Thursday, July 16, 2009

New Pair of Feet

Although I love getting a new pair of shoes, I don't get excited to get a new pair of tennis shoes. I usually keep a pair until the color has faded or the sole of the shoe is completely worn. With all of my recent fitness competitions, though, I now need to keep my tennis shoes up-to-date.

While driving down Bardstown Rd I saw the most wonderful thing. It was a sign that read "50% off"! Under the sign were boxes of tennis shoes. I felt like I hit the jackpot. The next day I returned to the Fleet Feet Store to look at their selection. They had several size 7 shoes. Although I generally wear a 7 1/2 I felt for half priced shoes I could get rid of half a size of my foot.

Laura walked over and started telling me a little about the different styles of shoes. I have a foot that practically has no arch so it was very important that I found something that has positive stability. After trying on all of the size 7 sale shoes, I stood up so Laura could feel my toe. Unfortunately, it was poking right at the top of the shoe. I hated that I'd have to pay full price now for a shoe, but knew it was essential for my training.

So, lovely Laura told me about some of their other regular priced shoes and made some great suggestions. I asked about the 'whiteness' of so many shoes and she offered suggestions for washing and maintaining them. She was very knowledgeable about all of the products and I knew I was in good hands.

I walked out of Fleet Feet with a new pair of shoes and felt great about my experience. Buying a pair of tennis shoes shouldn't put a smile on my face, but Laura did.

French Food's Finest!

I had never been to a French restaurant. So, while in Houston my boyfriend and I visited La Madeleine. Whenever I visit somewhere for the first time I always ask the employees what they suggest. On this day, Jerome was working and told me their most popular dishes.

We sat at our table and Jerome brought me out a huge plate of pasta. Jerome let me know that he added a little extra. I nibbled on half of it, but my boyfriend had to finish the rest off. As we finished eating, my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to try any of their desserts. Just as the question was asked, Jerome was walking to another table and said, "If you want desserts, I have your back".

I had a sweet chocolate dessert and this time ate it all! It was mmm, mmm good. As we left we tried to give Jerome a tip for the wonderful service that he gave. He smiled, graciously declined and told us he was just glad we came.

Thanks Jerome for all you do!

Mega Welcome at a Mega Church

While visiting Houston, my boyfriend and I decided to visit Joel Osteen's church. We'd heard about it and watched him on television. We woke up bright and early to attend the 8:30am service. The parking garage was massive and the church (which is in an old NBA basketball stadium) was simply impressive.

When we walked into the door, we were greeted instantly by Vernelle C. She was so excited to see us and to tell us about all of the wonderful experiences at Lakewood Church. You could tell that she felt that morning she was sent specifically to welcome us!

Vernelle showed us around the complex and took us into the church. Our eyes widened as we looked at the place of worship. We thought we'd find a seat toward the back somewhere, but Vernelle said "You're gonna get VIP treatment today!".

Who would have known that her VIP treatment really was VIP. Next thing we know, we are headed to the front row in the front of the church. It was a truly remarkable experience!

After the service on our way out the door, Vernelle caught us again. She had that same twinkle in her eye. It was truly a blessing to have met her and I hope to see her again.