Categories: life, travel, friends
Date: 20 November 2011 20:09:06
This going to weddings caper is quite exhausting.... Until recently, thinking about what to wear at all formal events was easy. However, the former way of life, and the attire that went with it being a thing of the past, this is no longer the case.
I spared you the detailed angst that went with the clothes shopping saga - at the time. I've recovered enough to give you the basic details!
The plan was for a dress, but finding one I liked within my budget, and that I was comfortable wearing, just didn't happen. So, skirt and smart top was the next plan. Finding one of each that I liked, was within my budget, that I was comfortable wearing and which went well with the other. In fact, skirt was purchased! Then ideal top was found, but it did not go with the skirt, but it did go with several of the pairs of smart trousers I already possess. Skirt was then returned! (What d'you mean, I should've kept it?)
Shoes were actually easily chosen. But, they've been hell to break in! We're not quite there yet, and I am glad I didn't pay full price, as I seem to have paid almost as much again in plasters.
Then, with horror, I realised that the agony thus far described wasn't over. I contemplated the accessories.....basically, I just don't have any. Nope, no handbags/clutch bags, no jewellery. So, I decided as I was only going to the church, these weren't necessary. However, my work colleagues were horrified at this state of affairs, and brought in a load of necklaces andsmart bags for me to choose from.
Which I did.
No, I did not consider make-up. I have gone the last 40 mumble years without it, I am NOT starting now.
So, the day arrived, I got all organised, clean, dressed up, (feeling slightly not myself at all!) and contemplated setting off. Walk, bus, train, train, bus. Essential items - house keys, purse, bus ticket, train pass, A-Z of local city, certain items of a feminine nature we won't talk about, hankies, card and present for bride and groom..... it slowly dawned on me that, like it or not, small backpack was just going to have be used (and shoved under a chair in church if need be!). This looking elegant lark does not work on a cool day in November, with two hours on public transport! It also meant I could shove the fleece I needed to keep me warmer whilst travelling out of sight. (What was wrong with a coat? Um. Two things. I only possess one, and it was at work.)
I had to remind myself I was not going to work, but remaining on the train for a further two stops, to change to another train... then got lost went the scenic route to the bus station. It's been a good while since I wandered around that town...
"It's the bus stop before the Motorway Junction," the church website had cheerfully proclaimed, which is OK, but not if you can't actually tell it's the church, until you're whizzing past. Oh well, the buses are every 6-10 minutes, and I had allowed for such happenings.
The wedding was fabulous, and I met up with some great former colleagues... the coffee and cakes for those of us not going onto the reception later were a brilliant idea, and certainly much appreciated!
The reverse journey was somewhat easier, but I still got lost between bus and train station. Unusual, that. I normally have an excellent sense of direction.
I have definitely needed a quiet day at home to recover!