Today I'm Wearing Crocs

….and no deodorant. And I won’t blame you if you stop reading right here. 

My mom has worn Crocs for years and for years I’ve made fun of her. Because let’s face it: they’re just plain ugly. Seriously. So, when we were at the outlet mall on Wednesday and I saw that sparkle in my mom’s eye when she spied the Crocs store (yes, there is an entire storefront devoted to Crocs...seriously), I rolled my eyes and made a bee-line for Ralph Lauren. I tried on cutesy clothes and flirted with the cute salesman, and when I decided that ample time had passed to ensure that I could avoid the aforementioned Crocs store, I went looking for my mom. And found her knee-deep in rubber footwear. Still. 

Long story short, I was somehow suckered into buying a pair of these bad boys. A gift from my dear, sweet, mother. I tried to pick the cutest pair and covered my face in shame as I left the building, Crocs bag in hand. I swore then and there I’d never wear them. 

Well, it’s five days later, and I’m wearing the Crocs. They’re comfortable (I know, I know, you’ve heard that line before, but it’s true!) I’m not thrilled about it, but they fit the generally damp mood I’m experiencing right now, so I figure I might as well at least be comfortable while I’m sad.

The offending Crocs

Not that bad...right?!

Sad because I just made an appointment for my faithful doggy friend, Jude, to be put to sleep tomorrow. Jude is the most gorgeous collie I’ve ever seen. We got him when I was twelve and for 11 years he’s been the best dog anyone could ever have. Unfortunately in the past few years he’s developed debilitating arthritis and can no longer stand up without assistance. It’s the most pitiful thing I’ve ever seen and to say I’m heartbroken would be a gross understatement. 

My precious buddy, Jude.

And sad because, last night, for the fourth time since mid May I’m packed up my suitcase and headed to my “other” home. See, my parents live in NC (which is where I graduated high school), but since college I’ve been living in KY. I’ve been hanging out in NC for the majority of the Summer, working my old high school job and generally being depressed about the fact that no school system seems to want to hire me. But, on Thursday I received a call from a the principal of a school that I forgot I even applied to work at asking me if I could come for an interview on Tuesday. So, I cleaned out my NC room and headed back to spend my few dwindling days of July in the Bluegrass state. But, at least I got to wake up to this sweet face this morning:

Salsa baby

It’s always a bit depressing to leave my parents and come back to my big girl life, especially since I feel like I’m back home to face uncertainly and possibly more rejection. I’d rather stay snuggled up in my room with Charlie the Australian Shepherd and eat chocolate covered Goji berries all day, and hang out with my new little friend, Brielle. Sounds like a better alternative, yeah?

My best friend Lauren's brand new baby girl, Brielle.
Absolutely precious. Love those girls.

Unfortunatley, the big girl world has called me to don my Crocs and face reality. So, I’m off to run my errands which will mainly consist of sitting in the doctors office for an hour just for a prescription re-fill, laying in the tanning bed, and browsing Latta’s downtown (the teacher’s supply store) while drying my tears on my rain jacket. I hate today. 

Wish me luck as I face another interview on Tuesday — pray that I don’t say “maked”. I just may wear a scarf this time. 

Emily