Dog Park Mayhem

So I woke up yesterday morning giddy with anticipation. It was the first DMV (DC/MD/VA) French Bulldog Meetup of the Spring and it was being held at the dog park in our very own town. The girls were so excited! Stella was shaking with anticipation the whole way there. It was already crowded and Stella took off running as soon as she was through the gate. Sophie was right behind her. For about 15 minutes. And then, Sophie spotted her nemesis in the form of a 12 year old, blind, deaf, miniature Pincher wearing a pink jacket. Apparently no dog is too weak for Sophie to attack and attack she did. I heard that horrific aggressive growl from clear across the dog park and then everyone else heard an equally scary sound... SOPHIE!!!! Yes, I screamed like a maniac, ran over to her and put the leash on. Time out for the Toph Monster. (If you are wondering what Paul was doing, he was drinking his Starbucks Bold. He thought I had it covered.)

After a while of Sophie watching everyone else run by her, and the arrival of more bullies (including an awesome white English that looked like Meaty from Rob & Big), Paul decided it was time for Sophie to have another turn. She did great until the Labradoodle went after the ball Paul had thrown for Sophie to chase. (Side note: If you throw a ball Sophie will chase it. If she doesn't want to play anymore, she will put it in her toy box instead of bringing it somewhat within your vicinity. She doesn't really understand how to bring it back to you. Her brain is very small.)

So this Labradoodle goes after Sophie's ball and she's like, My Daddy threw that ball to me and I'm either going to get it or take you down, Sucka. Needless to say, we heard that horrific roar again and the next thing I know Paul has her by the collar and is reattaching the leash. Tophie Time Out Part Two. We hear another ruckus break out, grab Stella and head for the car. Where I burst into tears because I don't understand what is wrong with Sophie and am sad she didn't have as much play time as Stella. (Look, I know this isn't rational, but she's my little bundle of love and I'm not rational when it comes to her. Sue me.)

Once home, it becomes apparent that Sophie has developed a limp. She is once again our concerned little being and we are massaging, petting, hugging to make sure she is OK. Without words, we agree that she needs to sleep in our bed (they are normally crated at night. they like it. oh, and they snore like bears.) So Sophie slept beautifully and was all better this morning. I, on the other hand, tossed and turned while she snored to full volume and look like a fright this morning. But at least Sophie is happy.

Next week, Paul's taking them to the dog park by himself. I'll go back once Sophie doesn't have to go to time out. Isn't that what dads do? Take their kids to the park?

"How do you Walk in Those?!"

I often get asked this question. I normally laugh and say "one foot in front of the other"! I get that the majority of people I work with don't wear 3.5 - 5 inch heels on a regular basis. But is it really that much of a mystery that a grown woman can walk in heels? Does this mean I'll get further in life because I have such a "special gift"? How does anyone walk in anything? Isn't it the same no matter what footwear you are sporting? OK, I know, I should probably be flattered by the question but for some reason this week it is really bugging me. Am I overreacting? Probably. Sometimes I just can't deal.

I do love these Calvin Klein, suede, platform sandals though. I feel powerful in them: I am woman, watch me walk!

Shoes Before Breath

Have I ever told you about Grammie? Grammie was my mom's mom and I loved her more than words can say. She died 6 years ago and I think of her almost every day. Grammie loved to shop. We always had the best girls' day out - especially when I got older. For the last 5 years of her life, Grammie was on oxygen (she had COPD and emphysema) so we would have to take her portable tanks with us. I will never forget a time we were in Marshall's (yes, Grammie LOVED Marshall's, and passed that love down to me) and I looked at her tank. The gauge read it was empty! I freaked out, ran to the car, got the other tank, ran back and we switched. I asked Grammie why she didn't say anything about her tank running low and she responded, Because, Melissie, we are in the shoe aisle.

Now do you understand where I get my priorities?

Oh Christmas Shoes, Oh Christmas Shoes!!! (part 2)

I can't believe I forgot to update you on my Christmas shoes. Well, I initially thought the leopard print, platform Michael Kors peep-toed pumps implied a little more pole dancer than I typically like to showcase, so I returned them. (Even Paul agreed when I tried them on that it looked like my toes were doing the Olympic ski jump!).

Behold my gorgeous burgundy Charles by Charles David Prissy platform sandals. Now if you can just explain why they are called Prissy!

Spring is Sprung

It is impossible to be unhappy when the weather is as beautiful as we have had this week. However, the change in season can be tough when you haven't gotten a pedicure yet. That's why I broke out my Nicole Miller "they're like BUTTA" beauties for a trip to the office and a big meeting yesterday. They are perfect for the weather and put a spring in my step without my toes having to peep. What are your favorite shoes for this time of year?

And, yes, I did get that pedicure today!

Rainy Days

I'm not sure who invented golashes but they can be the most fun way ever to express your personal style. Or show off something silly about yourself. A colleague of mine surprised me with these awesome purple bulldog golashes from JCrew. I was equally delighted when I found the matching flip flops. How did we ever go out in the rain without protective footwear before? I have another pair which I will share in another post. How many pairs of golashes do You think one woman should own??? Enjoy the puddles today!

This Just In!!!

I stopped by Nordstrom on Friday evening to (finally) exchange the Christmas shoes Paul bought me. My grey Cardy Uggs are being shipped to me so that just left a replacement for the leopard print Michael Kors (see Christmas Shoes blog post for more details). I stopped and picked up a pair of purple Charles David and then my eyes fell on these (picture left). It was instant chemistry. As I tried them on, all of the sales people crowded around me as they had just hit the floor that day and I was the first to try them on! Not only was it love at first sight, but love at first fit. Can't you just see them paired with a cute summer dress or skirt? Not to mention a perfect pedicure and tan. When will Spring be here???