Monthly Archive for May, 2011

You Valgus! You Pes Planus!

Is there anything worse than orthopedic shoes?

Yes, ugly orthopedic shoes. I know! I know! Orthopedic used to be synonymous with ugly. No more my bunion afflicted friend!

Before my new best friend Jeana sent me a pair of DrewShoe orthopedic shoes, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a pair. I don’t need orthopedic shoes, but hey, free is free.

And when I’m visiting the forums and I don’t like somebody, instead of calling them the usual nasty names I will instead pick one or more of these terms used to describe conditions that afflict feet.

  • Valgus
  • Varus
  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Diabetes
  • Hammertoes
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Pes Cavus
  • Pes Planus

You Valgus Pes Planus! Varus Cavus! has a certain flair, no?

Drew Shoe is the number one provider and premier manufacturer of orthopedic, diabetic and medical shoes, and they are not ugly.

Lookit the way they are built (letters for illustration only, they do not appear on actual product.)

ADDED DEPTH IN TOE BOX AND FOREFOOT allows extra toe room and provides adequate space for use of orthotics.

PADDED TONGUE minimizes lacing pressure over the instep.

FOAM CUSHIONED COLLAR prevents heel slippage for a snug and friction-free fit.

EXTENDED MEDIAL HEEL STABILIZERprovides rear foot walking stability and minimizes slippage.

REMOVABLE, DUAL-DENSITY INSOLE with Drillex cover wicks moisture away from the foot to keep it healthy and dry. The insole permanently forms to the foot, where the molded bottom provides additional cushioning.

STEEL SHANK adds support and stability with excellent arch support.

WIDE SHANK, LIGHTWEIGHT OUTSOLEprovides a ball-of-foot base for stability and great fit, and a mild “Rocker Bottom” to move the foot forward during walking.

I’ve been wearing the shoes all week, and I like ‘em.

In Memory of a Soldier and Airman I Didn’t Know.

Dad entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant after doing ROTC amd graduating from Michigan State University. He served as Depot Commander in Manila. He continued his service after leaving active duty as a reservist and retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. He was buried with military honors. I didn’t know him as a solider because I wasn’t born yet.

My brother was born in Ft. Worth Texas, when they were stationed at Ft. Sam Houston prior to being sent overseas. When dad left for the Philippines, mother returned to Ohio to live with her sister and begin to raise my brother. David joined the Air Force after working for a while after high school graduation. He spent most of his time at Moses Lake Washington. I didn’t know David because he was four years older and joined the Air Force when I was just a punk-ass kid that didn’t realize his brother would die before he got to know him.

A soldier and an airman that I didn’t really know are on my mind this Memorial Day.

Geeky Animated Gif Monday

Ask Robin Meade, a Serious Journalist…

Letter to Robin Meade that showed up in the email of RobinMeadeBlog@gmail.com…

Dear Robin,

My name is _____ and I really enjoy your reporting.  I thought you might be a good person to turn to for advice since you seem very sensible and sophisticated.  It’s something that I thought a woman could best address but I didn’t want to ask my older sister, friends, etc. about it, since it’s rather embarrassing.  But, I know you’re a serious journalist and not a relationship advice columnist so I don’t want to insult your professionalism in any way.  If you have the time and the interest, I describe the incident below.  Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

I met a really attractive and intelligent woman at an art gallery opening a few weeks ago.  She was a high school teacher in her late 20′s  (I’m 24, so a little older than me).  She was very nice and really seemed to love teaching.  We had been talking for about a half hour and really developed a great rapport.  We had even made tentative plans to meet for coffee sometime.

Then, things suddenly went downhill. There was a pause in the conversation and since she had classic curves, I commented that she had a “really nice, hourglass figure”.  I thought she would take it as a compliment but instead she became deeply offended.  She said, “Excuse me?  Why are you talking about my figure?  You hardly know me.”  I went into damage control mode and tried to clarify my comments but I think I only exacerbated things as she rolled her eyes and shook her head.  She told me I was being “inappropriate” and that she was “very disappointed” and started to walk away….then she came back and with a look of complete disgust, WHAP!, she slapped my face and departed.

As I stood there alone rubbing my cheek, I was trying to figure out why she was so upset.  Should I send her an apology note or do you think she wants no further contact?

Hee.

Fake Robin Meade answers…

Dear (____________)

1. I am very sensible and sophisticated.

I have a job that requires me to get up at 2:30 in the morning. Sensible? OTOH, I married a dude that runs a cell phone contracting company for the Atlanta area.

2. I am a serious journalist.

Yes, I “report” on medical maryjane and man comes back from the dead and mayor quits because of a MySpace and a couple that got into an argument that lead to a stabbing.

3. What makes you think I won’t give you relationship advice?

3. I just don’t understand women who have hourglass figures. I am totally puzzled why a woman you just met and tried to pick up would be offended when you said “Hey! You Got Nice Boobs! Just Like that Ruben’s dude paints, why don’t you come over and see my sketches?”

4. Yes, by all means, you should attempt to contact her by any way possible? Do you have her name? Friend her on Facebook. Get her phone number and text her often at all hours of the day and night. After all, it’s real love right? Call the gallery where you hit on her and see if they know her and find out where she works. Show up at her work with a massive vase of flowers and bottle of wine. Ask the security guard where she parks and go make an impression on her car.

Write me often and keep me posted on your attempt to find your one true love. I am a serious journalist after all and I would love to help you in hopes that I can perhaps make a TV special or write a country western song about your quest.
Sincerely,

Robin Meade

UPDATE… another email from ____________to Robin Meade the serious journalist…

Hello _____________and thank you for the apology. If you’re not yet aware, it is very inappropriate and highly offensive to “size up” a woman the first time you meet her. As a large busted woman, I’m particularly sensitive to comments about my body. I’m passionate about being a teacher and like to be appreciated for who I am, what I do, and not how well I can fill out a dress. You crossed an important, intimate boundary at such an early stage, and that’s why you received a slap across the face.

With all of that said, I do accept your apology, and while I don’t wish to continue communication with you, I have no lingering hard feelings. At least you knew it was proper etiquette to “turn the other cheek” when a woman slaps you. Leaving the gallery shortly thereafter was also a respectful and courteous move on your part. Hopefully you can learn from this experience and have better luck in the future. Also, I do attend gallery openings on a regular basis, so if you enjoy coming to those events, please do so. You should not feel awkward around me, since I’ve put this behind me, and so should you :)

bwahahahahaha, you can’t make this stuff up!

The Best Way to Avoid Impulse Shopping at Sam’s Club

Drive your Smart to Sam’s Club to avoid those unnecessary impulse purchases. And yes, these are essential purchases:

  • Cinnamon Rolls
  • Utz Cheese Balls
  • Watermelon
  • Orville Redenbacher Popcorn
  • Gigantic strawberries

The green cart thingy hanging out of the roof is going to Costa Rica and will serve as our laundry cart/ trash bag hauler/ farmer’s market produce carter. Same with the fan – but that will see some use tomorrow when it’s 95 friggin’ degrees!