Tuesday Shoesday: New Kicks for Zoe

The other day Zoe said to me, "Mom, a bunch of kids at school have these sneakers I really like."  Then she paused and said quite sheepishly, "Can I get a pair?"  As if she was afraid to ask.  She should know that I recognize the importance of the right pair of shoes.  I was a little disappointed in her at that moment, but I got over it and I said of course she could have the cool sneakers.

But first she had to find out who made them and where to get them.  The next day she came home and reported they were made by Reebok, called Zigtech and were available at the mall.  They look like this:

The next weekend we headed to the mall and went to Kid's Foot Locker.  They had the sneakers, but not the color Zoe wanted.  We tried a few other places, but she was unwilling to settle.

That night when we got home I looked online and discovered that Reebok let's you customize this kind of sneaker.  The possibilities and design combinations were endless.  I was so excited to show this to Zoe since then she could pick out exactly what she wanted.  She eagerly sat down at the computer and started designing her perfect shoe.

About an hour later she gave up in frustration.  She could not figure out what she wanted.  I tried to help, but I just wasn't helpful as is often the case with Mom and clothes.  I even suggested she try Nike's version of customized shoes.  That was equally frustrating.  Finally, Zoe could take no more and declared that she no longer wanted sneakers and that we were to just forget it.  It was a shame, because there are some great, creative possibilities with being able to design your own, but I guess ultimately, there were just too many choices.

The next morning I happened to get an email from J Crew advertising some stuff from their kids' line and the email included a really cute, classic pair of Adidas sneakers for kids.  They just screamed Zoe to me.  I showed them to her and she fell in love instantly.  We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of these:

In the end I have to say I am proud that Zoe recognized the importance of not only cool, but classic.

Football Birthday

Last weekend I celebrated my 41st birthday. After last year's 40th fete, I didn't want much hoopla, just a quiet day with my family and some good cake.  It happened that the Giants' playoff game fell right on my birthday so I invited my family over for a football birthday party.  Not a typical birthday celebration for me, but in recent years I've gone from a half-hearted football fan to a full on fan so it seemed like a fun way to spend the afternoon.  As it turned out the game was super-exciting and ended in a win for the Giants so my birthday was complete.  The cake was delicious too, which really sealed it.

Rob, being the kind of guy he is, found this birthday card that he helped along to perfection:

Zoe Bryant?

Mom bragging alert!

Highlight from Zoe's 2nd ever basketball game. I can't quite explain it, but watching these basketball games is so much fun! I have a smile on my face the entire time. Hopefully these 30 seconds will make you smile too.

Feats of Motherhood

Yesterday I was in an all day meeting with a vendor we are doing a lot of work with.  The meeting was largely focussed on alleviating the various areas of dissatisfaction on our part, as the client.  It wasn't a relaxed day and it certainly wasn't easy for either us or them.  That being said we did get through the day and reached what I hope will be accord.

When we were wrapping up around 7pm the woman who was leading things from the vendor side, who was the picture of confidence, intelligence and diligence all day, said she was going home to crash because she had been up all night with her daughter who had croup.  Not only had she been up all night, she had been at the emergency room all night.  Honestly, I never would have guessed.  I can only imagine how completely shattered she felt, but she never let it slip during the course of our very long day.

This morning as I was juggling an 8am webex/conference call  and getting Zoe up, ready for school, and out to the bus stop (hardly comparable to a night spent in the ER) I was reminded of her and all of the times I have simultaneously juggled motherhood and work.  Good to be reminded that I am far from alone in this juggling act.

This was my view leaving Brooklyn last night after my all day meeting.  

New Year, New Look

So, I decided it was time for a blog makeover.  Not sure I am 100% satisfied with the result thus far especially because I think the new look has been heavily influenced by my latest project.  Here's a snag of that project:

See any resemblance?  Yup, I'll have to keep working on that.


Speaking of the new year I never did my usual end of year wrap up or resolutions for the new year...

2011 Wrap up:

• I have to say that 2011 kicked my ass.  It was tough year from start to finish.  It wasn't all bad, but it wasn't easy.  
• The weather played a surprisingly big role in the year.  From snow storms, to heat waves, to hurricanes, they were all memorable, but nothing I'd like to relive any time soon.  
• I listened to an awful lot of audio books.  18 out of the 67 books I have listed as "read" were actually "listened."  Reasons for that are 1) I started listening to audiobooks while I work out and 2) my new job included a new commute
• Starting a new job is really tough and really consuming, but finding a job where you are both treated with respect and like what you're doing is amazing.  I completely forgot what that felt like and I am so glad I got it back.  
• Several times over the course of the year I was reminded to be grateful for all that I have in my life.  Despite my petty complaints, I know I am a lucky person.
• And lastly, Zoe grew up so much this year.  She's not completely different and in many ways she's still and will always be my baby, but she's getting so mature.  It makes me proud and breaks my heart.

I have decided I am not making specific resolutions for 2012.  I am simply wishing for a quiet year where the scale is more tipped towards happiness for myself and those I care about.