Shoes

Ok - I have to admit that I LOVE shoes!!! Heels, flats, platforms, sandles, boots, flip flops, sneakers ..... whatever the shoe, if it is cute and matches something in my woredrobe I love it!!! They don't even have to be super comfortable - if they go with the outfit they are in!!!!!! ....... So - my car-free "practicing" is definiately a work in progress. I had a meeting last night about 2.5 miles from my home. My outfit wasn't bike appropriate, so I decided to walk. I did change out of my heels and put on flats - a pair of baby blue, patent leather slides (totally cute - totally made the outfit) .... They were flats and quite comfy, so I thought everything would be fine. I didn't really want to put on a pair of socks and tennis shoes like every power woman in the 80s. And, I wasn't power walking - I was merely "strolling" to my meeting.

Well ... the results were not as pleasant as I thought. By the time I got to my destination I had a huge blister on the ball of both feet. OUCH!!!!! Good thing I was sitting during most of the meeting - but I had to walk home. AND, the walk home was mostly uphill. What to do? I did refuse a ride from my sister (which felt a bit like cheating). I did get some bandaids from the restaurant -- and headed home. I guess the universe was looking out for me - as while I was walking M (my mom's husband) called and wanted to know if I was free to join them for a beer at a place three blocks from my house. Yes - of course I did ..... and then he offered to come and get me, as my voice must have given my pain away. The ride and the subsequent beer did help the pain - for that night.

So - now what?!!? Today has been a bit painful --- and I am nervous about my triathlon training tomorrow (the bike will be fine, but the run afterward might prove to be interesting). I know the pain will wear off - eventually - but what lessons have I learned? Well - I have not given up my passion for shoes - so then what? Do I carry the cute shoes with me? Do I buy better, cute walking shoes ---- do they even exist? Do I take my bike more places? Do I just stay home forever and tele-commute into every meeting?

No answers right now - but I am more determined than ever to continue to stay looking fashion-foward (or at least fashion-right) while also being car-free.

The Pre-Beginning

Well .... here I am ... at the pre-beginning of being car free. At the moment I still own (rather am leasing) a car. This will change on May 22. One month from now the official journey will begin -- but it is nice to have a month to try things out - and wrap my mind around actually not having a car.

Why am I doing this? Many reasons, life journeys and previous decisions have brought me to this point. My decision to go car free is part green, part financial and part curiousity. When I actually say it out loud to people - even I think it sounds crazy. However, the closer I get to May 22 the more excited I am. I do want my bike to be my primary mode of transportation - but I am starting to look into bus schedules and the hour car.

Now -- my big fears ..... how does someone who is interested in fashion .... makes sure that she had just the right shoe for the outfit .... enjoys getting dressed up to go out on the town .... doesn't like to get sweaty or dirty (unless actually working out) ..... how will she/I survive on a bike or a bus? And - what will dating be like on a bike? Can I really show up for a first date on a bike? ..... This will certainly be an adventure!!!!