I stopped working for a paycheck over 6 years ago. I got rid of most of my professional wardrobe, keeping only a few suits that I could wear to weddings or funerals or just in case someone hired me for a speaking engagement (haha). I also kept my nice shoes: two pairs of modest, practical pumps (one navy, one black). They weren’t cheap shoes, but I have gotten my use out of them. And Bill is very handy with polish and can make them look like brand new. But they are modest, practical pumps – maybe a 1 1/2″ heel. Nothing fancy or decorative. And I have worn them to every dressy function I’ve been to in the last 6 years.

So, now there’s this formal dinner on Saturday which is no more special than any other formal dinner I’ve been to, but I got a new dress and decided that I should get some new shoes to go with it. I went to Walmart and they had EXACTLY what I was looking for: 3″ heels, barely something there over the toes and another barely there strap around the ankles to keep the things on. Perfect. Oh, and the price was perfect too: $8.92. Can’t beat that.

And the best part was the look of shock on Bill’s face. “I never would have expected you to wear something like that,” he said. I don’t know why. Doing something unexpected is just like me.