Although my sister and mom both live within driving distance – an hour and two hours away, respectively (that’s on a good day when the traffic gods cooperate. When they don’t, well, all bets are off), our schedules don’t allow us to get together too often.
This past Saturday when hubby was out of town with our boys – their way-delayed annual father’s day overnight – mom, Lynne and I had our sleepover, beginning with – what else – a trip to the nearby Lord & Taylor for boots. Why is it that every time we get together one of us “needs” to shop? But, you know, those friends & family sales are tough to ignore, especially when you’re boot-aholics like us.
So many choices. But plenty of time to decide.
(photos.com)
Nature or nurture? You decide.
“Let’s go before lunch,” I suggest. “This way, it won’t be so crowded.” Wrong. Who knew that everyone else would have that same idea?
We snag three seats – the only three available in the vast shoe department- carefully stepping over and around boxes strewn on the floor like toys mindlessly pushed aside in a child’s playroom. Customers mill around. Most vaguely resemble zombies in a trance; they weave gingerly and slowly (is there really any other choice?) through the cluttered maze, their eyes glazed over while their brains screams “TUNE OUT! TUNE OUT!”
So, why do I tell you this? Well, for one thing, I have to say that the nearly-two hours we sat there didn’t really phase me. I didn’t get impatient. I didn’t get bored. Sure, I tried on just about every size 9-1/2 boot that was in stock. But more than just that, sitting still gave me an opportunity to eavesdrop on life – something I rarely, if ever, get to do. And being the curious sort (some might call it nosy, I call it being a “keen observer of life”), I love to learn about what other people are wearing/saying/thinking/doing.
A couple of conversations I overheard:
Woman A: I don’t need a facelift; it’s my neck I can’t stand. I have these vertical bands that AGE me!
Woman B: So, what can be done about that?
Woman A: Well, a plastic surgeon I went to told me that he could cut the muscle, and the bands would disappear.
Woman B: What? Cut your neck? How could you do that?
Woman A: What’s the big deal? So what if I can’t talk or swallow? People can overlook a little drool, can’t they? At least… I’ll look younger.
(I don’t know if the above is entirely factual – either the procedure or its aftermath, or for that matter, her intent – but I do think there is a way to get rid of those “neck bands” and what she was saying might have been accurate.)
Woman C: I am so totally beside myself since K left for college. The pain is so intense, it feels like someone died. I just don’t know how I’m gonna get through this.
Woman D: Shopping helps.
(I know everyone copes with an empty-nest in their own way, but don’t you think this is a tad extreme? I want to tell Woman C that she will get through it, and she might actually learn to enjoy it. And to Woman D, I say: You’re probably partially right.)
And to all my readers, I ask this question: Do you ever get a chance to sit back and observe life?
If you don’t, perhaps you should. It’s really a nice time-out. While not nearly as good as a vacation, it gives you a break from life and a unique perspective on it all at once.
Oh, and the boots I bought? They’re pretty cool. I might have to go back for another pair.
Pam@over50feeling40 says
October 28, 2013 at 1:55 pmSince I majored in journalism…let’s say….several years ago…I have been listening in on conversations everywhere I go…one of my favorite past times! I have learned much about life that way…and, oh, Woman C? You will get over that!!
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:12 pmI agree, Pam, Woman C will – I hope – get over it soon enough!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
October 28, 2013 at 7:00 pmI love people watching. And where better to do it than in a ladies shoe department? Getting the boots is icing on the cake. 🙂
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:12 pmYup, a very good place to observe, and buying boots doesn’t hurt, either.
Estelle Sobel Erasmus says
October 28, 2013 at 7:46 pmSheryl,
People watching is one of the guilty pleasures of women with time on their hands. Unfortunately, I am not one of those women:) But I do remember when I was able to do just that–often at restaurants or out to lunch. It’s fun.
Estelle
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:11 pmMaybe some day you’ll be able to get back to that guilty pleasure, Estelle!
Anne @MidlifeBlvd says
October 28, 2013 at 11:12 pmSign me up for that neck-cutty-thing!
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:10 pmYou got in, Anne!
Anne @MidlifeBlvd says
October 29, 2013 at 4:12 pmHaving second thoughts… 🙂
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:33 pmOkay, Anne… I’ll cancel that appointment I made for you!
Irene S. Levine says
October 28, 2013 at 11:18 pmDo you wonder who might have been watching your threesome?:-)
It might be on another blog…
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:09 pmWhoops. But really, I think we were quite well-behaved and they couldn’t get much dirt on us, Irene.
Irene S. Levine says
October 29, 2013 at 4:12 pmThat’s what they thought, too! 🙂
Lou xoxo says
October 29, 2013 at 10:44 amWow, what a fun thing to do…I may have to go boot shopping with my best friend this weekend!!
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:09 pmOh, Lou, how nice you have that to look forward to! How lucky you both are 🙂
Judy says
October 29, 2013 at 4:05 pmJust arrived home from L&T’s shoe department in Southern NJ. Wasn’t successful with boots but bought a pair of shoes. My stylist says I should wear pointed toe shoes to make me look taller. Every 1/4-inch helps.
Yes, I do agree, listening in the shoe department is so much fun. I also always ask other women what they think of the shoes I am trying on to get a second opinion. Happy shopping.
SherylK says
October 29, 2013 at 4:10 pmHow funny. They do have quite a shoe department, don’t they? Never knew that about the pointy toes. I don’t need the added height…but I do like that look.
Ellyn says
October 29, 2013 at 8:13 pmLove your sense of humor. The nail salon is another great place to be “curious”. There are some juicy conversations going on at that drying table.
Cathy Chester says
October 30, 2013 at 4:03 amOh, I love shopping! And, of course, I love “accidentally” eavesdropping on other conversations. How can you help it? I love learning what other’s are talking about/doing/care about. It’s fun! Ah, I’d be right next to you eavesdropping, and hopefully buying a pair of boots. With that, I need your help! Fun post, Sheryl.
Kathy Radigan says
October 30, 2013 at 6:16 amShoe departments are great places to hear things!!! Thanks for the reminder, next time I’m feeling blocked I will head to the nearest one!! Not sure about the neck thing, but I could relate to the feelings of loss regarding the child going off to school. I will add though that my oldest is a freshman in high school and I’m in the “dreading” faze, I’m sure I will get over it quickly!! Lol!
Lois Alter Mark says
October 30, 2013 at 8:14 pmMy mom, sister and I always end up shoe shopping when we’re together but are so busy trying on and buying that there’s no time to people watch! We’re probably a sight in ourselves!
Julie30 says
November 17, 2013 at 6:38 pmI can relate to this article as I take the train on a regular basis and I have been privy to some very interesting conversations. I must admit I enjoy listening to these conversations as they sometimes provide me with a fresh perspective on life and for a while they provide a welcome distraction from the ever changing thoughts that are continuously reverberating through my head.:)
merr says
November 19, 2013 at 3:06 pmRiding the elevators at one of my clients I hear bits and pieces of some funny, bizarre conversations. It’s fascinating…makes me wonder what others think when they hear me talk without knowing context…oh well!
Sandy says
July 8, 2015 at 1:47 pmLove eavesdropping too. If my kids are with me, I’ll shush them so
I can (over)hear.