Chacos and Tevas and Crocs OH MY!

The Topic Today Shoes.

Shoes something you don't think about. You put 'em on everyday, maybe hope they match and keep it movin. However, for us almost thirty's shoes are signifying the apparent change in our lives. For example, on of my BFFs and I are having major shoe woe's. Nik who is going into nursing school has been served up a healthy heaping helping of WHITE, yes white Crocs... Yeeps yes, this fashionista that wears a size 9 says that her shoes weigh approx 20lbs and she could set sail on a voyage across the Earth because those boats are not playin lol. However they are super comfy...and for her job..those are the shoes she needs. Stilettos or Crocs...that's tough one. Ugh, I too had to make the executive decision to not even PACK heels... None of my heels made the final cut. Instead I spent more on my sensible steppers than I do on shoes I actually like. Who has heard of Chacos? They are super beefy, super supportive, super expensive sandals. I had to get a pair because apparently my gold and silver flip flops from downtown LA ($5 bucks I think) just aren't going to make it in the jungles of Ecuador :( Fine. I DID however cheat where Nik couldn't. That super thick rubber round toe jam on the front I just couldn't do. I opted for the opened toed Chacos, and I got the most fashion foward pair I could find lol...sigh, I still haven't worn them. I am already rocking Peace Corps chick every day (khaki's, short sleeved shirts with long sleeves underneath or worse a frumpy button down ugh...). I even had to bust out my silver flats (oh yeah, they made the trip)...just cause I had to break the mold for a second. First step sensible shoes...what's next!?

What does this change really mean? Are we maturing? Growing up? Is this what it's about? Just a month ago I was on my mama's futon watching marathons of Who's Wedding Is It Anyway and Clean House, now I'm studying Spanish around the clock. I never have ME time anymore, but I will be proficient in Spanish most likely in three months. That's a pretty great trade off right? I'm mad busy around the clock, I live under someone else's roof and can't even come and go as I please, but at the same time I am actually feeling like I'm walking in the right direction. So while I am strongly discouraged to go to the park on the weekend and mi madre will come looking for me if I'm not home by 7:30 PM (trust and believe!) I feel as though I'm walking on the right path and I'm right on time (even mi madre doesn't think so tee hee). Same with Nik and nursing. Her shoes are the.worst. but clearly when she is finished with her program she will have job security in any economy, will have achieved yet another hurdle on her Life To Do List and will be helping others and THAT never goes out of style. I think that feeling of validation and achievement, while not always so glamourous, is worth hanging up our heels and all metalic footwear for awhile.