A "Runner's" Story

Trying out for the cheerleading squad in high school required running a mile in 10 minutes or less. I did it, but during the run some of the baseball players who were standing around watching us started quacking. According to them, I ran like a duck. 11 years of ballet helped turn my feet out but I had no idea I looked like that until that moment.  To say their quacking really hurt is a gross understatement. I vowed never to run again unless in an emergency. (I later learned at BC that running for a cab when it was raining constituted an emergency).

Fast forward 20+ years and I still was not a runner. But a few months ago, while reading my daily newsletter from The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans, I decided to check out the Couch to 5K app.  I wondered, could I do this?  What would be the worst outcome?  I have a treadmill in the basement so no one can see me and quack.  And so I started.  I did have a 3 week break so even though I began in July, I am just now on week 7.  That means running for 25 straight minutes or 2.5 miles. And I'm doing it!  I may be slow (I am only running 2 miles in 25 minutes) but I am completing each challenge.  I hate every minute of it except for when I am done.  Then, I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment.

So of course I had to get fitted for real running shoes.  And for the first time in my life, I didn't pay attention to what they looked like but only how they felt when I bought them.  Now that's transformation! And when Ian at The Running Store showed me my running video I couldn't believe my eyes.  I DON'T RUN LIKE A DUCK!!! So my feet are slightly turned out but that's OK.  It's not noticeable.  20+ years of trauma for no reason.  Some boys are mean!

My Bestie's 8 year old daughter is currently training for a 5K through Girls on the Run.  This incredible program helps girls learn self-confidence through physical activity.  And as a grown woman, my C25K app is doing the same for me.  I never realized how much I needed this until I started doing it. And I am so proud of my niece for trying running too!

It just goes to show, we can learn something new at any age.  And the key is simple, believe in yourself and you can do it.  The only person holding you back is you.  Shutting up the voice in your head telling you can't is the biggest challenge of all but with each step on that treadmill, I am doing it!

Mom's Day Out

Since my Mom's spinal reconstruction surgery last year and my hectic travel schedule, we haven't had much time for our mother/daughter days out lately. But last weekend, we got our chance.  Lunch with Todd, Homegoods, DSW, movies, Wegman's, wine and a sleepover.

When I told Mom about my shoe blogging dilemma and Todd's response, she said "let's go to DSW. I have a coupon!"

So off we went, and I was thrilled when I found exactly what I was looking for as I had been reading my newest copy of In Style just that morning.  Ballet flats with an ankle strap are one of THE shoes of the season - perfect for cropped jeans and maxi-skirts. And you can imagine our delight when we saw them marked 40% off.  So Mom walked to the register, purchased my shoes and said "now tell Todd you have something to blog about".

Moms.  They rock.

One Man's Perspective

When Todd read my last blog, he said "didn't your blog used to be about shoes?" 

To which I responded, "shoes have always been used as a metaphor for my life." 

"Well, why don't you just write about shoes." 

"Because I haven't bought any new shoes in a long time."

"Then why don't you go through that stack of fashion magazines and pick some out to write about?"

Touche' my friend. Touche'.

I Have NO Excuse

Everyday I think, "today is the day!" Today is the day I will have a creative thought and turn that into a blog. Unfortunately, it has been 4 months and that hasn't happened so I'm no longer waiting for creative inspiration. I've decided to attack my writing like the exercise I never want to do but keep making myself. If I keep getting on that treadmill or doing Pilates I always feel a sense of accomplishment even if I mentally complaint the whole time.  And I think my blog deserves the same attention because creativity is as instrumental to health and wellness as exercise is, isn't it?

So I'm back.  Why have I been away?  Honestly, it has been because of a tension between what I think about writing and how much of myself I should continue to put out there for "public" consumption.  Because, really, it isn't just me I'm putting out there.  It is the people in my life who love and care about me.  I can't really tell stories that only affect me because my life is richer than that.  So when do you know what to say and what not to say?

Beyond that, the past few months have been challenging.  I've been faced with loss, grief, happiness, big life decisions, travel, work... the list, like yours, goes on and on.  But really I think it boils down to the fundamental question I just posed - how much can/should I share?

I don't know how I will come to a conclusion on that question without starting to write again.  So I'm back. I've missed you.  Have you missed me too?

What Do You Want to Be?

Always looking for blog inspiration, I never expected it to come from a video shot at our recent PEAK conference.  But John is right.  At a certain age, we do stop asking ourselves what we want to be.  I've been spending a lot of time trying to answer this question for myself and know I will do more exploration as I begin My Desire Map in the coming weeks.  But for now...

I want to be trusted.  I want to be loved and accepted.  I want to be patient and kind.

I want to be a good friend, daughter, sister and aunt.

I want to be paid for what I am passionate about (thankfully, I already am).

I want to honor those who have paved the way for me.  I want to help those who are in need - human and canine.

I want to be called Mom.  I want to grow old with Todd.

That's what I want to be.  I doubt this will change but I'm glad John posed the question so I could contemplate my answers.

What do you want to be?

Hooker Heels

Last weekend I went to see Spank a play that spoofs 50 Shades of Grey.  If you haven't seen it but have read the books, get tickets.  It is hilarious!  Since it was a GNO, I decided to up my usual weekend game and donned my BCBG black patent peep toe stiletto Mary Jane's.

Upon arriving at my girlfriend Edie's house, her husband exclaimed "Melissa, nice hooker heels!"  Now I realize he was giving me a huge compliment but his statement certainly gave me pause.  Are they really inappropriate?  After all, I wear these to the office!  And what about the other stilettos in my closet?

(OK, so the last ones are pretty bad.  They are going because I almost maimed myself walking through Georgetown in them.)

But the others, are they appropriate for daytime at a meeting or am I completely off?  Mind you, I'll keep wearing them because I love them but I am curious about your opinions...

Time to Stock Up...

The fashion world listened when Sarah Jessica Parker said she can only wear stilettos on the red carpet now due to years of running around in them and the damage they have caused her feet.  So it is time to put our sky high heels aside and embrace this spring's trend for our feet - the Kitten heel!  Yep, 1 to 2 inch heels are the perfect height for spring fashion and that's awesome for our comfort level.  Unfortunately it isn't awesome for my wallet because at last count I have only a few pair that fit the bill.  Thank goodness stacked heels and wedges are in too!

Ralph Lauren chocolate brown suede I found unworned at my favorite consignment store, Chic Envy.

Golden mustard ankle-wrapped low heels by Nicole Miller.  Perfect for spring!

Comfy and cute neutrals from Dana Buchman,  I have them in black too!

You can't beat these Charles David wedges for summer.

These Dana Buchman's are the perfect height for this season.

But you know the above just can't get me through spring and summer so, it looks like it is time to go shopping!