Many people would confuse me for an extrovert. I am friendly (I am from South Dakota and Minnesota and we all are friendly). I love people and have always had many friends. I am not an extrovert. I need a lot of down time to recharge. Most of my interests are pretty solitary...reading and crafting are at the top. I am not a team sport person. Never have been.
Nothing makes me cringe more than the thought of a benefit. Teeming crowds of people that I don't know turns my stomach. The skill of "small talk" is something that evades me. When Jud told me that Park Nicollet Medical Foundation (his medical practice) was having it's Celebration Of Life, I cringed.
I was crabby until he suggested that we go shopping at LaRue's. LaRue's...funky clothes for the middle-aged women. Soft flowing clothes that mask the lumps. Jewelry that I would not be able to make...YES!!!
Jud and I went together and picked out about ten outfits. I liked the first one I tried on. (Also, I didn't want to try any more on!). I am wearing it in the picture above. It is an Oriental pantsuit with an elastic waist and no need for Spanx!!! The shoulder-dusting earrings sealed the deal. Kat took the picture above. Not a bad picture for a woman who often closes her eyes. Then we realized that is didn't show the detail of the outfit, as it is asymmetrical.
Aha! Now you can get a better idea. I was throwing together the necklace and looking for a bag the hour before we left but I felt like I looked good and looked like "me". When you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, you are more comfortable with yourself. I had a nice time. My husband was very happy to have me by his side. Benefits? Still not my favorite thing...but I think I will tolerate them better. Who knows, this might be my go-to outfit for the next...ten years!
What a cute couple! I love your outfit.
ReplyDeleteHee-Hee Suz, you make me laugh! I am so much like you it's not funny! I hate, hate, hate crowds of people and I truly am an introvert! Nope, no mistaken me for an extrovert that's for sure! LOL You look wonderful and I am glad you went.
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely lovely and Mr. Jud looks very dapper!
ReplyDeleteI too dislike small talk and am an introvert. Being around lots of people drains my energy. I enjoy people, but I can tell if I've been going out too much in a week when I just feel drained and have to stay near my home for a few days (reading too!) and get re-charged...
A great photo of you and your sweetie! That was so wonderful that he went shopping with you...awwww! You look beautiful! But I have to share this story as I think you will giggle. We used to live in Mpls. area and about 25 years ago a dear friend had her first baby. We went to visit them at the hospital and somehow a question came up about who was their doctor. Her husband looks at the little card taped to the bassinet and says "it's Dr. PK Nic"...I started laughing so hard I couldn't even talk...he thinks I'm making fun of his Dr. and starts defending "the guy" which only made me laugh even harder....PK Nic of course, was not his doctor...it stood for Park Nicollet. Which I think was the name of his wife's OB/GYN practice. But no one laughed harder than the husband once he was properly informed. Great old memory!
ReplyDeleteYou both look wonderful! Actually, stunning is a better word. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you ended up having a good time. I know your pain. I think that a lot of bloggers are introverts. And we love blogging because our personalities can really shine through in our writing - which isn't always the case in other social venues.
But...I met you Suz, and your personality was just as warm and sparkling in person as in your blog! You definitely weren't a wallflower at that estate sale. ;)
Oh Suz! What beautiful pictures of you and Jud. You are a very handsome couple indeed. Your outfit is striking and the jewelry is perfect with it. I'm confused...did you make the necklace and buy the earrings? Either way..the whole look is a keeper. I have one dress that I wear to every wedding that David performs (he's a Pastor). It's comfortable, I have a number of different jackets and tops I can wear over it and I will be lost if it wears out!! I'm glad you went and had a good time. I know you've been concerned about me and I am much improved...getting ready for a big craft fair this weekend and another show next Wednesday so my stress level is way up but I'm good. You have been the sweetest friend to check in on me!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Joyce
Oh my don't you look lovely...
ReplyDeleteDelightful post as always Suz
Catherine
That is a beautiful dress! My hubby has very old fashioned taste in clothes. Obviously your hubby has good taste! Both of you look stunning too!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous with your big, bright smile. And I agree with you 100% (when you feel comfortable in your clothes, you're more likely to have a good time.) Life's too short to be messing around with fussy clothes.
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet and more sweet!! I love the pictures of the two of you. I'm hoping you had fun, even with the small talk. (yeesh.)Was the dinner good? That's always worth it!!
ReplyDeletexo
lynn
What a handsome couple you two are!
ReplyDeleteOh, Suz! You look just gorgeous! Love the beautiful outfit you chose--just perfect! And what a lovely couple you are!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you on the whole benefit thing--or anything like that! I'll go and be chatty & happy, but all the while I'd rather be home!
Enjoy your recovery down-time--I get that, too!
Julie
Suz, This post touches my heart as you can't imagine. I often have to attend very swanky affairs for my husband's work, and the very words you speak here could be my own. How lovely you look and confident in your beautiful outfit. We don't see ourselves as others do. A lesson to learn for the next affair! I'm trying like mad as well to catch up on all my favorite blogs. Off to see your Silver Bella! Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteGood for you! You both look gorgeous. I love how you have wings in each of the photographs.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I get you.
You guys look great! Nothing like feeling confident in an awesome outfit!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful, Suz!
ReplyDeleteI have trouble in crowds too when I know I will have to chit chat. But you are right, it helps when you feel physically comfortable.
I would never have guessed that you are NOT an extrovert-but I understand- I find it much easier to be outgoing with people who "get" the same things I do- crafts and junk. You're a darling couple and I love the idea of a store with funky clothes for middle aged women.
ReplyDeleteawww!! you look so pretty! and your hubby is quite handsome too. Just have him take you shopping there everytime he wants to take you out like that! Your outfit is perfect for you. And.. your daughter looks wonderful as a punk panda!
ReplyDeletehave a great day
vivian
Dear Susanita:
ReplyDeleteI sent you an e-mail yesterday for your birthday, hope you saw it, but I'm afraid you don't check your e-mail account anymore.
Anyway, I just wanted to wish all the love and happiness to the most wonderful woman I've ever known. An incredible friend, loving mother and wife, and a generous person in every way.
With a big hug and tons of kisses, all my love and recognition to you.
Lili & Emi.
p.s. Both look gorgeous in this pics.