Monthly Archives: January 2015

The Right Shoe Really Does Matter

Hello.  My name is Marea Smith and I like shoes.   In fact, one of my favorite spaces in our home is our shoe closet (and when I say “our” I really mean “my”).  While half is technically my husband’s, he certainly gets the much smaller half.

If you know me well, you know I’m thrifty; however, I rarely skimp on shoes.  Granted, I’ll scour online for a deal on Clarks and Born but I will rarely buy “cheap” shoes.  After two decades on concrete classroom floors, I strongly believe that The Right Shoe Really Does Matter.

if the shoe fits...

For years I worked with a woman I lovingly referred to as “Mrs.Clippy-Clop”.  She is an amazing 1st grade teacher.  Stylish and petite, “Mrs. Clippy-Clop” always wears heals.  In fact, I didn’t have to ask the 6-year-old wearing plastic, Princess heels on the playground who her teacher was.  There was no denying she belonged to “Mrs. Clippy-Clop”.

You’ll rarely find me in heels.  Not only am I taller than my husband in bare feet, but heels aren’t my cup-of-tea.  Flip flops fit the bill.  It was a sad day indeed when plantar fasciitis required more support than the average flip-flop provides.

I’ve certainly not been in flip-flops when venturing out of our home the last 2 weeks.  While my hometown normally remains mild during the winter, we had a record 10 inches of snow 10 days ago.  Combined with a record cold snap, the snow (which normally melts within a day or two) still blankets the ground.  Snow boots have been my shoe of choice ever since.  While we don’t have an opportunity to wear snow boots often (nor do we often wear rain boots around here) I was glad to have a pair of black and a pair of brown on the top shelf of my shoe closet.

Many years ago two of my colleagues found and fell in love with Z-Coil footwear.  I was in my late 20s and I’d not yet dealt with lower back or foot pain.  I remember thinking that I’d never own a pair as they are the quintessential comfort over cute shoe option.  Fast forward 15 years and you’ll find me going about my day in warm, comfy socks and my favorite, extra-cushioned flops.

If the shoe fits…

Before you leave the site, follow my blog (top, right of this post).  It’s quick and easy! 

For more from Marea, check out Me and Thee Studios’ faith based leveled readers for 1st-2nd graders at http://www.meandtheestudios.com/early-reader-collection.html

Punctuality Really Does Matter

At what point do I let him learn this lesson the hard way?  I asked myself this question at 5:45 AM this morning.  I was waiting for our eldest.  He was supposed to be at our house at 5:30.   Bailey had asked me to drive him to catch a flight and on a good day it takes two hours to get to the airport.  With 7 inches of snow several days ago, I had no idea what to expect of the roads.

About the time I pulled into his driveway he texted to say he had overslept and would be out ASAP.  When we hit the road I gave him a quick, “Hope you make your flight but if you don’t it’s your own fault” roll of the eyes.

Don’t get me wrong…  I’m frequently late to events.  I’m often late to birthday parties.  I find myself heading to Wal-Mart about the time I should be arriving at the party because I’ve procrastinated on buying a gift.  I’m occasionally late to church because I often have a hard time finding the right thing to wear, I’m having a bad hair day, or more likely my 13-year-old and I disagree about her chosen attire.  And I’m late to evening Bible studies because I’m finishing the dishes or starting a load of laundry.

I consider some start times more flexible then others.  But there are times in particular when Punctuality Really Does Matter.

running late

I think one should be on time when food is involved.  No one wants to wait for you when the food is warm and the bellies are empty.

You should also be on time when someone’s schedule is tight.  Teachers, speaking from experience, will not be able to accommodate you if you are 15 minutes late to a meeting.  They have probably squeezed you into their lunch or recess break and their schedule is anything but flexible.

I’d also recommend you not be late for your wedding or special occasions with your spouse.   Timeliness also matters for your own children’s school programs (as some are 10 minutes tops), birthday parties, and nuptials.

Not long ago I served on a District Court jury.  When the trial date came around, the defendant in the case was unbelievably late.  I’d recommend you be on time when a judge or jury is involved.

And finally, there’s very little wiggle room when you travel.  Unless you own the vehicle you’re traveling in, and particularly if you’re traveling via public transportation, the boat, bus, train, or airplane will likely not wait for you.

Unbeknownst to me, Bailey had given us an extra 30 minutes to make a Starbucks run.  While we didn’t make it to Starbucks, we didn’t miss his flight.  Lessons learned… 1) pack the night before and 2) set your alarm to something other than soothing praise and worship music.

Before you leave the site, follow my blog (top, right of this post).  It’s quick and easy! 

For more from Marea, check out Me and Thee Studios’ faith based leveled readers for 1st-2nd graders at http://www.meandtheestudios.com/early-reader-collection.html