I am wearing Naturalizer shoes right now.

See, I had to work a trade show for the first half of the week. And if you’ve ever worked a trade show, you know the importance of comfortable shoes. So last weekend, I ended up finding a $30 pair of Naturalizer wedges at Famous Footwear. I know, I know… On a checklist of how to be uncool, I just checked off several boxes.

BUT THEN I HAD AN EPIPHANY.

This epiphany came after standing for three straight days. And here it is:

Comfortable shoes are awesome. Like really awesome.

Why have I spent so many years shoving my feet into horribly uncomfortable shoes? Pointy toes. Four inch heels. Sky high wedges. Strappy sandals. NONE OF THEM WERE COMFORTABLE.

But these shoes? They were amazing. I spent three days standing and walking and never had a backache. I never felt like I lost circulation in my toes. Other than the general discomfort of standing for 10 hours at a time, I was fine. My feet were fine.

The wedges I chose are relatively cute. I mean, not awesome, but cute enough that I’ve been complimented on them. Look, I like shoes as much as the next girl (if not more so), but I also like feeling like I’ve walked on pillows all day long. PILLOWS!

So I’m rethinking my footwear strategy. I’m thinking comfort is a good thing. And some companies seem to get that you can be comfortable and look good. Those are the companies who I will support with my dollar from now on.

I’m pretty sure my chiropractor will thank me for this decision.

February 19, 2010 | 5 notes | Comments

The question, as Heidi would say, is are you in or are you out?

February 12, 2010 | 15 notes | Comments

My trip home to California was amazing, but oddly emotional. The thing about going back to the place you left is that you never really feel like you fit in again. Everything - including you - has changed.

On Sunday, we had brunch at an adorable beachside cafe in Hermosa Beach and I sat facing the ocean with the sun warming my arms. When you’ve been living in 20-30 degree, icy and snowy Kansas weather for the past few months, 60 degrees by the ocean is heavenly. While my sisters, who have never spent any time at length in another climate, wore sweaters and scarves and boots, I let the warm sun wash over my short-sleeved Kansas Jayhawks shirt, a nod to my Kansas friends. (Ok, so really it was all I had left to wear on the plane ride home… Don’t judge.)

When a cute guy waiting for a table asked, “Jayhawks fan?” I shrugged because I honestly couldn’t care less about Kansas sports, but I know it means a lot to Aaron. “Not really… but my boyfriend is. I’m representing.” I smiled.

“He’s a good man,” replied the friendly stranger.

After brunch, we walked out onto the beach and stood there, looking out at the crashing waves and the sun worshippers and bikers and surfers and runners and… beach people. I love beach people. They’re always a little too sun-kissed with touseled hair, wide smiles and a laid back attitude you can spot from a mile away. I want to be a beach person someday.

Standing there, Jayhawks shirt whipping a bit in the wind, sun on my face, I felt more like a tourist than someone who spent 23 years of her life calling this beautiful place home. And I was really, really sad.

I feel like the person who left Los Angeles five and a half years ago has been replaced by someone so different. Someone who doesn’t care so much about what brand of jeans she’s wearing or what car she drives or how much she spent on shoes. She can’t fathom the thought of waiting in line to go to a club or being on “the list” and she sure as hell feels no shame when line dancing at a bar that’s attached to a mall.

Maybe the most surprising part is that the eternally independent girl has let herself focus and settle down a bit. She let someone in. She figured out what she wanted to do and went for it. She grew up.

So maybe I’m not really a California Girl in Kansas anymore. Maybe I’m a Kansas Girl from California. I’m still figuring out how to identify with both places.

And I’m still looking ahead to figure out where my next destination will be. For the first time, I have someone who wants to take that journey with me.

Maybe it’s true - that cheesy adage that home is where the heart is. Home is California. Home is Kansas. Home is my family and Aaron and my friends.

Home is where I make it.

February 09, 2010 | 18 notes | Comments

I’m going with no. Let’s all just agree that the answer is no.

February 04, 2010 | 7 notes | Comments