A Year of Blogging: January 23, 2011

Yesterday was 'Measure Your Feet Day'. That seems silly. Doesn't anyone old enough to buy their own shoes know the size of their feet? I haven't had to measure my feet in more than 20 years. It's been basically the same since I was 10 years old. I say basically, because sometimes I get lucky and a 9 1/2 fits. Although, I only try the 9 1/2 if I put on the 10 and it is too big. I don't start out with the 9 1/2. And I'm always pleasantly surprised when I leave the store with a 9 1/2. I have never been one of those women who tries to fit into a smaller size than she really wears. I have to be comfortable. I have worn a size 10 since I was 10 or 11 years old. At the time, it was hard to find a size 10. The summer I was 10, we were trying to find shoes for my uncle's wedding. The dresses were a dusty rose color, which was hard enough to match. Add to that super huge feet, and it was almost impossible to find shoes. We looked up and down the east coast (we went to Florida with my Grandparents that summer, so we stopped at every shoe place between NY and FL). Somewhere in the Carolinas, we were at an outlet mall, and Grandpa asked the salesperson if they just had two matching boxes we could have, and he'd strap those to my feet. I was mortified! But shortly afterwards, we found shoes that not only fit, but matched the dress! This same Grandpa always told me it was ok that I had big feet, because you had to have a solid foundation so you wouldn't fall over. I'm about the most graceless person you'll ever meet, so I don't think the 'solid foundation' counts. I have gotten past the embarrassment I used to feel at my feet. Maybe I've just gotten used to it. I know I can't go to the clearance rack and find a sweet deal, and I also know that a cute little shoe does not look so cute or little on my feet. These days, it is much easier to find size 10's, even at outlet malls. I no longer have to buy all of my dress shoes at Payless. I can buy them at any store. I've never been really big on shoes anyway. As with most of my clothes, I look for function, not fashion. If I find a pair I like, I often buy it in multiple colors. Especially if I can get it in a 9 1/2!