Tag Archives: fashion

“The Uniform”

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That was Robin's cape - we also had Batman & Superman...

That was Robin’s cape – we also had Batman & Superman…

“I’VE BROKEN MY BELT!!!!”, he bellows in a panic.  Now, this is a key part of his uniform – but having said that, I guess I wasn’t picking up on the immediacy of this problem!  Let me explain about “The Uniform”…

Since Henry was a little guy, he has gravitated to the same thing every day – whether it’s his attire or what he eats.  When he was little, he wore a superhero cape everywhere!  He especially loved running and looking behind him to see it fluttering in the breeze (there was also an Acadia hat that was worn…)

When he was a little older, there was an Acadia sweatshirt that his grandparents sent one Christmas to Left Brain – which was sized for a 12-year old…  This got worn until it fell apart – even during the heat of summer at camp.

Notice the toque... This was an accidental overlap of the whole hiphop-gansta thing...

Notice the toque… This was an accidental overlap of the whole hiphop-gansta thing…

Then the age of the baseball shirts – even though he hadn’t the slightest interest in the sport…

He had the Blue Jays, the Tigers & of course, the Yankees...

He had the Blue Jays, the Tigers & of course, the Yankees…

Then came the age of plaid shirts, jeans, belt cinched as tight as possible, and the ever present hat – which is a good thing, because it coincided with his proclivity to laser part his hair, and plaster each side down…

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So, having one part of his uniform on the IR (“injured reserved”), was causing him stress.  So, I reasonably asked whether or not his pants were in danger of falling down.  “ARE YOU CALLING ME FAT??!!”  Uh – no….  Then I asked him whether or not he could wait until Christmas break to get a new belt.  That idea was NOT flying…  After some conversation, we got to the root of the problem.  Although he is fastidious and dogmatic with his “The Uniform”, there were other bigger issues causing him stress and anxiety.

With exams approaching, he was worried about getting a high enough mark in math to ensure he gets admission to his chosen program at university.  Also, in the next week, he had to select all of his courses for semester 2.  So, after some calming discussion and problem solving together, he was a little more calm.

However… having said that – the next Saturday, I drove to The Shwa, with a new belt, a pizza and a big hug.

 

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Peace in the Universe (Part 2)…

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So, I didn’t really think there was going to be a second instalment to this story, but there is!  After our uber-successful shopping expedition, I went on the hunt for more of these fabulous undergarments!  And so, last Saturday, I made my way to the Shwa to deliver the goods.

Saxx Success!!

Saxx Success!!

Of course, no visit would be complete without the accompanying

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The little rotter met me downstairs at the car, took the bag of underwear (plus his gloves, scarf, and too smallish winter jacket), and the box of pizza.  A big hug curb side and off he went.  That was the visit….  However, he did have a smile on his face…

Peace in the Universe

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Last weekend, Brian and I travelled to The Shwa (those not in the know call this town, Oshawa).  We were delivering Henry’s birthday present to him – he was very specific about what kind of laptop he wanted, and what his technological requirements were…  hence, the delay in getting him his birthday present (one month late).  As well, he informed me that he needed new running shoes.  This, despite the fact, that I asked him this very thing before he left for college.  So, it appeared – we would be going on another shopping expedition – and this time, in unfamiliar territory.  You know how I love to shop…. (see earlier blog, “Please Don’t Make Me Go….)  Even more surprising – Left Brain volunteered to come with us.  Don’t tell me he isn’t feeling the Empty Nest Syndrome.  The last time that Left Brain and I went to a shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon was NEVER!!!  So be it…

Henry tells me that his old running shoes were hurting the back of his heels.  I found out, to my horror, that in the meantime, he had been rocking that sporty look of sandals with white socks!

At least his pants aren't this short!!!

At least his pants aren’t this short!!!

Egad!!!  Now I’m all for individuality and not caring about what other people think, but come on!!!  This is a definite fashion faux pas!!!  He said nobody cares what he wears on his feet – ah… yes, they do – they’re just too nice to say anything to you about it.  But I keep this thought to myself.

So off we go to the mall – with the rest of the entire town it seems.  There is no parking of course.  Left Brain meanders with a bewildered look on his face.  I suggest that he drop us off so we can get a head start and then he can catch up.  But he’s afraid of getting lost – uh – isn’t that what cell phones are for?!  But again, I exercise the restraint of a saint and keep this thought to myself (I picture Left Brain rolling his eyes at this).

So we find the Sportchek quickly – I zero in on the shoes that come in double wide.  We settle on a couple of pairs of Merrells.  As we’re leaving, Henry is diverted by the Under Armour display.  Last Thanksgiving weekend, I noticed that Henry had already gained his Freshman 15…  Everything is annoyingly convenient and close on campus – he’s not walking like he used to or climbing the 3 flights of stairs to his room about 10 times a day.  He said, “No – I’m just big boned!”  OK – well – he’s grown two new bones around his midsection!  So he suggests that he buy some shorts and t-shirts.  No problem.  This is going well!

Next, I’m diverted by the Saxx display*.  Let me explain, lest you are unfamiliar with this revolutionary new product.  These undergarments for men have compartments that separate the “boys” – so they don’t get all sweaty or mashed in together.  Honestly – how guys walk around with those things banging around in their pants is a mystery to me.  I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything!!  So, after a cursory look by Henry, we buy them.  (A test run is mandatory – these things are slightly expensive and non-returnable).

Good news…underweartextAll is right with the world – there is peace in the universe!

* Was going to post a picture of these stupendous underwear, but all of the images featured young men with substantial packages and 6-packs.  I could hear “Mrs. Robinson” playing in the background – decided to pass…