But the problem persisted into Wednesday, with an additional problem in an online class. It came to light that my students were working from a different edition of our textbook than the course had been designed for! This has happened once before and it involved redesigning the course since it is easier to inconvenience one person than to ask 30 students to return a book
The pain persisted into Thursday--I was making health bargains with the powers that be and popping glucosamine and pain pills. I began to deal with the textbook problem, which seems to have begun with a clerical error somewhere in the pipeline. But I came home from campus to find my first e-mail from a disgruntled eBay customer. aaaaargh!
Friday, it rained. The pain disappeared.
It would be Saturday before I had my hands on the correct textbook and could redesign the course (hours of work). The body ache had passed and I had heard nothing more from the customer. All I accomplished last week was listening to a political convention on the radio and following Fashion Night Out on my Twitter feed.
Credit for the this look goes to Vix at Vintage Vixen who suggested weeks ago that a more creative use of a Chanel jacket might be to pair it with my cowboy hat. I liked the idea and don't do enough to subvert the looks we're fed. The jacket here is not the same one featured in August's Chanel post, but a new to me Ellie Tahari take with long fringe at the wrists and the hem. I've paired with a simple jersey tee, plenty of pink pearls and a new pair of Wrangler jeans. Cowboy gear is not so unusual in my neck of the woods, but here is the evidence: I'm back on my horse.
I'm linking up to Visible Monday at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style. It's unusual for me to succumb to problems the way I did this past week. I'm curious to know how my readers snap themselves out of it when it happens.
Terri, that is a knockout look. Yes, subvert the Chanel look into a more realistic depiction of a woman's life. You ride? I do too.
ReplyDeleteMary--Let's put it this way, I have ridden mostly on tame, well-trained trail horses (in the mountains in Montana, in Mexico), but no I am NOT a trained rider. I have a healthy fear/respect of a horse.
DeleteEven cowgirls get the blues, Terri. DIY subversion is always a good fixer-upper and mixing that Chanel with cowboy boots and hat really did the trick, I think! Otherwise, I take a nap (with a cat).
ReplyDeletePao--I should have used that Tim Robbin's title as my Post Header! very clever of you!
DeleteThe older I get the more of an advocate of naps I become!
Great look, Terri! You're fab.
ReplyDeleteI nap, I cut back on the blog, and spend more time with my husband and cat and friends.
Sheila--I did spend more time with my husband and he was very understanding of the problems I was having...
DeleteI love it! I can imagine you strutting into your class with that outfit. The hat might not last the duration, but it would certainly make an impression.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that the ducks are starting to line up a bit more cooperatively. Hope this next week is better than last.
Mater--I wore this look on Saturday (without the hat). I have worn my boots to teach--they are very comfy footwear.
DeleteAnd, yes, life is returning to its comforting routine.
The good news is...YOU LOOK FABULOUS! This would be daily wear down here in Texas! You look like you came off of the show DALLAS. I love it...very great look. I hope your pains are better...physical and mental. I do not think people realize how often we put up with difficult circumstances in education. Keeping everyone happy and functioning as they should is just about impossible. Sorry about the customer...just remember there are people who are unhappy no matter what. I hope this is a better week for you!
ReplyDeletePam--I suspect that this look is more usual in places like Texas and Oklahoma than in Kansas. To get the Dallas look I would need to have bigger and blonder hair!
DeleteAfter 20 years, I take so many situations in education in stride, but this situation could so easily have been prevented! And I suppose you are right that some customers won't ever be pleased.
oooh very cool!!
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteOh Terri! Bless your heart! What a week?! I'm glad you're feeling better....any body ache and I tend to think the worst (I can't tell you how many times I've dodged the Reaper.....well, in my own mind!) I've had eBay weeks where I feel like I've had a target on my back!! I'm going to send you a message through eBay regarding customer issues...I'd rather not put it out here. As to how I handle weeks like that? LOTS of music. LOTS of tears. LOTS of praying. TONS of self talk!! By the end of the week, I'm exhausted by all my efforts to stop having a crappy week!! Hugs to you my friend! You look GORGEOUS!!! You really do have a sultry look to you....WERK it while it werks!! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteSerene--You read between the lines very well. I was afraid that I was on my deathbed--imagining things were far more serious than they were. It seems I often think this way when dear friends are very ill.
DeleteAnd please DO send me that message about customer service issues. I couldn't decide if the customer was testing me or not. The problem made me physically ill! I did write it all out in my journal, my form of praying.
The Slough of Despondency--love it!!!
ReplyDelete;) I knew you would recognize the reference!
DeleteSorry to hear about the pain and very glad it's gone now!
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible, chic, sassy and unique. I do love you in a hat and that jacket is so cool! xxx
Vix--I doubt that given your background with the hip that I should ever complain of body ache! I am very appreciative of the suggestion for this look. It's been a hit.
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling better!! you are really rocking your "subversive" look-love it!!
ReplyDeleteLast week just had "suck" written all over it--I just crawl in the craft palace when I get home to try to create something.
Tamara--It sounds like several of us were having a trying week and I wonder if Labor Day somehow set it off!
DeleteGood to hear that you're feeling better! You certainly look great! You look like you're coming right out of a Wrangler commercial! Those jeans fit like a dream!
ReplyDeleteKaffesoester--ha, ha! A wrangler commercial. I'm deathly afraid of horses, or rather I have a healthy respect for them. The jeans are a men's size.
DeleteWe have all had weeks that won't quit with the misery - but I think physical pain really makes it all much worse. Sorry you had to endure, and I'm relieved you're feeling much better. You look fabulous in your cowgirl/Chanel outfit - Vix was right! Thanks so much for sharing with Visible Monday and here's to a week on the sunnier side.
ReplyDeletePatti--Does it ever seem to you that misery comes in bunches? Or do we draw it to ourselves with our state of mind? I've often pondered this and usually my "meditations" keep it at bay. And thank you for the well wishes for a better week.
DeleteGlad to hear you're feeling better! That look is wonderful, you look great Terri! xo
ReplyDeleteCharlotta--thank you!
Deletesometimes a cumulation of tasks develops and takes our breath. i am glad to hear that you feel well and undismayed again. i love your classy cowboy look so much! lieben gruß von sabine
ReplyDeleteSabine--I feel that you understand! And yes, I'm feeling better. My friends online help the process along.
DeleteI hope you're still feeling better Terri! I love this unexpected combo of classy, feminine Chanel and a western cowboy hat and boots--it's so fun!
ReplyDeleteI don't always have an easy time snapping out of problems--sometimes I get down for a day or two. But I usually feel better after talking to a friend or family member; getting another perspective is usually helpful!
Shea--I know that I was so envious of all of you on the Plaza. I had really wanted to feel better and just go hang out there and take street style photos that night, but no such luck.
DeleteIt does help to talk. DH was fairly understanding, but the online problem isn't very real to him I'm afraid.
Oh what fun! (The outfit, not your pain!!) I love this kind of "contrary" styling.
ReplyDeleteDejaPseu--I wish I was better at the contrary stuff. My youngest daughter does it well, but I need to pay more attention.
DeleteTerri, this is interesting to me especially today because I'm in the middle of this right as I type. I started having leg pains and body aches last week which slowed down the progress of my screen printing goals to the point of nil. Lack of sleep because of a low grade fever has persisted throughout the weekend but I was starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel when I thought I'd be jumping into my t-shirt business again. Last night I discovered one of the motorcycles in the garage was left in "reserve" mode and therefor leaked gas all over the floor making the smell so bad I don't know when I'll ever be able to work in there again. Now, we'll have to move all my equipment into the basement which will take more days. I think my pains have developed into a sinus infection so I'm headed to the doc today. On top of this my 14 year old started alternative high school which takes an hour ride on the city commuter bus where I was the only one available to ride with him in the morning through all this! Argh!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to be patient but it's very frustrating...even has brought me to tears.
Disgruntled customers are very disturbing, I've had them on Etsy before. It can really shake us. Phew, I guess I don't really have any advice on how to get through it because I'm not all that good at it. ;) We just have too much on our plates while trying to have a life of our own at the same time.
Hang in there. It can only getter better from here, right?
Joni--It sounds like several of us have been having this body ache/leg cramp thing. It's a curious bug if that's what it is. My appetite was very strange too--I wanted meat and normally I eat very little meat.
DeleteI wonder if opening the garage store would air the gasoline out. Stuff like this can be such a gargantuan setback. I know that DH has been dealing with a three-ring circus of tenants moving in and out and repairing their damages.
That commute is the biggest bummer of all. That is primarily why I teach online. It basically save me ten hours in traffic each week.
A good cry can work wonders.
I know I wrote a lengthy journal entry about getting my priorities in the right order. Health is always FIRST.
Good to see you're back on your horse! And the idea to pair the Chanel jacket with the cowboy hat is brilliant. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteGracey--Vix get ALL the credit for the idea!
DeleteThat's a very cute outfit!
ReplyDeleteKim,USA
Kim--thank you!
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling better! And that is one snazzy get-up there.
ReplyDeleteAna--thank you!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your pain days, school trouble, and ebay issues. Ebay issues always drive me batty and make me super anxious.
ReplyDeleteI love your cowboy hat! Surprisingly for living in Nashville you don't see a lot of cowboy hats or boots. Maybe more boots these days, but unless there's a country music festival, it's pretty rare. We have a hearing-impaired student in one of my classes and her interpreter is always decked out in a hat, buckle belt, and boots. He looks so cool, like an old west cowboy.
As for how to chill out, I turn off all my electronics and grab my e-reader. I curl up in bed, get in pajamas and shut out as much as possible. Or I find a movie I like and watch it. It really helps to disconnect and have me-time. Sometimes it helps to write down a to-do list so everything floating in my head doesn't seem so daunting. I know that if I can get it written down, I can work towards checking it off, where if it's all in my head - I worry I'll forget to take care of a problem or something.
MeganMae--the ebay issue made me sick to my stomach as I don't think I'm a business woman by nature and I'm often eager to please others.
DeleteI don't think I've ever walked the streets of Nashville, though I've been through the airport many years ago. I would expect to see cowboy gear there though. Here, a pair of boots with actually working spurs is no biggie.
I had a hearing impaired student in a class years ago. Her interpreter sat in the middle of the room and signed actively as most of my class are structured around discussion. One day I was floored when the deaf student spoke aloud! We were shocked!
I did spend a lot of time in bed.
I feel the same way about my bad ebay interactions. It's left me soured to it, so I haven't wanted to sell anything else since I sold shoes I couldn't wear. I like making people happy so I stick to belts/buttonflowers through my personal shop so I can work with people one-on-one instead of anonymous people who can scam you through a system.
DeleteThe class I mentioned is actually ethics! Completely discussion based. I really enjoy watching the interpreter. I used to volunteer at Nashville's school for the Blind/hard of hearing/etc. I can't remember what it's officially called, but I did face painting at some of their fairs. I wish I had the time and patience to learn to sign.
MeganMae--I would love to learn to sign. I am always so mesmerized when I see it and tend to stare in a rather rude way. I suppose that would be a form of eavesdropping if I understood sign.
DeleteThe cowboy hat suits you. I'm not sure it's that much of a subversive look: I grew up in OKC seeing men wear cowboy hats and boots with suits and string ties in the business district downtown. They looked really sharp.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't snap out of things like physical pain or major aggravations. I just wait for them to pass. Sometimes a hot bath helps with sore muscles or joints. Sometimes going for a long walk (or going blackberry picking!) helps clear my mind for a while. I think I coped better when I was in my 30s or 40s and somewhere about 50 I stopped coping so well - or maybe I got to the point where I was less prepared to tolerate stuff. There will always be difficulties, true, but retirement has been a real blessing in that way: I can pick and choose what I'm prepared to deal with.
Hope things go better for you. Maybe you just had some kind of bug? I just noticed I'm on your blog list - thank you so much!
Mine is here
http://shelleyshousebloglist.blogspot.co.uk/
Shelley--You're right that the look is NOT subversive in the American West...but not everyone lives there!
DeleteI tried the hot bath. I slathered my feet with mentholatum. I propped them up. I did cope better at a younger age--I think I'm haunted by a lot of the very physical things I did as a younger person. I do know that having a greater sense of control over my time is likely to improve things. DH does think I had a bug.
I'm happily repeating, "Subvert the looks we're fed, subvert the looks we're fed."
ReplyDeleteDang, girl, you look like a Rodeo Queen except way classier. I grew up around horses so I've seen a lot of Rodeo Queens :P
I'm so glad you're feeling better. Do we have the link to your eBay store yet? I'm sharing your post with Dear Hubby who also teaches courses online. He will so relate!
Lynne--we could shorten the mantra to subvert, like you're doing with those wonderful wedge pumps you found.
DeleteI'm a rodeo queen who hasn't a clue how to sit a saddle! Were you ever a rodeo queen (or a barrel racer?)
I'm not sure I'll ever give the link to the store. I'm beginning to realize that it's a more complicated endeavor than I realized.
There are many cowboys & girls here in my neck of woods as well. You look very western chic! If there is such a thing. Love the pearls!
ReplyDeleteJeannie--Well, if I was the "real deal" I would have pearl buttons on my western shirt, so perhaps this look isn't such a stretch!
DeleteOK, I am trying to absorb the hat in this look but it is very slow in coming. Doesn't matter. You still look chic.
ReplyDeleteI've had a lot of pain this past week too. Can we pass/catch things through the internet? ; ) Hope you keep feeling better!
Heather--don't try too hard to absorb the look. It's a hat I almost never wear, a gift from my DH.
DeleteI wonder if what I'm feeling isn't an early adjustment to the changing of the seasons, although it has never hit me quite this way before.
one of my favorite looks on you, hands down! I love the cowboy boots and hat with the texture of the tweed! So chic. I love it.
ReplyDeleteMeghan--thank you. I think I need to work on my subversion a bit more and take suggestions from my readers.
DeleteI am loving your chic cowgirl look. I may have to try a similarly subversive look with my Old Gringo boots. It is time to get them out of their box and start wearing them.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend teaches classes at WSU and they are always doing similar things. Or they call him up and say can you teach this software course and he has never seen the program before.
Debbi--I remember your boots! And, yes, it is the season to wear them!
DeleteIt is an abysmal time in higher education. The bean counters don't seem to understand that educators aren't robots, and students aren't either for that matter.
I'm glad you heeded Vix's advice - this look is awesome. Pearls and Chanel with a cowboy hat? Divine. You've got the attitude to match. Thank goodness it rained!
ReplyDeleteMelanie--this worked out so well that I think I ought to let my readers style me more often!
DeleteGreat combo and you carry off the look so well, I think that is the most important part. I would look like I'm wearing someone else's clothes by mistake.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Darla--boot cut jeans and tees have been my "uniform" since college, even my signature look. The hat doesn't feel quite natural to me, but I did meet Vix's challenge.
DeleteHehehehehe. Love your audacity. But as for the succumbing, I generally have to wait for the snapping to happen on its own accord.
ReplyDeleteLisa--thank you. I basically waited myself, but I'm almost never down physically or mentally for more than a day. I was more than a little worried that something SERIOUS might be developing!
DeleteThe Chanel jacket was obviously made to pair with cowboy hat and boots--how could Coco have missed this! I hope this week is much better!
ReplyDeleteKC--I suspect that if Coco had ever spent any time in the American west she might have found all sorts of possibilities. I hope this week is better too.
DeleteYou wear western like nobody else!! (Except maybe Style Agent 909!) wow. I usually don't gravitate to it, but you look amazing. Really. Glad you're feeling better. During times like that, I finally shut down and go to bed for about 24 hours, everything else be damned.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I still REALLY REALLY miss the cucumber :-)
Jean--thank you. I don't wear the western look much either because I'm not the real deal and others in my area ARE. I basically laid in bed for 3 days...and it was actually sorta scary. I felt like my doll's head looks.
Deleteoh my goodness this look is too, TOO fabulous! I wish I could pull it off but I've never felt confident in even cowboy boots. Rock on lady!
ReplyDeleteMeri--thank you! You're slender, you could pull off a good cowgirl look I think!
DeleteWell,Vix' advice paid off,the jacket certainly does look amazing with that hat!! I love a cowboy hat,but haven't been able to make them work for me!
ReplyDeleteSounds liek you had what i would call on off week.Not feeling right, things not going right....everything just OFF. No rhyme or reason to it. I find singing the Sound of Music soundtrack to myself rather loudly really does pick me up!
Jeez, the wrong textbook thing is annoying! That would make me very shitty! I expect you handled it with a lot more aplomb!
Hurrah for being back on your horse!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Helga--I was wondering when I read your last post how long your hair is and whether you ever braid it. That's what I had to do to make the hat feel right.
DeleteThe hills are alive....I even know the lyrics!
The wrong textbook thing was infinitely distressing...and I had to drive 75 miles to retrieve the correct book, one I had never even seen before!
I'm glad you're moving past last week's problems. It's especially hard to snap out of it when the problem is one that needs hours of work to overcome! Being run down doesn't help! When I feel down, sometimes it helps me to get totally out of my head and immersed in someone else's problems- they often make me appreciate how small mine really are! Have a great week, Terri!
ReplyDeleteThrifted Shift--Of course, the world is full of problems bigger than those I was dealing with, but I'm very used to a well-oiled routine and nothing I seemed to do last week seemed to get things back on track.
DeleteKahlua chocolates, entire package! (kidding) Usually I will need to re-prioritize and do some drastic delegating, asking for help and / or major hack'n'slashing of my ridiculously mountainous to-do list. And ramp up the self-care big time! That's generally what my body is trying to tell me.
ReplyDeleteTerri, those jeans are the perfect cut for you - you look fantastic in this outfit! I love it as much as I did your gold + white series, and those were spectacular. Echoing Lynne, and I referenced and quoted you in my post today - "... to subvert the looks we're fed" is genius! Wishing you plenty of onwards and upwards in your gitalong.
Vix advice and your stylings = a yodel of awesomeness! You look surefire foxy!
ReplyDeleteI hope the pain subsides soon, and welcome back to the bloggerhood.
Bella--I love the phrase, "a yodel of awesomeness".
DeleteBrilliant styling.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sacramento--thank you, birthday girl!
DeleteVix was right - you can carry off a cowboy hat with a Chanel jacket, and look stunning in the process. I like the addition of pink pearls.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you're feeling better. With all that you had to deal with, I think you got through the issues heroically. Sometimes 'to succumb' or draw back is all that is needed for a short period of time.
Judith--I have far more faux pink pearls than the real deal.
DeleteI agree the succumbing is sometimes the cure, but so often my readers lift my spirits too.
It's a fabulous look, great juxtaposition of casual and chic, and you look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have had a rough week. Feeling a little ill and out of sorts here too, with a PC away in computer hospital so I am unable to post.
Don't sweat the Ebay stuff. There will always be people who try and get something for nothing, or complain unreasonably. If you know you have been honest and reasonable, there isn't much else you can do. I have given refunds even when I KNOW the complaint wasn't justified, and it makes me cross but I can't be bothered to fight about it! You have to grow a thicker skin, Terri! xxx
Curtise--I would feel LOST without my computer. My work and my blog life depend upon it and hubby's laptop doesn't have all the bells and whistles mine does.
DeleteI needed to hear another eBayer tell me to get a thicker skin. I'm so new at it that I haven't sorted out who to take seriously and who to blow off. This one seemed pretty fishy though. Have you ever asked for the return of an item before refunding? This was for an item that had 3 interested bidders.
I am so sorry you have had a bad week Terri, but I am glad you are smiling, and you look pretty darn fabulous. It would be nice to see more hats in everyday life; I totally adore them and every time I see a lady rocking one like you are today I think I should make more of an effort :)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn--I wish I was more daring in the hat department myself. I admire that in Judith, The Style Crone.
DeleteGlad you are smiling again.
ReplyDeleteJane--Yes, in retrospect, I think I had some seasonal bug.
DeleteHey cowgirl! You look great! I like the use of that Chanel jacket to revamp a western outfit - Vix is quite the style genius!
ReplyDeleteVeshoevius--she is a style genius, but she doesn't have me in a 60s-70s catsuit yet.
DeleteTerri, your look is great. Love the cowgirl hat.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had such a tough week! Glad the pain is gone....I've had my share of odd foot and leg pain; most of chalked up to bad dance shoes or a bad dance surface.
Lisa--when my pains began, I was sure it was from a pair of poorly fitting shoes. But when it went on for two, then three days, I knew it was more than that.
DeleteLove the look! And I love your hair too. You have given me some ideas for my long hair. I love having long hair, but styling can become a challenge at times! Not that I don't have fun with it. I do! But some days I feel at a loss for new ideas!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lynn
Lynn--Welcome to Rags! I know that I am at a point with my long hair that too often I simply pull it back in a bun or a ponytail. It is so thick that it won't hold curl for very long.
Deleteloving this western look! especially love that jacket. it's so so so so cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Love the sassiness! That jacket is AMAZING! Can I borrow it? :-)
ReplyDelete"Subvert the looks we're fed"… I'm working on it, but I'm a bit in a "lawyer" box. I need to get more creative within the parameters of my occupation.
ReplyDelete