The Luckiest Girl in the World

I knew it was coming. Eventually. Todd just kept saying "trust me". And I do. As a matter of fact, I hated being "that girl". You know the one who drinks too much wine and says "don't you want to marry me?" (Yep, that happened.)

So when he said he had made a reservation I was a tiny bit suspicious.  I'm the reservation maker in this relationship.  The day we were to go to dinner I tried to back out because we hadn't had a good night sleep the night before (now I know why he hadn't), but he responded "We're going." And then he came downstairs somewhat dressed up. (Todd says he was just wearing a button down and pants but the next night we went to a birthday dinner for friends at a restaurant and he wore a Harley shirt and jeans. I'm just sayin'.)

So as I put on a dress, did my makeup and grabbed my incredible Giuseppe Zanotti slingback birthday stilettos (yes, this was the first wear even though my birthday was in December. #weneedtogetoutmore), I thought, could this be the night?  Then I quickly brushed that thought away because who pops the question on a random Friday night?

Once downstairs, I sat on the bench of our morning room table fiddling with my shoe.  Todd asked what I had written in our gratitude journal that day. (We started keeping one a few months ago - yep, we are that couple.) He then walked over and gave me the journal, "You should see what I wrote today."

Will you marry me? Please?

He was squatting down in front of me with an open ring box (can't kneel - bad knees) and I started shaking and crying and hugging and said yes.  Of course I said yes.  Then I looked at the ring and it is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I've ever seen.

Suddenly and since I've felt different. I already feel married in my heart but somehow being engaged shifted something inside me.  I don't know how to describe it. I just feel wonderful and special and loved beyond measure. And I get to make sure Todd feels that way everyday for the rest of our lives.

Who is the luckiest girl in the world?

(Wannabe) Tough Girl

I have this friend and he is, quite possibly, the toughest person I know. I'm talking motorcycles, race cars, hitting the you know what out of a golf ball, etc. I'm convinced he can do anything and, as a matter of fact, I used to be slightly intimidated by him. Now that I know him, I aspire to be stronger and a little bit tough like him. And you know me, I start with foot wear.

These Giuseppe Zanotti's are steel toed with actual metal studs all over them. I mean these are what you would call "ass-kickin'" shoes. That is, if I got into a fight. Which I wouldn't because I'm kind of a wimp. And, also, I'm a grown woman. But wearing these fierce heels, I feel like I could do anything.

I'm not saying I'm going to go drag racing, but I just might be able to tackle the next big challenge that comes my way. Perhaps even bring a tough guy to his knees...

Biker Chic

There's nothing sassier than a pair of leather boots bought on vacation. Unless, of course, they are these leather boots. Yes, I am the proud owner of knee-high, Harley Davidson leather boots. I know, I know, you are shocked. How can a Giuseppe Zanotti gal like me fancy a pair of HD boots? Well, let me tell you...

While I LOVE my designer runway worthy stilettos for their glam and curb appeal, I still have an eclectic collection of footwear. And these boots fit in. They represent freedom, risk, abandon... not to mention how hot they would be with skinny jeans and an awesome jacket riding on the back of a 2003 100th anniversary special edition fat boy. (oh, yeah, be jealous - I am SO down with the lingo!)

I've always had a fascination for Harley Davidson. Not like a Sons of Anarchy biker club fascination (although I have recently discovered how awesome this show is - Netflix, send me the first 2 seasons post haste!)... more of a that looks awesome and I bet those riders feel no stress at this moment and I want that feeling kind of fascination.

Since I don't have a hog at my ready disposal right now (yes, you read correctly. I said right now. It isn't out of the question forever!), these boots will have to fill the void. When I wear them, I feel sexy, confident, a little rebellious and like taking a risk. When was the last time you felt that way?

Why are Golf Shoes so Ugly?

So I don't golf. I own clubs. I own a hat. Until recently, I owned a pair of shoes. But I don't golf. It frustrates the heck out of me and the only 2 people who could ever keep me calm on a golf course were my brother and my father. For some reason, their patience and reassurance always put me at ease.

My dad is a good golfer. Steady, consistent, loves the sport. I think he is probably happiest on the golf course. So once a year, I dust off the clubs and play with my dad. I moan, groan and complain but secretly I love every second of it. It's awesome father/daughter time.

To be honest, I dream of golfing regularly. The stupid sport just intimidates me so much. I have no upper body strength (circuit training will soon fix that!) and feel like for every time my dad swings a club, I swing twice.

So you can imagine what a huge leap it is for me to agree to pay in a tournament with colleagues. I texted my dad and asked him what I had to do to be ready in 3 weeks. His response? "Visit the driving range twice, play 9 holes with me and practice drinking beer." I've got 1 of those 3 tasks covered!

So today I went to buy new golf shoes because I lost one of mine in the move. I was really upset - I loved those shoes and, in case you don't know, golf shoes are hideous. Why can't Giuseppe Zanotti or Christian Laboutin design them? Michael Kors or BCBG? I'd even settle for Steve Madden! Unfortunately they don't, so I am stuck. Plain, white, pink-trimmed Footjoy in a size 8 for me. They are comfy but I am convinced they make my feet look humongous. I don't know that for sure because there weren't any mirrors to look at when trying them on. Dick's Sporting Goods should take a lesson from DSW!

Tomorrow I'm going to the driving range and to play 9 with my dad... in my ugly shoes. Wish me luck!

Friends and Neighbors

I used to have a very odd theory that being friends with neighbors would suck. They would pop-in, watch your every move, etc. So new neighbors moved in and they had parties. Paul would go and claim I was sick. I later found out they really thought something was wrong with me because they never saw me (I travel a lot for work). Little did they know that while Paul was being social, I was laying on the couch catching up on General Hospital. (Don't judge me, my job requires me to meet, talk to and be with people a lot, I just needed a break when I got home.)

This theory went out the window when Paul bought a new set of pots. The pots we had been using were my very first set that Grammie and Grandaddy gave me when I moved to New York and my first solo apartment. I cried as I packed the pots up (Grammie died 5 years ago and I still miss her everyday) and told Paul to make sure Goodwill got the pots. They were still in great shape and he promised. The next day I went out of town to return 2 days later.

As I walked up my driveway upon my return, my next door neighbor Amy yelled from her balcony "Thanks for the pots. I hope you don't mind I took them!" As we started to chat, I learned my loving husband had put my special pots out for the garbage pick-up (yes, he lied and I caught him. I win!) Amy was in need of pots (you'll have to ask her why), so when she saw my nice set outside in a box, she thought it was karma. I believe it was Grammie's way of introducing us.

From that day on, we weren't just next door neighbors anymore but also great friends. I even became the dreaded nosy neighbor who would report the comings and goings from friend's houses. We laugh, we cry, we shop, we go to shows and generally just have a great time. I am so lucky Paul put those pots out for the trash (I win again!)

One more thing, if it weren't for Amy, I would never have welcomed the lovely navy grosgrain and silk peep-toed, pink heeled, pink and white rosette Giuseppe Zanotti's pictured above into my life! How is that for a happy ending?