This Week's Roundup: Jury Duty and a Baking Competition

"I'm sorry, everyone, I forgot to tell you not to come in today. You're free to go!"

Thus ended my first experience with jury duty. During this past week, I woke up early, fought rush-hour traffic, waited outside the court building with other members of the jury pool, sat in an unused court room waiting to be selected, and then was sent home.

On Wednesday, I was the last juror to be selected for a criminal case. For 45 minutes, we were screened by the prosecuting attorney, and the defense. It really felt like we were the ones on trial, as they asked us pointed questions about our personal lives. I was never singled out, fortunately, and as I was the last juror of the bunch, I was never going to be selected for this particular case. We were told to come back the next day, for another trial. And, as we were waiting in the damp morning air, we were dismissed. Just like that.

I can see why people try to get out of jury duty. You are committing to a full week of being on-call, and the most exciting part of it might be the complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available as you wait. It reminded me of gym class, as you wait to be selected for a team, or an audition of sorts.

As a stay-at-home mom, it really was difficult to find someone to watch him all week. Fortunately, one of our friends was kind enough to watch Mr. D in the mornings. Otherwise, I guess Andy would have had to do it. Not a great situation. Add another child into the equation, and it just doesn't make sense for me to do it again. Undue hardship, right there. I guess we'll have to assess the situation, should I be summoned for jury duty again.

In addition to my jury duty shenanigans, this week I binge-watched the first season of The Great British Baking Show, a competition of 12 amateur bakers. This is unlike any other competition show I have seen. Each of the contestants was likable, and fairly gracious in the face of criticism. Several times throughout the show, contestants helped each other succeed. This aesthetically appealing show features mouth-watering, extraordinary recipes. Best of all? All of the lovely British accents. Do yourself a favor, and watch the first season, available free on Amazon Prime for the next 5 days.

And, apparently, the third season of the show is starting on July 1 on PBS 9/8 central time. I'm going to have to see how it compares to the awesome first season. Anybody else with me? (Besides Andy, of course!)

How was your week? I'd love to hear from you!

Discovering My Personal Style

She wrinkled her nose as she grasped the jersey material, "You aren't going to wear this, are you?" Shame washed over me, and my stomach sank. She was classically beautiful, a Grace Kelly, and represented everything I longed to be, but wasn't.

Like a lot of women, I have struggled with insecurity about my appearance for as long as I can remember. And I have held a very narrow definition of what it means to be beautiful--in a skin deep sort of way.

Since becoming a mom, I have decided that it's time I owned my unique brand of beauty. This quest has led me to the world of style archetypes and seasonal color analysis. Several weeks ago, I met with an Image Analyst, and confirmed my suspected archetype--Yin Natural (Soft Natural in Kibbe language).

Through this journey, I have become more aware of what works and also what doesn't (and why). I may long for certain styles, but now I feel confident in leaving them on the rack for someone else to wear. I don't have to settle for looking okay (or plain Jane) anymore in the wrong styles.

I don't have to try to hide certain features, or pretend I have others. It's all about working with one's natural shape, and honoring our bodies. I want to look my best, and feel confident in the skin I'm in. I may never be Grace Kelly, but I will be me. And yes, that is what I'm wearing. :)

Here are a few outfits I've created since my personal image analysis (PIA).

In a few weeks, I will meet with a local analyst for my personal color analysis. I have my suspicions I am a True (or Cool) Summer. Keep posted to find out the results!

Braving the Park Alone: One Shy Mama's Tale

Today I went outside of my comfort zone. I went to a park, with my toddler son in tow, all by myself. I wasn't meeting anyone. I didn't know anyone once I got there.

Was it awkward at first? You bet. I am one of those highly self-aware people, and there was a group of moms who all knew each other, and very clearly weren't interested in adding someone (me) to their conversation. It felt like high school all over again.

But, I plunked my diaper bag down on the bench next to the sand box, and while my little guy played, I sat. I pulled out my phone a few times to check some texts that came in from friends (who sadly, couldn't make it to the park). But otherwise, I watched Mr. D and tried to look somewhat approachable (I've been told I have a friendly face, so maybe my efforts weren't that difficult).

Not from the park today, but isn't he the cutest? 

A few minutes passed, and a man, probably in his late 60s, asked if he could sit beside me on the bench. He was there with his wife, and their two grandchildren. "What is this area called?" They were visiting from Vermont. "We have a camper and we just came from Yosemite. Which one is yours?" I gestured towards Mr. D. "Is he your only child?" I nodded, and added, with a smile, "So far!"

Mesmerized, Mr. D toddled after a radio-controlled car. He loves anything with wheels, so I left my bench so I could be closer to him. Just then, a slender woman with a round straw hat came by with her toddler boy. She commented to me about the large number of people at the park. I agreed, and we struck up a nice conversation.

She was from Russia, and her son was just a few months older (and just a little bit smaller) than Mr. D. She told me how much she loved being with her children, two boys, one aged 4, and the other one 18 months. "I was originally hoping for a girl the second time around...but as soon as I saw him (her younger son), it was love. Sometimes, we don't know what would be best for us." We parted ways after a few minutes--I needed to stay close to Mr. D--but I left the park feeling content. I had braved the park alone, and came away feeling more connected with the world.

Mr. D benefited from the fresh air, sunshine, and the opportunity to practice his climbing skills. And this shy mama learned that sometimes it's okay to be alone, for it is through vulnerability that we open ourselves to new experiences, new people, and sometimes, new friends.

I Don't Do It All

Today I'm over at my friend Bethany's blog, Baking Humble Pie, dispelling the myth that we moms "do it all." I was so honored when she asked me to contribute to this series. It's so important for our society to see a realistic picture of motherhood.

You can read about what I do and don't do as a mom here. And while you're there, check out Bethany's thoughtful collection of posts. She is an amazing writer and homeschooling mom of five, with lots of wisdom to share.

Join the conversation! What do you do, and what don't you do in your current state of life?