I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed to admit this, but I'm not -- and I just have to say...

Today was my first time driving the LA freeways since we moved here in August!

And I'm alive still and so is everyone else that went with me. And I drove in the day, and the night. And it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. But I should probably get a massage to loosen up some knots. And I should do this more often to avoid the knots.

It's so weird too that I managed to live 20 miles from LA for 10 months and not need to go on the freeway as the driver. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a "nervous Nellie" but going from 3, possibly 4-lane freeway driving to SEVEN lane freeways...I wasn't feeling antsy to go anywhere via freeway right away. I'm a go-getter and when I move to a new place I'm all over figuring out the best ways to get around and what's where. So...this is really outside of the norm for me. But GO ME! I'm still happy about it and looking forward to becoming more familiar with the freeways around here. (Just not during rush hour...anything but that...please?!)

Well, if you voted for #2, you win! That was my favorite of those two.

And today I went and got my hair cut! It's not really either of those pictures, but I suppose it has some elements of the second cut. Anyway, I love it! Love, love, love it!

I really want to get a haircut! I'm not sure when, but hopefully soon. I'm so tired of long, half-permed hair. Urg.

So what do you think of these hairstyles? And do you have places on the web or good magazines to suggest for other hairstyles?

I just got back from the most awesome walk/jog/almost run! I started walking this week and am walking three miles three times a week. I am SO excited to be doing something! It's been a long (and I mean long) time since I've exercised regularly. And even when I did, it never lasted.

But I can feel that this time around is different. I needed this on more than one level. Physically of course, but mentally and emotionally too!

Today was really good because I listened to music while I walked, which I didn't do on Monday or Wednesday. Holy cow! Eric said that Battlestar Galactica was the best workout music ever and I now know EXACTLY why.

Colonial Anthem
Escape the Farm

If you've got time to kill, download either of these songs and go walk around the house for a minute. By the time you're done, you'll understand. Or, if you're goofy enough to try it, walk in place while you listen to it. Seriously. This music is perfect for exercising.

At first I was walking, but I kept running in spurts and I was grinning like a fool the whole time. I think I would've jogged or ran the whole thing if our stroller could've handled it. I really want a jogging stroller now!

I used to listen to Deep Forest (here's a song by them: Sweet Lullaby) when I would clean (aka my Chinese music). Now I just listen to anything upbeat that keeps me going or anything that I can sing my heart out with when I clean. I'm so excited to have found something to exercise to! (I hear that exercising to music makes for a better workout, that you burn more calories too!)

I don't know what musical terms to use to describe either Deep Forest or Battlestar. Maybe some of you with Music degrees will be able to describe them after you listen to the tracks. Let me know! And I know that everyone has their own music preferences so I realize this music may do nothing for you, but it sure is working for me!

** Isn't there a way to put these songs directly into this post? Anybody else know how?

I've been watching a lot of TLC's What Not to Wear lately and learning so much about what works for my own body type. Sometimes I think it would be a blast to be on Stacy & Clinton's show - but most times, I think it'd be completely humiliating and embarrassing. They're so honest and not always tactful that quite often I feel really bad for the girls on the show. That being said, they do know what they're talking about and teach good principles about finding styles that fit your own body type. And I would almost go on the show JUST for the perks of having Nick do my hair and Carmindy do my makeup.

Today being Veteran's Day (I have to take a second to say - Go Army!! Yay for my dad, my uncle, my brothers-in-law, my cousin and all those other wonderful people who have served and continue to serve in the military! Okay...I know that was short and there's a lot more to that but I'll save that for another time since this post is about clothes.), so, today being Veteran's Day (just to reiterate after that long side-note) Eric and Autumn had school off and we did some shopping - FOR ME!

It was really fun! Surprisingly so. Even with three kids in tow. We spent a total of five hours shopping. I can't believe it. And although I only have one shirt and one pair of shoes to show for it, I learned SO much about stores and clothes-types that work and don't work. I feel like it was time well spent.

I've learned that I love Charlotte Russe! At least for now anyway. I know styles change - but for now, they've got what works for me and I'm so excited! I love tunic tops! They really work for me. And trapeze tops are fairly good too. I think JC Penney will also be good if I hit the sales. I'm still on the lookout for places with things that work for me. I found several that did not, but now I know to steer clear of them.

I'm still trying to find some jeans that work for me and know that flares will work best. Not huge flares though. Any suggestions? I tried Old Navy and they almost worked but I want something that has some kind of design on the back pockets. Sounds silly, but it makes a difference. ;)




* Disclaimer: I am not a model! And I am happy despite the strange expressions on my face. :)