I'm thinking about unpacking my bags today.

Just thinking about it mind you.

I made a major decision last week. I decided to keep the boots. That doesn't sound like a huge thing but trust me it is.

I had been lusting-panting, longing over-these boots. Frye belted harness in chestnut. So as you recall when the IRS and taxpayers everywhere sent us some moolah just for working(hehehehe)I promptly ordered a pair.

From Zappos, not the Frye company itself(I'll NEVER do that again).

What came in the box appeared to be seconds. Now I don't mind buying seconds if the price is right-but I had paid full price for these suckers that had a cut on the shaft, two very different hides had been used(as in the boots looked completely different from each other!) significant scuffing(as opposed to deliberate distressing)and to top it all off the shaft height differed by more than a half inch between the each boot.

I don't think so.

FUCK!!!!!!!

I immediately called the company(Zappos) and to their credit quickly received assurance that a replacement pair of boots that would be individually looked at by warehouse personnel to assure that at least the boots would match each other. Free shipping on the returned boots and on the new pair and a discount for any future orders.

The boots that arrived were...not perfect. The burnishing was not symmetrical. The dye was not exactly even. The grain of the leather did not perfectly match. I am more than a little OCD about some things and symmetry is high on the list. I also have problems with letting go of disappointment when my admittedly high expectations are not met.

ARGH!!!!!!!

This time I took pictures and emailed the Frye company itself. I got a quick reply and offers of personal service in the obtaining of a new well-matched pair of boots.

I would just need to return the other pair to Zappos and get a refund in order to have the cash to buy this other pair.

Then I lost my debit card.

Piss.

Then the Kid was sick. Again.

General family disturbances and just plain life happening all around me.

Then San Fransisco.

Then Big Girl sick.

Then me sick.

Then off to Sunny Florida for 2 weeks.

Home again and staring me down was this box with my coveted yet disappointing pair of boots inside.

I thought to myself I'll put them on and wear them in the house and just see how it goes. See if they are the right size and all that. Make sure it would be worth the effort of obtaining another pair.

I had a major moment.

The boots are not perfect.

They are not identical to each other.

But they are awesome.

Hot.

Their leather encasing my calves.

Soft supple.

The little slap against my skin with each step.

I think I'll keep them after all.

PS Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a full length picture of yourself?