New Sneakers

This afternoon following two hours of grading final exams, I bought a new pair of sneakers. Two days left to the school year and summer's promises are but an arm's reach away.  For the first time in a long time, I am not falling asleep on my couch at 9:00PM. Rather, energized, alert, and excited, the evenings are more provocative and engaging. Instead of eating through the cabinets upon arrival home, I am able to wait, enjoy, and process my fare. And, my knot in my left shoulder while not relieved knows that its days are numbered.

Midnight black with electric blue highlights, these sneakers are a half step up from complete minimalism.  When I put them on my feet, I feel the slight cushion beneath my toes and know that is it time.  I walk up to the counter having had a truly meaningful conversation with the salesmen about arches, collapsed arches, pilates, exercise, and lumbar support. With my payment entered into the system, I am the new owner of these new, sexy shoes and the new owner of a new chance.  With each summer, I make new goals and hope that I can keep them.  With little responsibility there is no better time than the present to set and meet goals. This summer's goals:

• Run, be active, stay moving
• Eat local and organic as often as possible
• Be crafty with DIY projects
• Volunteer
• Read compelling books

So buying these new sneakers today feels like the first step in the right direction.  The second step was taking my 1 mile run before settling in this evening.  That's right, I not only bought those shoes but even broke them in a bit...