The Return of Nine West

I lived for Nine West shoes in my 20s. I loved nothing more than hitting the Nine West outlet and grabbing a couple pair of heels and a couple pair of clouds (do you remember that sub-brand?).

When you are in your 20s, everything is new and exciting. You think you have it all figured out... then a decade or so later you realize you knew nothing then. You question if you know anything now, but you are absolutely sure you didn't know anything in your 20s! I took youth for granted. I took the fact that I didn't know any better for granted. I took friendships and relationships for granted. I figured they'd always be there.

In your 30s, the stakes are higher. You find yourself saying "I love you" to those you'd least expect it because you are desperate for them to know the difference they've made in your life. You wake up one morning and realize that life is short and you have to embrace what is working and seek out what is missing. Sometimes it is easier to live in complacency... change is tough. We all say "we want more" but how often do we actually take the risk to go after what that is? The saying is "with great risk comes great rewards" so we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and decide what we want and go after it. I remember doing that in my 20s...

Hence the return of Nine West to my closet. I didn't buy these 5 1/2 inch python platforms just because they are cute. I bought them because they are an homage to my 20s... to a time when I wasn't afraid to go after what I want. A reminder that risks can be taken - in stilettos or flip flops. I'm going after what I want. Will you?

Vertical Confidence

If you'e ever walked into a room wearing 5" stilettos, you will understand how it adds instant confidence to any situation. I don't wear sassy shoes just because I love them... I wear them because they make me feel like I can handle any situation, any obstacle. I wear them because they make me feel like a door could open at any minute that will invite me to saunter through.

So I bought these brown, 5.5" strappy BCBG platform sandals. I didn't wear them until I went to a conference in New Bern, NC. (leave it to me to wear shoes like this during a reception on a dock at a sailing club - not smart!) But amazing things happened that day. A friend and colleague accepted a new challenge. I gained respect I didn't know was available. I understood another friend from a perspective I had never tried to recognize before. Basically, I didn't just grow vertically... my heart grew as well.

So I think stilettos open you up to adventure. They give you confidence to walk into a room that may be intimidating. And confidence to sit on a bar stool near someone you don't think likes you. They give you confidence to take risks... and with any great risk can come a great reward. So go on, invest in some 5 inch heels.

Back to Basics

So I've been contemplating life a lot lately... A LOT. Attribute it to getting older, the leadership course (which is more of a journey than anything) I'm taking or good old fashioned soul searching; but I am extremely introspective lately. I've been asking myself "what does it all mean" and "what do I want" among other questions.

Some answers have been easy to come by. I want to be happy. I want those I care about to be happy. I want to work hard and make a difference. I want to be healthy - eating better, working out, getting enough sleep, etc. I want to spend time with those I care about doing the things we love - theater club, shopping, eating, drinking, traveling and definitely golfing. I want to have more art in my life. I want to make time to write and to read. I want to walk on a beach and pick up sea shells with no time constraints. Really, it's about getting back to the basics and seeing where the basics take me.

Just like a good pair of basic black heels. Everyone needs a pair - they are the basis for any wardrobe. So I'm going to think about what it all means while revisiting the basics of life that make me happy. It won't be easy. I have to commit and be intentional, but I think it's worth a try. Don't you?

Messyism

I have never used or even heard of this term before but an awesome friend of mine coined it today. (not awesome because of coining messyism - he was already awesome...) We were discussing texting/emailing while driving and he chastised me for even considering it. He then met me with one of my "messyisms" - safety first!

That got me thinking about other "messyisms" I use... such as I love it and I couldn't agree more. Or, more importantly, you won't believe what I paid for this ________ (insert dress, shirt, etc.). Or of course I have a need for 5 inch platform peeptoe pumps!

Do you think I could create my own messyism drinking game? Every time I say a messyism, I have to take a shot? Or wait, maybe you should take the shot. Heck, the more the merrier, let's all take shots!

Summer Days

Today is the first day of summer, and what better way to celebrate than by breaking out some fabulous navy and white striped strappy sandals? I must admit that I have not been my usual chipper self lately but it is impossible to be in a bad mood wearing these! Actually, I heard one of the phrases I like the most many times today... "I love your shoes!"

I think we should all celebrate the first day of summer by sporting our sassiest footwear! And by buying another pair for the second day of summer.

The More the Merrier?

When Paul called me last week and asked if we could babysit Finnegan, an almost 10 week old Pug puppy, of course I said yes. I felt that pang of motherhood you feel when you think of holding a new pup and missed those days with Stella. (Sophie came to us at 6 months so was never really tiny). Of course, I didn't stop to think about the fact that Sophie prey's on vulnerable dogs at dog parks and pups need to be walked every 2 seconds.

Regardless, Kathleen and Steve brought us Finnegan on Thursday evening and it was love at first sight. He's such a sweet little guy. He slept on my lap the entire ride home and was perfectly potty trained... for 36 hours. Now to his credit, he only had accidents on the hardwood or tile, thus saving our carpeting so I can't complain.

Sophie spent much of our first evening together in the crate. We didn't think delivering the news that Finnegan had been eaten would go over well so felt best to isolate my "loving" pumpkin. Stella totally embraced having a new playmate. They ran around like crazy!

Friday, I worked from home so used an alternate crating method during the day. Finn out, Sophie and Stella in and vice versa. When Paul got home that night, Sophie started to understand that she can growl but not attack. And growl she did. Every time Finn came near her, the furniture, her toys, me, a magazine... you get the picture.

Fast forward to our last night together, Sunday. Stella was over playtime and clearly wanted her house back. Sophie followed Finnegan everywhere he went. I think she started to think of him as her baby. Finally, they fell asleep on the couch - all 3 cuddled up together.

So what did we learn? With a lot of attention, Sophie can rise above the urge to eat unsuspecting dogs. Stella loves playtime but only up to a certain point. Finnegan is a good boy and all puppy... and he can come back anytime. Of course, I'll need to send Stella & Sophie somewhere for a few days :)

OUCH!!!

So walking home from a baby shower next door Sunday, I twisted my ankle. It was the combination of the hill and these fabulous Via Spiga sandals. Then, while watching the Tony's, I slammed my toe into the coffee table. I was shoeless at the time. Needless to say, I'm happy yoga can be done barefoot because I can't wear a real shoe today. I also can really only stand on one foot so it will have to be one-sided yoga. Does this girl have issues, or what?