The Meanest Mom in the World

I bet you're wondering what I did to earn the title of the Meanest Mom in the World when I've only been a mom for a little over 18 months.

I bought AJ squeaky shoes.

Seriously, she hates them.  She flips out each and every time she sees them.

The first time I thought she was just over tired and it was a weird thing.  I brought them out right before bed and she wasn't having it.  So I tried again the next morning.  When I strapped them on her feet she literally acted like I was giving her Indian burns (you know, when you grab someone's arm and turn your hands in opposite directions).

I stood her up and she was paralyzed in fear and would not take a single step.  When she lost her balance and accidentally squeaked she burst into terrified tears.

I decided that the squeakers were the problem and I just hoped that I hadn't scarred her from the shoes for life.  I pried the squeaky parts out of the shoes and was met by the same reaction.

I figured that it was too soon following the initial incident so I put them away to bring out again after a few days had passed.

Imagine my surprise when we were in her bedroom later that afternoon and she walked over to her shoe basket, grabbed them and took them over to D to have him put on her.  (Seriously.)  Then she looked at them and started getting freaked out.  We quickly took the bows off the top and she was as happy as a clam!

If I ever could have imagined that a little white bow would be more frightening than a squeaker in the heel of a shoe, then I'd be classified as Mom of the Year.

Don't worry, a few steps later she realized she was wearing the death traps shoes and her legs were completely paralyzed again.  She started crying and couldn't even turn around toward us.  It was like she had a flashback and suddenly realized that they were the same shoes as before.

I'm really not sure what it is about the shoes that bothers her so much, but I'm really hoping that we can move past it soon because the shoes are so adorably cute!

Obviously these are the shoes that would earn me the title of "The Meanest Mom in the World."

My Beloved Flip Flops

I have a certain pair of black flip flops that have been with me since college. They rock. Seriously. I have worn them so much that my feet have left impressions in the soles. I wore out the rubber on the bottom of them. I lurve them.

Try not to gag.

Well, D finally convinced me that we’re not poor I should buy a new pair of black flip flops. Its not that I don't think they're gross looking or anything, they're just soooo comfortable that I was hesitant to get rid of them. Sure, the company still makes them and I could just order another pair of the exact same flip flops, but that's not the point.

I decided to branch out. I bought a different brand. (Ooooooh. I'm such a rebel.) The new flops are a brand that my little sis recommended to me, so I figured I'd just try them out. I mean, honestly, I'm not too worried about dropping $15 on a pair of flip flops that could potentially last me through the next Summer Olympics. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous buying a new brand since we don’t have stores here have a limited shopping selection that most certainly does not include brand name stuff. My fears were put to rest though, when this was delivered to my doorstep a mere week and a half later (yes, our mail takes a long time to reach the middle of nowhere).

I mean, how could you not be happy to see that? So I tore into the box and there they were! The sandals that will carry me through the next 5 years of my life season.

These are the new black flops.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I really like them. Also, I got a few other things too. Like these bad boys.

Oh, and also, D wasted no time putting the old ones in the garbage and then promptly taking the garbage out to the can (there's a first time for everything, folks!).

Toe Shoes

Lately D has been on a kick. He has become obsessed with these new shoes that are supposed to be good for your posture as well as help get rid of any foot, leg or back pain. Sounds great, right? Well, I think I'd be more inclined if they didn't look like this:

Or this:

They relate to the idea that barefoot running is actually what our bodies are made to do. D has been doing some research and stumbled across an article that explained that most running injuries are related to the amount of padding that running shoes contain these days. Back in the 60s and 70s there was no such thing as "running" shoes. Foam, rubber and padding did not factor in when someone went out for a jog. Well, apparently, scientists also noticed that the number and type of running-related injuries was comparatively non-existent as well.

Vibram Five Fingers shoes are made to provide protection to your skin from the elements while providing the same benefits of running barefooted. They are made of super malleable rubber that is shaped like your foot. The tops are breathable and water-friendly, unlike most of today's leather shoes. There are several different styles available as well that are intended for a variety of different athletic activities.

I honestly might be interested in these shoes if the toes weren't separated. I don't know why, but they just thoroughly creep me out. I mean, look at the picture above. Gives me the heeby-jeebies! D tries to be sneaky and wear them out in public and its just not happening!

*I just want to let everyone know that this post is totally my own opinion and I am in no way endorsing or not endorsing this product. I'm simply blogging about things that are relevant in my life right now.*

Do you or anyone you know have a pair of these? What are your thoughts about them?

Wednesday Workout Update!

Its Wednesday again and you all know what that means!! Its time for the weekly Wednesday Workout Update! Boy do I have an update for you (or maybe not).

When we were home we went to the specialty running shoe store in Hometown, U.S.A. and I got fitted for a new pair of squeaky clean running shoes. I love this store. They totally know what they're doing and always make sure you get the right shoes for your needs. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I told the guy that I'm about to start training for another 1/2 marathon and he found me the right pair of shoes!

The next morning I set off on a 5k run in my parent's neighborhood and jeez! I am super out of shape. It was my first time running on anything other than a treadmill since I started working out again and I struggled. I finished it, but my legs felt like they were full of sand. I suppose it can only get easier, right? RIGHT? Other than that one run, I didn't get out and do another but I did join my mom and go for a few walks around the block with the stroller and the dog, so that counts, I guess.

All in all...not a great week, workout-wise, but I wasn't expecting it to be. We're back home now, and thus, back to the grind. I don't have that much time before my 12-week program for the San Antonio 1/2 in November starts. I really need to get moving and get back into shape!

My Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day is on Sunday and I have already gotten a gift from D and my parents. The gift from D came early because I was at the mall and I finally figured out what I wanted so I bought it!


I got the Reebok RunTones! They're the shoes that are supposed to work your legs and butt out just by walking around. These specific shoes can also be used for running! I have been wearing them for a few days now and they're super comfy!

My gift from my parents was delivered by FedEx this afternoon at about 4 pm. I got a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries from Sherri's Berries! I didn't have time to take a before picture of the whole dozen before D and I tore into them, but to give you an idea of the size of these strawberries, here are two of them. Here's the white chocolate:


And this one is milk chocolate:


Here's the aftermath:

We justified eating all 12 of them in one sitting because the strawberries were super ripe and we didn't want them to go bad before we had a chance to enjoy them. D swore that they would be rotten by tomorrow! ;) Needless to say, they were delicious and no, I did not eat all 12 myself. I will admit to eating at least 2 (okay 4). YUM!