blue artichoke

BA: Is that my pie?
BGC: No, it’s a bush.

Blue Grilled Cheese, Purple Pasta and I have returned from our weekend in Atlanta, and have discovered how old-ladyish we have become since high school. Or maybe just since we all turned 30. I won’t tell you how many conversations turned to topics such as bunions or ironing, but I will tell you that we spotted our 80-year-old future selves, clutching purses and smuggling snacks into the Atlanta aquarium. I love aquariums, including the Atlanta aquarium, but I think the Chattanooga aquarium is better. I’ve been to one super awesome aquarium with my friend Bubba, but I can’t remember where it was. Baltimore?

We took a slight detour on our way out of town to stop by Your Dekalb County Farmer’s Market, which is sort of a misnomer because the produce comes from all over the place (shockingly, the peaches were from New Jersey!). I like the big tubs of dried beans and exotic grains; look forward to reviews of purple polenta.

The trip wasn’t all swollen ankles and wicker (“Oh, baskets!”). I managed to work in a few things to add to my 30 New Things list. All related to clothing, though, so they’ll be counted as just one new thing. I wore shorts, a tank top and a thong on purpose, all day and in public. I haven’t worn shorts socially since high school; the only tank top I can remember wearing in a nonathletic setting was one I borrowed from Blue Grilled Cheese during middle school spring break in Panama City. We played putt-putt, and I have the pictures to prove it. I’m just not the type to reveal my limbs; I prefer the mystery of sleeves. And the thong? I think I bought it during college but never got drunk enough to actually wear it; I found it a few weeks ago in a bag full of pantyhose. I decided to take all three garments to Atlanta, and that’s all I packed (besides pjs and a bathing suit). No opportunity to chicken out. Surprisingly, none made me feel uncomfortable or self-conscious; I guess it was just hot enough for me to appreciate the extra ventilation. I’m not saying that I’m going to cut the sleeves off of all my t-shirts now, but I may occasionally venture forth from the house dressed a bit skimpier than usual.

Getting to Know All About You: Aquarium or zoo?