Stoked about my Stokers

Yes, I know I mentioned not too long ago (okay, last week!) that my current favorites from my shoe collection are the adorable, comfortable, fashionable Rocket Dog Stokers. But after what I did in them this weekend, I just can’t stop myself from gushing about them again.

My Saturday, as usual, was spent with my boyfriend who lives about an hour away. When I got to his flat, he told me he’d like to spend the day at Silver Falls, which sounded great to me except for one thing … I hadn’t brought any tennis shoes and the main attraction of the park is its 25 miles of hiking trails. All I had was a pair of backless sandals (cute and decent for casual walking but painful for distance, as I’d discovered the previous weekend at the county fair) and my Rocket Dog Stokers. After scolding him to warn me of his plans before I left my house … I opted for the Stokers and we set out.

We ended up walking about 3 1/2 miles that day on the trail alone … through the forest, on gravel, across rocks, in a bit of mud … a lot of ups and downs too … and I had no trouble at all except my own clumsiness once when I tripped over my backpack jumping into the frame of a self-timed photo.

And the hiking wasn’t all either! After Silver Falls, we went to a late lunch, then the mall, and then Walmart before heading home. All in all, it was a loooong day and my feet never hurt once! Now can’t you see why I love these shoes?

And apparently I’m not the only one. Besides my beloved Stoker, Rocket Dog has also offered several very similar styles in the past, such as the Mixer and the Saloon, and they just released a brand new version called the Busy Bee. Of course, I still like my Stoker the best. And I still think I might have to get myself a pink pair!

Multitasking gone too far

Have you ever heard that commercial on the radio promoting Kaiser Permanente’s online services? It talks about how women are better at multi-tasking than men, and how putting on mascara while driving is a bad idea but refilling prescriptions online with Kaiser while making dinner is a good idea.

Anyway, I’m a big fan of multi-tasking too. Listening to music or reading while exercising, making tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch at the same time, chatting online while paying bills, trying to get several errands accomplished in a single trip … I do that kind of stuff all the time. But there is a point when multi-tasking just goes too far.

Like talking on the phone while you’re in a public restroom. It’s inconsiderate to the person on the other end of the call, rude to anyone else using the restroom, and really, just kinda gross (how well can you juggle a cell phone while you’re also dealing with doors, zippers, toilet paper, soap, water, towels …?) Think about all the germs being spread … ew … not to mention the fact that probably half those people “forget” to even wash their hands (hope you never have to borrow that phone!). But apparently, “taking the phone to the throne” happens all the time … including in my office (which is what spurred this rant) … and people actually think it’s okay?

Now, maybe if you were in your own home, it’d be a bit different (although I still couldn’t/ haven’t/don’t/wouldn’t do it). But please, for the sake of sanitation and sanity, keep the multi-tasking out of the ladies’ room!

"How’s it going?" … "Good." Liar.

It happens at least once a day. I walk past a coworker in the hallway. “How’s it going?” he asks. “Good,” I automatically respond. Sometimes, it’s fairly accurate. Other times, it’s a flat-out lie. Like today.

Why do we do use those programmed responses? At work, in emails, over the phone, at church? How are you? How is your family? How’s it going? What’s up? How’s life? The actual words vary, but the meaning is always the same. Good. Fine. Okay. Not much. Nothing new. Can’t complain. Whether it’s true or not.

I don’t think it’s because we’re intentionally being dishonest. Rather, if we’re honest, we feel like we’d be complaining, and/or the other person might feel obligated to continue the conversation. For instance, if I had told my coworker the truth today, that I’m having trouble focusing today because of a rather frustrating conversation last night and related email/facebook status this morning, he’d be concerned and ask if I wanted to talk about it, or ask if he could help.

But I wouldn’t … didn’t … don’t … want anyone’s help. I don’t think anyone can help. Other than my Heavenly Father, and I’ve been talking to Him off and on for the last twelve hours. He’s the only One who knows everything that’s going on. I have to keep reminding myself that He’s in control, He’s got a plan, and I need to trust Him to take care of everything.

Only His guidance and His peace will get me through the day.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 4:6-7 (NKJV)