Julie - Out and About

  What's harder than typing with long nails? Keeping Impress Press-On Nails on your thumbs! I have been impressed with the press on nails from Impress. (rightly so, you'd think) In all the years I have been wearing them (7? 10? 13?) I have only ever had one drop off.  One. O-N-E! Until this week.   The difficult thing about these (and ANY) press on's is the thumbs.  Male thumbs are bigger than female, so they don't offer nails that actually fit my gargantuan thumbs.  In a pack of 30 there are usually 2 that work, another 2 that MIGHT work, and that's it.  Well, this past week I was out on Monday night after work and by 9PM I had managed to lose both thumb nails.  Both. B-O-T-H! Thankfully I wasn't trying to impress (there it is again) anyone, and Mikie the Bartender was very kind about it.  She is one of three bartenders at the Applebee's in Chehalis WA that have welcomed me with open arms on my last 3 trips to this tiny town. (more info abou...

  As we approach the 1 year Anniversary of the Pandemic Lockdown, I find myself missing many things.  Going to a nice restaurant, a movie, and of course The Theater - not only attending but (for those who do not know) acting in and directing plays.  But the thing that leaves the biggest hole in my heart is not being able to meet with my Sister Friends.  Not being able to sip coffee (or something stronger!) and chat about life, the universe and everything.  It took me SO long to come out to friends and to build up a super support network of loving, caring ladies.  Now, with that unceremoniously pulled away from me, I have found myself bouncing back and forth between lonliness and depression.   Original Sister Friend Sarah Going shopping, grabbing a coffee and walking through the park, sitting on the back porch, sharing a meal . . . not only are all these things better when wearing a cute skirt and heels, but much more so when you can share them wit...

It was exactly a year ago I was last in the thriving metropolis of Chehalis, WA.  My bi-annual business trip was turned into an annual one thanks to 2020.  (For the uninitiated, read my previous Blog Post titled "There But For The Pandemic Go I")   It was 4 days of work from 6A to 7P, then dress for an evening on the town.  However, 2020 has made the options for "On The Town" rather limited.   Day 1, upon arrival, I actually had time to hit some of the shops before they closed at 8.  There are 3 Outlet Malls in the area, with most of the stores still open. Warmer temps made for no need of a coat I was impressed with myself this trip.  There was no hesitation to head out or enter a store.  Experience and confidence make for a wonderful combination. My usual haunt is Applebee's.  Good food, wine, and they stay open late.  Well, late-ISH for this town.   Ready To Unwind And the cleanest restrooms in town! By far and away...

Twice a year I take a week long business trip out of town.  An on-air fund raising for a non-profit radio network. I stay at a very nice Holiday Inn (no, that's not a contradiction of terms) and my work schedule is usually 9 to 5.  I get to spend the rest of the time in Julie Mode, away from prying eyes.   So at about this time of year I'd be packing my size 9 1/2 pumps and heading West.  However, under the present circumstances, the job for the spring has been cancelled. I truly enjoy the work part of the trip, but I REALLY miss the evenings.  Going shopping at the many outlet stores in the area, taking in a movie, grabbing a bite to eat.  For a gal just wanting to get "Out And About", it's a wonderful week. Now I'll have to set my sights on this October and hope all this settles down by then.  But I surely do miss it. (sigh) Stay Safe HEALTHY and Pretty, Sweeties!

4 Days Of Julie (mostly) and it was the same old same old.  But ANY chance to get out and interact with folks while "pretty" is a thrill for your scribe.  So, lots of pics, very little story - but they say one picture IS worth a thousand words, so hold on to your garters, 'cause here we go! Outfit for Night One     In the last 12 months I have lost about 20 pounds, which means most of my wardrobe is in the donation bin.  But this little purple dress was too tight on me.  But NOW . . . !! I was absolutely thrilled to be able to wear it out, even if it was only to dinner by myself.   It was chilly, so I needed a wrap, unfortunately.  On this trip I DID learn that I no longer hesitate when needing to use the Ladies Room.  I now move boldly and quickly (depending on how much I've had to drink).   And I don't fear to  linger at the mirror and make sure my lips are just right. A nice glass of Chardonn...

OK - it's been far too long, so here's all the rest of the week!! (Pardon any typing errorrrrss.) The rest of the week simply consisted of me going shopping and eating.  **Photo Essay!!** Headed Out for a drink Nails Are Perfect (better than the fingers) New Outfit -- New Day.  Going Down.   You can always count on Walmart for late night shopping.   OK - this dress IS going to be worn outside a room sometime in my life.  I just don't feel confident enough to wear it outside -- yet. Next -- a night with my Sister Friends!!! Stay safe and pretty, Sweeties.

I recently spent a week out of town on business -- well, 5 days -- 3 days if you don't count the 2 days of driving there and back -- but definitely 4 nights!  And that's what I'm here to talk about. I arrived, checked in with my employer, got to my hotel and started cleaning up -- all before 5PM.  This is important because this community is famous for their Outlet Malls. Yes, you read that right -- mall S . As in more than one.  Only problem is that they all close up about 8:00.  When working here I usually don't finish until after 7, which doesn't allow any time to change and hit the stores.  So I always try to get here early on Day 1 so Night 1 can be a Fun 1. I tried something different this time.  You may recall from a previous blog I recently acquired some new under-things.  (https://juliemshaw.blogspot.com/2018/10/when-going-gets-tough-tough-go-shopping.html) Well, this was to be the night they got road tested.   They ...

Friends are people who enjoy getting together just to get together.  A nice meal, good wine - those are extras.  When friends get together and share what's been going on in their lives - the ups AND the downs - and they all are genuinely concerned about and for one another, THAT is friendship. Sunday night I invited Sarah and Linda over for a home cooked Chinese meal.  It had been a month or more since we'd been together, so we had a bit of catching up to do.   Sarah brought the wine And Linda brought the cheesecake We enjoyed a nice Chicken Stir Fry meal (even if I do say so myself! ~~giggle~~) and lots of girl talk.  We talked together, ate together, and prayed together. All in all, a WONDERFUL evening that ended too soon. (Unfortunately, the effects of the wine and cheesecake DIDN'T end too soon.) The next morning was Aug 21st - Eclipse Day.  I busied myself around the house while waiting for the event. Here in Spokane we experienced ...