Hooky

Last night was predictably awkward with me and the big black boot in bed together and this morning I thought, 'You know, you've been a trooper. You've been walking around town on a broken ankle that your dog just sniffed like it was carrion and you haven't taken a single day off work for it.' I have a horrible tendency to want someone to endorse decisions like taking a day off work or buying a cute dress that isn't on sale so I don't feel guilty but today, I just called in and told them I would not be in today. No explanation. I have over six weeks of vacation and near that much in sick leave, there is no reason for me to keep putting my self last.

So I got started on my day. I indulged in a cab to finally get my hair cut (I had been on my way to do this Sunday when I chose a stunt fall over the haircut) but rode the bus back from my appointment. On the bus, I could swear I was molested by a middle aged Indian man who had his elbow in my breast. It was weird. I was leaning as far away from him as I could and he kept his arms crossed and legs wide so that he was touching me no matter what. I even suggested we switch seats so he could get out at his stop without having to step over me and he resettled with his elbow firmly in my breast. Maybe it was just a difference in our cultural norms regarding personal space but something about it was weird to me. He looked back at me when he got off the bus in a strange way...ewww.

The rest of the day was molestation free. I went to a local cafe that I love. It's a neighborhood place but it attracts out-of-towners as well. It's right down the street from Starbucks but I really can't see Starbucks being a threat to a place like this with its unique second hand furniture, eclectic music (v.s. the smooth jazz hell playing at many chain stores), and familiar staff wearing their own clothes and no corporate smocks or aprons. They know I usually have a small coffee or iced tea, they know me well enough to ask about the boot, and I see one of the girls at yoga (when I go). Love it. Today they left the doors open while the rain poured outside and I had a generous slice of still warm almond rum cake while I did some work using their free WiFi. Then I finally got myself into one of the many boutiques on my street. Predictably, much of the stuff was XS, M (actually small), L (actually medium). I've got kind of a va-va-voom figure so much of the stuff was laughably small or obscenely, read-the-label-on-my-underwear, tight. But one dress was fabulous on me. Just fabulous. It was on 'sale' for $110. It is a simple dress, cotton jersey type fabric, but the cut is super flattering on me and the color is awesome. But $110 awesome? I put it back on the hangar, carried it around in the store with me and ultimately decided to sleep on it.

And look it up on-line. :-)

p.s. I don't hate Starbucks or other chain stores. They just don't have the soul of a place like the neighborhood bars and cafes.
p.p.s. Photo courtesy of http://www.thefind.com/apparel/browse-splendid-dress. Just imagine it in grape--awesome.