I sent a picture of these shoes to a friend while shopping a few days ago and here’s a peak into that text:
Me: “Look at these Keens – don’t they look like someone stepped in dog poop? That designer should be fired.”
Friend: “Haha! Were you tempted to try them on?”
Me: “Sadly, I did! If they felt amazing, I’d be willing to walk around looking like I stepped in dog poop. What has happened to me? Comfort above all – I’m officially an old lady.”
This exchange started out as a light-hearted, silly text, but I ended up being a little disturbed, seriously wondering what has happened to me. I used to make fun of my Mom for wearing ugly, comfortable shoes and now, here I am, shopping in the “old lady aisle” (a young girl working at this particular shoe store let me in on that little tidbit one day, oblivious to the fact that the “old lady aisle” is my favorite aisle). I remember when I wore things because they looked good, never really considering comfort. Now, I won’t consider buying something that is not comfortable.
I’m even buying bigger shoes these days – I think my feet are spreading to compensate for the rest of my expanding body . . . humph. After the twins were born, I gave away every shoe that had more than a 2-inch heel – no more sexy stilettos for this girl. If Keith wants to look at that, there are plenty of delirious women in Boston who are fighting the lure of comfortable shoes and teetering around on those apparatus of torture. . . have fun checking out that foot candy, honey – you won’t be seeing it at home. Of course, my husband contributed to this trend a few Christmases ago by buying me some Uggs. I swore I’d never have a pair of these ugly boots (could only conjure up images of Pamela Anderson who wore them in her Baywatch days), but he got a tip from some wise ladies at work, and decided to splurge. I wore them for one day and that’s all it took to understand the obsession – I was hooked. Now they are part of what he calls my “winter uniform” – jeans, Uggs, and a fleece.
So, I’m trying to decide if this emphasis on comfort is a good or bad thing. Is it a slow decline? Settling in to a different stage of life? Giving up? Or is it wisdom that only comes with age?
I’m going with wisdom. I’d like to think that as you get older, you know yourself better, you stop caring what anyone thinks, you know what makes you happy and comfortable. If they made hot old lady shoes that miraculously combined comfort with style, I’d buy them. I’m not giving up on looking good – it’s just not the most important thing anymore. If I have to choose between looking like a hot mama and being uncomfortable OR being incredibly comfortable in shoes that look like I stepped in dog shit . . . I’ll take the shitty shoes.
So next time you see some frumpy middle aged Mom in comfortable shoes, maybe she is not an out-of-touch fashion moron. Maybe she is a wise woman who has learned to be comfortable in her own skin and her . . . Really. Ugly. Shoes.
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Yeah! Up and running! You are blessed with a special way of sharing your heart and perspective!
Thanks for your friendship and encouragement. So blessed with FLF (friends like family). Love you!
YEAH, you finally did it! I love this blog already because when I read it it makes me feel like you are not so far away. Plus, you are a funny women with a wonderful perspective on things. BYW – I think the shoes look like dog poop too but if they are comfy, I would be all in too!
Kim, you can go ahead and take credit (although you might not want to if the blog is really awful) because you have been my greatest encourager! Would never have done this without you. Thanks so much.
I loved it. Of course, I am a man and all women’s shoes that do not look comfortable should be on very young hot singles, not mamas. Once you become a mama you need to go for comfort. You already have your man and if he wanted a young hot girl for the rest of his life he should not have contributed to making you a mama. If shoes are not comfortable then I can not imagine why anyone male or female would wear them. Go for comfort in your shitty shoes. I had rather have soft crap on my feet than bunions and callouses. You are a smart daughter.
I love the way you espresso yourself. I am right there with you on the comfy shoes. You go girl!
I’m so thrilled you’ve started a blog! You always inspire me with your perspective on life and how you pay attention to the blessings the Lord shines down on you throughout each day and brings you great joy! I sure miss being able to be in your presence and laughing out loud with you! I look forward to reading each post on your blog to receive some of that good-ole-down-to-earth Tamson
Riddle Jensen inspiration! Thanks for shining the bright light of Christ into the world as it beams from deep within you to be shared with us all! Love and miss you, Claire
Claire, thanks so much for your encouraging words! You have definitely been one of my biggest cheerleaders through the years. There are too many miles and years between us – would love to see you. Maybe one of these days . . . Love you dearly and miss you!
Love it! So thankful Keith set this up for you . You always make me laugh, think and smile. Keep on keeping on. Xoxo’su
Thanks, Lynn. You always make me smile too – it’s contagious! Love you!
This really makes me laugh! I have had similar thoughts but figured it was an age thing….I’m with you….I am all about comfort….! Looking forward to more of your blogs….:)
Thanks, Candy. The most I think I’ve ever laughed were the years we spent together in middle school (you have the MOST contagious laugh). I’m glad I can still make you laugh all these years later (where did the time go?). Love and miss you!