Welcome 2009!

Happy New Year, everyone! I sincerely hope that your holidays were magical and that the first 48 hours of 2009 have brought you peace and happiness. What can I say, Christmas here was a magical blur of decorating, gift exchanging, cuddles from my children, and a lot of snow. It was everything I hoped for and more. My children experienced their first White Christmas, as we received nearly two feet of snow over the course of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As it turns out, I overhead my four-year old explaining to his younger brother that this is what God and Santa want to happen on Christmas Day, so really it was not that big of a deal. Ahh, youth! Once they get another five years or so of Pacific Northwest Christmases under their belts, I'll remind them of that innocent, hopeful observation.
I've been thinking a great deal about new beginnings and resolutions for the new year. I don't typically make a New Year's Resolution...something about a well-acknowledged willpower issue, hmm. Last year however, around February first, I announced to my closest girlfriends that I had, in fact, resolved to be more "fierce." As I reflect back on 2008, I wonder if, in fact, I honored that commitment to myself?
I think that by "fierce" I meant to take greater, unconditional enjoyment in my life and my experiences...to emerge from my mousy shadow - confident and comfortable with the woman that I've become; to share my thoughts and ideas with greater conviction - out loud, not just in my own mind; to be my own best advocate and my childrens' as well. Did I accomplish these things? I think I've made a good start. So, while I don't plan to officially make a New Year's Resolution, I will commit to keep moving forward in my commitment to myself. And a newly acquired pair of fabulous tiger print peep-toe heels, can only aid in my journey!

Where have all the fabulous shoes gone?

I had a rude awakening today. Some might call it an epiphany, but no, I assure you it was, in fact, a rude awakening. Get ready for it: My shoe rack has taken a dramatic turn away from fashionable and fabulous footwear to comfort shoes. As I stared, horror struck, at the rows of Dansko clogs and Privo mary janes, I couldn't help but wonder, "Where have all the fabulous shoes gone?" When did I turn the corner from "fantastic" to "comfortable, yet supportive?" As I crammed my post-pregnancy size 7.5's into a delicious pair of 6.5 animal print ballet flats with a darling quilted patent leather toe, I was forced to seriously take stock of my most recent personal style decisions. I'm not sure I like what I see. You see, I still take pride in my appearance - even though I'm bound to have some child-created gunk on me somewhere...lurking. I'm still the 'go-to gal' for my girlfriends and their personal style choices. I love fashion magazines and snarl loudly at anyone who tries to commandeer the latest Nordstrom catalog before I've completed my requisite quality time with it. But, it dawned on me that I had actually ventured out in public wearing trainers, that's right people, sneakers, the previous two days...and not done anything particularly athletic whilst wearing them. This is a problem. You see, I didn't even own a pair of sweatpants until I left my full time corporate job four years ago to fulfill my dream of being a full time mom. My family and my dream are now a reality, but my closet is home to at least half a dozen velour track suits and my shoe rack...well, we've already covered that. It's time to devote some serious thought to this awakening - join me while I open a bottle of Cabernet and indulge in a piece of 85% cocoa dark chocolate...wait, hmmmm....maybe there's another problem? :)