A Day at the Ballet

I love the ballet. The music, the amazing gracefulness, the ability to tell long and complicated stories without saying a single word. (As a total klutz, the fact that they can do all those things without falling down was particularly amazing.) And while it is not the most sophisticated or beautiful of ballets, I will always have a soft spot for the first one I ever saw-- The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition for many families, and ours is no exception, Judaism aside. When I was a little girl, we would go every year. (I am sure I've seen it at least 20 times.) I would get dressed up in my fanciest outfit and go to Lincoln Center, where the hall seemed hugely grand and beautiful. And then we would watch the ballet.

When I was in college, we took some years off, as my parents said that if they had to watch it one more time, they might gouge their eyes out. However, as I have seen many times over, once Simon expressed interest in going, off we went again. (Never underestimate the power of grandchildren.) So now we are back in the game. And you know what? Even after all of these years, all of those times watching the snowflakes dance across the stage, all of the times Clara's slipper did or did not hit the mouse king, the magic is still there. And I still wear my fancy dress.

Welcome, third generation!

What I'm wearing: Boden dress, HUE tights, Matisse boots (similar here), necklace via a very generous student

Some Random Musings

Please excuse the crazy hair. Curly hair problems.

I made a special trip up to Sarah's apartment to take blog pictures for this outfit because I liked it so much. Preppy all the way. You're welcome.

I'm currently on a train to DC to visit the many delightful people who live there. Included on the agenda is meeting a (not so new anymore) baby, TWO White House tours, some museums, and time with great friends. In the meantime, I don't have much to say, but here are some of the random thoughts floating around my head right now. Just in case you ever wanted to know what it was like in there.

1. I've been finding lately that all I want to eat for breakfast is a combo of saltines, pistachios and dried mango. Some days I even do it.

2. It is surprisingly difficult to get work done in the library if you're there all alone, like I was last week. Also, it is surprisingly easy to go the entire day without speaking to anyone other than saying good morning to the security guard, which is pretty depressing.

3. I secretly hope that when I get to go the West Wing on Sunday (thanks Cindy!!!!), Jed Bartlet is there waiting for me. If you don't know who that is, I judge you. Sorry.

4. I think that the quiet car on Amtrak is one of the world's great inventions. When people don't respect it, I get irrationally angry and want to yell at them. But that wouldn't be quiet.

5. I've been neglecting the fall/ winter bucket list a bit and feeling bad about it. Let me know if you want to go ice skating, to a basketball game, or to the ballet.

I think that those are all of my thoughts for now, or at least all of the ones I want to put on the internet. Happy Wednesday to one and all!

What I'm wearing: A bunch of things that are really old. Boden jean skirt, GAP button down, GAP Factory cardigan, Born boots, HUE tights, scarf from Nepal

Missing: My Work Ethic

The good news: I'm ABD!!! ABD= all but dissertation. This means different things in different programs, but in my program, once you pass your last comprehensive exam, you are considered ABD. I also know have a Masters of Philosophy in Rabbinic Literature. Doesn't that sound fancy?

The bad news: Since becoming a Master, I have completely misplaced my work ethic. It's probably partly burn-out (taking seven comps will do that to you), and also because I don't really know what to do now. How exactly does one begin researching a dissertation? I have no idea. Many kind people have given me tips, which are extremely helpful, except that sometimes they contradict each other. Hopefully soon I will get over this block and start on the prospectus. And in the meantime, procrastinators of the world unite!

In other news, I love this dress because it is basically a nightgown that is fancy enough to wear outside. Pockets, softness, and polka dots. What else could a girl want? I wore it with my booties, since it's not cold enough to need knee high boots yet. Even though it's December. Go figure. I added a scarf for extra warmth (if my neck is cold, then I am cold), but modeled it both ways for you because that's how I roll.

What I'm wearing: Reborn dress via Zulily (similar here), Hue tights, G by Guess booties via TJ Maxx (similar here), GAP scarf (similar here)