Oh those aching feet.....

Dear Allison, sorry for the delay in responding to your question. Just got back from sunny Florida and the week is sure flying by!

I have just the answer you need. TAKE A VACATION!! There's nothing like a little time off your feet and who can't use a little rest and relaxation - calluses or no calluses? If that's not possible right now, then you do have some other, less fun but certainly effective, options.

To alleviate some of your discomfort, According to www.foot.com, you need to redistribute the weight on your foot - stearing pressure away from your calluses. You can do that by using an orthotic. Probably could start by trying a Dr Scholls gel insert.

Then try some foot scrubs and soaks. Avon has a nice set and it's cinnamon scented - so you're feet will smell all Christmasy! Check it out, it's called FootWorks Cinnamon Treats and it's around $8.00 for the set. Looks like it might help you too.

Your last option is to figure out a way to boss everyone around in your department and pawn all your work off on them so they have to stand all day! Hey....finally a solution I can get behind!!

Good luck!
Andrea

Allison Asks Andrea: Ryan and I are looking for someplace in southern Indiana to go take some good photos. Having seen some of your pictures recently, I thought maybe you would have some good ideas.

Allison, Ask Andrea has the answers!! Seymour, Indiana has a few really cool historic covered bridges and round barns. It's kind of their claim to fame (along with John Mellencamp of course). I've been down in that area and have roamed around the countryside of Jackson County. I'd say the barns and bridges are the biggest attraction there. Here's a site to check out: http://www.jacksoncountyin.com/bridges.htm

There's also the Scenic Ohio River Route along the southern border of Indiana and Kentucky. It's around 300 miles round trip and goes from around Evansville (I think over to Louisville, Kentucky). You wind through St. Meinrad, Indiana . There's an awesome church there with lots of stained glass made in Germany. I found a website that will give you some good info: http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2453/

This scenic tour also includes Wyandotte Caves which would have some great photo ops for you and Madison, Indiana where there are some really old homes. I've heard Aurora, Indiana is beautiful and right on the river but I've never been there. I found a website by the University of Southern Indiana that also offers some good info on the area: http://www.usi.edu/hsi/resources/IHP.asp

Also the Hoosier National Forest has a good website with lots of information on things to do around their area too: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/rec_front_page.htm

Hope you find what your looking for and if not, let me know I'll do some digging to find what you need.

S-Hooks Asks Andrea: I want to take a sewing class. Are there any places in my home town that offer them, and how much do they cost?

Hi S-Hooks! Yes there are classes available in your home town. Hobby Lobby has a Beginning Adult Sewing Class starting this Tuesday, November 8th. Check out the following link for more information: http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/classes/classes.cfm

Looks like there are 3 classes in this series, Nov. 8th, 10th and 15th and are held twice a day: 9:30-12:30 and 5:00-8:00. The cost is not indicated on the site but there is a number there to call for more information.

My first question! Ask Andrea is so excited!

The reader asked: I have to break up with my boyfriend because I found out he's been sleeping around. I want him to remember me but I don't know how to break up because I'm sort of shy.

Ask Andrea's Response:

Dear Reader,

Let me start by saying - don't put up with his crap. Bravo for not taking it and for taking the steps to move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea regardless of how cute this one is or how much fun he might be. Move on.

Here's the good news! Breaking up ain't so hard to do?

We, at Ask Andrea, have the solution!

First, prolong the break up. Yes I said prolong the break up.....long enough to follow your boyfriend and his new flame. (Remember there's a fine line between lurking and stalking and Ask Andrea would never want someone to cross that legal line).

Watch for an established pattern in the relationship - a favorite spot, restaurant etc. Once you've established this repeated location, say a restaurant, make plans for dinner when you know the boyfriend/new flame will be there.

Invite your best friend, your parents and his parents to meet you and the boyfreind for dinner at that location. Of course, you don't let him know these plans have been made. Ask the parents and friend to keep it quiet so boyfriend doesn't find out - because afterall, you want to make a special announcement. Giggle and act excited!

Show up at the restaurant with best friend, moms and dads in tow. Waltz up to the table and act shocked, but don't cry. Most likely the mothers and fathers will take it from there and you probably won't need to actually say the words "I don't want to see you anymore" especially after you so cleverly flash the menacing, "I got ya" grin.

Your best friend will already be there to back you up and provide comfort.

He won't forget it and you don't have to do the ugly work of saying those harsh words. No matter what....you win!

Good luck!!
Ask Andrea

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ASK ANDREA!

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