Happiness · Readers' Favorites

Trading in the Stilettos

Sasha

IMG_2578

When did I suddenly become the uncool one?? I am in my late 20s and yet have not set my foot into anything remotely fancy or “lady like” in. . . well, I would rather not admit this one. I no longer even know HOW to walk in a pair of high heels. I looked in my closet the other day and saw my old four inch stilettos, collecting their share of dust. I would fall flat on my face, is all I could think.

Speaking of such, I did fall flat on my face the other day and all I was wearing were flat flip flops. I was in the hotel’s lobby, holding my son and about to walk the literal two steps up to the top level.

I flew.

Literally, I took air with this awful spill. I did manage to save my son from any harm but my ego: a completely different story. A group of ten people came rushing over to me, asking if I was okay. Everyone else in the lobby simply stared straight my way.

Am I okay?? Seriously?

I just tripped over two measly steps. No, I am not okay. I am embarrassed beyond words.

I am not even wearing high heels!!!

IMG_2581

My sister came into town recently and asked what good places there were in the area for her and her boyfriend to check out. I could name off the best playground structures, splash pads, and libraries in the area. It seems this was not exactly what she had in mind. I was stumped for any other information. . .

Oh, I knew where a brand new Target just opened!!

I am a mom and I am a bit of a nerd. Perhaps a little embarrassing to admit sometimes, but I am perfectly content nonetheless. Parents were uncool back when I was growing up and it seems the cycle carries on. I trip and fall, I wear t-shirts and flip flops, I get excited about new play structures and grocery stores. 

I am a nerd–a mom nerd. I am the happiest nerd in all the world.

“In fact, the world needs more nerds.”  -Ben Bernanke 

IMG_2564

91 thoughts on “Trading in the Stilettos”

  1. Oh my, I know exactly what you’re talking about. I hate those moments that make it painfully clear that you’ve lost all coolness. But who needs heels anyway?? Hooray for being a mom nerd! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yeah, so happy to not be alone in this category! I heard heals are not good for you anyways. . . at least, this is what I like to tell myself. 🙂

      Cheers to the mom nerds!!!

      Like

      Reply

  2. I think I’ve maybe worn heels once since my daughter was born. I’ll be a nerd with you! The things I get all stoked about now are things I never in a million years expected to…such as upon joining my new gym the most exciting thing I learned was family swim on Fridays and Saturdays so my girl will have a pool to use all year round. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Haha, I just found out my gym as well offers swim lessons for both my kids all winter long. I too was stoked about this!

      Yeah for running shoes and gym shorts–at least we can be the sporty type mom nerds. 🙂 😉

      Like

      Reply

    1. I used to see you in your little one inch heals and think “what nerdy shoes.” Now I applaud you for the amazing ability! 😉 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. Yeah, it’s funny how cycles of parental un-coolness repeat themselves…but then so do so many important things, like the sun rising every day…I guess it shows us how we’re part of something so much bigger than ourselves. The willingness to live for others instead of thinking of ourselves is part of the beauty of love.

    On a lighter note, the kids stole one of my flats (probably in the sandbox or something) so I had to wear heels with my dress to church last Sunday (wasn’t quite willing to wear sneakers with a dress yet!). Heels + crazy lurching bus driver + crowded bus with no seat + 6 months pregnant = an exciting ride….I don’t particularly recommend it! 😉

    Like

    Reply

    1. Annna, I love this!!! We are like the sun, bringing life to those around us. Who has time for fancy shoes with such responsibility anyways? 🙂

      I truly take my hat off to you for sporting the heals pregnant. I tried it once, to a wedding. It was the worst wedding ever, with my feet so swollen by the time it was over I was forced to walk out barefoot. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  5. Oh, am glad you were (physically) okay from that fall and of course, I knew you would have saved son from any injury! I had similar fall down a flight of stairs right after my youngest was born. I was still a bit unsteady on my feet and down we both went. I may not have looked too graceful or had my dignity intact, but am proud to say that I extended my arms (holding the baby) straight out and up and took all the injury myself while he never even woke up. It’s one of those Mum things I guess……nerds unite!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Torrie, I am so happy to know I was not the only one who has experienced this! Much scarier for you though, with an infant in hand.

      It seems to be the mom way: sacrificing life and limb for their safety without a second thought. Then, having to look up to the crowd of spectators standing round. 🙂 Yeah for uniting nerds!

      Like

      Reply

    1. Yes, much more comfortable and much more practical as well. Try chasing a toddler around in stilettos and see what happens! 🙂 I can just picture you out on one of those islands, exploring in high heals and skirts. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  7. Too funny! After kiddo number one and wearing flats all pregnancy, I out on a pair of low geeks and practically broke my ankle!! I didn’t realize you could get out if practice, but you can 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Haha, Kirsten, I am scared I would do the exact same!! I suppose when I want to get back into the swing of things I will need to start “practicing” in my house a little each day. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Leila, isn’t it amazing how much our priorities change? In the past I would have known all the best hang outs around. Now I do not think there is a single “kid friendly” place in town I do not know about. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Yeah, I am so happy to hear this!! I now have a great excuse for my lack of height–health reasons. 🙂 🙂

      I love reading all your great recipes and tips for getting nutrition into our children! So happy to have connected with you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Sasha I LOVE this! I feel the same exact way. I used to feel so much cooler but still always a nerd. Now I’m completely uncool and a mom nerd. I wear workout clothes almost every day because most my wardrobe is from college and is no longer appropriate for a 32 year old to wear. I’m ok with it all because it works for me. Nerd mom love!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yes, I LOVE work out clothes. You can move so freely and they soak up all that perspiration, which is great for when you trip and fall in front of twenty adults! 🙂

      Happy to be connected with a fellow mom nerd!! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  11. Lol! Your post just made my day 🙂 made me feel less conscious of my own nerdiness and over all non-coolness 😝 And P.S: those pics are adorable! See, those old high heels are still of some use!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Haha, glad to bring some nerdy encouragement your way! We are the happy ones though, no needed foot rubs at the end of the day. 🙂

      I am glad I did not toss the things out. Sadly, my three year old walks better in them than I do. . . 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  12. Ha ha! I swear I only fall when 20 people are paying attention to me. I save all my gracefulness for moments I’m alone 😉. Cute shoes, but even cuter are the little feet in them. Momlife rocks!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Keri, it’s so true!! I do fine all day with the kids and then we go out in public. . . 🙂

      Yes, her feet definitely outshine the heals any day!! Yeah to mom life and the amazing, beautiful “nerdy-ness” it brings!

      Like

      Reply

  13. Beautiful post! I am often surprised at how much I have changed since becoming a mom and how I do things that I never thought I would do (like wearing flip flops everywhere!). But the biggest surprise is how much I love my life now, and how I woudn’t trade it for anything!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, so true. Even with all the flip flops and ungraceful stumbles I would not trade my life right now for anything in this world. Enjoy each moment of nerd-ville while it lasts, for there really is nothing quite so beautiful. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  14. Haha I can relate! You are definitely not alone in the nerdy mom’s club! A lot of my friends are still in the dating scene or just married, and I’m way over here like “ya wanna do a park date??” 🙂 But, I agree with so many of the others. Being a mom is great! I used to feel like I was trying to “fit in” all the time when I was single and cool. Now, being a mom is just so comfortable. It is so nice just to relax in the flip flops, gym shorts, and play at the park! 🙂 Great post!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Marla, the “excuse” of “I am a mom I can wear yoga pants anywhere I want,” is one of the greatest beauties of motherhood! Let us take full advantage of this stage of our life where being a nerd is completely acceptable and even expected by society. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. The thought of wearing stilettos makes me tired. Even when I go out on an occasional date, I wear ballet flats or maybe a small wedge. I like being a nerd too.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Haha, Melissa, I too feel simply exhausted just thinking of trying to walk in those cute little torture devices! 🙂 Three cheers for the ballet flats–one of mankind’s greatest creations. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  16. This made me smile. I am a total mom nerd too. The nerdiest of nerds. But also the happiest, just like you 🙂

    PS I don’t even remember the last time I wore heels. And I don’t think I ever will unless it’s mandatory 😉

    Like

    Reply

    1. Theresa, I like you so much better than ever before!! We would be the greatest of nerd mom friends if only an ocean did not separate us! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  17. Pretty shoes!! 🙂 Being a tshirt flip floop loving Mom is your season for now! I went through this season that lasted about 5-6 yrs.. I did however come out of it. It’s nice to get all dressed up now for a date night with my husband! I do still prefer gym clothes over dresses any day, the older I get the more I enjoy the comfortable things! You rock!

    Like

    Reply

    1. This is good to know!! Age and kids seem to create the desire for comfort above all else it seems. However, perhaps I too will one day take these heals back out of the dress up box. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. Ohmygoodness – that’s totally a pilot for hbo or netflix… we just have to figure out how one writes a pilot for hbo or netflix…
        I found myself randomly falling on a regular basis my freshman year of college (that long ago place and time). It feels good to know I’m not along in this.
        Write on!

        Like

        Reply

        1. Haha, yes, me and you. I am sure we could simply submit a few of our postings and they would most definitely pick us up for next season! 🙂

          Like

          Reply

          1. Just realized I wrote “along” instead of “alone”. That will have to be fixed before the producers see it – or else it fits in perfectly.

            Looking forward to reading your next post.

            Like

            Reply

    1. Yes, if only for nostalgia sake I cannot yet give up a single pair! I laugh when I think by the time I finally do dare to sport them again they will be completely dated. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  20. Power to the nerds! I’m with you…putting on heels feels so foreign now. I’d rather rock out my “ducky shoes” any day! Cute photos and those shoes really are gorgeous! 😉

    Like

    Reply

  21. haha! I remember thinking when I was in High School that I didn’t want to be an ‘adult’ because they seemed like they never had fun. How wrong I was..motherhood is the most exciting, fun, crazy adventure life could offer!! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Megan, I am right with you! I used to think my mom and her friends lived such boring lives. Now, I do not mind at all if I end up exactly like them. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  23. Hey, nerd or not, you gotta know where the closest Target is! 🙂 I’m a nerd too. I was a nerd before I became a mom. I’ll take the mom nerd title … that sounds cool!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Dawn, I couldn’t agree with you more! I can only imagine the number of falls which would ensue with me chasing down my toddlers in heals! Perhaps some day we will once again sport the things. For now a good pair of running shoes is rather ideal. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  25. Not only are those flip flops bad for your feet, you have experience the dangers of wearing them as well. Get into those heels… It will be better in all ways. And hey, if you trip up, at least there is a good reason. 😉

    Like

    Reply

  26. First time I’ve ever heard anyone, besides a financial analyst or a politician quote Former. Fed Chair Ben Bernanke! haha You are a nerd, but a cool nerd, great article.

    Like

    Reply

    1. So true!! I am in no way the same woman I once was and yet I have never been more happy or content in all my life–flip flops, t-shirts, and all. 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind encouragement as well!!!

      Like

      Reply

    1. And a great sense of fashion you have, if I do say so myself. 🙂 It truly is a thing of profound beauty: a mother’s deep love for her child.

      Like

      Reply

  31. Oh I love it!!! I’m in this big nerdy boat with you and I say we’re in good company. I too have tons of amazing heal collecting dust…although my Ethan does love my shoes! I’d trade in those suckers for nerdy t-shirts and flops any day! The fall made me laugh only because I can’t count how many embarrassing spills ive had. One time the boys were making sure in was ok haha… Glad you’re Ok and embracing your nerdy mom life…the best life there is if you ask me! ☺

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yes, definitely the best! I am glad I am not the only one to have dusty shoes and embarrassing tumbles though. 🙂 Nerd friends to the end!! 🙂 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  32. Thanks for sharing. I do believe that most of us can relate to this. I used to dress up all the time and now I am lucky if I have dress clothes. However, my kids are all grown and I thought I would be able to get back into dressing up but NOPE….now I have grandkids. Love it and wouldn’t trade being a mom-nerd for anything. Kuddos to you. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Love this Trina!! What an awesome Grandma you must be!! I hope to be just like you when my own kids have children. Yeah for both nerd moms and nerd grand moms as well! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  36. It took me a few years into the mommying to notice I had stopped carrying purses. The diaper bag transitioned to something just a little more feminine but as functional. And I’d schlep everything in coolers…all the homemade stuff I took everywhere.

    Like

    Reply

  38. haha this is so true. I used to wear stilettos every day then I had a kid and it was flip flops. But, after finding myself again after having a baby I do wear my heels, even if I have no where to go lol

    Like

    Reply

    1. Haha, my suggestion would be to try keeping a regular rotation going. If not, do not worry, you will be fully embracing the nerd club before you know it, and loving every bit of it! 🙂

      Happy to be connected with you as well Elizabeth!!!

      Like

      Reply

I love to hear your thoughts!