Evolution of the Shoe

Last night was the 4th annual girls Bridgeport trek. My friend Kathy quit smoking 4 years ago (or would it be 5?) and each year we commemorate the event by piling a bunch of tired teachers into a Chevy Tahoe and driving to Portland to shop for shoes and enjoy a decent meal together. It is always a blast and a not to be missed event.


It's funny how much can change in 4 years. Over the past 4 years we have had three babies born and one more set to arrive any day now. There have been marriages and a divorce and a separation. We've been transferred to different schools. So many changes. I'm still married, have no children born, nor unborn, but I too am not impervious to the changes in the group. The one big change I've noticed is the shoes I've purchased on the trip.

The first year I bought a red pair of Mary Jane's with a 4 in heel. They are beautiful and still sit proudly in the top of my closet. I have no idea when the last time I wore them was.

Year two, another mile high strappy sandal. I walked around in the store for 40 minutes before I decided for sure to purchase them. Unfortunately, I think that was the most I ever wore them and I honestly can't quite even remember what they looked like.

Last year I was nursing my twisted ankle during the trek and I purchased an ugly set of flats. I didn't like them then and I don't like them now. I still have them and they get worn, but no one is happy about it.

This year I went in looking for something specific. Beauty and function. I found it too. In the form of two pair of Jambu shoes. They are beautiful and they feel like pillows on my feet. Beautiful pillows of work shoes.

I'm not going to even make a box for the top of my closet for these shoes. They will not be placed in the shrine of the shoes that once were but rather they get a front and center spot in the row of shoes that are. I think my knee, ankle and any other part of my leg that I will surely manage to injure prior to the completion of this 1/2 marathon endeavor will appreciate them.

Functional, sensible shoes. I have officially become an athlete. Well, at least in my head I have because that is the only way that I can possibly reconcile the purchase of these shoes on my once yearly girls trip to shoe heaven.

Yes, a lot can change in 4 years.