What is Wrong With My Blog?

Ok preppy people... I need some help! 

A week or so ago I logged on to my blog and noticed when I went to "View Blog" there was not a tab in the upper right-hand corner to return back to my dashboard... there are only links for "Create a Blog" or "Sign In"... so everytime I tried to get back to my Dashboard I was having to log in again.  I thought this would be a temporary glitch... but no!

Having been absent for an eternity, I logged in this evening and the link is still missing... plus, I tried to comment on Pink and Green Moms fabulous $30 Shopping Challenge blog and it will not let me...!!  After posting my comment (which was quite witty, I might add) it said I had to pick a profile instead of realizing I was logged in.  I chose GoogleAccount which took me to the Blogger homepage, I logged in and typed in the security word to post my comment.  When I hit post, it took me back to the Blogger homepage to sign in again.  This happened three times.

What is going on and how do I fix this?!

I want this...

... but not because Pippa Middleton has one... her having one simply gave me a way to find this fabulous bag : )

The Modalu handbag was featured on People.com (and every other site in the world)... oh... a few weeks or so ago... and I think I have visited the site every day since to look at it : )

I have purchased a couple of bags in England over the past 11 years but nothing this structured, classic, and spectacular (although I think I prefer the small over the medium size). 

Sadly, I have a requirement of trying on my handbags (a practice The Hubs finds humorous... but don't all girls try on a bag before buying?) so ordering this sight unseen is out of the question... and I am certain they will not be available when we head across the Atlantic next summer!

Are there any handbags you are craving right now?

Colonial Country Club (LSP Series)

This weekend was the annual  Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club here in Fort Worth... and there is not much preppier than golf :  )  The PGA tour stop has changed sponsors numerous times over the years but the prestigous course has remained the same.

Colonial is located on Colonial Parkway, off University Drive, just north of Texas Christian University and directly across from the Fort Worth Zoo. 

Opened in 1936 by Marvin Leonard, the club is members-by-invitation only and provides an amazing golfing experience, in addition to other country club ammenities such as tennis courts and multiple dining experiences... and a beautiful, Colonial-style clubhouse.

One of the oldest country clubs in the city, Colonial is a designated a Platinum Club of America Five-Star Private Club, an honor only bestowed to the best in the country.

The Hubs and I used to attend the tournament each year but have missed the past few.  We are planning to attend one of the practice days next year so we can take photos.  Hopefully my favorite Phil will be in attendance :  )

Booking Through Thursday: Age Inappropriate

Hooray!  Posting a Booking Through Thursday on the correct Thursday! 

"In contrast to last week's question, what do you think of censoring books because of their intended age?  Say, books too "old" for your kids to read?"

100% in favor of this... for a few reasons.  First... sometimes you just need to read books when you are older... your vocabulary is increased, your life experiences help you relate to storylines, and things simply make more sense.  Second... there are certainly things in books I would not want my daughter to read when she is young... innocent is a fabulous thing... heck, there are some things in books I even probably should not be reading ;  )

Booking Through Thursday: Age Appropriate

I am SO bad about Booking Through Thursday ON Thursday... it should be Booking When You Get Around to It :  )  Kidding!  Okay... last week's question:

"Do you read books 'meant' for other age groups?  Or do you pretty much stick to what is written for people your age?"

I read everything... if the story looks interesting I will give it a whirl even if it is a book for children... in fact, I have several classics on my list to read that I somehow managed to get through childhood without reading, such as The Wind in the Willows and The Secret Garden.  I do tend to stay clear of books with older characters, though, especially if they pass away :  )  I do not enjoy death in books unless it is a murder mystery!

Happy Royal Wedding Day (One Week and Two Days Ago, Ha!)

Happy Royal Wedding Day...!!  I actually started this blog the morning of the nuptials... so much for being timely :  )

The Hubs and I went to sleep early the night before with the alarm setting for 3:45 a.m. and I was awake by 4 a.m.  Most of my friends' husbands refused to join them in the viewing festivities but I guess since mine is English he felt somewhat obligated :  ) 

We ate scones and drank tea in bed... well, coffee for him thanks to his dislike of tea... what kind of Brit is he?  :  ) 

I had every intention of serving these on our fine china, but folks.... it was 4 a.m.  A napkin it is!  Ha!  (I had read in a magazine never to have a television in your bedroom after marriage because it would, ahem, distract from other things... I am so thankful we have one in there because I could eat scones and watch a "commoner" become a princess without having to get out of my snuggly blanket cocoon!)

Now... the question on everyone's mind... what I was wearing?  I stole The Hubs' double decker bus boxers (purchased from Banana Republic)...

... paired with my white tank from Jigsaw (in honor of Miss Middleton, of course)...

... and topped it off with my Oxford sweatshirt as you can see above... while not terribly relevant, it is the only sweatshirt I have from England and it was chilly :  )

Now... what people were really concerned about... Kate's dress!  Classic, timeless, appropriate, and fit for a princess.

Interestingly, I was engaged in two... count 'em TWO... conversations the day before where I said I hoped she wore something inspired by Grace Kelly... I should have placed a wager! 

I have been to Westminster Abbey twice and absolutely adore it there... I recommend paying for the guided tour as you are allowed into areas otherwise blocked off (such as the Chapel of Edward the Confessor).  Kate's dress was so regal and elegant and was the perfect design for such a holy and historic venue.  (The photo below is from our '05 trip to England).

I was frustrated afterward with people who said her gown was too conservative and not "flashy" enough... first, one is not "flashy" when married at Westminster Abbey.  Second, church etiquette required her arms to be covered and I am sure anything too revealing or form-fitting would have been frowned upon as well.  (We attend the Episcoplian Church and these were considerations taken into account for our wedding, too.  I did wear a sleevless dress (although not strapless) but we live in Texas and it was about 1,000 degrees).  Third, your wedding day is not the appropriate time to go out on a limb and try something nutty... sure, you want to be fabulous and memorable, but you still need to look like yourself.  Personally, I think Kate has impeccable taste and it shone through on April 29th.

I am not going to lie... I spent the rest of the day watching Royal Wedding specials... footage of the ceremony, programs showing how the entire day was orchestrated, shows tracing the relationship of the happy couple from dorm to Abbey... all day long.  The Hubs asked if we really needed to see any of it again and I told him to bear with me until we went to bed, and our lives to regain normality on Saturday.

In the evening we enjoyed miniature replicas of Prince William's groomscake... they were available at Central Markets across the state.  Sadly, it really was too rich for my taste (I left more than half of it behind), but a few bites made me feel as though I were actually part of the festivities... heehee.

I have lost the will...

... to blog.  Maybe not so much the will but the time.  When I began LoneStarPrep I had very high hopes of illustrating the prep life in Texas, meeting loads of fabulous new people, and reading interesting blogs... but thanks to numerous daily household obligations, going back to work part-time, and chasing after a 10-month-old who likes to eat paper, I simply run out of energy to keep up with it all.

I plan posts, never post them... start drafts, never finish... and what frustrates me most is the timeliness of some topics and how if you do not post at the moment, the moment is gone forever.  Case-in-point: I had a fabulous entry (as did many) for the Royal Wedding... but 4 a.m. came too early, The Hubs and I became caught up in the rest of our weekend plans, grocery shopping and other errands called my name before this blog, and somehow here we are, a week later, and zero post to show for it... April was such a lame writing month in general...!!

Let's not even mention how far behind I am on reading the blogs to which I subscribe... I have no idea what everyone is doing :  (

My goal is to become a more consistent writer... I hope my readers enjoy what I have to say, even though lately I have not been saying much.  Stick with me... there will be more posts in the near future... and I promise about something other than books...!!

Booking Through Thursday: Not In Theaters

Yes, I know it is Friday.  Late again!  Story of my new life.  Before I had CB I believed unless you were ten minutes early you were late... now getting anywhere or getting anything done at all is the goal :  )

In contrast to last week's question, this week's asks to name a book you hope will never be made into a movie, no matter how fabulous the movie might be.

There are a few :  )

I have mentioned The Jellyfish Season on a previous blog and would have to say it is one book I hope would never be made into a movie, although there is no reason to think it ever would be anyway.  As I wrote before, I am very attached to those characters (or at least my 12-year-old self is) and I would hate to see them portrayed differently than they appear in my own mind.  Possibly a selfish answer (heehee) but I have been disappointed before by the book-turned-movie, especially when the film fails to fullydevelop a character... or the entire plot (Confessions of a Shopaholic, anyone?  The movie was a train wreck).

I would also say The Lemon Jelly Cake (Is there a jelly theme this evening?  Hmm.  Maybe I am hungry).

Harvard Yard... amazing combination of history and mystery... no movies, please :  )  Also, not being the first appearance of main character Peter Fallon, it would no doubt require prequels and sequels and all that jazz... and we all know subsequent films are never as good as the first one.

I could certainly list more but GoodReads seems to be unresponsive and I am unable to scroll through my virtual bookshelf... boo!  Does anyone else feel how technology, which is supposed to make our lives easier, sometimes make things much more difficult than they need to be?  Anyway.

On this topic... the idea the book is better than the movie is usually the general consensus... but do any of y'all have examples of the opposite view?  Mine: The Devil Wears Prada.  LOVE the film... thought I was going to die before I made it through the book.  I thought it was terrible.

Booking Through Thursday: Coming Soon to a Theater Near You

Yesterday's question... fun but difficult...!! 

If you could see one book turned into the perfect movie -- one that would capture everything you love, the characters, the look, the feel, the story -- what book would you choose?

I read this book several years ago and honestly do not remember too many of the details... but I do remember being completely consumed by it and not being able to put it down!

Failing this, I would have to say Austenland by Shannon Hale... silly, but I think it would make an excellent Chick Flick :  )

Booking Through Thursday: Cover

Here is an interesting question... can you judge a book by its cover?

I don't think you can but I know people do! 

There have been many amazing books which do not have especially attractive covers, and I have chosen books based on interesting jackets which turned out to be incredibly boring books. 

More than the design, I feel the description of the book can make or break a person's decision to dive in and read it... I certainly have put books down based on the back-cover summaries and may have missed out on occassion.

Booking Through Thursday: Personality

I have missed the past two Booking Through Thursdays thanks to a nutty busy schedule over the past three weeks and not being home much... I am trying to catch up... on everything!

The first question I missed is in regard to the popularity of e-readers and library loans... these have reduced the number of physical books in people's homes, not giving your visitors any insight into who you are by browsing your bookcases... is this a good or bad thing?

Personally, I love being surrounded by books and do feel your reading choices tell a lot about who you are... or who you would like to be.  A person's home should be a reflection of them, as well as cozy and welcoming, and I believe books play a large role in creating this type of environment.

My short and sweet answer :  )

Booking Through Thursday: Visual

Book displays!  This week's question is how do you display your books... are they visible to everyone or do you have them tucked away?

Well... it depends on the books!  I have several stored on the shelf under one of our end tables in the back living room... these are my baby reference books and the ones I am hoping to read next... easy access here!

Our "office" has two large bookcases which are filled with both mine and my husband's novels... this is where we keep most of the books, especially paperbacks... along with all my college textbooks, my teaching materials, and years of Texas Highways magazines... plus dictionaries, an atlas, and all those kinds of things.  I have to admit, most of the shelves are a bit of a mess... but this one was okay to photograph!  The door to this room stays closed most of the time so they are not on display.

We have an entertainment center in our upstairs gameroom with bookcases on either side... these house some of our hardback books, some of my history books, and my (tiny) vintage yearbook collection.

ALSO... all of CB's books are in her room on a bookcase my father built... but she is already asleep so I am unable to take a photo :  )  However, here is a pic of Rainbow Fish which has found a new home on our coffee table.

Where do you store your books?

Things I Miss About College

Many of the blogs I follow are written by college students, and it lately there have been lots of posts about Spring Break adventures, registering for summer and fall sessions and preparing for final exams... make this girl a bit nostalgic for her alma maters!

SO... I started thinking about my undergrad and graduate years... life certainly is different now!  Here are some things I miss about college!

1.  Being in total control of my life... more or less.  Sure, there are those pesky group projects (where one or two people usually carry the entire group)... occassionally the section you want to register for is already full... but during college I was bascially in control of every part of my life, specifically my time... not the case after graduation...!!

2.  My drive to College Station.  Highway 6 may not be some people's idea of an ideal drive but I miss those rides to campus.

3.  Oatmeal cookies at the Connections Cafe at UTA.  The. best. oatmeal. cookies. ever.  My last semester as an undergrad I had classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and then a long break before one 2 p.m. class.  I spent this time going to the Connections Cafe in the University Center to get cookies.  (Also... there is now an Einstein Bagel Bros. in the Fine Arts building which makes me so sad... why was this not there when I was a student?!  This was my building... I would have had a bagel sandwich every day!  Actually, maybe it is better there was not one...!)

4.  Being on campus in the evening, when it was quiet and calm.  This can be said for both UT-Arlington and Texas A&M... I loved walking around campus as the sun was setting, when you could literally feel the spirit of the school in the air.  It is hard to explain.  This time of day was very relaxing and when the campus was quiet it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the day and just take in being a college student... it would not last forever :  )  I used to admire the older buildings as I walked, imaging what it was like to be a student when those were new. 

5.  My part-time job.  I worked at our local zoo throughout high school and college (and some since)... and I adored my job.  I worked in the Guest Relations office during college, selling zoo memberships, answering guest questions and dealing with guest concerns (aka complaints!)  The hours were wonderful, we all had time at work to study, my co-workers and I were so close (several of us still are)... and I had the most fabulous manager ever.  I loved everything about it and miss it very much.

6.  Focusing on learning.  What?  I was there for an education?  Really?  Ha!  Seriously, I miss having the time and energy to focus on learning.  Graduate school was a bit of a different story because I was teaching full-time, but looking back undergrad life was great... all I had to do was go to school and study.  Fast-forward to today, filled with working, taking care of the baby, and house cleaning... and all the "adult" stresses that come with those things... and there is barely time to get the basics done, much less really concentrate on reading or mastering a new skill.

7.  Dr. Andresen at UTA and Dr. Burlbaw at TAMU.  Andresen was tough, Burlbaw was brilliant.  They were both awesome and I miss taking classes with them.

8.  Carrying my bright pink Jansport backpack.  When I transferred to UTA I purchased this backpack... it was large, pink, and amazing.  I called it the Magic Pink Bag.  I have been unofficially credited with starting the pink backpack trend on campus.  The bag is tucked away in the top of my closet... I will never part with it... it got me through college :  )

I am sure there are plenty of other things I miss but these are the things which came to mind.  I will leave you with photos of my graduations... UTA Class of '03 and a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '09.

Booking Through Thursday: Cereal

Yes, I know it is Friday (or at least I hope it is!)... but yesterday was so crazy busy I missed Booking Through Thursday! 

This week's question is what is the oddest thing you have ever read... not a book, magazine, or article. 

Took some thought, and I am sure at some point in life I have read something stranger, but I make a habit of reading the backs of my shampoo bottles... while I am in the shower.  Multiple times each.  Nutty.  Is that odd?  Not sure much weird in itself (you have to learn what the product is going to do to you!) but I guess odd in the frequency in which I read them, ha!

This is not a very good answer :  (

What is the oddest thing you have read?

Reading Challenge '11: January to March

Here are the books I have read to date for my GoodReads challenge of 25 books in 52 weeks... already completed 44% of my yearly goal :  )

Preppy Baby Clothes

Everyone says start 'em early... well... when it comes to "preppy" clothes this is much easier said than done when talking about babies!  I have never really been a fan of "embellished" clothes... sadly, these are the norm when it comes to infant attire.  SO... here are a few items I picked up for CB... I think they are fairly preppy and very affordable, too!

Bright pink and navy striped tee, Circo from Target

Bright pink cardigan (Carter's) and ruffled pink sleeveless top (Jumping Beans) from Kohl's

Navy plaid shorts and khaki shorts, Jumping Beans from Kohl's

Sunhats!  Both from Target

Metallic loafers from Old Navy (even the insides are polka dot!)

Assorted tees from Old Navy

Navy Ralph Lauren Polo Dress from Belk

CB's First Easter Outfit

Pink and green flowered dress from Children's Place

White Ralph Lauren cardigan from Belk

If you are a Preppy Parent where do you purchase your childrens' clothing?

Booking Through Thursday: Serial

Good question for this week... do you prefer series or stand-alone books?

As a whole, I prefer stand-alone books (even though I am writing a series... is that odd?)

Maybe I am simply not reading the right series, but I find them to be similar to movies and their sequels... the first one is usually awesome and the second (or third or fourth) is usually unnecessary.  I find this more in books where there is not really a continuation of the same story, but rather more of a brand new story using the same characters... the kind created simply so there can be a sequel.  There are certainly exceptions to this, mainly when the entire story cannot be told in one book, such as Harry Potter, but overall I prefer the story be completed in one novel.

As a child, however, series were my life... I was a Sweet Valley Girl and owned almost every book in the Twins and High series.  The difference between these and some other series, though, is they can be read as stand-alone books.  You can pick up any of these, read it, and never have read the one published before or after and be fine.  The same goes for Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and similar titles.  Granted, if you did read all of them you would be more bonded to the characters, but it is not required to follow or enjoy the story (as opposed to, say, Harry Potter where you must start at the beginning).

So... have to say I prefer stand-alone books... which do you prefer?

ABCs of LSP

Emily over at Living in the Life of E! posted this ABCs blog and it looked fun so I filling it out, too!  I have seen many posts recently about how interesting it is what people choose to reveal about themselves in their blogs and what they choose to keep to themselves.  It is true I have not shared a lot of my personal life here, as it was not the original purpose of this blog.  Admittingly, I do author a family blog over on Wordpress to keep our friends and relatives up-to-date with what The Hubs, CB, and I are doing... but I have decided it is time to share some more about myself here, too!  Some of this is silliness but I hope you enjoy learning more about me!

A-Age:  Early 30-something...

Why, how old do I look?!


B-Bed size:  Queen!

The Hubs' legs are too long for a double, ha!


C-Chore you hate:  Um... everything.  I do not mind doing laundry, though!

(Except for the never-being-done part)


D-Dogs:  I like terriers best and large dogs scare me!

We are allergic, though, and will never have any pets... pesky asthma!

E-Essential start to your day:  A shower and drying my hair. 

I am not okay if I have not showered.


F-Favorite Color:  Navy blue!

Also love bright pink, kelly green, and maroon (Gig 'Em, Aggies!)


G-Gold or Silver:  Starting to prefer gold but love some of my silver pieces.

H-Height:  5'9"... and no, I did not play basketball in school.

I-Instruments you play:  None!  So sad.  

Gave up piano as a child but now wish I had not... hindsight is 20/20 right?

J-Job title:  Mom! 

And U.S. History teacher until this year.


K-Kids:  One! 

L-Live:  Texas! 

You probably already knew that, though :  )


M-My mom's name:  You mean it is not Mom?

N-Nickname:  Bri

(For those of you who do not know me "in person" my name is Brianna)

My dad still calls me Breezy


O-Overnight hospital stay:  In the hospital for three days when CB was born!

P-Pet Peeve:  People who smoke while they are driving.

GRRR!

Q-Quote from a movie: "Oh my God, Karen, you can't just ask people why they're white!"

Gretchen from Mean Girls (makes me laugh EVERY time!)


R-Right/Lefty:  Right...!!

S-Sibling:  One older brother

T-Time you wake up:  5 a.m. thanks to CB

Hoping sometime in life I will get to sleep late again... late being, oh, 7 a.m.


U-Underwear:  Not exactly sure what the question is here... but...

I will say never leave home without it...!!

V-Veggies you dislike:  Broccoli... zero fun to cook, gets stuck in your teeth.

Neither are good things.


W-What makes you run late:  Not being able to remember if I locked the door.

Once I went back six times to check.

Really.

Leaving the house is a mess.


X-Xrays you have had:  Hmm... teeth and ankle.

Y-Yummy food you make:  Yeah, I do not really cook... although The Hubs raves about my chicken salad and I do bake a mean chocolate chip cookie!

Z-Zoo animal:  Bears!

I also really enjoy watching the giraffes and penguins.

It would be fun for everyone to complete this one... I love reading y'all's answers!

Oh So Charming!

Charm bracelets can be traced back in history all the way to ancient times when pieces were collected and worn for good luck and to ward off evil spirits (scary!)  Thankfully, these fabulous accessories evolved into a fashion statement as opposed to a surival kit... even Queen Victoria was known to have a charm bracelet and they became the rage with the British aristocracy.  In America, charm bracelets were a jewelry staple in the 50s and 60s and have since made a comeback.

Here in Texas, charm bracelets are quite prevalent among a variety of age groups and style types (although certainly visible among the prep set). 

Thanks to James Avery, a sterling silver jewelry company headquartered in Kerrville, purchasing charms for almost any occassion is easy as pie.  In addition to stores in 20 Texas cities you can also find JA in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee... and of course there is always the option of purchasing online.  Many of their charm designs have been around for ages, but the company does tend to retire styles so if you there is one you adore it is best to scoop it up.

My charm collection began at the end of 5th grade when my grandmother presented me with a bracelet and three charms to represent achievements during the school year: a megaphone for cheerleading, an A+ for a district reading award, and an artist palette for a school-wide art award (and entry into a district-wide competition).  The bracelet was hers when she was a younger.

My charm bracelet

Over the years I collected more charms to commemorate events, never realizing this bracelet would really become a visual timeline of my life.  Now, 20 years later, it contains more than 50 charms, representing everything from my first car to graduation years, from my confirmation to our wedding day.  Some charms have a deeper significance and some are more frivolous, but they each have a meaning.

While I truly love every charm (and would love to share all their meanings), here are a few with their story:

Heart Finial... this charm has just always been my favorite.  I think it is so adorable!

The first date my husband and I went on was the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in December 2001... here is my sailboat to remember the occassion!

In first grade I was a giant Hershey Kiss for Halloween and won first prize in my school's costume contest.  My grandmother purchased this Kiss charm for me : )

Texas A&M charm purchased from the MSC in College Station. 

I am an Aggie, this is really all I need to say about this one!

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of my old school, Saint Gregory's Catholic in San Antonio, Medlar's of San Antonio created this charm and it was sold through the school to students, parents, and former students.  Love this one!

My wedding gift from The Hubs... aww!

My mother has two amazing charm bracelets, one from her teenage years with charms given to her by my dad, and a newer one with family-related charms for her roles as mom and grandmother.  I hope to inherit both one day (although not anytime soon, of course!)



Several of my friends collect charms, too, and one is the proud owner of this wonderful bracelet, also thanks to more than than 20 years of collecting.

Do you have a charm bracelet or another piece you wear for luck?  Post a photo... it would be fun to see everyone's bracelets!

LSP: MIA

In case anyone was wondering... I am still here!  The past week has been nutty with gatherings, errands, a short Texas road trip, reading for my book challenge and cleaning... oh, wait... disregard the last one : )  I am very behind on my blog reading and posting (and cleaning) but plan to catch up a bit this evening (well, probably not on the cleaning)... cannot wait to see what everyone has been up to recently!

In a Texas State of Mind

Loving TEXAS tonight...!!

Amarillo By Morning -- George Strait

Cross the Brazos at Waco -- Billy Walker

Yellow Rose of Texas -- Johnny Lee

Houston -- Dean Martin

El Paso -- Marty Robbins

Luckenbach, Texas -- Waylon Jennings

San Antonio Rose -- Patsy Cline

Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind -- George Strait

Aggie War Hymn -- Fightin' Texas Aggie Band

(Could not have this post without this one!)

What are you loving on this fabulous (longer!) spring evening?

Deleted Memories

Okay... so I am not going to lie... technology is not my favorite thing in the world (gasp!)  Call me old-fashioned, but this Child of the 80s remembers enough life before today's much-coveted gadgets to know survival is not dependent on them.  In fact, while most innovations make life easier, I have to question if some are making our life less fun.  (Before you continue reading... please note I adore my email, my blogs, and my GoodReads account... along with hair dryers and washing machines, ha!)

Example: Snail Mail Letters... who writes letters anymore?  I used to love getting letters during the summer!  OH the thrill of opening the mailbox and seeing an envelope waiting for you with the latest news (ha!)  Handwriting is a dying art form (and spelling, thanks to text messaging, is on its way out the door, too.  Do you know I actually read an article claiming we no longer needed "there", "their", and "they're"... and these should be condensed to one... really?  They are three different words!)  Do not even get me started on digital yearbooks.  Anyway... I could rant about this for hours... from which I will spare you... but I do have to say technology made me very, very sad last night.

In anticipation of CB's arrival last year, The Hubs and I cleaned everything out of our extra room (well, I cleaned out my things since his are all still in England!)  The closet was overflowing with high school memorabilia, including my homecoming mums.  Trying not to end up on the TLC hit show Hoarders, I decided it was time for the mums to go away... they were tangled, wrinkled, discolored, and the sparkly letters were falling off several of the ribbons.  There was really no need to continue housing them.  Taking advice from Real Simple magazine, I opted to take photos of the mums and toss the actual item... at least I would always have the photos, right?

Well... when I went to take a photo last night the card on my camera was full.  I went to the start of the card and began deleting photos I knew had been downloaded on to one of our laptops... including photos of my mums.  Long story short (too late), it turns out the photos of my mums had not been downloaded onto either of our computers (foolishly, I assumed because they were taken more than a year ago they would have been) but I did not find this out until long after the photos were gone.  Forever.  I was so angry I cried.  Really.

I am not exactly sure where my anger lies... with my husband and me for not communicating about whether the photos had been saved, myself alone for not checking first, or for the ease of the technology allowing me to simply erase photos with the mere tap of a button... should it really be so easy?  Upon second look this morning, I still have the photos of my mums from my junior year and senior year... but the pictures of my freshman and sophmore year mums have been deleted, never to be retrieved.  Plus the mums were sent away with the garbage way back in December 2009.  So sad.

Do not get me wrong... I am not this emotional over a high school token from 1994.  It is not really the abscence of the Mum Pics which bothered me.  It was the simplicity at which I could delete them.  Developed photographs are never this easy to get rid of... even those terrible ones taken during middle school you wish your family would lose!  (Does it seem to anyone else those actually multiply?)  I was thinking this morning about how, thanks to digital photography, we actually alter what is remembered.  Did the pic turn out ok?  No?  Ok, well hit delete and take another one.  Interesting.  I wonder what types of things would be documented if they were not so easy to erase.

Was The Mum Situation a severe case of Operator Error?  Of course.  It irks me how I did not bother to check to see if the photos had already been saved.  Totally my fault... but it also irks me how we can just delete.  In memory of my mum photos, here are some of the ones which survived.