You get another twofer, folks, as sometimes I'm too lazy to write a blog post because I'm busy falling asleep on the couch while something awesome on TV is playing. That's just how I roll.
I had a pretty tough week at work this week. Not in terms of actual work (the schedule is not what you would call "strenuous"), but just with a certain class. Basically I only teach two classes: the one that I thought would be awesome is actually terrible and the one I thought would be boring is actually awesome. So at least I do have an awesome class. The bad class? Well, it's going to be tough seeing them each and every day until winter break, but I have my work cut out for me with them and I'm excited to see if I can change it into a kick-ass class.
Anyway. As I was saying, I had a bit of a tough week at work. And I was pretty down. So on Thursday, I decided to deploy the skinniest of pants that are not actually leggings, as well as some wardrobe favorites:
Yes, I know it's virtually an exact copy as this outfit.
The other day, taking advantage of a coupon I had, I decided to purchase these pants from A Pea in the Pod; after years of hearing about the wonders of ponte pants, I couldn't resist getting some for myself. Well, they're pretty leggings-ish. With my boots, the cute zipper detail remained hidden, so I couldn't really "prove" that they weren't leggings in this outfit. I remember that some of the ladies of Academichic (RIP) were talking about the wear of ponte pants in a work/teaching environment - I can't find the exact post I'm thinking of, but here's one by E that also gives you food for thought. Anyway. I was pretty self-conscious about wearing these to work - granted, I've seen my colleagues wear very similar outfits and my shirt was always over my butt, but I was a little worried about the, well, the exposure of the thighs and the highlighting of the very pregnant torso I'm sporting above them. That being said, I've never been more comfortable at work in my life. I think in the colder weather, when my cardigans and sweaters are longer and more voluminous, I'll be more comfortable with these ponte pants. Until then? Not so sure if I'll be wearing them professionally.
Yesterday (Friday), the weather seemed to cool down a fair amount, so I decided that I couldn't take it anymore and brought out my favorite cardigan ever. Paired with my most comfiest and first-acquired of maternity dresses and some caramel-colored boots, I was a happy, cozy camper:
D. O. R. K.
I will admit to being a little warm later in the day, when the temperatures hit 60, but in the morning and early afternoon, I definitely snuggled pretty happily into my sweater. I cannot wait until it's back in general rotation.
I also cannot wait to bust out my other fun boots at work. So far, my students have only seen my rain boots, the grey Fryes above and the Greek ones above (not to mention the grey booties): they have so many more to see!!!
In other news, I'm becoming increasingly more uncomfortable as my belly size increases. Sleeping has become a little tougher and sometimes, weighed down by exhaustion and a limited wardrobe, I just don't feel like myself. I know exactly where this comes from, too. This morning I weighed myself and I weighed almost as much as I did when I decided to start losing weight last year. Consciously I know that I'm pregnant and that it's gonna get bigger before it gets smaller (I mean, there are still 14 weeks till my due date), but I've had a complicated relationship with weight and body image since I was elementary school and, with the added emotion of having someone else to care for inside me, I feel as if I haven't done enough for the health of my baby. I've overindulged a few times with unhealthy treats. I really haven't remained active due to the overwhelming exhaustion I'm constantly feeling. I'm not trying to whine too much (too late?) and I can guarantee that all those thoughts go out the window when I feel her kick when I'm on the phone to my parents or when my husband sings to her. It's a complicated and exciting time in my life and the body with which I've had a complicated and exciting relationship my whole life is just showing the other cool stuff it can do. I just need to take each day at a time and do the best I can do day by day. I'm just sayin' that it ain't always easy.
So... anyone up for a long walk today? I might not be in the mood for running (or elliptical-ing, or stationary biking, or anything else that shows I haven't been in a gym since late August), but a walk on my old favorite running path with plenty of water and Lady Gaga in my iPod doesn't sound that bad...
Thursday:
Striped top: A Pea in the Pod, remixed
Black ponte pants: A Pea in the Pod
Grey boots: Frye Paige Huaraches, by way of endless.com, remixed
Friday:
Striped cardigan: Banana Republic, remixed
Grey dress: Old Navy Maternity, remixed
Boots: gift from my husband from a shoe store on Ermou Street, Athens, remixed
Friday's outfit looks so warm and cozy!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the uncomfortable sleeping pregnant-person thing . . . I remember that. It was bad for me because I've always liked to fall asleep on my stomach. What helped me was a pair of cheapo full-length body pillows that I could arrange singly or in tandem in various ways.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel guilty about anything you've eaten or will eat. I'm sure you're generally eating well and taking those ginormous prenatal vitamins, and that's really all that's necessary.
While I was pregnant I read a variety of books. The American "What to Expect While You're Expecting" was by far the worst in terms of inducing niggling guilt, conveying the simultaneous subtextual messages "Well, there's really no hard evidence that eating or doing XYZ will cause this horrible thing to happen to your baby" and "But if you were a really good mother, of course you wouldn't eat or do XYZ." I had a French-language pregnancy book that I picked up in Montreal, and the combination of useful information and lack of guilt-inducing stuff like that was just remarkable. I loved Briton Penelope Leach's child-rearing books for exactly the same reason: they provided tons of information and were calm, commonsense, and sensible.
Just wanted to say you look fabulous for ONLY having 14 weeks left. This entire time I thought you were much further behind ;) I recently guest posted at Narrowly Tailored [www.narrowly-tailored.com/2011/10/m-of-an-epic-battle-in-high-heels-on-self-fashioning-when-youre-trying.html] about how I was influenced by blog posts like this assess the "maternity friendliness" of my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI took my chunky butt to the gym in your honor. Rather I hadn't read this post until after I got home, but I am post dedicating it to you anyway. Hope you feel better soon. For what it's worth, you look great to me ;D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ki!
ReplyDeleteSue, you've filled me with relief. I think other non-American cultures tend to be a little more relaxed about childbearing, so I'm just hoping to chill a little. I only have one full body pillow and I'm seriously considering a second. I've always been a side-sleeper, but now that I HAVE to, I find myself sore and achy.
M! You're an online presence! Where have I BEEN?! Your post on Narrowly Tailored was beautiful and beautifully written and thank you for sharing it on here.
Thanks, Cassy! Since I have the next couple of days off, I might try a leisurely gym workout... But if you go in my place, that's just as good, right? ;)
I love both of these. That striped shirt is so simple and so lovely, and I loveloveLOVE the maxi dress outfit. I'm sorry you've been feeling physically uncomfortable lately; long walks are my jam, especially when I'm feeling less than 100%.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Clare! I haven't yet taken one single long walk (and I have a four-day weekend!) mainly because I've been so gosh-darned BUSY. I am determined to do so today and tomorrow, though, goshdarnit.
ReplyDelete