Woke up feeling lousy. Wondering if I might be coming down with something. Headachey, nothing in the lungs or sinuses, so not sure. I blame that damn dirty mall.

So, yesterday I did Lloyd Center, continuing my once-a-year clothes-shopping extravaganza. I managed to check off the critical items from my list, but I'm not entirely happy. My happiest purchases were made Friday -- new shoes & a swank gray pullover. The most critical things I needed to get this weekend: shoes and pants. Pants, I found 'em, but...

OK, I got three pairs of pants: two cargo style (black, dark chocolate), one pair of "worker style" cords (dark brown). See, all dark colors. Wish I'd found something in a lighter, warmer color. It's like when I look at my lap, I see a big patch of shadow. Downer. ...I'm pleased with the fit of the black pants; the other two fit but don't feel as right. [Beginning to see why it would be miserable to go shopping with me?]

Also got three shirts. They're the best out of about 30 that I tried on, but still I'm in a mood where I could return them to the store, if a second opinion concurred with my less generous thoughts. I'm telling myself, "you need clothes -- it's OK to have some things on hand that that aren't perfect -- just have clothes, dammit."

All three are short sleeve, buttons in front. Best one is brown bordering on black, a subtle plaid with orange overtones, very autumnish. One is navyish blue, a plaid with white patterning; broke my own rule against getting plaids with white in them -- but it looks nerd boyish, and I figured if everyone else can do it, I might as well try it... One is turquoise with vertical stripes. It made me think of the 80's. J doesn't think I'll be able to wear it unless someone throws a Hawaiian shirt party.

Nine non-descript socks in charcoal gray and navy blue. Two new pillows and pillow cases for the bed. [Was finally getting irritated with using the pillows Sunny left behind from her Solstice visit back in, what, '99? Gave up a few months ago on my big pillow, the one that kept me good through college -- couldn't find any new pillow cases to fit it.]

Thought I was going to pick up some new towels and a longer-lived 2nd battery for the video cam. After reviewing my options, decided both purchases need more thought.

Left the house at 2pm, got home at 9pm. Seven hours of consumer hell. Went to Meier & Frank, Structure, the Gap, Zumiez, Anchor Blue, Nordstrom, Linens'n'Things, Best Buy, and one or two other stores whose names I don't recall. I'm sure I tried on forty or fifty items by the time it was done. ...How can so much clothing suck so badly?!

Ugh.

Well, I may not be thrilled, but at least the gaping holes in my wardrobe have been patched up. Won't have to keep walking around Portland naked anymore...

On to the homefront. Things to juggle today:

• call back Lane & Leopoldo
  
• fix the upstairs toilet [how long has it been acting like that?]
  
• start generating handouts for my meeting with Aimee tomorrow
  
• try reformatting the blog (fun)
  
• try to install the new iTunes ap (fun, bordering on necessity)
  
• run the dishwasher
  
• take care of end-of-month bills (before Wed.)
  
• de-clutter the living room
  
• come up with a plan of attack for the office
  
• spend some time journaling
  

Hm. I've got that nasty feeling I've forgotten something... What could it be? Well, just to tempt fate, I'll say my line: "Oh, I'm sure it couldn't have been that important."

(For dramatic effect, camera cuts to sink overflowing, as I pull out of the driveway for a week-long vacation...)