Exciting News of the Weekend

Absolutely nothing. Yep, not an exciting thing to report. Several boring ones actually, which doesn't stack up to equal exciting. I talked to my parents after I managed to figure out which phone number is really ours. I shopped for wedding ensemble for Dan and Jenn's wedding next month. I had an outfit all planned and had purchased most of it. (read: expensive hand bag) But when I went back, the trousers I had planned to wear were no longer available. Well, they were, but 2 sizes too big. So the salesgirls and I regrouped and got it all taken care of. And then I fell in love with a pair of shoes. I really only have this reaction to handbags, so I'm a bit surprised at myself, but I picked them up probably 3 or 4 times, petted them lovingly, tried them on (perfect fit!) and whimpered a little when the salesgirl put them back in the box. All I can say is this: If I ever move to Italy, I'll be the best dressed homeless woman in the country. I have very expensive taste. But since I'm in Italy next week, I asked the girl if it was a brand I could get there or was it just a pretend "made in Italy" brand because they flew over Italy on the way from China to Ireland. She proceeded to tell me that they came from a warehouse type place that only sells to stores and even if I could find them, which I couldn't, they'd cost at least €400, which makes the €185 they were charging look like chump change. Now I ask you... If the warehouse is charging that much money, how is it Arnott's in Dublin Ireland can sell them for the bargain basement price of €185? If they sold a pair to every woman in the city, they might be able to cash in on the volume idea, but still. There aren't that many people in Dublin. Perhaps she was fibbing just a little?? (insert annoyed growl here) So I took a picture of them with my phone and went home to my trusty crappy non-Italian shoes. This is why I hate shopping. It makes you greedy. It makes you unhappy with what you have. Granted, my shoes are a little worse for the wear after all the walking they've done this year, but there's nothing inherently wrong with my choice of footwear. (shut up Ron) But the shoes in the store would surely make my life so much better. Instantly, birds would serenade me as I walked thru the streets. Trees would shelter me with their canopies. Flowers would waft their scent as I passed. How can I not want those shoes?! It's just that I want them for €50. I could go to €100 if I weren't leaving for a month long holiday in 5 days. Is it fair to buy souvenir before you leave for the trip? Sigh... I need a rich first husband. Actually, Joe and I were discussing such matters over drinks at some point this weekend. (just 2 glasses Mom, red wine is good for the heart. ) We decided that it would be easier for me to marry knowing I could divorce rich, get a good settlement and put it all away for retirement while I keep working. I think I've officially been crowned "Queen Cynic", which would make Joe "Cynical Prince". Anyway, now that I've seen the shoes, any pair I see in Italy that I actually can afford will pale in comparison. I've got to put the perfect pair of shoes out of my mind. It's like I'm breaking up with them. Handbags are a much easier obsession. As long as I stay out of Claudio Ferrici. I hate shopping...