Dresses!

Dresses are an essential part of my wardrobe. I like the ease of throwing on a full outfit without having to figure out whether or not everything matches. It's one fluid garment. Granted, an ill-fitting dress is as uncomfortable as two pieces that don't fit quite right, but when you've got the fit and the style you like, it's a surefire fashion hit.

Although when I was growing up and through my college years my mother, an expert seamstress, made most of my dresses, I don't have her talent and now have to find my favorites in stores. I'm a bargain shopper and my stores of choice are not extremely high end, but now with so many discount stores carrying name brand merchandise, it's not hard to find a designer dress at a good price. During the past few years, I've found the majority of my dresses at TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Ross, and my personal favorite, Steinmart. Steinmart has for a long time been my go-to store for dresses as I've never been disappointed and can always find my size without the time commitment of the other stores. However, during the past year I have added one high end retailer to my list.

Nordstrom is now on my short list simply because I occasionally need a higher end garment than what I can find elsewhere. I even purchased my wedding dress last year straight off the rack at Nordstrom the day before my wedding. It was on sale, which made it even more attractive, but best of all, it fit perfectly with no need for any quick alterations to make the date. It's not boxed up and put away because I do intend to wear it again this summer. It's simple that wonderful of a dress. Yesterday I found another dress at Nordstrom that surprised me. First, it was extremely elegant yet casual and could be worn for several occasions. Second, it was on sale. I actually plan to wear it for the first time later this summer when my husband and I renew our wedding vows. Nordstrom will be on list for dress shopping from now on and not simply by chance. Perhaps I'll even buy all my "anniversary" dresses at Nordstrom to carry on my own wedding tradition every year.

Second Chance To Run

Once upon a time I trained to run a marathon.  I was never an athlete of distinction nor really an athlete at all.  Pee Wee softball and high school tennis were the extent of my athletic abilities.  Nonetheless I started running at the age of 34.  I liked the solitude and flexibility of running.  It could be done on my schedule with very little needed and no need to try to make it on time to a class of any sort.  However, despite the love of the "runner's high", I soon got bored.  I realized I needed a goal to keep me going so I decided it would be to run a marathon.  I set forth on a training program, and I almost made it.  Unfortunately, my dreams of crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles came to a crashing halt, literally.  It was a fall down a rather short flight of stairs resulting in a back injury that would sideline me physically for over a year, and mentally for far too many years.

Now at the age of 41, I've decided to run again.  I'm using the same training program I started exactly seven years ago.  It's slow and steady, and I'm comfortable with the pace.  I've even picked out the same marathon as my goal with the same second marathon as a backup, just in case life gets in the way and prevents me from making the first one.   I realize that my second chance to run a marathon isn't really just about the marathon.  It's about my life.   I've revisited several other former goals and realized it's not too late to make them happen either.   I'm running after many things I thought I had lost the opportunity to do.  Even though a great deal has changed in my life over the years, I believe this time I can reach the finish line because the one thing that hasn't changed is my determination. 

Steve's Airshow World

Since my husband is an air show performer, and I am the narrator for his show, we meet a lot of fans along the way.  Not just fans of the T-33 "Vintage Thunderbird" act, but air show fans who just love all aircraft and all shows.  Steve Holzinger is one of those fans.  He has even been named the ICAS (International Council of Air Shows) Fan of the Year.  His enthusiasm for all things with wings and kindness to those who fly them, work with them, or just enjoy them like he does is contagious.

Last May, Jive and I were at McGuire AFB in New Jersey for a show.  Steve was attending as well.  We had not been able to get the act videotaped all season, as it would be my job normally, except I'm a little busy at the mic.  We mentioned this to Steve, and he generously offered to do it for us.  It's the best video of the performance we've had done.  He even posted it to YouTube and sent us a DVD.

Steve keeps his own Web site running with new video and photos added all the time, and I highly recommend that you take a look if you too enjoy airplanes and air shows.  I know you'll enjoy what you find.  http://www.stevesairshow.com/