There is nothing better than old friends and new shoes. Part Two ~ Shoes

During a recent trip to Atlanta for my hubby's doctors appointment, we had a chance to scope out the nearby mall, Perimeter Mall.  Like most malls I encounter, I usually park by the Macy's department so that when it is time to leave, I at least know which exit to go out from.  No exception here.  We saw the big red Macy's sign, thinking parking would be hard to find since it was already noon-ish, but surprisingly parking was very easy.  Not like that of Valley Fair.

My dearest hubby didn't even have the chance to say "honey, over here".  As soon as I stepped inside and with one quick glance around I spotted "Shoe Department".    I was already marching towards my kryptonite.

If you know me, then I'm not the type of person to stay in one place and look at every shoe.  I kinda have a skill.  A skill where if I spot a shoe at the corner of my eye, then that's the shoe I will like the most.  For instance, I have been known to walk past a store and then quickly walk back saying "That's a cute pair".  The shoe doesn't even have to be on the window display.  It can be on the shelf right inside.  But some how, the shoe beckons me to them.  Is this a skill or just my love of shoes?

Well, my skill came to power this day.  Out of all the pretty shoes, these skin-tone XOXO brand shoes caught my eye.  I pulled it off the shelf, tried it on and knew these babies will be coming home with me.

Not to upset the other shoes on sale, I swiftly walked around the department, but could not find a pair that was really screaming "Take Me!  Take Me!". 

Hubby, who is now sitting down playing a game on his iPhone, looked at me and smiled even telling me how nice they looked ^_^.

Best part of purchasing the shoes? 

I got them on SALE.  Woo hoo!

Wedge Sandal ~ Sling Back ~ Skin Tone Color ~ Open Toe ~ Bow Detail

There is nothing better than old friends and new shoes. Part One ~ Friends

It has been a pretty rough June-July for me.  I won't go into detail, but let's just say I am happy Saturday, July 23 is just around the corner.  Seven days to be exact ^_^ 

During these past few weeks, I have had the support of family and friends and they were definitely there for me when I had an 8 hour layover in CA.  It was another one of those trips where I fly out Saturday from GA to CA and then back to GA the same day.  This time, I was lucky enough to have this fantastic 8 hour wait until my next red eye flight.

So an impromptu get together was held at my in-law's place.  I wished more could attend, but time was my enemy and not distance.  There was ofcourse loads of food and yummy pansit freshly cooked by my daddy.  Oh how I do miss having my dad's cooking.  Lovely Patty had emailed me asking what to bring, and I responded "Just you, Emma ..... and Mochi".  Munch munch mochi. 

We also sampled a very strange Chocolate Wine.  Bethany, Chino, Patty and I decided it tasted like Baileys and would probably taste even better chilled.  Next time ladies, we'll drink without having the worries of limited time and driving.

Sharon came with her daughter Lauren and new baby Caelum.  I have to admit, I was worried about carrying Caelum. I even had to stop, to ensure I was holding him correctly.  Patty came with her caring hubby and daughter.  Logan would have loved playing with the two girls.  He still calls Lauren "Auntie Sharon's Baby".  Then there was Bethany and my BFF Tiffany, and if the parents weren't around, I think we would have been a little more rambunctious. Cherbill came for a short visit and her son is just adorable.  Had a full head of hair and loves the water fountain.  I think all the kids loved the orange fountain in the atrium of the house.

My dad wasn't able to attend, as he had guests over, but my dearest mother came for the fun.  Parent's in law basically gave the house for me to entertain my friends.  And for that I am so greatful.  My mom and MIL, both loved having Caelum and the little girls around.  And my answer to their question "No, no more baby for me.  Sorry".  I also met a new friend, Lorraine, Mike's other half.  The moment, I saw her shoes, I knew we'd get along.  We have the same pair of shoes.  Love it!!!

Chino.  What can I say about my lovely sister Chino (we are related not by blood, but she is very much part of the family).  She offered to drive my sorry butt back to SFO.  Thank goodness I still remember how to get there, because I swear she tried to trick me into missing my flight.  Dearest Chino, 880 freeway is not the way to SFO, and I think we're in two lanes.  It was a sad goodbye at the departures.  I hugged her hard.  Damn, airports are a lonely place.

So below are a few photos from my 8 hour visit in San Jose, CA.  I miss you all.  Can't wait to see you in December!

Feng Shoe

C, a good friend of mine had emailed me saying she put something in the mail.  I'm not the patient type so I wanted to know what it was.  She didn't say.  She just told me to wait.  And that's what I did.  I waited.

After a long day at work, I came home and the hubby had placed a package for me on the kitchen counter.  It wasn't a huge package, so I knew it wasn't any kind of attire.  Was it processed food from CA?  A chicken leg, stone cold ice cream, spinach bagel with cream cheese?  Money?  I don't think she loves me that much to send me money.  But maybe after reading this, C might send some my way ^_^

So opening up the package I see pages of a book.  Crap!  She bought me a book to read.  Doesn't she know I don't read?  I'm more of "book-made-into-a-movie" type of gal.  But let's see what great writing I get to feast my eyes on.

Ahhhhh, C know's me very well.  It is the cutest, cleverest, prettiest, sweeties, funniest book ever.  And to put the cherry on the icing, it's about SHOES!

The tiny book is called "Feng Shoe" by Lao Shu.

"The Shoe that is on sale at a bargain price

has no more or less ch'i than the shoe at a regular price. 

But buying two for one is an excellent thing."

Extract from "Feng Shoe" written by Foot philosopher to the Empress, Lao Shu;

"THE FOUR ELEMENTS"

Fire Energy, residing in shoes that are dressy or the latest thing in fashion, enhances sexiness and creativity.  Fire energy reigns supreme in shoes made of satin or peau he soie.  Consider wearing such shoes when you have an important business meeting.  Do not (and Lao Shu could not have been more explicit on this point) wear them on a first date or when meeting your Internet lover for the first time...you might just be too hot to handle".

Bring on the Summer!

It's May 22nd, and the End of the World didn't happen at 6:00pm.  And now, I have signed on, and noticed that I've been slacking in the blogging department.  Shame on me! 

Note *this blog isn't about bragging.  I enjoy shoes immensely and people have asked how many shoes I have, and this is just a fun way to explain my madness.  Madness I tell you!*

Summer is here.  Well not exactly.  Apparently summer is officially here on Tuesday, June 21st.  But the weather has been wonderfully hot and sunny.  Wake up to the sun rising.  Drive to work with the sun blaring it's rays in my eyes.  Spend the day with the bright sun shining through my office window.  Drive home with the sun tanning my left arm.  Yes, my left arm is darker than the right.  Last year my loving Sister C had mailed me "driving sleeves" which are gray with white polka dots.  Love them!  They even have little thumb holes where my fat thumbs peek through ^_^.  Anyhooo....Summer is here in GA!!!

My Vienna sausage looking toe are painted and have been shared to the world with my open toe shoes.  My wedges are now apart of my "what shall my feet wear today".  Being a measly 4" 8.25" tall, they give me much needed height.

I've collected these over the years.  And as you can see, I do tend to wear some more than others.  My recent purchase is the blue pair (bottom right).  When I wear them with shorts, it makes me look like I have looooong and not stubbly legs.  Love them!

Socks

This blog was an inspiration from my adorable son L and the McClures.  Yes M.Mc and C.MC, I know you're reading this :)

One school morning, like many days, we were hurrying out the door.  Before I could even step one foot out, I glanced down at L and to my shock he had put on BLACK DRESS SOCKS and white sneakers.  Is it wrong to wear that combination?  Is it appropriate to address this sock-shoe issue with a 7 year old?  Do I risk being late at dropping L to school so that he can change his feet attire?

Clock is ticking....

"L.  Why did you put those socks on?"

"I like the black socks.  They feel nice"

"But L, you've got Strong for Life today, and you'll be running around"

"I want to wear these socks and I just tied my shoelaces"

Tying his own shoelaces is something we taught L to do before he went into 1st Grade.  No more Velcro and slip on sneakers.  L was going to be a big boy and tie his own shoes.  So the thought of him untying his sneakers, running up the stairs to get white socks, re-tying laces....that would make us at least 10+ minutes late.

So it happened.  L went to school with his Black Dress Socks and White Sneakers. Let's just hope in the future he doesn't want to wear socks with sandals!!!!




Okay, my confession.  I love socks too.  I even wear them mix-matched ^_^

 

Flip Flops? I think not!

I love the times when I am not in heels but wearing flats.  I keep a pair of bright blue Old Navy flip flops by my desk so I can wear when going to get our mail for work.  Yup, I was spoiled in CA when the mail carrier would bring the mail to the office.  But here, the mail is set inside the mail box a loooong loooong (okay, not so far) distance at the office driveway.  Why bother change shoes?  Like in my previous post, our company doesn't have the luxury of a paved driveway/parking lot.  Instead we have to endure with a graveled floor.  A big pain for my heels.

Anyways....yes, I do wear flats.  Mostly during the warmer/hot days and two weeks ago, it seemed like I wore flats everyday.

Surprisingly, some people were shocked by my height.  Haven't I worn flats before?  I think so.  I guess from 3.5 inch heels to flats is quite funny.  Especially as it brings my height down to 4 feet and 9.5 inches.  I could say 4' 10" but that would be lying, and I kinda like saying "point 5".

So one sunny day, dressed to impress with a cute pair of flat sandals, a none fashionista decided to let me know that he didn't think it would be appropriate to wear "flip flops".  I looked down at my feet walked over to a friend and laughed.  "Are you serious?  Are any of my shoes, other than my "walk to mail box flip flops", actual flip flops?"

Drama continues....They can say all they want, but I will wear what I want on my feet.  You don't pay for them and you don't wear them!

Bottom right are the "flip flops" in question!

Walking....

What is the purpose of being nice?  Being walked all over? Being disrespected?

I can’t stand it when people seem to think they know more about you, who you are, what's going on and not letting your own insight into a situation. These people don't think outside the box and believe that the world revolves around them and the people in the same vicinity is nothing but a pawn in their game of deceit.

I have come to believe that people have this trait so that they feel more powerful. In the case of them not getting what they wanted or not hearing what they wanted to hear and it made them feel better to talk down to someone whether it’s their fault or not.

Common courtesy is hard to find sometimes. I found some groups of friends, even entire communities can be very courteous towards each other and total strangers, yet some people seem to feel it is their moral and civil duty (and human right) to put someone else down and walk all over them.

As an admin, I have endured such ridiculous things for years just because "they" believe they are better than me.  I have learnt to speak up immediately if I’m not happy with my treatment or other peoples adverse attitudes toward me.

There has been a couple of days in the past month or so, where "people walking all over me" has gone way beyond it's bounderies.  So, now, some people have seen the not-so-nice person I am. 

I dislike people who walk around with the need to feel powerful at the expense of others. I really really do.

Karma is a bitch and she will STOMP all over you!!!

Save Your Kisses For Me!

Isn't it amazing going through your personal belongings, you find things that you forgot about.  Well, I'm an idiot!  I found two pairs of shoes which I haven't worn.  The first still has it's price tag on it and the second has been worn once and then put back into it's box.

This weekend, I put them on and they just didn't feel right.  Did my feet lose weight?  Did I try them in the morning when your feet are less plump?  (Best way to ensure shoes fit, is after a few hours on your feet.  This will give you the correct width of your foot).  I added insoles, heel grips, but still no use. 

So there you have it.  Two Shoes.  Two Feet.  Too Big.  Now what?

Got to do it.  Have to let them go.  This is one of the hardest things I have done.  Perhaps not, but if you're a shoe lover, it's like having one of your heels break and your heart stops.  And yes, that has happened to me.  That story will be some other time.

Now, where do these two lovely beautiful shoes go?  Goodwill?  Consignment Store?  Neither.  My dearest older sister Mng. M will be the lucky recipient.  She's 1/2 a size bigger than me, so it's a perfect fit.

Enjoy Mng. M.  Treat them well....

Below is a song which my sister will remember dearly.  When she was a younger, my godmother who was also my mommy's sister, would play this song and my sister would dance. 

(CLASSIC EUROVISION SONG,UK WINNER 1976 - Brotherhood of Man)
Though it hurts to go away
It's impossible to stay
But there's one thing I must say before I go
I love You --you know
I'll be thinking of You in most everything I do
Now the time is moving on
And I really should be gone
But You keep me hanging on for one more smile
I love You --all the while
With your cute little way
Will You promise that you'll save your

Kisses for me
Save all your kisses for me
Bye bye baby
bye bye
Don't cry honey don't cry
Gonna walk out the door
But I'll soon be back for more

My godmother/my aunt, was a tough lady, sometimes unbearable and very outspoken.  But she knew us very well and loved us deeply.  I sometimes see her traits in me.  She taught me well, and I never knew.  It's been almost 6 years since her life was taken away.

I miss you "Auntie Esther".

A good friend is someone who you will help you move, a really good friend will help you move a dead body. ~ Unknown Wise Person

I thought that title would open up your eyes hahah. But no, this blog isn't about moving bodies. It is actually how I store my shoes.

My BFF “T” has been by my side through every chapter of my life, from change of work, drunken nights, drives all over the Bay Area in one night, my relationships, the birth of my son, and the numerous moves I made.

One thing for sure is when it has been time for me to move, “T”, has always been there and what we pack the most is my collection of shoes. It must have drove her nuts, cause it wasn’t just one box or one bag….it would be boxes or bags. During my packing frenzy for the moves, shoes would be thrown into boxes and bags. All not shoe friendly.

Where do I store my shoes? They used to be in the hallway linen closet, but that didn’t work. Not enough space. They now hold my hubby’s shoes, his collection of baseball hats, and our supply of toiletries. Then I moved my shoes to our walk in closet. Yikes, the thought of shoes next to our clothes….OUT PLEASE! I eventually moved the pile to an open wall in our bedroom.

I used to have my shoes stored in their original shoe boxes, but after this particular move to the South, I noticed the shoes boxes were beginning to get tattered. And a tattered box means un-kept shoes. A big no-no in my books.

How about shoe racks? Well, racks work for awhile, but eventually the unprotected shoes that are not worn on a daily/weekly basis will end up with a thin layer of unwanted dust.


On another boring day walking along the aisles of Target or was it Wal-Mart, there….there they were. Storage boxes. Sturdy storage boxes just for shoes. And better yet, less than $1 each.
  

I have found the ultimate storage but I had no more closet space. So now they are stacked against the wall lined up all pretty and dust free.


My boots on the other hand, I’ll find a better home for my boots. But for now….I have them in a big storage tub, the ones where you would store your Christmas decorations.

How Loud is Loud?

And when is a comment, a comment or just a jab at you?  But when you hear it, it makes one of your eyebrows go up and you give out a great big laugh to how ironic it is?

Sometimes there are people who walk like they are one of the alien robots from Transformers.  And then there are some that walk like they are floating on a cloud.  Me?  I am a true heavy walker.  I’m not heavy, but I do walk like each of my foot weighs 500 tons.

Now tell me what shoes do not make a sound?   Flip-flops?  They slap the floor and the base of your foot.  Bedroom Slippers?  Sounds like little furry rabbits walking on cotton candy.  UGGS?  Marshmallows being squeezed in a freshly baked s’mores.  Perhaps, there are some shoes that don’t make sound.  But the majority of them do.  

There are a few shoes that I have, which when I walk they go “THUUUD THUUUD”.  Why such a noise?  Because they are actually made out of wood and our floors at work is not sound proof.  I do get the occasion look and someone saying “shhh, Marjorie is coming”.  All in good humor, as I too, think I am horrendously loud in these shoes and have mentioned it each time I wear them.  Why bother tip toeing and walking like I am trying to sneak up on someone? If I wanted to do that, I’d be in flats or in old grungy old sneakers.

But…..today a remark was made as I was walking pass them.  It went something like this….

“Can she walk any louder?”

I’ll paint a simple mental picture to why this remark doesn’t bother me. 

I dress appropriate at work.  And that is all I need to say.

Foot Prints in the Sand

Another sad day to remember.  March 11, 2011.


After reading, hearing and seeing photos of the devastation of the Tsunami in Japan.  The famous "Foot Prints in the Sand" came to my mind.


My dear sister Chino, her family, I am glad to say are all safe and sound back in Japan.  Sadly for those people who has passed on....may you rest in peace.  And may the Lord keep keep his warm embrace over those who have lost a loved one.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints,

so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord,that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life

there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,

“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,

my child, is when I carried you.”

---

Mary Stevenson, 1936

***Photos from AP, Yahoo.com***

A Shoe to Remember

When it was time to plan my wedding, it wasn’t the rings, the dress, the location or the food.  I have to be honest; it was finding the right pair of shoes and how I could show case them.

The thought of wearing a long gown that would hide them was more than horrifying.  Guests would only see the wedding shoes during the fun “removal of the garter” part of the reception.  Should I even purchase a pair that wasn’t so eye catching, as they won’t be seen?  Or do I dare buy a pair with glitz and glamour which I am can feel on my freshly pedicured toes? If I go for the glitz and glamour, will they be the classic white with fantastic jewels?  Perhaps the color silver? Or shall they be the color of my theme, navy blue for the added wow factor?  So many questions and this was probably my first month of wedding planning….and to top it off….just about SHOES!

Okay, with B.F.F. by my side, it was time to go search for a dress.  I had decided that I wasn’t the type of girl to wear a long flowy dress.  I’m a tiny lady of 4’10”.  Can you just picture me being swallowed up by a dress, and white is not a flattering color if your curves are not in the right places @_@.  Tea length dress is what I was going for.  They are usually cute, pretty, with a bubbly personality.  But wait.  I found two dresses.  One dress to be the main WEDDING DRESS and the initial tea length dress would be the dress worn sometime during the end of the night.

Now the search for the shoes.  I can wear a pair of 3.5” heels for 8 hours plus, so the height was not a big deal.  I can walk pass a store, and at the corner of my eye spy a pair which I will gladly buy on the spot.  But why are bridal shoes hard to find?….and question is, why are they not beautiful?  Now I am getting nervous.  Really, I am not picky, but I know what I want. 

Where to begin?  What stores carry white strappy shoes during the Autumn/Winter months?  Answer.  Not many.  I think I went to all shoes stores in the Bay Area.  Okay, maybe not all, but enough where I was getting a headache.  Other wedding preparations have been done.  But shoes are no where to be found.  I found a pair of silver buckle strappy sandals.  Bought them, and I have only worn them once.  But not for my wedding.  Found a few pairs of whites, but they were not my type. 

With no luck, I finally walked into David’s Bridal.  Really?  Really, is this my last resort?

Like I wanted.

Simple.  Cute.  Height.

Oh and I can also run in them >_<

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HONEY!

My Weak of Shoes

So after making my TWO whopping blogs last Sunday, all that night I was thinking "what the crap am I doing? Can I really find topics about shoes and can I ever keep this up?".  With the tossing and turning and abruptly waking up.  Like a shoe being throw to my head.  Why not take photos of the shoes I will be wearing for the following week.  Taaaah Daaah.  And here it is.  Amazing?  Not really.  What else is there?

Friday was a special day.  I actually wore two different feet protectors.  The night before there was a tremendous rain storm and the parking lot of my company is sadly not shoe friendly.  No smooth cement.  Just the horrid gravel. 

Monday: "Nine West" Blue Suede and Leather Pointies

Tuesday: "Style & Co" Black Open To Sling Backs
Wednesday: "Steve Madden" Red Patent with inside Leopard Print Open Toe Sling Backs

Thursday: "Cathy Jean" Beige Front Buckle 

Friday Walking to the Building: "Target" Polka Dots Wellington Rain Boots

Friday Inside the Building:  "BCBG Girls" Fuchsia Tri-Color Blend Open Toes 

What do I wear on my feet when I get home?  I am barefooted or in socks if it is cold.  A girl should always let her feet rest after a long day of wearing heels ^_^

Okay...my pair bought yesterday.

Other than the "Julie and Julia" movie, the pair I bought yesterday was my inspiration for a blog.  And you have to blame the hubby for this one.  I guess I had the look of boredom that the hubby suggested I "go buy a pair of shoes".  Yup, you read right....I didn't need a second push to get out of the house.

Where? at the lack of shoes store mall.

Brand? Style and Co.

Color? Off-white mesh with pretty rinestones for decor.

Height? 3" is my guess.

To Begin....but where?

So what am I doing? And why bother? Why shoes?

In a previous town I lived at, I could walk into a store and come out with not 1 but maybe 2 or even 5 pairs.  I have a bunch of shoes just sitting around waiting to be worn.  Fort Benning, GA and it's neighboring town Columbus, is a sweet place, but not very fashion forward.


When we first moved to Columbus, GA from California, I skipped into their only mall and *GASP* shoe stores are lacking.  Walked into Macy's where in California I can find a pair of size 5/5.5, but here?  Are there no small footed ladies?  Are the ladies all of BIG feet....c'mon they even have a section for Large Feet People.  Next time I will secretly take a photo of the sign that states "For the Larger Sizes". 

I have found a few, and I mean minimal number of shoes here.  But have found the on-line shoe shopping quiet pleasing.  Not really my cup of tea, but will tolerate until the time will come when we are in a bigger city.  Oh, did I mention, we live in a town where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE knows each other.

After watching Julie and Julia for the umpteenth time and eating on a piece of brie and fresh french bread.  Light bulb went off in my head, "why not share my love of shoes?"  So this is where I am and will be until my phase in writing and posting photos of my shoes pass.  I was thinking, maybe blog on a Sunday afternoon when it is quiet.  So above is a photo of some of the shoes. I will post photos of the shoes in detail. 

But for now.....let's see if anyone is interested >_<