Monday, September 30, 2013

Shoe Love

One of the many positive aspects of commuting is people watching, or more specifically for me, shoe watching.  Each day brings the hope of spying something fabulous, whether I could wear them or not.  It's an almost voyeuristic opportunity to satisfy my love of shoes.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I have many, many, many pairs.  In fact, I haven't counted them in years.  It's better that way psychologically.  Today was a good day.  We had these:

 
And these:
 
I'm equal opportunity; heels, flats, mules, boots, sneakers, sandals.  You name it ... I can appreciate it.  Except for flip flops.  But more precisely, it's dirty, gnarly toes and feet that can be seen in flip flops.  I dare you to look, really look at those crappy flip flops on the chick in the grocery store when she walks past you.  I think that Dana Stevens sums it up nicely here:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/10/4156779/flip-flops-are-obscene.html#.UkokoE7D-po


 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Unapologetic Hip Check

I pushed a woman while getting off the train today.  I know, I surprised myself when I did it.

Etiquette dictates that as the hordes leave the crowded train, anyone on the platform stands to either side of the door.  But the young woman in question never got the etiquette memo.  She stood her ground, smack dab in the middle of the way ... wearing headphones.  That universal symbol of refusal to participate in society; the magical talisman that protects you from having to give a fuck.

I watched four people in a row have to stop and side step around her, while she stared straight ahead in her headphone smugness.  So, when my turn came, I stepped to the side and checked her with my shoulder as I passed.  I didn't psych myself up for it, and I didn't apologize afterwards.  Probably not the correct multiple choice answer, but it felt really empowering.

It helped that she was shorter than me.