i so wish i had done more reading before bike shopping.. when will i ever learn not to impulse shop!?!

i have look pedals.. not sure which ones... i left it up to hubby and the bike shop guy.. and suggested looks cuz of the extra area for my foot.. made sense... however i DO have trouble getting out of them... especially at the end of my ride.. (not that i'm going that far yet!)

i'm 5'2" but i do have a size 8 shoe....

when you say you went back to the lbs and switched them.. do they exchange them? or do you just have to buy another pedal? my cleats.. being plastic.. are already chewed up a bit! (and i've only been for 4 rides!)