Day 5

I had two very important reasons for this outfit today. #1---It is C-O-L-D outside. My husband and I went Christmas shopping into the wee hours last night. I pity all employees of the big box retail stores who have ridiculously late hours this time of year. There were entirely too many grumpy people out there. Conversation overheard in the Electronics section when a woman had to wait too long for assistance: "Come on! It's CHRISTMAS!" I laughed under my breath. Yes, dear, it is Christmas, and nothing says "Christ Is Born!" like you throwing a hissy fit at midnight in the middle of Wal-Mart, because you're not instantly getting what you want. This is why I avoid shopping. The commercialism is difficult for me to swallow. I am completely uncharitable and unloving to the human race when I stand in a mall. Virtually all of my thoughts are negative. I feel almost nothing in common with those around me or see where they're coming from. All I see is over-abundance, over-indulgence, and under-appreciation. Even though I might be right on some counts, it's still pride with a capital "P". I have so much to learn...

We ultimately had a good time, though. We are rarely alone in public, and it was a date night thrill to pick out presents for the kiddos together. It was 2 degrees, though. Literally--- it was 2 degrees. Wind chill was -20 degrees! I was totally unprepared and had not put on enough layers. Chilly, chilly.

So anyway, even though I didn't plan on making any late night shopping trips today, I reached for the corduroy skirt and the fleece shirt just to be safe.

My #2 important criteria for my outfit today was that I was in absolutely no mood to iron. Our Christmas break from schooling began today, and I decided ironing was at the top of the list of things to take a break from. I used to be very anti-iron in most of my wardrobe, but now I'm ironing everyday. If it's not the skirt/dress, it's the scarf. I never thought about how headcovering would bring a new level of housework to my world. Ironing, handwashing, etc. I was queen of the jeans and sweatshirt. The less effort the better. It's good for me not to take the easy way out. I need a little practice in diligence.