All dressed up and nowhere . . .

Yesterday we postponed our Disney Cruise to November. The adults all understood, and most of the kids are too young to care. We're going to have a Christmas Cruise, which might even be better.

But all of the air went out of my shopping plans. I've already bought a couple of summer pants to wear on the trip, and I've been sorting through my out-of-season clothes and, well, all at once all of the fun went out of it.

So now I'm thinking I don't want to buy anything. I feel bad if retail, already struggling, goes down the drain, but I've lost my motivation.

I've promised to buy myself some new undies, but that is pretty boring. Our last lecture in the series will probably be cancelled, and the classes we signed up for this spring are in limbo and may be online only. Santa Clara County, CA, has banned all gatherings over 1,000, but I wouldn't be surprised if that number goes way down soon.

I try to be thoughtful and methodical, but this change of circumstance made me how much I like to shop for events, or even possible events. I'm even a bit chagrined about how important shopping is to me. I'd like to keep supporting retail, but one shopper isn't going to make that much difference.

On a brighter note, I just went to the nursery and bought 5 new flowering plants. I'll go back and get more after I get these planted or potted. If I'm going to stay home a lot I want a lot of flowers.

Did all of the fun just go out of getting dressed up for you?

Let's hope this crisis will be over soon and we'll all emerge healthy and happy. There are so many more important things right now than whether or not I get to wear new clothes.

And where I live, spring has sprung! Wisteria just opening blossoms.

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5 years ago

avicennia

Veteran

Oh I’m sorry about the cruise but it does seem sensible to move it. And it’s too bad about the lecture. Focusing on flowers and your garden seems like a beautiful strategy. I enjoyed your wisteria, it reminds me of living in Palo Alto and the lovely spring weather.

Bijou

Good idea to delay the trip. I hope you wear and enjoy your new clothes. I often find dressing up makes me feel happier, a ‘fake it until you make it’ philosophy works for me. Adding beauty to the world via your garden will also lift your and others spirits.

In response to CO19, my husband and I are exercising and sleeping more and making sure we eat nutrient rich food, so lots of fresh and unprocessed food. This has made me feel more positive. I also have resolved to cut back on alcohol but enjoy the indulgence of French champagne with friends once per month.

Kathie

I, too, am trying to take stock of what I actually need, in the midst of all the changes to my schedule. I can empathize with how hard this is- I had three work trips and one personal one planned for the next 8 weeks- all cancelled.

I am really glad you were able to reschedule your cruise! November should be fun. I, too, have been thinking about making sure I spend a bit at retail- we have some lovely retailers in my little borough. The bookstore is going to get some business for sure! As for clothes, new jeans and some gear were on my list- those might get moved more to the top, since I definitely don't need anything for work conferences until at least June.

Jaime

(website)

Yes, humans are wonderfully adaptable. I learned that from Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek as a kid. I am glad you were able to postpone the cruise and the flowers are beautiful!

Suz

So glad you could postpone your trip. It's frustrating, but better safe than sorry -- and gorgeous flowers!

MsMaven

Wait a week and I'll show the vine in full bloom!

I am somewhat disappointed in myself with the discovery that much of my shopping is to get items for public display. Something to think about.

Sal

The flowers are a great idea. And I think postponing is sensible.

I think we are all in shock as this came along quite suddenly which we are still processing. RIght here right now the sun is shining and we have a birthday of a Japanese rugby boy to celebrate .

Anonymous

I am sure this was a difficult decision ( your cruise). It you will enjoy it more with fewer worries for everyone. Flowers are an excellent idea and a mood raiser.

rachylou

I rather stopped ‘painting the town’ many years ago. I got a bee in my bonnet about the passive nature of having entertainment be one’s ‘activity.’ It sorta didn’t stop me from buying clothes... but it’s a strange dilemma. I’d rather buy clothing than go to the movies, but then there’s nowhere to wear my clothes. Anyways, I did finally learn to stop buying dinner gowns...

Jane

I’m sorry about the delays to your trip. Your wisteria is beautiful! Good plan on the flowers.

Ledonna N.

Delayed not canceling is a great thing and you can shift your goals for later

Love the plant view

RobinF

That's too bad but at least you still get to go right? But I get why the excitement of planning is gone, November seems like a ways away.

Love your wisteria, and yes to focusing on your garden
Completely understand about the cruise, but last place you'd want to be when sick would be on a boat :/

Cardiff girl

Yes it’s disappointing isn’t it.l totally understand ,my daughter has been in tears twice in 2 days now over things that have been cancelled.I think that the garden will be a great solace to all of us this year who are lucky enough to have access to one.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

My parents are about to cancel their planned trip to Iceland this summer, which is a real bummer, but probably the best plan given their age, and considering canceling other planned activities. So I totally get your disappointment. This morning on the Today show they made the point that social distancing/canceling big gatherings, etc. are short-term sacrifices, and they won't last forever.

I've been thinking a lot about whether to stop buying entirely, and it is an interesting dilemma: I think most people don't buy clothes just for themselves, they buy them to 'show them off' and present a desired image to others. I've been long-term unemployed before, and there's a definite morale struggle when you know that no one will really notice what you're wearing.

Liesbeth

I'm bummed about stuff being cancelled too - if we're going in lockdown with a toddler and an expectancy to work from home with no fun outings to look forward too ... I know that it's a small and short-term sacrifice for everyone's health but it's still depressing.

Just wanted to add that the weather warming up has had me determined to distract myself by playing with my wardrobe and starting to mix in spring pieces - even with nowhere to go.

nemosmom

Disappointing, no doubt! Your garden sounds lovely and like a perfect distraction!

Barbara Diane

I just went and looked at our wisteria and there are a few tiny bits of green and purple.
I am grateful that if we ever need to isolate ourselves at home we have a lovely backyard to sit in.

rebekahphoto

oh yes, some of the fun of getting dressed just slowed. My school has moved to all online teaching until April 20. (spring break starts April 8) with just a few days to fully prepare things are pretty hectic! (we are in Seattle)

so Im still in my sweats......had "online" class all morning! The great thing is all the students are participating and engaged.

It's my 50th on Monday, and I think all my fun plans for the week have been postponed.....its temporary, but still a little sad. My parents are both high risk and self-quarantined at home, so I will have to face time them for the near future.

might be some online shopping this week!

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