It's About Time!

I have been thinking long and hard about a lot of things... some things are beyond my control, but some things are very much mine to control. It is those things that I am left categorizing (because as most of you know, I have to organize everything).

Pulling the troops out of Iraq (if only just for the holidays) is beyond my control. The Cowboys, Mavs and Rangers all winning their respective world championships is beyond my control (although as a good fan would, I wish for it every day). Convincing the government to put more money into the Arts is beyond my control.

My destiny, however, IS well within my control.

After spending the last 10 years as a teacher, coach, mentor and all things in between, I've given all I have and all I can muster to teach, instruct, demonstrate and share. I have made many sacrifices (as my students also did) in order to be successful (whatever that means).

In all of those years, the one person I thought least about... the one person I took the least care of... the one person I ignored the most... was ME.

And that needs to change. But, will it?

Shoe Suffering...

Hello, my name is Kinshasa. And I am addicted to accessories. In particular, shoes! (Hello, Kinshasa!)

Ballet flats, pumps, knee high boots, trainers, flip flops, espadrilles, stacked, platform, jazz shoes, ballroom, strappy... you name it. If it's made for the feet, I want to rock them.

I have no prejudice against a certain type of shoe, however, I do have my preferences. Stacked heels (for that 40s pin-up look), knee high boots (for that saucy Russian spy look) and platforms (for those nights on the dance floor or walking for long periods of time). Every one of those should make me walk a bit sassier and a bit taller. Every shoe has its purpose... even the most inappropriately worn shoe: the flip flop.

Tonight, I wonder... What's a girl to do when she finds a shoe that appears to be perfect for her, but may be a bit impractical? Be it too narrow (for my wider set foot), too high (for which can only be worn for seconds at a time), overly pricey (should I wait until I see it at DSW?), or not quite a style that's been worn before...

Should I even ask to try them on? What if theydon't come in my size? What if, once I try them on, they aren't as wonderful as I originally thought?

There's almost nothing worse than realizing you can't have something... even if you're not sure you want it.