Socks - Day 29

These are my "yoga" socks.

Although I'd like to say I go to yoga regularly - with two kids under three and a full time job (at least, when not on maternity leave) - I don't always make the time like I should! When I only have a handful of hours per week to myself, I must choose between blogging, running (which I hope to get back to soon!), yoga, reading or book club, and the multitude of other things I enjoy doing "solo" (like pedicures!).

At one point in time, I was a regular yoga girl! I really enjoyed doing Ashtanga classes in Texas, and luckily moved to a home in NC that is literally walking distance from one of the few yoga studios in North Carolina that offers Ashtanga! The classes here are not as exciting (they do not offer, for example, "yoga tea" at the end of class like my favorite Austin yoga studios!)

With both kids, I've also done some prenatal yoga. Although it is much less intense, it has helped me find the time and space for peace and tranquility that "everyday life" doesn't always hand me on a plate.

Although the physical stretching and flexibility part of yoga are great for the body - the part I've always enjoyed is the more "spiritual" part.

With the yoga classes, I've learned a bit more about the "art". In Ashtanga, for example, there is a "chant" in sanskrit that is stated before each class. Yoga also often incorporates the concept of "Chakra" - from the Hindu and/or Buddhism tradition - which are 7 "focal" points within the body. Perhaps my favorite concept, however, is drishti - which means "vision" or "insight" in Hindi - and is the concept of "focus" - whether it's closing your eyes to focus on one of your seven chakra within, or focusing on the wall in the room and/or your "third eye."

Most people do yoga with bare feet. Once in a while - I prefer socks.

And now, my friends and readers, you have my sock drawer and my life in socks. If you've made 29 days worth of socks part of your regular reading, I applaud you! I also assure you that next month (March) will be different. Although some blogs might be featuring "March Madness" for the month - I'll be featuring my "real" life. That is - now a mom of two - I will be posting and blogging more about my recently expanded family - including all of the crazy details you may (or may not) be interested in about the birth, nursing, and - perhaps - a few Wordless Wednesday's to make sure new baby can be enjoyed by all!

Socks - Day 28

Since I enjoy socks, and I enjoy giving, I naturally enjoy giving socks! In one of our closets, I have a "gift" bin, where I keep and store random gifts. It almost always has one (or more) pairs of socks in it! This year, for Christmas, most of the "girls" in the family got M&M socks. Nothing too fancy - just a cute pair of something that wasn't boring! I guess I'm a little like my grandmother, that way, storing up "stuff" to give away for the holidays. Recently, I purchased a whole bunch of Christmas Gifts for the kids/cousins in the family for this year (2012) - a little early, perhaps - but I hope they enjoy the gifts in 10 months or so as much as I enjoyed purchasing them just recently! Sorry to be so vague- but, as luck would have it, those "kids" (or more likely, their parents) are likely blog readers, so I can't reveal the surprise here!

Speaking of the gift bin... there are a few other "staple" items that seem to "always" make their way to the bin. Kitchen towels and assorted kitchen items, picture frames, and (perhaps somewhat ashamedly) items to be re-gifted. It seems that around the holidays, it's fairly easy to "clean out" - by which I mean someone may get something "extra" that they may not have really "wanted." Although I try to make sure the items that I add to the bin are "designated" for someone specific, it doesn't always happen that way! This past year, I added a few items to the "bin" that didn't get distributed... but those particular items are "personalized" key chains - so at some point, they will necessarily have to make it to the "designated" person!

Socks- Day 27

Just this month- I discovered a new "type" of socks. These socks, unfortunately for my own personal use (but perhaps fortunately for my two kids), are only made in kid sizes.

These socks are intended for Toddlers. In fact, I have a toddler who is just about to master how to put his own socks on! These socks are a fabulous idea for him - and may just make my "splurge" purchase list for the month!

Since I've been planning my blogs ahead (just so they could continue to post even though we just had a new baby Feb 19th.. but more on that next month!) - these socks barely made the cut! In fact, the blog planned for today would have been a bit more boring, perhaps looking something more like this:

Wool socks. This is another warm/winter/shoe-friendly pair of socks, much like the ones posted yesterday.

socks - day 26

Another pair of my favorite - warm - winter socks!

Unlike the "boot" socks from the other day, however, these are socks that I can "squish" into shoes - so they are more practical for the "my feet are cold" days! This is also probably the pair of winter socks that gets the most wear- they are very comfy (I like the material), and they are "unique" - most of my socks are either cotton, or way more fuzzy!

socks - day 25

Ahh, yes - another pair of toe socks!  For some reason, this colorful pair of toe socks is another favorite.  I guess they remind me of college, also, where I knew a girl who had a pair of similarly colorful socks (without toes, if I recall correctly) that I remember clearly.

This particular friend - also on the crew team - once let me cut her hair.  That's when I discovered that cutting hair was definitely not my "calling" in life.  And yet, I still think it's my responsibility to cut Kiddo's hair... but (luckily for him) only once in a while.  I do "maintenance" shaving of the sides/trimming in between going to the "real" salon (one of those fancy places... Super Cuts!).  Now, I don't recommend Fantastic Sams.  Although it has my brother's name in the title (who is Sam of fantastic sams, anyway?) - the first time I took kiddo there, they managed to slice his ear.  Luckily, nothing but a scratch - but enough that I will never be back.  It is nice that there seem to be plenty of alternatives.

Now... who knew that a pair of socks could lead into a discussion on hair-cutting?

socks - day 24

This pair of socks - even with the bleach spot - is good for one thing: Snow Boots!

This is my thickest pair of socks, and most recently, reminds me of sledding with the neighbors!  Kiddo wasn't but a month or two old, so he couldn't even participate.  We live on a cul-de-sac, and our house is smack in the middle.  Our driveway happens to be nicely sloped, and if you sled down our driveway, you run into the curb on the other side of the culdesac (as opposed to the street).  So - the winter we first lived here (and got some good snow), a good time was had by all, sledding down our driveway!

It seems that this winter has been somewhat the opposite - without so much as even a hint of snow!  Very mild, indeed, with most days giving us highs in the 50s and - possibly more often - the 60s!  Some nights, the temperature has only dropped into the high 40s!  I won't bother with speculations about "global warming" and "climate change" and all those nerdy terms.  (Mind you, I often have to pay attention to those when I am involved in Hurricane Modeling for making insurance rates!  But I digress - as I try to keep my "work life" pretty much out of my blog)

So.. I haven't had the opportune moment to wear these socks this winter, but I'm sure the next time it snows - as I am sure it will one day again - I will make sure these socks are handy!  And hey, if it never snows again here, there's always Colorado...  And I could make a lot of digressions about Colorado (going there as a girl scout, taking Kiddo there with the family at 5 months old, growing up in the neighboring state, sailing over the mountain bike handlebars on a ski slope one summer, or numerous trips to Rocky Mountain National Park)... but maybe I'll save those stories for another post, one day!

Socks - day 23

I must admit, it's a bit challenging to come up with a decent "blurb" about each pair of socks I've selected for the month.  However, it's been a fun challenge thus far - and if you know me - you know I'm always up for a good challenge!

So today, this pair of socks is just going to lead into a digression on... Candy Land.  Recently, we started "playing" Candy Land with Kiddo.  We've only played once or twice thus far, but it's fun to see how at even a young age, kids can learn game skills!  At this point, the only "skill" kiddo has learned much of is the "taking turns" concept, and I credit daycare for that (they do an activity every day - or nearly so - where they go around the table and each kid has to respond to a question).

It's also been fun taking that, and adapting it into a card game!  Now, what kind of card game can you play with a not-even-two-and-a-half-year-old?  Well, you take turns - and when it is your turn, you draw a card, turn it over, and say what the number and suit are.

Ya know, family time  is family time, no matter what you do.  I sure enjoy these priceless moments with my family!

Socks - Day 22

Dr. Seuss Socks - who knew these things even existed?  Believe it or not, at one point in time, Kiddo had a pair of red and white striped socks that were nearly the same.  Somehow (intentionally?) we managed to lose one of them.  Before we even got a good picture!  Bummer!  Oh well, maybe I'll torture his sister once she's old enough.

Socks - Day 21

Running is... Cheaper than Therapy!  (I even have a purple shirt that says so!)










These socks - from REI, size Small - are my favorite for running!  They are just the right length (they are a little longer than most of my every-day socks, without being LONG socks), and they are fitted well.  I've worn these socks on plenty of runs - and sometimes, if it is cold enough, I will wear this particular pair of socks as the first "layer".

Marathons, half marathons, and 5Ks... all have been a part of my life since around 2006 when I was "convinced" by a friend to join a marathon training program.... after having never run before in my life!  Little did I know this would become what I now consider my "divorce recovery program" - and furthermore, something I would enjoy doing for many years to come!  I ran the Austin Marathon in 2007 (and then again with the "orange group" in 2008).  I'm sure that puts me in the small minority of people who have run 2 marathons (as opposed to 1 or 10+), but that's based on my "informal" knowledge.  I'm not sure I'll ever do a full marathon again (although, who knows!) - but I do enjoy running medium length distances (10 miles and half marathons), and I hope to do something along those lines again sometime this year!  My latest passion has been finding "events" that combine running with pure fun - such as the color run, the "will run for chocolate" or the muddy obstacle course races - such as the Gladiator or Tough Mudder.  I can't wait until Kiddo turns 4 so I can participate in the Muddy  Buddy (where you - and the kiddo - get to crawl through a mud pit!)

I guess my love of the mud must have started when I was in middle school (or so) and led a group of 2nd grade campers in a "mud patrol"one rainy week at day camp...

Socks - Day 20

These are definitely one of my pairs of socks with a "story" to tell.  This particular pair of socks were purchased at the Renaissance Festival, and are - by far- the longest pair of socks I own!  I've only been to a couple of Ren Faire events in my life - and they are fun! This pair is from the Raleigh festival, which evidently won't be here anymore.

I have several friends who are "regular"s at Ren Faire events- including some agility friends who have traveled and made homemade costumes to attend the event!  I think it's pretty cool when you see someone's passion and/or weird personality obsession shine through in the types of activities in which they participate.

Also, along these same lines... One year, for Christmas, we met DH's siblings and children to attend one of the "Medieval Times" events.  I can't seem to remember what "side" we were on - but I do recall enjoying myself!  It seems odd, in some ways, that we were the only ones without kiddos.  I guess that just means it was over 4 years ago, now!  One day, we'll take our kids.  Another digression?  One other place I'd like to go one day (maybe with extended family, maybe not) is Great Wolf Lodge.

Socks- Day 19

Purple - cozy - toe socks... Yes, Please!  Although this particular style of toe socks doesn't seem to stay on the "toes" so well (especially that onery pinky toe), they are quite definitive of me.  My favorite color, and my passion (socks!).  And every once in a while, in my world, it's perfectly okay if you want to slide your toes out and pretend they are more "ordinary" comfy socks.

Socks - Day 18

I think these socks are just a little funny.... after all, toe socks without the toes?  It's a little like mittens without the fingers.  These socks are advertised for Yoga - and I have worn them for that purpose!  Like the toe-shoes that I own (that I got before they were so popular), these are definitely socks that I did not get for their purpose, as much as for the novelty!  After all, if I'm going to get a pedicure, I'm not going to wear socks.  And for yoga, I prefer the full toes!

Socks - Day 17

These are another pair of my "short" socks.  One of the things I like best about this particular pair is the colors - I can make them go with a whole host of different shirts and what-not!

Socks - Day 16

75% off at an after Christmas sale?  Yes, Please!  The only dilemma?  Do I keep them for myself or give them away?

These happened to make their way into my personal collection.  I attribute my relatively  'new' appreciation for this particular style of socks to my sister-in-law who gave me a pink striped pair for Christmas one year!  I also got a recent pair for Valentine's Day - which will come in handy wearing around the house with a newborn!

Wordless Wednesday

Socks - Day 15

And now, one of my "new" sock discoveries.  For lack of a better term - these are "mitten" socks!  In some ways, I like them more than Toe Socks (if you can believe that!)  Why?  They are actually (to me) warmer - since your little toes are still in a traditional "sock" cover, and it's just your big toe that gets it's own pockets.  That means they are also great for wearing flip flops!

This particular pair is also from the San Francisco pier 39 sock shop.  Purple is definitely my favorite color, but I think teals come in a close second!  Come to think of it, these are probably not the only "mitten socks" I've got on the list for posting this month.

If I were forced into choosing my top 5 pairs of socks - I think these may just make the list.  Now, I am fairly certain I wouldn't be able to put them in order... but at least on the list!

Valentine's Day... Socks!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Socks - Day 13

This little piggy went to market...

These are the socks that I tend to wear to Kid's parties. Like when one of Mark's friends celebrates a birthday!

These are also the type of toe socks where you are almost required to not wear shoes with them!  Flip Flops are best for these- otherwise, your toes get squished with all that extra toe ornamentation!

Socks - Day 12

What sock collection would be complete without a pair... or two... of holiday socks?

This year, I couldn't "fit" into the average sweater, so I had to substitute these socks when I attended a neighbor's "Ugly Sweater Party."

At one point in time - I know I had toe socks for every holiday!

Over time, though, my sock collection has had to be narrowed down (otherwise it would no longer fit in a single drawer!).

So - unfortunately - I'm not sure I still have my St Patrick's day toe socks, or the New Year's Eve toe socks. (Yes, I did own both of these holiday toe socks at one time!)

I still have plenty for Easter, Christmas, and Valentine's day. Rest assured, only a handful of my toesocks actually made this month's worth of blogging about socks!

I also recently got a note from my MIL - and she has started wearing toe socks!  I like to think that I had some influence in that...

Socks - Day 11

Although I know several people who knit, I only know a handful who knit socks.

I was fortunate enough to receive these handmade socks from a very dear friend of mine!  She not only does stuff with yarn, but her real passion (I think) is fabric.  She's made some beautiful things, from quilts to toy bags to coffee mug rugs! (I didn't know what a coffee mug rug was until she started making them - and I find the concept fascinating!) These are definitely one of my favorite pairs.

Another bonus about the hand-crafted socks?  They remind me of my grandmother, who used to crochet booties. I remember seeing all her booties, and even owning several, as a kid. In fact, I'm sure I could dig out a pair that I still own that she made me once - although I will admit, I have probably not worn them in 10 years or more!  It's something that's hard to give up, though, since they remind me of her - even though she passed away while I was in high school!

That particular grandmother also always gave socks away for Christmas. I think she bought out cheap sales or something, because I got the same pair of speckled socks at least two years in a row when I was between the ages of 8 and 15.  And I would bet that every female in the family (maybe 20 of us?) all got the same two pairs os socks.  If it wasn't the speckled variety, it may have been the solid yellow/gold pair.  I'm pretty sure, though, that these socks are gone now- but only because I wore holes in them!

One of my favorite sock-related jokes?  "Are you religious?  Your socks sure are holy!"

Socks- Day 10

These are more of my "generic" socks. (Refer to prior post: My sock drawer is actually made up of many socks along thes same lines!)

These particular are a little less boring than some of those posted previously (such as the plain white or plain black pairs that I own), but pehaps fit along with the generic/functional socks posted yesterday. As I said, much of my collection of socks doesn't have "flair" like you might expect. These still manage to be somewhat interesting, and are definitely well-worn.

Socks - Day 9

These socks are in my favorite color - purple- and are fairly simple, functional socks.

Most of the shoes I wear are the casual slip-on kind, and these socks are the go-to style.  In fact, most of my sock drawer is probably made up of socks similar to these (as opposed to toe socks or something else, as one might believe - especially knowing how much I like socks!

One of the things I like best about this kind of socks?  The length.  Although socks of this nature would never work if I were to be active- such as going on a run or actually wearing tennis shoes for the day! 

Socks - Day 8

When I was on the crew team in college, 6am on the water was often cold. Bitterly cold. Particularly the November morning when the boat dumped us out (luckily, close to the dock). I'm certain I'm to blame for that particular incident, but I digress...

So these socks - from LL Bean - have also been around since college, and provide awesome memories. They are one of few "sized" pairs of socks- so they "fit" to my small feet.

Did you notice the hole? Since these are perhaps one of the more expensive pairs in my collection - - and I still wear them on occasions that require me to be outside in the winter - I have worn them less recently. (This winter has been too mild, so it doesn't really count!)

They have come in handy on several other cold occasions- such as skiing with the family in Colorado, and those early mornings at dog agility shows.

The day will come when I have to get rid of - or replace - this particular pair. That day won't be in the near future. I guess I'm a girl who is too sentimental about her socks. But I guess I'm also the girl who is posting about socks every day this month, so you probably knew that already.

But back to the crew team in college, for a moment.  That experience was - definitely - one of the more defining experiences in my life.  I had more than my share of "incidents" - from leaves stuck on the rudder making me fairly unable to steer - to an actual "crash" when warming up for a race, that left the person in the front (bow) of the boat trapped between two oars (very scary!)... I learned a ton about teamwork, confidence, and athleticism.  The athleticism push didn't take hold until several years later- but I'll probably digress more about that when get to my running sock collection!

Socks - Day 7

One of my latest favorite types of toe socks are like mittens (instead of gloves)- sometimes called flip flop socks!  My first pair came from China, courtesy of a good friend.  In addition to being awesome, and the right size for my feet, they have a Christmas sort of design!  It took me a very, very long time to find where I could find other pairs similar to these.  In some ways, they are definitely better than when all your toes are separate, because they are warmer.  And what's the fun of wearing socks like these if you don't wear them with shoes (flip flops) that show them off?

socks - day 6

Think the only socks I own are the "fun" kind? Think again!

These are the socks that - although I wear more often than I would care to admit - are just plain boring. No sparkle or fuzz, no razzle or dazzle, they are just socks. But yet... they don't typically clash. That is, unless I wear the white ones with black pants and black shoes (and yes, I'm certain I've been guilty of that on more than one occasion).

Socks - Day 5

Cozy, warm, comfortable... the best socks for lounging around the house! These are the socks that go best with pajama pants and sweat pants, or gatorade and tv watching. If you're home sick or in the hospital, these are definitely my top pick! I have several in this particular style. I've been known to wear them to work when I need a bit of that comfortable, homey feel.

socks - day 4

Ahh, College. When I was a Junior in College, two of my best friends went on an adventure - to study abroad. I'll give you one guess where they studied!!

In addition to bringing me back these awesome socks from Australia, I received some note paper, and a "footie" scarf. Each time I wear these socks, I think of my friends- and my college days.

Another fact? Australia is currently at the very top of places I would like to one day travel. I am hoping to go, one day, and possibly leave the kids with family while we are gone! Maybe that's all wishful thinking at this point, but Australia is definitely on my list of places to see!

Socks - day 3

Today's socks? A is for Alligator.

This fun pair of socks came from our last vacation to San Francisco. It's almost like they are interactive- and the alligator is eating your foot!

I like these because they are different. The pink is really only on the inside of the mouth, and the remainder of the socks are not just green, but also have a very subtle scale-like texture. The teeth just make them a little more fun.

I will often bring socks home as a souvenir when I travel. They fit easily in the suitcase, and remind me of how lucky I am to have been on so many adventures. I remember the specific store where these came from - on Pier 39. I got them just after we visited the squawking sea lions!

Socks - day 2

Today, it's AGILITY SOCK day!  In fact, I've sort of organized my socks in alphabetical order (with a small exception for Valentine's day).

But back to agility socks.  The first pair, I got at a dog agility show.  These are not socks you can find just anywhere, but socks that- at the time I got them - combined two passions: Socks (duh!) and Agility.  I recall wearing them (sometimes with one or two more pairs of socks, depending on the weather) for many dog shows!  Now, I wouldn't call them lucky, per se. For me to be "lucky" in agility would require that I put more effort into the sport.  My dog Kobe and I just did agility for fun.

In Agility, there are typically 3 levels.  You start with the other new dogs, move into the mid-range, and typically move to the top category.  We spent a whole lot of time in that mid-range!  I'm talking about maybe 3 or 4 years, doing up to 7 dog shows per year!

So what's our "Agility" claim to fame?  Kobe and I were at a dog show with one of the top dogs in the nation.  Although I'm not sure we won first place - I do recall, for certain, that we BEAT "that" dog (a black and white, over-sized Border Collie who had been to the AKC National Championship and belonged to Gerry Brown).  It was the highlight of our agility career, because it reflected our personality, and my strong view of agility.  What's my view of agility?  If it's not fun - for you and the dog- it's not worth it!

There are a couple of days where I have more than one pair of socks on a particular topic, and Agility Sock Day happens to be one of those days!  So- enjoy this pair of agility socks!  These are more run-of-the-mill dog socks, so they were certainly easier to find (which also, likely, meant cheaper).  The random thought for this pair?  They are actually a kid's pair of socks, since I have smallish feet.

Socks!

I've got an unofficial goal for this year to make 350 posts.  As a result, I'm going to attempt at posting something every day - or so.  You may have noticed in January, I started with a photo per day challenge.  I could have kept up with that, but just pictures get boring, sometimes.  And clearly, this wasn't a new year's resolution per se, since I didn't start until a few days into January!

I've decided that to keep up, I need a new "topic" for each month. This month? The topic is SOCKS!

I've gone through my sock drawer, and I've got a month's worth to share.  I know - for many people - socks may get boring.  However - socks are a big part of my life, and I picked out those socks that aren't just footwear, but also have stories to tell. For me, many pairs of socks have a very specific memory, and tell something about who I am. Whether it's the person who gave them to me, the time in my life when I received them, or something else entirely - socks aren't just footwear.

For starters... here's a glimpse of my sock drawer (and you may notice, a repost from January):

 

Unlike January, I'll be posting "words" to go along with the pictures. Hopefully, this will help to insert a little more "personality" and goofiness that the pictures - by themselves - didn't seem to bring across.  I guess there are some pictures that just aren't "worth 1000 words", as they say.  Or maybe I'm just not that good of a photographer!  Another bonus of adding in the words? the socks (hopefully) will come to life a bit, and allow me to share some of the "why" socks are important - and special - to me.  

I can respect that not everyone likes socks as much as I do.  In fact, I recently discovered that someone I know thinks of socks as more "dirty" than underwear- and likes feet better than socks (for shame!).  I've forgiven her, and we've made amends.  If you are "that" person.... I apologize in advance, and suggest you just wait and check back with my blog after February.

I also wondered if there were any "obvious" spots online for socks-per-day, and wound up - instead - finding a few different sock-of-the-month clubs!  Nothing per day, unfortunately.

So for February - happy Ogling my fabulous sock collection - and learning more about my life in socks! (and no worries - I may "interrupt" the "regular" sock routine to post once or twice about the baby expected any day now!)