So, after a very childish spitting contest last night under the bed, I told Sophie that there would be no more treats in the morning, no more Fancy Feast in the evening—not until she starts behaving like a proper young lady. Until then, she only gets dry food and water. Nothing special. I don't know how many times I've scolded from the other room, "Sophie, we don't get on kitchen counters here unless you're me!" and it doesn't seem to strike a chord.

She dragged my iPod around yesterday, and carried around my party favor from Saturday's baby shower before turning to Nick's keys—she's buried mine in her litter box in the past—but I suppose that we should be thankful that she is now leaving plants alone...although, I was waxing poetic over the bouquet of lily of the valley my aunts had given me and how much I loved the dainty little flowers (they're my favorite!!!) when Nick pointed out gently that Sophie must love them too as I spotted a helpless little stem strewn across the floor.

This morning, belatedly, she came downstairs and stared at the place on the floor where I usually set treats. It was bare. Slowly, she turned her mournful little eyes up to me and sniffed, walking towards me in a contrived, I'm-weak-with-hunger wobble. "Do you want treats, Sophie?" I asked, immediately upset with myself for letting her get so emaciated and set a sizable handful at her feet.

But, honestly, I think I made my point.

So, I am craving this new shoe from New Balance. After my last set of running shoes (I replace shoes often...mainly because I am an active person and want my joints to last me into the golden years) I am determined to only ever buy running shoes in a shade of orange.



Ok, so they're not brand-brand new...I've had my eye on them for months, trying to talk myself into buying them. Well, I've been spurred to action now, as I put an order in for an 8D on www.brownsnewbalance.com who was selling them $25 cheaper than Dick's Sporting Goods. I received an email back yesterday they had had 8B's, but not 8D's. I inquired whether or not they would be getting in more sizes, and was told that the orange/white combo IS A DISCONTINUED COLOR!

I was upset, and immediately resolved that I would do my darnedest to find an 8D in the orange NB Zips. We stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods last night, price didn't matter quite as much knowing the situation, and found they were selling the oranges at a reduced price now too. "An 8D, please?" I requested to the handsome young man in the running shoe area, and he came back saying they didn't have an 8 in a D, only in a B, and would that work? I shook my head morosely...my stupid, flat, wide feet need the D.

And I came home, scouring the internet for an 8D...I've ordered one such set this morning, full price, and await the email telling me that there are no D widths to be found. I could cry. I WANT ORANGE SHOES! I WANT THEM NOW! I betcha this is just some marketing ploy to get me to buy shoes...because, you know in the scheme of things, my purchase matters that much.