ShockQueen

I am 6'2" flat-footed, and tend to wear heels from 4"-8" in height. Yeah, I get the standard comments like "Aren't you tall enough already?", but most are really cool about it and compliment me on my choices of footwear. btw...I went to the mall yesterday with my family, and my wife overheard someone in Sears saying "Is that a guy or a girl?". Note: I have hair past my shoulders, and was wearing 6" spiked-heel platform sandals.

This was written last night while working. Shows you how much free time I have on my hands these days *grin*. Views on "the norm": --------------------- One thing I tend to notice is people's view of "the norm". What is "the norm"? For myself, I think it's a totally subjective view. "The norm" is what people tend to make of it, and it pretty much fits what they are the most comfortable with. What really rocks their world is when someone comes along and upsets the delicate balance that was set up in their minds. It can be pretty much anything that the person has not been subjected to before, or has yet to encounter. Most people react to this with a sense of curiosity, wondering why this difference has suddenly appeared in their life, and then the though process starts on how to best deal with the situation at hand. Unfortunately, in this day and age, many react to surprises in life negatively. Why this is still baffles me to this day, as people on the whole seem to get off on being miserable about at least something in life, so therefore the easiest course of action is to inflict their negative feelings on those they come across. This, of course, only makes things worse, because not only is the person dealing with the unknown element handling it badly, the only way they can rectify the situation in order to make themselves feel better, is to inflict this negative feeling onto someone else. It's a good thing to be curious, but it's the way people go about it that leaves much to be desired much of the time. Society plays a part in this, and I mean a large part. People in a "society" tend to go with one set of variables, and if there is an unknown element, the formulated reaction in the case is to drive it away. Most of the time, the people will not even acknowledge the fact that there is a better way - it's been conditioned by "society". This is the major point when I say that society is very much overrated. People like to live in a "comfort zone" that all the elements are known to them, and there is little change. This is the way it is for most people, because that requires the least amount of effort. There are the types out there that like to take a challenge, break society boundaries, and just re-learn to go out and have fun, and live life to it's limits. For those, there are no boundaries since they have already been broken, or are in the process of BEING broken. These are the people who have learned to deal with the "unknown elements" in their lives through reason, and exploration. Also, on the other hand, it's up to the "explorer" to figure out how best to deal with a "society issue" when it presents itself. This is also another fault that some have dealing with. If the "explorer" gets into a situation where things are rough, and the path that they are following is blocked, then they tend to also react negatively to the situation. In order to rectify such things, it's best to either deal with things rationally, or just explore a new path, whether it be within or without. Sometimes people change to fit that situation, while other times, people will change the situation to fit the person. I see people talking and writing about discrimination all the time, but there is one form that is constantly overlooked - appearance discrimination. This is where people are judged solely on outward appearance, never going beyond that point. I think this is where the "first impression" rule of society comes in - first impressions count. This is neither a negative statement, or a positive one - it just is, and that's all it is - a statement. It's up to the individual whether it is a positive one or a negative one. This was an issue in the 60's with "free love", in the 70's with "fitting in (image issue)", in the 80's with "hanging with the right crowd" and "belonging", and in the 90's with "getting along with each other". It seems that people have become so dead-set on belonging to some clique, or group, that they have totally blinded themselves to any other possibility since it means so much to them to get to that one goal they don't even see any others. Is this right? Is this wrong? No...on both counts. It merely "is". People don't seem to get the picture that you don't HAVE to belong. You are entitled to be your own person, and to have your own beliefs. You don't need to conform to any one set of rules....well...outside of the legal ones, that is. This is a product of government of where you live, and pretty much sets the tone for the other variables. Do remember though, that if you leave one place to go to another, that the tone set by whatever laws there are can change, so one should be prepared for that. Outside of that one point, people are free to make their own choices, and then act on them as best they see fit. If you succeed with your formula, then all the better. If you fail, there is no shame in that. You just learn from the experience, and move on. You will find that there are many such situations in life where you have to make the best choice for yourself, and it may not suit “the norm”, but you have to figure that out for yourself. We each make our own choices in life, and that will shape the road that you will travel down.

You would post my favorite pic! :smile: I think that look is WAY cool! Again...welcome to the boards, and the party that NEVER ends!

There really isn't anyone who is "too different" these days. We are all our own people, and no one can change that. The only person who can make one change is ones-self. Never fear being different from the crowd. If we were all the same, it would truly be WAY too boring for my taste.

I had a good experience with a shoe repair place here in Denver. I have a pair of leather 4" stiletto boots that I wore out the heel tips on, and didn't want to damage them beyond repair, so I took them in to be re-tipped. 48 hours and $7.50 later, they have better tips on them than they originally had! Nice work!

Wow....congrats on being able to do THAT much, Joak. I know I could never handle walking in those things. I think I'll stick to platforms if I want heels THAT high :smile: .

I could see myself in the ones in pics 4 & 5. They just seem to fit my style better. Nice collection!

The only strange looks I get these days are those of curiosity from the ladies at work wondering how I can walk so well in heels. I think the guys here have given up trying to figure me out already :smile:.

Looks like we're gonna have to fit Francis for a cool corset once he comes to Denver!

I think the outfit looks perfect as is! Very nice combination!

I think it's the term referred to for a dumpster used by builders or renovators for hauling away the debris left over from the project. I saw something like that on "Ground Force" on BBC America, so that's probably what he's referring to.

I remember that story! I've read it many times, and it's almost like one of those cyber-thrillers you see sometimes! I keep thinking that it would make an excellent "Outer Limits" or "Twilight Zone" episode someday . One can dream, can't they?

You haven't seen too many men in skirts I take it. Not to toot my own horn, but I have been told by ladies that when in skirts, I have very nice legs. I think it comes from many moons of wearing heels - it trains the leg muscles better.

If I had the means or the cash to go, I would in a hot second. Alas, it's a bit far for me presently. Thanx for the invite though!

Does a meeting of just 2 count as a "meet"? Chris G. and I are meeting up for the first time around 6/8 here in Denver for some fun in the mile-high city, and of course there will be heels and skirts to be seen. Should be massive fun! I'm sure there will be a 2nd one once Francis comes over as well! (hint hint hint) It's been a great spring so far, and it's gonna keep getting better!

For either of my kids, I would say as long as they know how to take care of them themselves - then I'll be cool about it. I think it's idiotic myself to see babies with pierced ears already. What if later on in life you find out they never wanted them? It should be up to the child to make a responsible choice when they are able to conscientiously do so (IMHO).

I think one of the biggest reasons I went to Win2K was so I could finally install Maya 4.0 Unlimited. It looks sweet, but a real uphill challenge. I'm sure it'll be fun learning how to use it!

I'll have to do that! I have the original trilogy on CAV LaserDisc, so it should be easy for me to do. Speaking of bloopers, did anyone notice the "teleporting" R5-D4 (red astromech) in Episode IV when Luke and Owen were buying droids? Check it out after it blows it's gasket! I also saw the trooper crack his head on the Death Star door! LOL! :smile:

Ahhh....here we go again! ZING! It's SLINGBACK TIME! WOO-HOOO!!!! Guess that means it's time to go shopping again! :smile:

I've noticed a certain level of "bonding" between me & the ladies at work. They tend to notice more and more when I wear different heels, and sometimes ask what the "flavor of the day" is, since I have so many styles to pick from for what I wear that day these days. I have some that I've not worn out before, but have had for quite a while, and they'll say "Oh did you go shopping again?", and I just smile and say "No, I've had these for a long time". One of my good friends made a cute comment and said "We should call you Imelda". I had to laugh at that, as yeah....she did have an extensive collection in her closet.

Yesterday, I thought to have a bit of fun, so I brought in some 6" platform slides that are clear (I'm DUCKING here!) with a rainbow-type material for the toe strap - kinda like a reflective material if that makes any sense. It went well, as every other pair I've worn to work, and quite comfortable! Normally I don't do clear platforms, but these were just too cool to pass up. I think next will be a pair of 6" sandals in somewhat the same style, only in black. They seem to work out really well, and with it being closer to summer, it's time to add sandals to my wardrobe anyways. Have a cool week!

Glad to hear that your wife is cool with you wearing heels! I bet you have a really good relationship . It is nice once you find the right person, isn't it? I know it's great here! Over five years now, and still going strong!

Ah, but people are individuals for a reason, aren't we? One should not have to give up things "just to please their S.O.". That is a hollow relationship and one that is always in danger of falling out. A good relationship is one where both are open enough to accept each other for who they are without any modification necessary. If I had to choose between living my life the way I want to, and be single - or giving up my way of life in order to get someone INTO my life, then I would stay single. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about that as my wife is cool with me wearing heels, and has no complaints about it - and we've been married for FIVE years now! It CAN be done...you just have to wait for the right person to pop up in your life. _________________ "I'm clicking my ruby slippers three times, but my teleporter is BROKEN!" <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ShockQueen on 2002-05-27 16:57 ]</font>

Probably the same reason I do...cuz the music to dance to is MUCH better! At least that's how I've found it to be here.

Congrats on your adventure, Yamyam! I'm glad it went well for you .