Change your shoes, change your life

I was walking from the subway to D.'s birthday dinner last night. On the way I passed a store window and the reflection showed this haggard schlep with really unflattering shoes [that was me, btw]. Yes, I was coming from work and work clothes are often uptight, but really, there is never a need for ugly shoes.

I was near John Fluevog shoes so I went in. I saw a pair I had been coveting for a while - a decade or so - tried them on, and handed over my credit card. Way more than I thought I'd ever pay for shoes, but when I left the store, I left feeling great.

I stopped into a store to buy a birthday card for D. and next to me in line was a guy who used to work in the same building as my last job. We knew each other to recognize each other, but I couldn't remember his name and I don't think he knew mine. That didn't matter though, we got caught up in line about recent travels and my new job. As we were both walking in the same direction we kept talking until I reached the restaurant. And then I got around the whole "so what exactly is your name?" awkwardness by handing him one of my business cards and telling him to email me. I think he'd be really fun to hang out with. I tell you though, it was the extraordinary power of the shoes that caused this chance meeting.

D's birthday was fun and I got to meet some great people.

All in all, a happy evening out.

Now excuse while I get ready for work and put on my fab new shoes.