It's been days since my first outing but I still remember the rush of emotions. One of my best friends from high school whom I have not seen in 7 years decided to come visit me here in Tampa from WI. I was ecstatic as this is a woman that I am very close to and cherish deeply. I knew she had just come out of a devastating break up with her now ex boyfriend so I decided to do something extreme to make her smile and laugh. Let's face it, laughter is the best natural healing tool we have!
I got up early the day of her arrival and painted my nails, had a friend help me with my makeup, put on knee high boots with a 5" heel and a fuchsia racer back dress that came just above my knees. I felt great as I looked into the mirror. My friend couldn't believe how amazing I looked which boosted my confidence even more! I had this feeling of complete surety and confidence as I stood there looking into the mirror, marveling at who was looking back at me. I didn't have any pockets so I packed all of my necessary items into a purse I had purchased and headed for the door.
As my hand touched the door handle I heard movement outside and I froze. Uncertainty and doubts flooded into my mind and my resolve crumbled like a sand castle against the ocean waves. I took a deep breath and steadied my nerves. To my relief, my friend just looked on with a silent inquisitive look knowing that this was a decision I needed to make on my own. What seemed like minutes, I turned the handle and stumbled out of the apartment on unsteady legs from the mixture of adrenaline and awkwardness from the heels.
Struggling to remain steady and deliberate, I looked like someone trying to learn how to walk in stilts on ice. A college age girl that lives in the area saw the debacle and came to my rescue. I briefly explained my intentions and she started offering reassurance and advice on how best to conquer those unnatural catastrophes we love as heels. Upon reaching my vehicle, she told me that I would be a very beautiful girl which definitely made me blush like no other.
I felt great conquering a part of my fear. I was out of the house, in public. Now came the next test of wills and that was teaching myself how to drive a 5 speed manual car in heels. It was a steep learning curve but to my surprise, didn't take long to adjust my driving style to.
I managed to make it to the airport without causing a wreck or getting pulled over for wreckless driving. The thought "of all days to be pulled over, this would definitely be the most awkward of them all" crossed my mind every time I saw a police officer. I pulled up the curbside pickup area and found my friend Ashley waiting with her bag. I got out to help her load up her luggage and for her to see me and was rewarded with a friendly smile and laugh! She hugged me and said I looked very good which was great to hear.
All in all it was a very rewarding experience that taught me a few things.
1) Majority of people out there don't give a darn what you look like as long as it doesn't affect them.
2) People who do ask "why?" are usually sincerely curious. I've found that being confident in your decision to "why?" really helps alleviate further questions or gives a great conversation starter.
2) It sucks driving in heels and I will be bringing flip flops next time to drive in.
3) It takes 10 times longer to get ready in the morning than just rolling over and throwing socks and shoes on!
Practice makes better and I'll keep on practicing!
Danika
If you don't like the way I'm livin', you just leave this long haired country girl alone:
