Friday, June 08, 2007

I really don't consider 32 to be an old age at all. I'm not going to get all corny and cliched like so many people are doing these days and say that 30 is the new 20, because that's ridiculous. But 32 is a young age, and God-willing I have plenty of life to live. But yesterday, while shopping for sneakers, I felt like I added at least 25 years to my age..which would make me my father's age. Now I have never been one of those people, who has 20 and 30 pairs of sneakers to go with all of my outfits. I wear suits and business casual attire Monday thru Friday, and on Saturday I may wear sneakers, and then Sunday I go to church(yeah right). So as you see, I only really wear sneakers on Saturday, so if I have one or two pair, I feel comfortable. But since the fire, I have lost all but one pair of sneakers, and I'm beginning to wear those out a bit, so it was high time that I upgrade my sneaker game. Now, I'll admit, every other time in the past I purchased sneakers, I would always bring a woman with me to bounce ideas off of. I dont know why, but women have a knack for knowing what does and does not match, so there was a certain comfort with bringing them along. Plus, it would be a bit suspect if I called up Cliff was said, hey man, I'm going shopping for shoes, wanna roll? Anyway, on this particular shoe journey, I went at it alone, and immediately I remembered why I didn't like it.

First off, it seemed like every shoe store absolutely had to play loud, ignorant rap music(sorry if I offend anyone). I heard lyrical trash by Young Jeezy, Rich Boy, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, etc..so I already I was cranky. Then,not one shoe store I entered had a salesperson over 25. Each one was young, talking to their friends, and not very professional. I could see if I was a hip youngster entering the store, but I was dressed in professional attire, and clearly I was crying out for some assistance..I got none. I was left to fend for myself with shoes that looked like they asked pre-school kids to paint them blindfolded. The colors were bright, loud and not aesthetically pleasing at all. Then there were some shoes that had the color I liked, but the shoes just looked too clunky. I wear a size 13, and i'm only 5'9, so I really can't afford to have a clunky shoes that you can see coming, before you see the rest of my body. And then some of the shoes just had way too many accoutrements if you will. So in one store, I went in, and told the guy my dilemma. I told him I'm not a sneaker buyer per se, but I was ready to spend some money in his store, thinking that this would peak his interest. He said, well let me know if you need help, and walked away. I was thisclose to sonning(sonning is when you take a younger guy, put your hand on his shoulder, and say look her son) him explain that I really did needed his help which is why I just asked for it, but I said why cause trouble. Plus as smartass Rashad started rising thru me, I felt like David Banner turning into the Hulk, so I settled myself down. After 2 hours, three different shopping centers, and plenty of underarm sweat, I finally bought ONE pair of shoes seen here. There's no way in hell I'm doing that alone again. Ideally, there would be a 35 year old man in there who is old enough to have damn good people skills, but he's not quite old enough to be out of touch with what's hot and what's not. In fact, I need that same type of service when I go shopping for music too. But i'm rambling now.

I wrote an "article" on last night's game, and I don't feel too good about it at all. I basically wrote a minute by minute blog on every aspect of the game from pregame to final buzzer, and it was more challenging than I thought it would be. I had to write and watch the game, then come up with something to say on the spot. Usually I just jot down incoherent notes, and then put it all together in the end, and it comes together like I'm Quincy Jones or something. Last night was much different, so we'll see how it turns out. So I wont say anything about last night's game I see that article. But I will say this. All these jackasses saying the series is over after one game, are the same jackasses who said that Cleveland would win simply because of King James. You can't draw any conclusions about a series after one game, because basketball is about adjustments. Cleveland will adjust for game 2, and it'll be a closer game. But one thing that is CLEARLY evident, is that the Spurs are better than Detroit. Other than that, its too early to be making grandiose predictions and statements. The announcers suck though. EVERY NBA finals game should have Marv Albert and Hubie Brown

In an effort to get the bad taste of that terrible rap music I heard in shoe stores all over this fine DC area out of my mouth(run-on sentence), I will now post one of my favorite rap songs ever. It just so happens to be Will Smith's best song lyrically as well.

Brand New Funk - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

6 comments:

BewRadley said...

The first game was somewhat disappointing but i agree with you, you can't count a team out because of it...

Also i rarely buy sneakers for 2 of the reasons you stated either they have alot going on or the store is overwhelming..i either go online and buy or go to nordstrom's where i can purchase and try on my sneakers while listening to soothing muzak..

Anonymous said...

I'm so upset you have nothing more to say about last night's game.

How did Mark Jackson get the job? If he isnt the biggest jock rider, I dont know who is..

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend

Nina said...

i would have loved to help with your sneaker purchase--but instead i am stuck in a place that rarely has hot water and has absolutely NO water pressure. I digress. What I am trying to say is that you made a good (but safe) selection and after June I you can count on me if you ever need a sneaker companion.

Because my friend, I am still in my 20s and I know whats HOT...(JK)

Anonymous said...

that article is freaking excellent!!!
I'm impressed you did that while watching the game.

Jo said...

Those shoes look like something Kanye West would wear . . .

Anonymous said...

i'm mad you went to all of those stores and ended up with those tennis shoes.