House Arrest

A beautiful, beautiful day outside. I have to stay inside. The telephone repairman is going to come between 9am and 6pm . . . plus I have to be here to sign for a FedEx package for Mr. M, and for once it's something really interesting, and not just stupid computer parts. He's getting a ZenDrum! (It's a musical instrument.) I missed the package's arrival by 10 minutes yesterday, so they took it away! But I have to stay home and eat soup today, anyway, so the telephone repairman can repair our phone. I was pretty disappointed this morning, though, as it was my favorite kind of walking weather-foggy. And I just happen to be training for a hike with my cousin that I've adopted. I've been running up steps and punching slabs of beef. I've also been walking to the ice-cream shop; I'm pulling out all the stops.

Several hours later . . .
I just laced up my fancy new walking shoes to take Rufus for a walk. These shoes were an allegedly used gift from my best friend. As I tied the shoes, I couldn't help but notice how un-used the shoes look. Also, I recalled showing the shoes to Mr. M., and our mutual astonishment that my (considerably shorter) best friend would wear a pair of shoes that fit my long feet. I shrugged my shoulders, and tried to be more grateful than suspicious, but as I walked, my suspicions only grew. Now, these shoes are said to improve your posture. Was this "gift" saying I have bad posture? Also, the shoes are very fashionable. Did my friend give me these shoes as a way to make me more fashionable? Was the gift yet another confirmation of my utter lack of fashion sense? As I paused to ponder these things, I looked at the bottom of the shoes and noticed how new and not previously owned they looked. I recalled the pre-walk ritual of tying the shoes. The laces looked brand new. Of course, I do have to bear in mind that the giver of the shoes is one who is very likely to wear a pair of shoes once, and then throw them out. At the end of it all, I am still suspicious, as is my nature, but more than that, I am thankful for my cool new shoes. (I just hope I'm not ruining their appearance by wearing my bright pink socks and rolled up jeans.)