Three month perspective

First, the disclaimer: this piece is not intended to be a male bashing column. That said -   the situation is vying on my nerves. I’m tired of making lemonade, but fortunately it goes against the grain of my nature to make war.

So instead, today I intend to focus on what is important -   an overall ignorance on behalf of this male species that infests my territory when it comes to appreciation of good shoes.

This crew seems to have none, perhaps because I do possess enough wisdom to spare myself passage through the mud in the kick-ass open-toed, spiked heels.

Three months, three seasons and eight pairs of shoes later – the destruction has not only had its impact on my vacation and business, but has now worked its way into my sanctuary – discriminating not between the $150 leather boots, Liz Claiborne casuals or the $10 Walmart special. And we won’t discuss last summer’s sandals and their early demise. Forgive me if I’m not a sneaker person. We all have our quirks and I, for one, care how I look and in stark disagreement with my male friends, strongly believe that the right shoes make the outfit. Now, if I were wearing a short-skirt and wrap around heels I am sure they would agree, but my complaints regarding my basic footwear have, for the most part, been matched with vacant, stares that seemingly lack understanding to this hardship.

Elbow grease and a little TLC, over time much of the dirt and grime will be gone, but symbolically, the pile of footwear accumulating in my living room has become a symbol of adversity and patience.   As much as the tenants of Brunswick Woods may “gripe” about the battle weary conditions – this is, as we all know, a temporary set-back to an overall pleasant reward.   It’s important to remember that in many countries throughout the world, such is not the case. The battles are real – fought with gunfire and tanks – not our tools of progress.   The parking lot is almost done. I am counting the days. Meanwhile, my four-year-old counts dump trucks, fork lifts and cement mixers.  And the monument of shoes continues to accumulate in my living room – a testament not only to the Mars and Venus differences, but the abundance enjoyed through the American way of life.  As life, this season will eventually pass into another. In the meantime, a word of advice in those reading this – now is a great time to invest in stock, specifically DSW and Payless.