End of another semester

I felt--and still feel--broken today. I alternate between wondering why this bothers me--why can't I be a person who thinks politics doesn't matter--and feeling fury at a variety of parties for the selfishness, stupidity, greed, short-termism or blindness that shaped their vote. While the vile Conservatives and their neo-con press baron pals like Murdoch are mostly to blame, I feel deep anger for the selfish and stupid conduct of the SNP, who cannot see that if they get what they want they will destroy all the British economies and services. They should have supported Labour to the hilt and steered them further left but instead they leave us with an evil, far right government.

But a bright spot emerged--a busy teaching and advising filled day that reminded me, yet again, how great our students are. Bright, hard working, creative, intelligent and full of integrity--I am so lucky to participate in their education and work with such wonderful young women and men. And this year as every year, I'm so proud to see them graduate but also sad to see them move on.

Betrayed

A couple of days ago, I finally thought that a Labour coalition would just squeeze in to form a government and was shocked by the exit poll that had to be wrong. I don't have much faith in the electorate--any electorate in the western world--blinded by spin, innuendo, negative campaigning, selfishness and ideologically suspect "common sense" easy solutions (like austerity which only serves the rich and costs more in long term human, economic and social costs). But the idiocy of my country's electorate stunned me, as did the selfishness of the idiotic Scottish nationalists who shot everybody in the foot to make a dated jingoistic point wrapped up in pseudo socialist rhetoric.

My only joy is seeing the Lib Dems wiped out and that monster Clegg resigning as their leader. Betraying the students and their voters on a never before seen scale, they deserve to rot in hell. I'd like to see an energised proper socialist Labour party (think Tony Benn, Aneurin Bevan and other such men of integrity--heroes of mine who crafted the worlds's best welfare state and did more for social mobility than any other party or force).But instead we'll see more consumerist policies, encouraging selfishness and blindness until yet another set of social institutions are rent asunder.

I'm heartbroken and livid and hope those people responsible for voting this lot of plutocrats back into power realise what they have done in time to correct course and send them to the political oblivion and the deepest circles of Dantean hell where they belong.

Carmelinas Shoes

I've neglected this blog for quite some time but never missed an entire month until April 2015--a mark of a busy life balancing work and motherhood. I'm going to write more frequent entries, but in the meantime, I wanted to share my new find--Carmelina's shoes.

I've been on the lookout for a new pair of shoes, sandals and boots for some time. After years of buying pretty shoes that I couldn't wear and kept in their boxes, I decided to be more careful and only buy shoes that I liked, were of decent quality and were comfortable (I can't be limping along or dealing with sore feet when I have a 35 lb toddler to carry or run after). I found a couple of brands that were comfortable and stylish only to have them either close down, change their lasts or produce styles that weren't to my liking or needs. My favourite Surface to Air strappy flats are from 2009-10 and while they have lasted really well, they are probably nearing the end of their life. If I could get another pair, or if they would remake them, I'd stock up in a shot, but that isn't happening. My Surface to Air sandals are also beginning to fall apart, leaving me with my F+B boots, which can't work with every outfit and for every occasion.

Last week, I opened a Moda Operandi email and saw this image--and was surprised to find these beauties were in my price range.

While they may not be the most practical pair, I pre-ordered the blue and pink ankle boots shown above. I could have ordered most pairs, but I don't know how they fit or feel. If they are as comfortable as they are pretty, these will be my default brand of pretty shoes for the time being.

While they have very limited ecommerce or retail presence at the moment, I found their website and also found these lovely strappy shoes on the left (now available in black suede). While they may not be the replacement for my beloved Surface to Air flats, I'm hoping they will be as comfortable and as central to my shoe life.