Actually, I take that back, credit cards do help.
I had a rather unpleasant evening last night, was up far too late, and now that I slept in until two in the afternoon today, it’s three in the morning and I’m not the least bit tired. Whoops. Oh, and did I mention that I’m *really* bored? That’s why I’m sitting here at my computer, getting some new 80’s music, and buying shoes.
Yes, you heard me, buying shoes. These shoes, in fact. I’ve spent all evening driving around Northern Virginia, hunting for the ever elusive comfortable walking shoes. I even bought a pair that I thought would work. Oddly enough, they felt great on my left foot, but for once it was the right foot that disagreed with those shoes. It was a shame, really, since they were exactly what I’ve been looking for – a shoe that’s as thin as humanly possible. Puma’s come out with a sprinting shoe that has arch support and everything, but it feels like wearing a sock. Perfect! Of course, that sock happens to have a really rough seam right where my toe joint is. That, and they’re $70 socks. Needless to say, they’re going back to Nordstroms on Monday.
After coming home disgusted from a fruitless hunt, Mom said I should just give in and order some Koolaburras online. You see, many moons ago I bought my first pair of Koolaburra ug-style boots. They were great, but they stretched out, my feet shrank, and suddenly I was wearing suede clown shoes. I replaced them with a pair of Ugg brand boots, which turned out to not be Australian at all. Their name lies, they say they’re Ugg Australian Boots, but it’s just not true. Their name *should* be Ugg Chinese Boots, because that’s where they’re made. And it makes a huge difference. They don’t breathe, the hide wears out, and I think the shoes have developed hot spots – they’re giving me blisters, which is just no fun at all.
I tried looking for Koolaburras around here, honest I did. I couldn’t really go back to where I bought my first pair, since that was all the way in Nevada. Firstly, no one could pay me enough to go back to Vegas, and secondly, I think that’s definitely crossing the line and becomming a complete High Maintenance Woman to fly all the way across the country just to buy $100 shoes that I swear are the only things my poor dainty feet can handle. No, instead I do the civilized, self-controlled, mature thing…
I order the $100 shoes that I swear are the only things my poor dainty feet can handle online and let them come to me. Hey, I saved about $400 on plane fare and another $400 on accommodations, surely that gives me some extra points, right?
*sigh* I try really hard not to be a High Maintenance Woman, I swear. But I was thinking about this lately, after protesting a bit to fervently to my Mother on this subject, and I’m a little worried. I’ve got the hundred dollar shoes, I’ve got the ridiculously expensive haircut by the guy who cuts Ann-Margaret’s hair, I’ve got the unmentionables from Nordstroms, the Calvin Klein jeans, and the at least once-a-year trips to Europe. But I can explain all of that, honest! The shoes, come on, I’ve got a special need – only nine toes and skin as soft as a baby’s butt. So, I think I’m off the hook on that one.
Elie, my hair dresser? Well, sure, other women fly across the country to have him cut their hair, but I don’t. In fact, I didn’t even know who the heck he was when I first wandered into his salon. And he specializes in naturally curly hair, which I definitely have a full head of. Before Elie, I spent a fortune on at least twice as much hair gel, because my hair used to get so frizzy. But with his magical haircut, half the gel consumption, and my hair is so much more controllable. Oh, and I think it looks fabulous, but that’s beside the point. So I think this one’s a draw.
The unmentionables from Nordstroms. Well. It’s not like I could shop at Target or even Macy’s if I wanted to, and that’s not my fault. Definitely allowable.
The Calvin Klein jeans… okay, I’m guilty, I’ll accept that one. It’s not the brand name, it’s the way they fit, and yes, they’re $50, but they’re comfortable. I could give them up if I absolutely had to.
So I don’t think I’m doing too badly. I’m easily entertained, I don’t expect men to shower me with gifts (although, I don’t object if they do…), I don’t expect really expensive dates. What do you think? Am I a High Maintenance Woman?
Oh, crap, I just remembered the BMW fascination… I’m so in for it. *sigh*
UPDATE DEC 18 2004: I take back everything I said about Elie. For more info, check out this blog entry.
Ok clothes, traveling to europe, and BMW’s aside I’d say you are not probably not high maintenance. Obviously I am also putting aside saphire rings for birthdays, sudden desires to go hundreds of miles to ride a horse, talk about the chateau in France you are going to own, your constant schemes, etc 😉
I’m going to have to do one of two things. 1-move out to VA and change my whole “L’Attitude” or 2-answer yes. I’d much prefer the former, actually! :p (I cut my own curly hair, shop at old navy and wear wrestling shoes/combat boots, weather dependant, or, barefoot. Oh, Beamers? way outta my league!)
So, think I’ll pack things up then…
(haha!!)
Steve – Does it help that I paid for most of that sapphire ring, and the bit that was the birthday present was only about $200? No? Well, I didn’t think it’d help too much… 🙂 As for the chateau in France, I fully expect to earn the money for that myself. I don’t demand it, I work for it, which I think negates the whole High Maintenance Woman brattiness. And hey, I never did go ride that horse, I just thought about it. So there. 🙂
Veda – Oh, honey honey honey, you definitely need to come to Virginia and change your L’Attitude. Old Navy? Sweetie, for the money you spend there, you could be buying clothes that will last you a lifetime if you know where to shop. Silks, hon, silks. Sounds like you need a good lesson in Shopping 101. Seriously, the Calvin Klein jeans are probably the most expensive things in my wardrobe, and yet I own satin Ralph Lauren cocktail gowns that only cost me $30. You just have to know where to shop.
As for your curly hair, you’ve got to visit Elie. My feeling is, if God saw fit to bless you with remarkable hair, it’s your duty to take care of it properly.
Combat boots, eh, I understand that one. No worries from me, so long as you have the rest of the outfit to go with it. Pink camoflauge, all the way! (I’m kidding.)
Ok, how about if we compromise and call you “A woman who knows what she wants in life and won’t be satisfied with just the ordinary.” 🙂
Yano, it totally changes everything when you work for it all yerself. That’s admirable, not high maintenance. 🙂
I have a change issue. I need to redo the wardrobe almost constantly. You’d think by now I’d’ve settled down on that? No way. Way too much the tomboy still. (will it ever pass?) Plus, this way, when the kids’ red stuff gets stuck in with my green stuff, I can just replace it or whatever, yano, like totally! (okay, bad, very bad.) (Hey, can y’all see my blog? getting lonely over there, wondering if it’s functioning properly after having messed with it for a few hours the other night. Really, not pluggin’, freakin’.)
Splurging on the finer things in life is not a sign of being high-maintenance… it’s a sign of you being wise beyond your years. What good is a cheap haircut if you have to spend more in products and time to fuss with it? What good are cheap jeans and lingerie if they wear out in 2 months washings?
And coming from personal experience, from someone who has lived here practically all their life, it’s very hard to remain low-maintenance in NoVA. 🙂
blondie, I don’t care what Heather spends her money on. She seems like a smart considerate soul. However, I won’t applaud it.
Obviously, you haven’t shopped wisely if your cheap jeans wore out in 2 months. I’ve had the same 3 pairs for 4 years – and they cost $29 a piece. They are worn nearly every week.
>Splurging on the finer things in life is not a sign of being high-maintenance
Splurging on anything beyond the basic necessities to live is most certainly a sign of high maintenance. We need very little to “maintain” life. We want a lot to make it what we deem more enjoyable. 99% of the population in this country is guilty of this to greater or lesser degrees.
Delight is meeting people and not knowing how many zeros accompany their paycheck because their clothes, car, home do not reflect it. They live modestly.
>it’s a sign of you being wise beyond your years
Spending money on “the finer things” is not a sign of being wise. Quite the opposite, in fact. Spending money on durable goods that are reasonably priced is wise. Spending money on labels for label’s sake is foolish and belies on what one places the most value in their life.
The sweatshops with child labor that make the clothes that line the shelves with designer labels are the same shops that make the clothes for Target and WalMart. Logic would deem the latter a wiser choice.
Ack, twice now since I’ve started reading you’ve made me go over my response length limit 🙂
Caution: My response to this issue may be offensive.
http://www.logichigh.com/logichigh/archives/000130.html – response