I am going nowhere but up… But first I need to lie here on the floor for a while.
I have to tell you that I was pretty crushed after my last post when not one single person said:
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE HOLDING A SIGN IN FRONT OF CITY HALL.
I messaged this dismay to Lara and she said—they think it’s normal for you.
Even she did not seem surprised.
You made it up to me though, because every single one of your comments were the greatest thing ever… not to mention your shared appreciation for all factions of men in uniform.
Some of you were even generous enough to offer to send the Navy SEALS… Either for variety? Or, (I suspect) because you want to keep the Marines for yourself.
So I’ve been waiting… I’ve been sitting around in my night-vision goggles and flippers, and THEY HAVE NOT SHOWN UP.
Forcing me to conclude that either you were lying, or the SEALS are less-good with directions than one might expect.
I loved your comments so much that after I read them 57 times, I forced then on Paul. I told him there would be a written exam afterwards, so he could not get away with skimming.
Some of you said things like—you look fantastic…WHERE did you get that shirt? (If you DIDN’T say that, I just wanted to bring to your attention that OTHER people said it.)
I got it at Neiman Marcus when their clearance was marked down extra, (sold out now). This is the only one I could find online. I didn’t pay nearly that much for it! But it’s good I didn’t see it until it was on sale because I would have been tempted to forgo groceries.
And on another informative note—I’ve been blogging for a year and five months. Since I only wrote about my first year, the title made sense in my head, but turned out to be misleading.
If you are a blogger who has made it to one year and are filled with hopelessness, please postpone your despair for another few months. THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR IT LATER.
I’m also compelled to tell you— in the interest of not joining the ranks of Anna Wintour and propagating some bullshit myth of effortless fashion and beauty— if I had to sit down in those pants for longer than five minutes, I would stab someone.
Repeatedly.
And with great vigor.
I did not even wear them into the city. I took them ON THE HANGER. Because they are that uncomfortable.
In fact, that person in the photo? That’s not me.
I understand why you might have thought it is, seeing as how this is my blog and it would be kind of weird if I posted random photos of other people. But that’s the person I’ve been hiding behind my whole life.
She’s sort of scary. And you can see that if you were mean to her, or yelled out your car window at her, she totally would not give a shit… She might kick you in the face, but probably she wouldn’t even notice you.
Anyway, September was not a good month for me and I was hardly here… On top of a complicated work project, I had some HUGE tech issues with this site.
I’ll spare us all the effort of me trying to explain something that I do not understand and you do not care about and sum it up by saying – sometimes the blog does not work.
I’ve spent ALL of my free time in to fix it. And exchanging endless emails with tech-support where essentially I write the same message again, and again, and again, and again: I’m sorry, I do not understand.
The finale came sometime last week, when my computer started crashing randomly.
And I was like– FANTASTIC.
I meant it too, because it indicated that my nervous breakdown had finally arrived and now someone would give me lithium and everything would be fine.
As much as I was looking forward to having all my meals served on a plastic tray, first I called Apple support. Then I dragged my freaking-out-self to the Genius Bar… REPEATEDLY.
I have to tell you that is is very strange to me that I am at a place in my life where ALL my problems are resolved by 19-year-old boys with patchy facial hair.
The one bright spot last week was when Hooked on Houses linked to The Kingdom Mirror.
I’m guessing you know her site already, since you’re all more-or-less hooked on houses, but if you haven’t met her, the before-and-after page is a great place to start… and for you kitchen-mad people, here’s the kitchen from Practical Magic you keep telling me about (you’re so right! I DO LOVE IT). But did you know that the entire Victorian house from that movie is a shell? I had no idea it wasn’t real.
I will love you EVEN MORE… if you share me with your friends.
October 15, 2013 @ 3:26 pm
I forgot to ask – you need to tell us more about the reaction of that wedding couple to your shenanigans.
October 15, 2013 @ 4:24 pm
I’m seriously happy that you’ve managed to sort your IT issues out but this is the second blog where you’ve successfully managed to avoid the K word – you know, the KITCHEN! I have to ask, how’s it going? Have you chosen any drawer pulls yet? The suspense is freaking killing me 🙂
October 15, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
Oh, believe me you haven’t hit bottom until you find out that said nineteen geek actually knows even less than you about computer and blogs!
Also, I so wanted to thank you for that “you look fantastic” you write to me just before I leave my comment… Lately you’re the only one to notice!!!
October 15, 2013 @ 4:58 pm
Thank you so much for giving me something to read!! I hate to eat without reading something and was fixing to get off line and go find a magazine to read with my sandwich … but finally found the paper that had the password on it to my e-mail and was so happy to see you had made a post. And as I sat absorbing your words I realized that is what I love about you blog – you actually WRITE something on it, as opposed to ‘only’ filling it up with photos and a couple of sentences in between the photos. So again I say to you – thank you for giving me something to read and enjoy!
Have you ever seen the old movie “Pollyanna”, with Hayley Mills?… there is a floor to ceiling mirror in that movie that made me think of you. As in, 12 foot ceiling type mansion home. I recently watched it, again,( for about the 10th time), and wanted to mention it to you. I do believe you would enjoy the home of Aunt Polly Harrington.
Now…. I’ll go lounge on the sofa with that magazine… and eat a couple of my Dove Chocolate candies. And maybe I’ll also get my blog page opened soon… wrote three things on it when I started it, but have not made it public yet. You inspire me to do so. I hope all your internet problems are solved! You’ve been missed!
October 15, 2013 @ 5:04 pm
Love your comment, LaurieC! I’m in a similar place with my blog. I’m sure we’ll figure it out soon!
October 15, 2013 @ 9:14 pm
Thank you Katherine, that was nice of you to say! Odd thing is, I actually don’t want my blog to turn into something I totally ‘have’ to do – because of lots of people demanding and wanting something to read…lol. (So, I sure wouldn’t do Victoria’s sign thing…lol.) As soon as something becomes a “have to”, then I rebel against it, and my “want to” goes flying out the door. However, I do love blogs. Yes, you are right, we’ll get it figured out – what is right for us, in time!
October 15, 2013 @ 6:28 pm
Remember the crystals they hung all over the room just waiting for the right angle of sunlight? I was fascinated by that as a child, as well as a tree to climb up to a bedroom window, a bannister to slide down, wear pretty new dresses but still play like a kid and to have a British accent. Haley ROCKED in my book!!
October 15, 2013 @ 9:21 pm
Hi Lenora – oh yes, loved all of that! – and the clothes. And mostly loved Mrs. Snow! Was interesting to me how often they used the word “impertinent”. Made me think I need to look up and research the word. I watch the movie so often, almost have it memorized – great ‘escape from life’ movie. Amazes me that she survived a 3-story fall and nothing broken… but more amazing was that I never really noticed it till this last time I watched it! Love movies that totally escape reality, and make you smile and feel good in the process.
October 15, 2013 @ 5:13 pm
Went to the Hooked on Houses, before and after link……two hours-gone. Bam!
October 15, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Yeah I really need a road trip to come visit you…that way I can just do a giant photoshoot and we can photobomb the hell out of everyone. And I want to meet Lara. 🙂
October 15, 2013 @ 6:55 pm
You look amazing. Who cares that it’s uncomfortable? Comfort is a small sacrifice for that spectacular peplum and those trousers. You rock.
October 15, 2013 @ 8:24 pm
Hi Victoria,
I love your stories. You’re really weird, but in a funny way. Which is why I like you and why I shared you on my Facebook page. Problem is, I only have four “friends”. Three are guys and would never read a DIY blog. Anyway, I did what I could to make you famous. Maybe if you did a naughty post of some kind the guys would take a peek….at your blog I mean.
October 15, 2013 @ 9:22 pm
Yes, don’t stop. you make me smile. Im excited when i see you have posted something new. my friend introduced me to you with your kingdom mirror by saying…check her out, she reminds me of you! (craigslist addict) …and after reading your posts, i take that as a great compliment.
may have to borrow your sign idea for new readers….i wonder if downtown atlanta can handle it!
http://www.vivacindy.com
October 15, 2013 @ 11:23 pm
I just had to say your waist is sooo teeny tiny! My waistline is totally jealous. Love your blog – thanks for putting yourself out there.
And I must thank you for your whole raccoon-in-the-brain analogy. I tried explaining my CL compulsion to my husband and used the old raccoon analogy. He somewhat got it or at least didn’t kill me, which I consider a win.
Love,
M
October 16, 2013 @ 4:26 am
Hello Victoria, I am super, shiny-new to your website, I’ve read a good few posts, and I’ve got to say, I fucking love how you write. I’m going to say something sappy and cliche, but you are an inspiration as this week I have felt tired and not wanted to write or blog.
I love how you photo-bombed that couple. It’s beautiful. I’d also like to say you look hot in trousers, whereas my thighs look like two sea lions fighting on a beach.
Looking forward to creeping you from now on. xx A
October 16, 2013 @ 5:57 am
In Murphy’s laws Paul’s law is “You can’t fall off the floor”.
October 16, 2013 @ 7:41 am
Victoria, I am a new reader and I missed your last post. Believe me, when I say I hawked my email box of over 5000 unread emails and did not see yours, I was devastated. I spent the weekend deleting those I did not want to read. I am down to 500+. Thank goodness, I found this email. And, I now see you are in true form. You are amazing! You looked fantastic standing on those courthouse steps with your sign. I love your house, your style of writing, and your guts! Keep on keeping on. We’ll be here watching for your posts.
Take care.
Emily
October 16, 2013 @ 9:10 am
I hate having tech issues. They totally spoil the fun of blogging. And I don’t understand why all of a sudden things can stop working. The first question they ask is, “Have you made any changes to your site lately?” No. No, I have not. One day it was working and the next it wasn’t. It makes no sense. I always feel like the support guys are secretly blaming me for breaking the blog, too. “Are you SURE you didn’t do anything?”
Anyway, sorry for your troubles. I feel for you. I’m glad my little shout-out could be a bright spot in a tough week — love your blog! 🙂
October 20, 2013 @ 10:19 pm
Hi Julia and Elizabeth,
I’m over here from the link in “Hooked on Houses” along with about 5,000.000 other people. I’m thinking that may have something to do with Dear Elizabeth’s tech problems. I’m not a techi person, but I suspect her computer is about to explode from so many people.
If so, Julia’s kind words are hysterically ironic. I love you Julia, you rock!!!
October 16, 2013 @ 12:24 pm
Yay yay yay more happiness here than should be expected even on Hump Day / and clearly you are lying about being down on the floor. All I see is up, up, UP 😀
October 17, 2013 @ 12:49 am
I have to apologize for not mentioning the fact that you were standing in front of City Hall. The first thing that struck me was how fabulous you looked standing there. My second thought was …. how hilarious that she is standing there with her sign ! I loved it ! I should have said.
October 17, 2013 @ 10:12 am
Hey, Victoria! Congrats on over a year of blogging. Glad you made it this far and here’s to another year. You’re seeing technical issues and stuff that we all have to deal with, but hopefully that’s behind you and you can move full speed ahead. Your blog is loved by so many and I can see why!
October 17, 2013 @ 9:54 pm
Since this is my first time commenting, I believe I need to introduce myself. Good manners, decent upbringing and all.
I am a reader. What that means is that I am an avid reader of things other people, like you as an example off the top of my head, write. (Which also means that I am lazy)
And sometimes, when I like a book, it ends up staying on my shelf. If I like a website/ blog, it ends up on my must-go-back-there-to-see-if-anything-new-is-happening list.
Now that is out of the way: Where is the update on the kitchen? Or the garden? Or anything? Where are the pictures?
I must say, “you are slacking missy” (I am at most a month older than you, and am entitled to call you missy).
I love you. I love your blog. I love your amazing enthusiasm in rebuilding/ renovating your house. Now, get back to writing what I love.
Unless you are going to post more pictures of my beloved Philly.
Then, all is forgiven.
October 18, 2013 @ 12:31 am
I love your blog. I have nothing clever to say. Just love your blog. And I’m searching for something with a kingdom on it
October 19, 2013 @ 9:16 am
Glad you’re back! I am very sorry I did not mention anything about you standing in front of city hall. I thought it was a fabulous photo shoot. But I also thought, like Lara said, that it was normal for you. My mistake; if this is the type of thing I need to comment on in order for you to keep blogging, I will do so happily. 🙂
In about a week, I will be celebrating one year of blogging. So your little bit of advice about postponing despair is well timed; I love every minute of blogging and have not yet experienced said despair, but it’s nice to know that other people think the effort is worth it, too.
Let me know when those SEALs show up. I hope it’s soon. I imagine those flippers are at least as uncomfortable as your city-hall pants.
xo
-Sarah