it, to the usual annoyed ear-splitting horn BLATT. I see, on the curb catty-corner from me, an elderly woman starting across the street. It looks as if she's aware of the fire truck, but is moving up to the edge of traffic in that unique aggressively-nonchalant New York fashion.

Instead, she starts going out into the intersection. Fire truck screeches to a halt, blows its horn. She visibly startles, and steps back.

There is a pause.

AND SHE STARTS ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AGAIN.

I stare agog. The other pedestrians stare agog. The fireman at the wheel stares agog, as his sirens continue to roar.

After she finishes her leisurely stroll, and the truck continues on its way, I start to cross the street, shaking my head. I catch the eye of a fellow crossing in the other direction, who has an identical expression on his face, and we have a Moment of Shared WTF, half-laughing, half-stunned.