Day 15: Ugh. UGG.

My first experience with UGG boots was in Weed, CA in 2004. As some of you know, and others may have guessed, fashion trends are slow to take hold this far north in California...and UGGs are no exception to this rule. My friend, Clairisa, was from Orange County and she wore UGG boots the second it got snowy and cold outside (which then lasted for about 3-4 months, per the usual) and NO ONE could understand why she would intentionally subject herself to the ugliness that was the UGG. Unbeknownst to us local yokels, of course, the UGG boot was all the rage in every major metropolis across the United States. And Clairisa was simply following the fashion trends that were so popular in her hometown. Heck, she might even be single-handedly responsible for bringing that trend up to Siskiyou County. I guess no one will ever know for sure...

Nowadays, along with the rest of America, I am pretty immune to the trend. I see them emerge in late November (yes, even in Yreka) and dance around town through the snow and the ice and the rain, only to make their way back to their owners' closets in April. If they're lucky, our guaranteed late-season snowfall might bring them out for one last hurrah in late April/May, but usually they hide in the closet, dormant again until the next surge of cold weather brings them outdoors.

However, I do not partake in this trend. I'm probably the one holdout in the entire United States, but I don't mind too much. I know many people who wear them well...but I just don't feel I can pull off the look. Something about my tiny calves in a pair of chunky boots doesn't quite work for me. Now, my rain boots/galoshes that are black and red with little hearts surrounded by flaming barbed wire? Those are the ticket! Thanks Grandma and Mom, for picking out a pair of boots that is "me" to the core.

So, I shall avoid the UGG until another trend comes along that will make my slender calves feel secure and proud in a pair of boots. Until then...I'll stick with my shiny plastic rainboots.