Alterations

Some time back,  Gerry bought an inexpensive jacket and the sleeves were too short.  I hated the way that looked, so I took the jacket to the tailor.  The tailor described how difficult and challenging it would be to open up that sleeve and let it out and adjust the lining, etc.  I thought the price they quoted was outlandish, and did not leave the jacket there.  I decided that maybe some day I would be adventurous and do it myself.

I have not yet attempted Gerry's jacket yet, but I have altered several of my own lined blazers. I figured there was not much to lose since I wear more casual clothes now.  I discovered that making alterations is indeed a challenge.  And that got me to thinking about alterations as a metaphor for life.  Life alterations are really hard too, whether that is to quit a bad habit;  or to exercise more and eat less. Sometimes the sacrifice is too great to make, so alterations never get done.  Other times, the cost is too high, and nothing changes.

But there are payoffs for alterations made.  If apparel fits better, you feel better and look better.   The same is true for life alterations--at least those made toward a more positive and healthy direction.  If one quits smoking, better health is a definite outcome. If you exercise, the blood pressure goes down.  I guess I always have work to do on alterations, of one kind or another!

I am happy to report that I have indeed made successful alterations to a number of my blazers.  It is a lot of work and daring work if you don't really know what you are doing. One blazer I had really not worn more than once or twice, so I wanted to alter that one first, because less was at stake.  I kept thinking about it. Some time later,  I opened the lining up and turned in inside out, only to discover that I had already done it!  (and did not remember)!  That did cause me some concern!  Hopefully, that was just an anomaly!