As requested, here is a photo of platform heels:

 Not of mine or my foot, just what Google found.  (mine don't have a space in the middle- they're stable) I might be able to stand in those- and it looks like they're cushioned... I'll try to share the real thing before too long.

Some new things?  I get to cat-sit this coming weekend, and I am excited to do so!  It will be somewhat of a vacation.  It is in the area- maybe a 35 minute drive (maybe less except rush-hour) and I can camp out there... it sounds adventurous.  Playing w/ a cat, reading & watching movies...  Maybe it'll quench my current 'I'm still in this area?!' crisis.  This morning, I was driving on the beltway (495) and I realized that I was more familiar with it than 94.  94 is near where I spent the first 21 years of my life.  I have been hear for 18 months.  I don't think the fact that 16 of those beginning years I was not driving, because one can learn and be familiar with things even if his or her control over (navigating) it are minimal.  Seriously, this morning I was ready to keep on driving (I didn't know where) just to get out of the area that I felt too accustomed to.  With that said, I generally like change (and familiarity) but probably most when it's in my own timing (or close to it).  I get pissed off or otherwise flustered when I'm thrown into something I don't feel prepared for.  Then again, when I know I need to change or work on something, and someone points it out, I can also get upset- thinking, "How dare they!  Don't they know that I'm already aware of this and that by pointing it out, it hurts me to no end?" - - as if people like to personally attack me or that their opinion makes a big difference in my self-perception.

I've spent more time than I'd like to on the internet at this moment (18 minutes past my self-imposed half-hour limit, at this point), so I'll wish you well & get back to The Two Towers.
much love