Practical shoes

Mother and Dad arrived Saturday from Arizona.  It's been a nice visit.  Dad and I had a beautiful mountain bike ride, we all walked to Snoasis for shaved ice [where we waited in line with the other addicts patrons], and  Mother and I were able to have a mother-daughter shopping day.

Mom is the best shopping companion I've ever had.  I mean that sincerely.  We appreciate each other's taste and can give honest, meaningful feedback on potential purchases, yet we're comfortable parting ways to investigate individual interests, always returning to a predetermined rendezvous site. 

We both love a leisurely lunch with good food and wine, or on occasion, recognize it's best to quickly consume a giant cookie and a Coke so we can hit all the targeted stores before day's end.  She makes me laugh when she sees the gals with their thong underwear showing above their ultra-low-rise jeans, her eyebrows raised as she whispers, "I see London, I see France..."

Yesterday we shopped.  As I was in the shower preparing myself for shopping day, Mom poked her head in, "What are you wearing?"  We always quasi-coordinate.  "Something cute," I said.

I decided to wear jeans, and a black cami with a short-sleeved, black sweater.   I also decided to wear some Steve Madden, high heel shoes that I've never worn.  They're a tad out of my league and comfort zone, but very fun.  Mom says, "Are you really wearing those shoes."  I said, "Yes, why?"  "Honey, you're gonna kill yourself.  You better bring a second pair incase your feet hurt."   I thought about it and decided I'd throw an extra pair of shoes in the back seat of the car.  But, I'd probably be fine.

We hit a small country called IKEA first.  My feet didn't hurt, but I noticed I was fiddling with my shoes occasionally.  Not cool, but I was proud of the discreet way I handled it.  I was lookin' good in my high heels.  We drove to a few more stores, paced and positioned so that I could walk short distances, and recover in the car as we traveled to the next location.  I was managing, but fading.

Within one specific moment, in Restoration Hardware, fiddling and irritation became intense pain on the balls of my feet, and my lower back spasmed a bit.  It was time to change into the 2nd string shoes, which were still cute but a bit orthopedic looking.  Had I not had the 2nd string shoes, I would have purchased ANY shoe at ANY price... or gone home.

Mom:  "How do your feet feel?  You're walking with a perceptible limp."

Me:  "Terrible.  You were right.  I'll be back in a minute."

Mom and I decided it was a leisurely lunch, shopping day and she was giving me the "I told you so..." speech.  I said, "Mom, I was just trying to be like all the other girls."  Mom said, "I know Dear.  I try too, and it never quite works.  Have a Mojito.  You'll feel better."

So I did.  And I do.