it’s windy… be careful

This morning I had a doctor's appointment… everything went well.  Doctor wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic to (hopefully) kill this never-ending sinus infection.  So, post-appointment I drop the prescription off at Publix and decided to kill the 20 minutes devouring a Cinnamon Crunch bagel at Panera.

With my husband in tow we head to Panera.  Let me preface this story by telling you that we've been having gale force winds this week. 

Got out of the car at Panera, headed towards the front door… when all of the sudden out of nowhere, a massive gust of wind took the bottom of my cute little black fluttery skirt all the way up around my neck. 

Panic.

I fumbled around for what seemed like 20 minutes trying to grab the edges of the skirt… couldn't find them… they were flapping in the wind so fast I could not get my hands on them.  So, plan B I dropped my purse, hoping it would grab my skirt on its way down and help me out.  

My purse falls in the open position and everything within it went everywhere.

I screamed.

I still had my skirt up around my neck.

I likely screamed again.

I finally got a hold of my waistband and yanked it down. 

Yes.  Not only did my skirt come up in the wind.

But then I managed to pull it off in an effort to solve the problem.

Brilliant!

Chance was walking ahead of me (I'm sure because he was racing to get the door for his pregnant wife), when he finally turned around there I stood in the parking lot with my purse on the ground, all of its contents all over the place and me standing there with my skirt half way between my waist and my knees. 

He said "what are you doing!?"

I was mortified.  I did a 360 to see if anyone was watching.  Then laughing, blushing, and sort of wanting to cry I walked into Panera.

I dang sure needed that Cinnamon Crunch bagel now more than ever.  

A man was peeking out of his booth… laughing hysterically.  Hey gave me a wink and mouthed "oops!" my way.  I guess "oops" is better than a thumbs up?  I'm not sure. 

No one else would look my way. 

I was wearing the panties that last time Chance saw me in asked: "Does Mimi know you stole her underpants?"  Mimi is my grandmother.   

Me in the wind

Comments

  1. with a morning like this things can only go up…..or down depending on how the wind blows!

  2. hysterical! hope you are feeling better…I have somehow contracted strep throat which is a total mystery. but it is nice to take some time and be able to lay in bed…

  3. haaaa! I SO needed that laugh! {I hate that you had to endure that, but it made for a great story}

  4. Oh my, I am so so sorry that happened to you! I have to admit that I laughed so hard I cried. I’m still laughing, and will likely read it again. So so sorry….
    Hope you feel better soon!

  5. Wow! I’m so sorry you had a rough day, but you definitely made my afternoon. Too funny! Hope your evening makes up for the skirt fiasco!

  6. hahaha that just made my day. oh the days of being pregnant and without a waist to hold said skirt where it belongs.
    hope you feel better

  7. Oh that is funny. Thanks for sharing that story! I needed the laugh.

  8. you are too much.

  9. That is hilarious. I think it is just God’s way of getting you ready for the embarrassing moments that little Peanut will put you through. I say better the Granny panties than a thong!

  10. Oh Erika! You make me laugh. I second Carol that flashing grannies are much better than a thong.

  11. LMAO…not sure what’s funnier. The story or the picture! I’m so sorry that happened!

  12. I feel your embarrassment. It happened to me while I was taking my class of fourth graders to load the buses on windy afternoon.

  13. Erika- You have be beat for embarrassing moments! :)

  14. I am soooo sorry! I can not stop crying I am laughing so HARD! I.CAN.BARELY.TYPE!!! That is horrible but so funny all at the same time! Just blame it on being preggers.

  15. Aaah! How embarrassing! You certainly deserved the cinnamon crunch bagel. Those are my favorite!

  16. mom2oem says:

    You made me laugh out loud. Thanks for your honestly.

  17. oh my goodness, that happened to me this week! (well, not to such extremes and without the purse-spilling incident…) i’m 7 months along and was filling my car with gas when a huge gust blew my whole dress up! of course the gas station was packed AND there were construction workers doing some sort of road work in the parking lot. i’m not sure if this made it better or worse, but i was wearing these awful flesh-colored maternity spanx under my dress! maybe from afar it just looked like i have incredibly smooth, shiny thighs :) luckily i payed at the pump so i didn’t have to face anyone inside!

  18. Oh my word!! I think I just passed out from laughing so hard at your story. That’s one for the books.
    I had a similar wind blowing my dress up moment while holding our 2 year old daughter walking into a store. I was in the middle of the street crossing with cars coming so I couldn’t just set her down to get hit. I was wiggling and squirming trying to desperately save myself with one hand pulling the dress down, but it was strapless and I pulled too hard and so then I had a second problem. We turned around and went home.

  19. Alcea Alba says:

    Not quite the elegant Marilyn Monroe dress moment, but a moment nonetheless! Hope you are feeling better soon.

  20. I think this is one of the all time funniest posts I have ever read. Since I know you it makes it even funnier. You are fully allowed to be in mimi’s when you are preggers!

  21. Oh my goodness…too funny. I know it was awful as it was happening but makes for a GREAT story now and in years to come.
    I haven’t stopped in for a while….I take it Chance is GOOD!
    Blessings…
    xo

  22. Oh my gosh…that’s hilarious! You had me laughing out loud. I’m so sorry!

  23. I do hate that you had an embarassing moment and a frustrating time as well with your purse. However, it was an awesomely, entertaining story and Jeremy are laughing out loud right now! Thanks for sharing. :)

  24. Oh, and in that situation, mimis are MUCH better than a thong! Can you imagine?!…well, actually, I guess you could.

  25. You describe this all so well that I am blushing for you! You certainly deserved that cinnamon crunch bagel- those are the best, aren’t they? Adorable illustration!

  26. you are hilarious! can ‘mimi’s’ replace the word ‘grannie panties’ on urban dictionary please? So funny! xx

  27. Meredith says:

    Bless your heart! If we can’t laugh at ourselves then who can we laugh at! I know the bagel was worth it after that!
    ~Meredith

  28. so funny…mimi’s underpants make it that much better!

  29. thanks for giving me a good laugh tonight – sorry it was at your expense…I would have DIED. Those cinnamon crunch bagels are sooooo good though!

  30. Inspired Living says:

    Thank you for sharing! I laughed so hard I cried…I’m going to read this to my 11 year old daughter who embarrasses easily. It’s such a good lesson. Life happens; how you handle tricky situations reveals a lot about your character. Good on you for holding your head up high! You’re going to be a great mom:)

  31. Could have been worse…a thong day. So glad you got the yummy bagel though!

  32. i am laughing so hard there are tears streaming down my face. you are too hysterical. and in case i wasn’t already about to fall out of my chair, chance’s previous comment about your underoos really got me going! this is too much! i’m definitely starring this for a blue day. there’s no way i could ever read this without at least a smile! love you!

  33. erika,
    thank you for sharing this! too funny + it sounds like you had a great sense of humor about it all.
    hang in there with the wind (my least favorite type of weather)

  34. OMGosh! Just goes to show you The Lord has a sense of humor! ;)

  35. GREAT story and an even better story-teller! wink
    xx

  36. Great visuals! Time to put away the skirts until the winds die down.

  37. Oh Erika, you are a hoot! Also for being a good sport and to share the wonderful story I have visions in my head of- just like your drawing. Hugs… xoxo

  38. That is so awful. And sorry I just laughed so hard at your frightful moment.

  39. Did you break wind?
    Listen, I think I’ve seen Mimi’s panties… and they are extremely lovely. Tell Chance it’s an honor she let you borrow them for occasions such as these.
    Love you! And your “mimis” and there’s nothing wrong with mimis I wear them everyday!

  40. oh erika…oh my friend. i just don’t even know what to say. bless your heart!! note to self…no dresses in the wind. and i just don’t even have words for the wonderfulness that is the confectionary goodness of the cinnamon crunch panera bagel. i die.

  41. Oh, I can hardly see to type because of the tears in my eyes! Seriously, streaming down my face. So sorry that happened to you… but THANK YOU for sharing! :)

  42. oh bless your heart.
    but thanks for sharing. ’cause that is stinkin’ hilarious!

  43. Oh my goodness! I’ve been following for awhile and have never posted before but I’ve just gotta say “bless your little heart”. I was laughing though because this is SO something that would happen to me:) Your a beautiful woman and I’m sure you look great even with your skirt over your head and wearing granny pants! Hang in there!

  44. oh, my goodness…that was a good laugh!! I love you and don’t you worry, I think we all have at least one pair of granny panties, but we wouldn’t want anyone to see them:-)You are very brave or very hungry to still go into Panera after that:-)

  45. Mary Michael says:

    I am laughing hysterically…completely with you not at you! :) Hate to laugh at your expense but I needed that! Hope you have a less windy day tomorrow!

  46. I hope the bagel was good, at least.

  47. Elizabeth says:

    Too, too hilarious. I have been dying laughing. And the drawing made me laugh even more. Please start doing those more often! I caught my wrap around skirt in the door of my car one day when I went to the post office. I walked off and it stayed there. Lets just say that I wish I had on “mimis” that day… So embarrassing so I can sympathize with you…while laughing of course.

  48. I had to share this story with my husband and we both laughed until we got teary. Great story. It was worth the experience to be able to tell it!!!!!!

  49. I am dying. Sitting in a restaurant at a table by myself crying! And I love that Chance asks “What are you doing?” And I’m sure your underwear were hot.
    I had lived in NYC for less than 1 week and was strutting down Broadway on my way to my Internship. Clearly, I thought I was hot stuff as everyone was looking at me, clapping, hooting and hollering. Then I walked past Kate’s Paperie and looked in the window. The back of my skirt was tucked into my purse, so I was essentially mooning every passerby in SoHo. And let me just say what I would have given to be wearing Mimi’s drawers than the ones that resembled dental floss.

  50. I am laughing out loud – not “at” you but “with” you. And I loved your picture. It reminded me of a similar experience after leaving church on Easter morning a few years ago. Saying good-bye to our Pastor and his wife, I headed down the driveway toward our car. New heels. New fluttery skirt (like yours). Then suddenly…you know those pesky little pebbles caused me to lose my balance and I stumbled. Before I knew it I fell to the pavement on my knees with my skirt flying up behind me (quite a draft). I got up off the ground, not looking behind me because I knew the people there got a show. This is why no one ran down to assist me. They were as embarrassed as I was. So trying to regroup I made my way toward the car picking pebbly rocks from my now scraped up palms. My dear hubby met me 1/2 way and said “oh honey, I saw someone fall down up there but couldn’t make out if it was you. Are you okay?” My reply “just get me in the car and let’s go quick.” You Erika, were the lucky one wearing granny underwear. I unfortunately chose to wear the “slimmer” style (you know what I’m talking about) so as not to show any panty lines.
    Blessings,
    Marie
    marie@waltercom.com

  51. villapacis@blogspot.com says:

    ugh. i am crying with laughter. hilarious.

  52. so I have been a bit under the weather and up since 4am, I must say this little story made my day just a bit better:) Thanks for sharing, HA!

  53. I am in tears laughing! Aren’t granny panties the best?

  54. Oh Erika! I’m laughing so hard I’m crying…sorry though. That had to be bad:) So funny though. I’m picturing you trying on your thongs then your mimi panties at D’s house. I miss you!!
    XOXO

  55. I am at work, and.am.laughing.hysterical!!!! My eyes are crying!!!!! Bless you dear child!

  56. you poor thing!! This is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time, so thank you for the laugh! I’m sure looking back now, you’re laughing too. Hope you got your bagel!

  57. okay, on the one hand, THANK you for making me laugh so hard, and on the other hand, I am so, so, sorry for you. :-) while yet, still laughing. speechless, but still so sympathetic…

  58. oh, girl! You are a mess! SO STINKIN’ FUNNY! Chance’s response…”What are you doing?” FUNNY! :) Reminds me of Katie’s graduation at BSC in my SHORT little sundress. Remember the falling down the large flight of stairs incident? A year later someone stopped me and called me out on it…Let me know if that happens! :)
    I’m proud of you for going in for that bagel. I probably would have made Chance bring it to the car! HILARIOUS story! Allyosn’s still in the bed, but I can’t wait to share! :)

  59. tears are STREAMING down my face right now. this is the funniest thing I have read in a long time. seriously, my face hurts i’m laughing so much.
    i’ll read this one again for sure.

  60. So, I’m typically just a lurker, but this story is enough to make me leave a comment! And what a story – I can’t even imagine how embarrassing it was, but it sure does make for a funny story. Thanks for the laugh, and for the great visual!

  61. You’re so brave to have actually posted about something like that! Props to you for that!

  62. i just laughed and had tears coming out my eyes. That is SO a situation that has happened to everybody! Embarassements like that make us real :) And the fact that you live to write about it, well – all the better. ha.
    That bagel does sound fabulous ;)

  63. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!
    that is probably the funniest story i’ve heard (read) in a while! i’m sorry you had to be embarrassed but i appreciate you sharing it with the blogosphere.
    i once wore a skirt with suspenders (it was the 90s, people did that) and bent over and got the hem of my skirt stuck under my shoe, stood up and the skirt stayed on the floor with the suspenders stretched to full capacity. when i moved my shoe, the skirt popped back up to my armpits. embarrassment ensued.
    thanks again for sharing your plight. :)

  64. That was funny! Don’t you think it was worth the hilarious story you’ll tell your children for years to come?

  65. Erika
    Love you for your willingness to share. You just made my boring day sitting at my desk a lot better! I am headed to Rosemary today and I would love if I could run into you somewhere :) Thanks again for your blog. I love it!

  66. Oh man… I’m sorry I did get a little chuckle out of it. At least you weren’t at church, or some big event where lots of people know you!
    On one of my “very pregnant” days, I was out on a site visit (8 months prego + site visit = no fun)… my lovely ‘granny’ maternity underwear was just a bit too baggy and not working out, if you catch my drift. I was headed through another part of the existing building, and walked through a quiet little foyer area. As soon as I realized it was vacant I put down my bags and did a quick “re-adjust” to my underwear situation, which at 8 months preggo isn’t pretty… or quick for that matter. Once I thought I had it under control I picked up my stuff and turned to exit the building. To my surprise, the foyer wasn’t vacant at all, but had quite a few bench seats hiding along one wall I didn’t see. And of course they were full of people! Every person in that place saw my little show. I was mortified! Hey, it happens…

  67. It’s certainly a moment you’ll remember and share for years to come. Better laughing about it than crying!

  68. elizabeth says:

    Oh my, I haven’t laughed that hard in awhile! So sorry for your public display of underpants. It reminded me of something that happened to my mom (whose grandmother name is Mimi coincidentally). She was going up front to take communion at church, and she had worn a pair of pants that she had worn the previous day (it was 8:30 am church). While she was walking up the church aisle, her underwear from the previous day fell out of the leg of her pants. Instead of discreetly picking them up and putting them in her pocket, she jumped to the side and screamed ” Oh….my panties!” My poor stepdad had to pick them up and then they went and had communion. We still tease her about it today!!

  69. Michele says:

    Ah, yes…one word I finally learned….BOYSHORTS!!! They have saved some embarassment on windy days for me!! Thanks for sharing your story-sorry it was traumatic!

  70. Michele says:

    you are funny- love the drawing.

  71. Oh my gosh, that is the funniest story! I know it was mortifying when it happened, but it sure is funny now!
    I recently started reading your sister’s blog and found yours through hers — I love both of y’all’s blogs!
    Mine is private, but if you ever want to read, email me at tomato2@islc.net.
    Thanks for giving me a laugh today!

  72. that’s a great story to tell your baby! I walked through a reataurant about a month ago – used the restroom and walked back outside to wait on my husband…when a sweet girl came up behind me and whispers, “your dress is caught in your undies” and tugs on my dress. knot in the throat – total embarassment…i couldn’t even eat in the restaurant…worse than that, i had on a black dress with white panties – HUGE mistake:)

  73. Loved this story! So fun! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great drawing!!!

  74. That was great. Thanks for sharing. The picture really makes the story. Have a great weekend. xoxo

  75. Oh E-what a morning. I actually had a skirt on yesterday that was blown up by the wind yesterday while loading AVery in the car, and I flashed the Target parking lot!! Whether it’s comforting or depressing, I promise that motherhood will bring many more stories like this one! Hope you’re feeling well.
    -L

  76. this was a good “Friday laugh”…and Panera bagels, mmmmm!!!

  77. I had to read it again today. Love that Chance asks “What are you doing?” What the hell did he think you were doing?? That’s a better question. Just as funny today as it was yesterday.
    Wearing shorts this afternoon?? :)

  78. l.o.v.e. it! sounds like me on a regular basis, except i wore nini’s instead of mimi’s… oh boy, i learned to wear mimi’s after the first FEW times of it happening!!

  79. LOL – speaking of windy, you mention Chicago often. Ever thought about doing a post on Chicago? It is my all time favorite city!!!! From every angle and position, it is by far the most striking city in the US. Hope you have a great weekend and are feeling better!

  80. I am laughing “with” you not “at” you. It is so nice to know I am not the only dork that these sorts of things happen to. With me it was a skirt falling around my ankles,tripping me up, as I was walking through Boston Common. Of course, I was wearing my bright purple panties, because you know I had to draw as much attention to the issue as possible. I feel your pain, glad you have such a great sense of humor about it.

  81. Not.laughing.seriously.not.laughing…
    You definitely earned your bagel!

  82. You gave me a much needed laugh…sorry that something like that had to happen, though. I have had so many embarassing moments in my life that it would take me several days to list all of them.

  83. THANK. YOU.

  84. this made me laugh and laugh and I needed that today! pregnancy is full of indignities!

  85. hysterical. wait till you are really big; I have a bra to show you; hilarious :) you are darling, the sketch even better :)

  86. I wish you could hear how hard I just laughed. HILARIOUS

  87. Alison Todd says:

    After the week I’ve had, I definitely needed a good laugh. Thank you E!!! I cannot even begin to imagine what a sight you were. I am impressed that you continued on into Panera…kudos to you!!!

  88. great story! so funny!

  89. I really can’t help but laugh right now… I’m completely the girl this would happen to as well… that’s what has me tickled. I was picturing myself the whole time. I hope you weren’t too embarassed, and glad you rewarded yourself afterwards. Thanks for sharing this story =)

  90. what a morning! i have heard of a skirt being blown up and being pulled down, but never in the same story. :) bless your heart! i am sure the cinnamon crunch bagel was very needed (they are so yummy).
    i hope you sinus infection goes away soon. feel better! they are awful to have.

  91. how hilarious and so awful! i couldn’t have gone into the restaurant after that episode.

  92. I so feel your pain, Lady! I too had a similar experience just yesterday while walking the streets of Paris. Obviously occupied by my conversation with my teenage daughter, I walked over a street vent (while wearing a maxi dress) and up she blew! Why is it so impossible to pull down a skirt or dress in the when???
    To add insult to injury, my kids then ask, “Hey, wasn’t there some famous old woman who had her picture taken with her dress flying up?” (they were completely clueless as to Marilyn’s identity).

  93. this is hilarious! i’m sure you didn’t think so at the time and granny’s are soo comfortable! hope you are better!! allergies seem worse this year.

  94. i just lol-ed all by myself. that sounds like my life.
    thanks for that story!!
    Jen

  95. I’m laughing out loud and even crying a bit…did I mentioned that I’m at the office?

  96. This post made me laugh very hard :) .

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