~ Me.. & the "Shoes" in My Life ~
Shoes... a word, an object that is so familiar to us and so common in our everyday lifes... No one can live without a pair of comfy shoes.. a pair of shoes that can be worn day and night, a pair of shoes that would be appropriate in any occasions, and a pair of shoes that will remain as the pride and joy of the owner..for years ( well, those with luck will most probably be graced to keep their fav shoes and wear them till the end of their journey on Earth).
At some point, I assumed I was one of the lucky crowd. The fact is, I do own a pair of ultra comfy shoes that fit my feet snuggly. Thou this particular pair of shoes has got no evident sign of a reputable brand name and its logo, I felt connected to the shoes that were on display in a reject shop. As surprising as it may sound, I have been wearing dem for about 5 years now..... and I'm still pretty much in love with them.
Wearing this pair of shoes wasn't easy at first. It's heavier den any other shoes I've owned prior to this, and its odd color has alwiz been the centre of attention and would alwiz attract curious stares and harsh comments from people who knew me. Well, I ended up having countless blisters and cuts on my feet. Nevertheless, I was determined to keep the shoes, as I felt that such unique creation deserve a fair chance. And waaaaa LAAAhhhhhhhh...... no more disgusting blisters, no more painful cuts... after a while, walking in them were no longer a torture anymore....
Nonetheless, similar to any other things in life, my fav shoes is beginning to give way, partly due to the fault of the manufacturer who used cheap materials and paid little commitment in quality control. It is not unusual to find some loose strings here and there.... or torn lining or even a slight tear in the midsole... These minor mishaps poses no threat...  ... a visit to the cobbler down the street is all i need to prolong my shoes' lifespan.... (sounds easy? what u dun noe is the number of sleepless nights i had to experience when I patiently waited for the cobbler on the street... not knowing when and where exactly will his mobile stall be placed)
But I'm only human, and being one causes me to be weak at times, prone to temptations. Nothing serious, all i did was to go on a short vacation without my fav shoes.... thought it would be a good idea to let them rest on the shoe rack for a short period of time. And as for me... went window shopping, and was mersmerized by the vast selection of shoes that comes in different color, design, and of coz....diff price tag. Was then invited to try on a few pairs of shoes. Errr.. there were some that fitted really well... and complimented the complexion and the curve of my feet. I even found some great offers ... brand new shoes, completely free of charge!!!! 
Well, I admit, i had fun indulging in the excitement of trying on new shoes... but I knew i had to put them back on their respective racks. My shoe rack back home is occupied...no more space for a new pair of shoes. Having to noe that my feet still look wonderful in other trendy footwear inevitably served as an ultimate ego booster..and that sensation is enough to maintain my self confidence at a safe level. In my heart i noe which shoes my feet longed to be in...Yes...the bulky, not-very-durable shoes in peculiar color....the pair that sits on the shoe rack, waiting for me to show them to the world again when i return from my trip.....
oh yahh.... I'm currently learning how to mend my own shoes.. just in case I can't get hold of the cobbler during criticial situations. ie: some DIY techniques to care for ur shoes... simple thread work, and I've also got a jar of super adhesive glue on standby, out of fear that the sole may come off one day.....*Grinz*
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To those who wish to keep ur shoes for good, allow me to share the following tips with you: ~
Shoe Care Tips
The shoes you purchase are an investment in your comfort and appearance. High quality footwear, if properly cared for, will serve as a complement to your wardrobe for years to come. To best protect your shoes, we recommend the following:
 Waterproofing and Stainproofing
A protective spray is an excellent way to protect your shoes from water, snow, mud, and spills. The best way to protect your shoes is to wipe the leather of your new shoes, following the instructions on the protector spray, spray your shoes before wearing, and on a regular basis thereafter.
Wear and Tear Prevention
If you plan to use your shoes frequently, you may want to consider a trip to the shoe repair shop. It's a smart idea to have shoe taps and possibly rubber soles put on new shoes as a way to postpone the gradual wearing out process that comes with normal use. A small investment now may mean many more years of enjoyment.
Maintenance
Finally, we highly recommend cleaning your shoes on a regular basis, depending on frequency of use. The cleaning method depends on the shoe's material.
Leather can be polished and conditioned with a leather lotion applied with a soft cloth.
Suede looks best when brushed; although special suede brushes are available, a clean toothbrush works just as well.
Fabric should be sprayed with a stain guard.
In addition, shoes-- particularly those made of soft nappa leather-- benefit greatly from shoe trees, or shoe keepers. These are wooden instruments which are inserted in the shoe, and help to retain the shape and mold of the shoe. Shoe trees can help to prolong the life of a shoe by 4 or 5 years.
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iDa: if the above entry does not ring a bell or make any sense, dun worry............becoz it's not meant to be a sensible piece... *evil grin* | 
