Why DSW Shoes Makes Me Mental - Part I

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I hauled myself to Greensboro today for a bit of shoe shopping. Long time readers of this blog are familiar with my feelings about shopping, namely that I loathe it. Still, I couldn't put it off any longer. I needed--not wanted, not craved, but really truly needed--black flats. 

My options were to spend my time wandering in and out of small boutiques in the hopes of finding something fashionable and affordable, or taking the shot-in-the-ass approach known as shopping at DSW Shoe Warehouse.

The fact that the word "warehouse" is part of the name should tell you something. Aisle upon aisle upon aisle upon AISLE of nothing but shoes. Standing at the front door looking in was enough to make my eyes bleed. Still, I'm a warrior so I forged ahead. 

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Road Trip From Hell

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Let's just be clear right out of the gate: I blame Blair. 

It would never have occurred to me to volunteer to fly to Chicago so that I could drive with my mom and her dog and cat to North Carolina, where she's moving. But Blair said, "Don't you think your mom would appreciate someone doing the drive with her?" and I said yes she probably would before I understood that he meant it should be me that goes and not him.

Here then is a recap of yesterday's drive from hell.

 

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Nesting

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The weather turned wet and chilly today and my nesting instinct kicked in. Soups. Casseroles. Log fires. Cinnamon sticks. Thick socks. Apple cider. Sweatshirts. Welcome, FALL!

Fall is my favorite season. Something in the air just perks me right up. November is my January. I get a burst of enthusiasm and dive into new projects, vow to break old, unhealthy habits and uphold new healthy ones, set personal and professional goals and clean out my closets. 

I haven't looked at the extended forecast because I can't bear the idea of going back to melting temperatures, sticky skin and sweat-stained clothes. I want brisk breezes, crunchy leaves and colorful scarves. 

I made a butternut squash lasagna on Sunday, the day the cold(er) temps set in. Squash roasting in my oven at a 400 degree temperature while I sipped coffee and did Sudoku with Blair made me very happy. 

Soon enough I'll be griping about cold feet, drafty hallways and having to bundle up for a run. But for now, the change in temperature is a glorious reprieve. Today was a gray day with heavy rains and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

FALL! FALL! FALL! We're so happy you're here. Please stay awhile.

Cheers,

Dena

Working Gal Week

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I'm an official working gal this week, filling in for a friend who's on vacation. I write for the company he works for and therefore have a working knowledge of their business. The business is operated out of a home and I'm there 9-5 this week, answering phones, writing scripts and doing some administrative tasks. 

It's been years since I've worked in an office environment of any kind so I was surprised how easy it was to sync back into the rhythm of office life. In at 9, sit at the desk, don't move until lunch at 1, be back promptly by 2, etc. I'm defined by routines so it's not surprising I find marching to the corporate drum something of a comfort.

That being said, I am so very grateful for my freelance life and ready to get back to it. However, working at a desk this week with no options to leave or set my own schedule has taught me a few things:

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