Poor Man's Boots…literally

For years I have avoided the "nice" shoe aisle in favor of the more affordable footwear section. I don't believe I have compromised on style or comfort but I've never really dove right in and spent a fist full of cash for boots.

But my son-in-law, the economist has shown me the value of the theory of "poor man's boots" in a variety of areas in my life. And I have over the years adopted the "pay for good stuff and you will actually spend less" approach to shopping. By and large this has been successful, so why should it be any different for boots?

In my search for the ultimate great boot, I have encountered a few problems but ultimately just one.

Problem #1: I am short and I have thick calves. Most pull on boots can't be pulled past my ankles. And it's even more embarassing trying to cram my calves into a zippered boot. So many adorable boots….zipped up to just past my ankles.

Problem #2: I don't want to sacrifice style/fashion for fit. Sure I can find a pair of gumboots to wear but how cute is that with a skirt?

Problem #3: I really just have one problem. I struggle to find cute boots that fit. Both of the above problems combined…if I can pull a boot over my calves it's ugly and if it's super cute, it won't fit. 

So about 4-5 years ago I was strolling through the mall when I saw another pair of really cute boots. I sucked up my courage and tried them on. They fit perfectly. But then I was faced with buying "cute, cheap" boots.

As the girl described them - "synthetic leather" I shuddered to think what my economist son-in-law would think about this purchase. But Dang! These boots were cute, they went over my thick calves without concern and would not cost a ton of money (and they were cute). Plus, I rationalized that I could wear these boots while actively searching for some really good quality leather boots that could last a lifetime. These were to be my one season, disposable boots and I was okay with that. 

I bought the tall riding boots.

(tall pull-on riding boots)

The next day I went back and bought the short boots, as well. If I was going to do this, I may as well go all the way. I was going to enjoy having some cute boots. 

(short boots)

 And my cheap boots served me remarkably well that season. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking I needed to find some really good leather boots…

I kept looking at and trying on good boots. That season and the next.  And the next….I went to Eddie Bauer, Roots, Browns, Landend, etc. etc. etc. never coming out with a pair of boots that would fit.

So each fall I would pull out my cheap "synthetic leather" (aka plastic) boots and shine them up for another season. And these boots lasted me for a full 4 winters. The soles were starting to wear and the sock liner fell out two winters ago but by and large, I managed with the cheap boots.

Then last fall I saw some really nice boots online at Landsend. They were leather riding boots and all the reviews said that they were wide enough for thick calves. I had a 25% off couplon and so I thought I'd take a chance and order the boots.

                                                     

(landsend riding boots-100% leather and 

NOT Cheap)

The boots arrived and they were gorgeous! They were soft leather on the outside and fully lined with more soft leather. They zipped up over my thick calves and they had leather soles to add to the quality. I was so excited! I wore them the first Sunday after they arrived with a skirt and I proceed to wear them to work with my skinny jeans a couple days a week after that. I could not have been happier. My old, cheap, plastic riding boots were definitely showing the wear and these were a positive upgrade. 

Then it got cold outside and it snowed a couple of times. And then it got colder….

The first time it happened I was walking across the church parking lot and my feet just kinda went out from under me. Splat! Me and my cute boots bottoms up in a skirt on the way to church. I picked myself up and dusted myself off and hobbled into the building unsure of what had just happened. But a few days later it became very clear to me when I hit the pavement as I walked into the office. 

The beautiful leather soles on my gorgeous leather boots offered no traction whatsoever in the cold. As a matter of fact, when these boots get cold, the soles must freeze up and magically turn into blades (like on ice skates). The transformation is so subtle, I don't notice that I'm in peril until I am on the ground.

There was only one thing to do. I pulled out my old boots and began wearing them again. At least in my old cheap boots, I had both feet planted firmly on the ground.

As Christmas approached, I began looking for new boots in earnest. I understood my supple leather boots were "fair weather" friends at best and I would get a hundred years of wear out of them if I could only wear them for 4-6 weeks a year. So I rationalized another, more seasonable pair would not be out of the question.

That's when I bought the Clarks. They looked like the perfect boot for work and they had rubber soles and a warm lining. These would be my winter boots and I would wear them everyday with jeans and pants and I would be "stylin'. Which I was, until something happened on my left foot and the boot sort of just ate up my pinky toe one afternoon. I could barley walk to my car that night and now I was really getting depressed. TWO pairs of good quality, fashionable, expen$ive boots and two fails!

(the clarks - pain in one small package)

Back to my old standbys. Tall cheap boots a few days a week and short cheap boots the other days. Of course, it never warmed up enough to wear anything but boots so I was stuck. 

Then I started to do some calculations in my head. I had paid less than $100 for two pairs of boots 5 years ago. That worked out to $20 a year for boots that didn't look too bad and kept me warm and upright throughout the seasons. That was less than $.05 per day! Suddenly "poor man's boots" made no sense at all. 

I went a little "boots nuts" over the next little while. 

I bought these on sale at urban outfitters-

two pairs for less than the cost of 1/2 of one 

expensive boot. (and so many compliments when I wear them at work.)

Plus, super, sturdy soles that can stand up to the cold.

These were $8 at the Gap and got 10%  off for 

bringing in my reusable shopping bag. 100%

plastic and 200% pure comfort.

I got these little cuties at the shoe warehouse for close to nothing-

they were the free shoes when Wally bought a pair on the BOGO.

So I own expensive, good quality boots in an effort to make sensible purchases and I wear cheap, cute, synthetic boots in an effort to keep both feet on the ground and walk strong all through the day. 

Sometimes, in spite of all good intentions, I need to do what FEELS right! 

Walk on, my friends.

http://youtu.be/SbyAZQ45uww

Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

Traffic Perils

As you all know, we live "out of town." By and large it's been a great choice for our family and Wally and I are not yet too old to enjoy our daily commute to work. I remind people that we still spend less time on the wide, open hiway than many of our cousins in the city who drive or use public transit.

I was driving home from Del Bonita the other day, tuned into CBC radio "rush hour" traffic report - collision here, road closure there, heavy traffic everywhere…..

I was exhilarated by my feeling of freedom as I enjoyed the scenery along the hiway. Alberta is truly the land of wide open spaces and the sky was blue and the road was clear for miles ahead. It was just me and my V6 zipping along-carefree and energized by the beauty all around me.   

Just as I was sensing that I might have reached maximum warp speed I noticed a car about two miles ahead of me on the hiway…and it was slowing down?!?

Then I saw the problem. It wasn't wild life or farm equipment interupting my drive home. It was a CATTLE DRIVE!! No less than five hundred head of cattle marching down the hiway shoulder to shoulder DEAD AHEAD.

The pictures really do not do the operation justice but as I quickly pulled out my phone to record the event as I crawled along allowing the cattle to move by, I couldn't help but think that I was enjoying the

traffic delay more than anything so far this day. 

Life is GOOD and I was probably still home way before that guy that was stuck behind the three car pile up on Deerfoot Trail.

little logan…two years later

We had a party this weekend!! Little Logan celebrated his 2nd birthday this past week. 

He surprised us with his arrival and he's still surprising us every day with his progress. 

You've come a long way, Baby!!

Logan and the "duckie" in the NICU.

Logan and his "duckie" at the party this weekend!

Go Logan!!

Adventures at Work?!?

When I started university I dreamed of a job downtown in a nice office in a highrise with a great view!! Then I met Wally....

I did finish university but I also got married and settled in to being a wife and mother which I  believe is the BEST job in the whole world!! And I love that job!!

However, over the years it became apparent that in addition to managing the house and the kids I also was very good at managing my husband - not just at home but professionally as well. And as the children grew, I sort of eased into a nice position at "the office". 

So it's been about 15 years now that I've been "working" for my husband. And he has a nice office in the highhest highrise in town with big windows and a great view. Some days I can't believe how lucky I am and how dreams can really come true.

And I love my job!!! 

I've also worked very hard to keep it professional over the years. I always refer to the boss in a professional manner: "The Doctor... Dr. Smart... my boss..." And I never behave in any way that might seem too familiar for a formal setting.

As a result, I now have a collection of experiences that I simply have to laugh outloud about. So I thought I'd share.

A while back Wally and I volunteered to bring fried chicken to a family potluck so we drove over to KFC after work to pick up a bucket. I walked in the store and marched up to the counter to order chicken when I realized I didn't know what we really wanted. The last time I was inside a KFC, it was called Kentucky Fried Chicken and the colonel was still alive. So I turned around and called back to Wally who was waiting patiently by the door, "What kind should we buy?"

The cute little KFC costumed girl behind the counter made eye contact with "the dr." at the back of the store and smiled sweetly. Then she looked me up and down and asked quite seriously, "Are you two dating?"

The 17 seconds it took me to check her name tag, look her in the eye  and realize that I actually knew "Brittanee" from the doctor's office played out in slow motion as I formulated my answer. 

I smiled and said, "Him and me?! Ha Ha, we're not dating, Honey. We're married. And we've been married for a looong time. We're too old to date!"

Britanee gasped in surprise and went on about how I should wear wedding rings and how she never would have guessed......and I loaded up my chicken and promised to see Britanee soon "at the office," while the doctor and I giggled all the way home. 

Shortly after the KFC incident, another busy day at the office found me scheduling a follow up appointment for a long time patient named Aimee. Aimee has been coming to see the doctor since she was 5 years old and we've gotten to know Aimee and her family quite well over the last ten years. I was chatting with Mom about my upcoming trip to Orlando, FL explaining that the office would be closed and "we" would be visiting Disneyworld for the first time. 

Mom leaned right in and put her hand up to her face as she whispered, "Are you married to that man?" She motioned with her head toward the doctor's office. I nodded and winked in the affirmative and Mom exclaimed, "Oh that's a relief!! Dr. Smart told me he was going to Orlando for the first time and I certainly didn't want his wife to find out he taking his receptionist on the trip!! Whew!! Who knew? haha" 

She laughed nervously and wished me a bon voyage as she hustled out of the office. 

Of course, there have been many instances where "the doctor" has been spotted in the company of that blonde woman from the office in restaurants, movie theaters and shopping malls. But he takes it all in stride and introduces me as "his wife" when we are out of the office.

The other day we skipped over to Costco during lunch to pick up some copy paper. It is difficult to step into Costco and pick up just one item so as we were wheeling towards the checkout I started putting a few household articles in the cart. I was loading the humungous bags of splenda as one of our "moms" walked by with her cart. She glanced at the doctor and I and exclaimed, "You two even do your shopping together?!" 

I gave her a wry smile and explained, "We do everything together," and with a wink and a grin I added as I was passing by, "We even live together...."   hmmmmm

Occasionally the doctor and I enjoy a fun, quiet, private moment during the day. When we are the only people in the office, it is easy to remember that we are actually husband and wife and we love being together. 

There was that time when Wally came out of his office and hovered over my shoulder as I was busy on the computer. He often comes out and checks on the schedule or any messages I may have for him so I thought nothing of his presence. Then he gently placed his hand on my shoulder and said in the kindest, most thoughtful way, "I am such a lucky man to have such a beautiful wife." 

I was flattered by the compliment and turned my chair to face him and thank him for the kind words when I noticed my top button was undone. I smiled warmly and then aghast, asked, "You were looking down my shirt, weren't you?" 

He smiled wryly, tossed his head,  did a funny little skip and as he closed his door responded glibly "Ya, so? Whatcha gonna do about it?"

So when it's all said and done, I have a lot of fun working for my husband. And the job does come with its own set of perks probably not found in traditional office settings. 

I have been known to give myself a day off here and there. And I do know that I probably won't get fired if I make a mistake or come in late once in a while. My boss is very forgiving and kind and easy to work for. 

However, I think my "situation"was best summed up by the receptionist who works for the doctor we share office space with. 

I breezed into work one day about 45 minutes late. I smiled broadly at Lydia (the receptionist)  and the waiting room full of women and chirped out a cheery "Good Morning!"

Lydia glanced up from her typing, eyed the clock on the wall and in her best dead pan replied, "Well...It's certainly easy to see which one of us is sleeping with the boss."

Yup. I love my job.

" I'll be back..."

I ran into a friend at the grocery store this afternoon after work and she mentioned that she hadn't seen any fun posts on my blog lately. She wanted to know what had been happening in my life and was there really nothing entertaining or "blogworthy" to report?

It gave me a reason to pause and reflect on how things have been going. 

Quite frankly, my life is still just one situation comedy scene after another. I realized that I'd been so busy trying to keep my head above water in all the hectic chaos that is this life that I'd completely neglected to take a breath and report on how good life is and how ridiculously hilarious living can be. 

So in the words of my friend Arnold (for all 15 of my followers) "I'll be back!!"

And as my good friend, Jian Ghomeshi says at the end of each show, "To be continued...."

Stay tuned..... 

adventures in celebrating...

My family has been celebrating since the beginning of the year. I guess that's what happens when the family grows. We've actually eaten so much cake that it is safe to say that the whole family has GROWN. heehee. 

First there was Angela's birthday in the beginning of January (Jan.7). Then Wendi and I had cake for our birthdays.

 Sara ate cake for her birthday even though she was REALLY BIG AND UNCOMFORTABLE. Then we all had some valentine's chocolate and a cake for Nathan's birthday. Grayson was enjoying his birthday cake when Jane arrived on the scene-so we needed to bring on more cake and break out the chocolate pink cigars. 


Through all the partying, Angela and Dylan made plans to come visit in Alberta. With that in mind, we decided to have a family size party to celebrate the three babies (Logan, Kara and Jane) and we opted to make a cake for Dylan's birthday too. (his birthday has been overshadowed two years in a row by babies!! "get used to it, Dude")

When Nana heard that everyone was coming for the party, she decided to come too. 

Add Grandma and Grandpa to the mix and we had a full blown 4 generation celebration on our hands.

Even though it was a celebration for Kara's first birthday, it was impossible to ignore that Logan was also celebrating a full year on the outside (he was released from NICU just 9 days before Kara was born on February 29.) 

Kara and Logan had a grand time!
Jane kinda slept through the whole thing-

And just when we were sure our family couldn't count any more blessings...

We were given no choice but to PARTY ON!

And of course, you're all invited!!