Word of the Month

I am totally late to the Word of the Year or alternately, Word of the Month game.  Just a few mornings ago, I was reveling in a new item and realized I finally have a theme. A Word of the Month. 

My theme for January? My Word of the Month? 

SOCKS

Now I watch some of you actually knit socks. I am in awe of your talents! My mother was a knitter and tried to teach me to knit for most of my childhood. I understand the idea, but I can only knit so tightly that, after a few rows, the needles need to be cut from the yarn to free them. I don't know why. I believe she tried many times to show me and tell me why. But I could not help knitting so tightly as to require the scissors. Meanwhile, your handknit socks look fantastic! 

When baby #5 turned three and I returned to the work force, we wore hose. Panty hose. And skirts. I live in a small town and even in the enlightened 1980's, that was what was expected in offices and the library. Every once in a while I would dress down with a pair of black dress slacks. As a person with small feet and a limited budget, I would buy multi packs of boys black crew socks to wear with my dress pants. 

I think it was in the early 2000's that I interviewed for a position a farm equipment dealership. The agency told me that the dress was very casual. I was stumped. I ended up wearing a denim dress and was very overdressed for the part.  The office workers actually wore jeans. It took me a few years to get with that program, but I did indulge in a few pairs of khakis to go with the black slacks. 

I retired in my late 50's to take care of my father and be a stay home gramma. I still wore jeans and those boys crew socks. Then, one Christmas, I received a gift card to J C Penney. I can always find a million things to purchase, except when I make a special trip with a gift card. I saw a display of some beautiful socks that were "buy one package, get one free".  I did some math in  my head and the cost exactly equaled my gift card. I was the proud owner of women's socks! 

The socks I purchased were from Columbia. They were the most comfortable socks I ever owned and I had a drawer full! Every morning I feel very special when I put on my fancy socks. 

The other night I looked down at my foot and noticed a hole in one of my socks! I couldn't believe it until I counted on my fingers and realized how many years I have had my fancy socks. Yes, they are wearing out. 

My husband, who had heard my outcry, said "Why don't you just order more socks?" I told him they are expensive socks. He said "We certainly have enough money to buy socks, just order new socks". He just spoils me - lol. So I went  to Penney's website only to find they no longer carry Columbia socks. I had my heart set on Columbia socks. 

There is a Kohls about 45 minutes away so they were my next choice. They had the socks on sale and you can do curbside pickup! Except when I tried to order them and found they were out of stock and could not be ordered for store pickup. I could order them to be shipped, but would order $75 worth of socks to get free shipping. 

I went to Amazon and lo and behold, they had my socks at a reasonable price. And I ordered them. 

My new socks are more cushy (of course) and I am just delighted with them. My "old" socks are all blues and purples and my "new" socks are pink, grey and black.  I feel just as fancy as when I purchased my first pairs and smile every  morning when I choose a pair from the drawer. 

It's been a long year folks. I am appreciating the small stuff. And my word for January is SOCKS.