Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Ellen Switzer Project: The (SMALLER) Upper Muslin



Ellen came over today to fit me for my postpartum dresses.

And remember? I told you I'd blog about it?

The best news is that Ellen's measuring of my upper body was off. When she measured me last week I had different numbers. Today I was SMALLER. Yes, SMALLER. And she kept saying, "Oh wow. You are SMALLER than I thought." At that point I wanted to hug her, but I had about forty-nine pins in me and didn't want to poke either of us.

The muslin is just a mock-up, a shadow--if you will--of what my real dresses will look like. I saw the budding of ever-so-slight puff sleeves and the flattering cut of an empire waist (Ellen pronounces it like French Couture, ahmpeer waist). I also stood really still and tried not to breathe on her as she pinned me straight. I had El Azteca nachos not five seconds before her arrival, so I was sensitive to our proximity.

Three things about Ellen:

1. In reference to yesterday's post she said, "Leaving your college town makes you feel like an adult." Chup-sitting at the kitchen table with a chicken enchilada--really like that point. Maybe that was what he was feeling all along? He needed a graduation of sorts from Provo to feel like he had progressed?

2. Ellen also finds it silly when people assume Provo is so conservative. "It is a college town, where scholars live." And then she added, "I'd say most of my professors at BYU were/are Liberal. None of them are gun-toting Right-wing Republicans." (Ellen hails from Carlsbad CA.)

3. Ellen likes the pickled carrots from El Azteca. I'd say she's crazy, except then the point she made earlier about me being SMALLER would be moot. Cause she'd be crazy. But she's not crazy, she just likes pickled carrots. AND I AM STILL SMALLER!!!

Until next time . . .

26 comments:

Andrea in Minneapolis said...

I see spy highlights in your hair ~ tres cute.

B said...

I totally agree with the graduation thing. I am from Oregon and it took me a long time to be ok with living in Provo. Even now, I sometimes feel a little sad when I have friends that move to get a job out of state. It feels like they are growing up and moving on while we are just stuck.

TheOneTrueSue said...

Oh come on. Provo is TOTALLY CONSERVATIVE. Statistically, it's the most conservative city in the country.

c jane said...

True Sue. True. And yet, I'd say my area a good 40/60. So I guess it depends on how close you live to these scholars she was talking about.

Bryn said...

Is there something you can do about the greatglam.com advertisements on the side of your blog? They are not what I want to see.

kelly said...

can you tell me how to communicate with Ellen, My daughter dreams of being a fashion designer and would love to meet her and talk to her about it. Thanks

Lisa said...

I would say, very scientifically speaking of course, that 8 out of 10 of my friends are liberal, politically, but not necessarily on moral issues, which is unusual nationwide, but an interesting distinction. But then again, my husband is a college professor.

Svedi Pie said...

You probably are smaller. :)

In two months the hubby and I are moving out of Provo, moving out of the state, moving across the country. So I get what she said about growing up once you leave your college town, I'm really nervous. I've been graduated for a while, but I've never felt like I really left the college days. And while I grew up in CA we moved around that state so many times that I've officially lived in Provo longer than any other city - it's a place I call home. I have a doctor here, a girl who does my hair, preferred grocery stores and preferred routes to take. I'm not sure I can handle giving that all up. . .

It's a weird feeling this leaving college life and this college town, but it was pretty dang good while it lasted.

Becky D said...

Have to agree with Ellen about the pickled carrots.

Mexican food in San Diego just isn't the same without them! I make them at home from time to time (with onions, both lightly blanched and mixed with a jar of sliced jalapenos and a little white vinegar). They're deeeelicious with refried beans.

Can't wait to see your dresses!

GrittyPretty said...

i agree with ellen. most of my BYU profs were "moderate leaning to liberal".

(and i loved them for it.)

London Schade said...

El Azteca nacho breath could lay anyone flat. But they are delicious. Two thumbs up.

sheila said...

I'd comment on something (like the dress) but I'm still too surprised at the comment about the sidebar ad. Do people do this much? The Jane Austen side of me is a little taken aback (or maybe it's the Polite Canadian in me).

Lindsey said...

i've always felt the same way about provo: i'd live here for my 4 years of school and then move on... well, it's been almost 6 years and i haven't quite moved on... but my husband does graduate in april!

i can't help but think that if we moved out of provo we might be able to feel settled somewhere, to find a ward that's not transient, and actually make friends with our neighbors.

maybe i just live in the wrong part of provo?

Jet said...

That's very interesting about liberals in Provo. I never would have guessed that.

Laura said...

I'm jealous. I am never smaller after El Azteca nachos.

Anonymous said...

greatglam.com adds by google are a little uncomfortable to see on your sidebar.

Jeanette

Fresh Hell, Texas said...

"that 8 out of 10 of my friends are liberal, politically, but not necessarily on moral issues,"

What does that mean? I'm picturing less government for social services but more government control for, say, reproductive issues.

Am I close?

My guess it that those who truly percieve Provo is not that conservative have not lived truly liberal places. It's all about perspective.

Coming from the notheast, I am often suprised at how liberal people think Austin is. I mean, yes, it's liberal compared to most of the rest of Texas but compared to say, San Francisco? Not so much.

Anonymous said...

Please stop worrying about being "smaller", especially when you are pregnant! Jeez and with that bust that most women envy like crazy. Cjane when you lament about your weight it makes me sad because you really are so wonderful. I hope you know that.

I'm about the same size and age as you and I gave up obsessing about my weight a couple of years ago. I don't know how it happened exactly but it just faded away, it was a blessing. Maybe by the grace of God. And letting go of that obsession gave me SO much power. So much more time to think and be creative. Undoubtedly having a husband that truly appreciates my fit but rubenesque figure helped. He thinks I look just like the woman in Titian’s "Venus of Urbino". Who can deny the beauty in that?

I also love the chunky highlights. They are fab and so you! I vote for a couple thick ones on both sides of where you part your hair.

Ellen Switzer said...

i dont like the pickled carrots.


I LOVE THE PICKLED CARROTS. HOW DID YOU NOT SEE MY PASSION COURTNEY?

Wendi said...

I went to Costco with my mom today and she reminded me to bring my "cue-pon". I never noticed that she says it like you do and I say it "coo-pon". How did that happen?! And all because you brought up your pronunciation in the previous post. :)

She also mentioned that we need more "moisture" today and I asked her why is it that everyone insists on praying for "moisture", instead of just rain or snow?! (That word is seriously one of my least favorite words in the entire language. It reminds me of a tepid washcloth or something, rather than precipitation. Yes, I do realize that I've brought this point up in your comment section before!) But she just laughed at me when I asked that. :)

Anyway, that really didn't have to do with this post. But it just reminded me how much I think about your posts during the day and I've never even met you!

Smashley said...

I really like the highlights...I really like pickled vegetables. :)

Bryn said...

I'm sorry if the question about the ads came out snippy. I didn't mean that. I asked the question with sincerity since I don't understand much about the advertising partnership with blogging. I have no idea how much control you have over it. I love your blog and I have the sense that it is morally conservative as am I, so it was just rather shocking and distracting to see the ad in my peripheral vision.

thorney said...

Love your hair!

I stayed in my college town (Berkeley, CA) for 30 years after I graduated. In fact I thought I would live there forever. Love called me to Seattle. I miss Berkeley every day, but I love being in love.

c jane said...

Sorry about the great glam ads. I didn't know, thanks for filling me in. They won't be back in the future.

Anonymous said...

I live in Madison, WI and let me tell you, Provo is DEFINITELY conservative. Yes, a large number of professors might be liberal-leaning however, did you ever hear about the low turnouts for BYU College Democrats? How about the number of Provo residents that voted for Bush? McCain? Romney (during the primaries)? How about the fact that in the Princeton Review BYU consistently comes up as one of the most politically conservative college campuses?

It's not a bad thing that Provo is conservative; and it's not a bad thing that Madison is liberal. They are what they are, and you should already know that when you get there. I hate it when people make Provo being conservative a bad thing; like it's just full of politically indoctrinated sheep; because I don't really see a difference between how they teach their kids to think liberally and how Provo teaches their kids to think conservatively.

Some people I knew couldn't wait to get out of Provo. Personally, as the wife of a future "scholar", I (and he) can't wait to get out of Madison!

c jane said...

I really enjoyed this thread full of good thoughts. And need to say to the two anon commenters, thank you. You made me re-think some things and I appreciate your points.