Weekend Update

We had a cold, wet week and I had stomach bug on Tuesday, so my week has not been the best. On Friday I felt good enough and it was warm, though slightly damp outside, so I went running.  Went 1.6 miles. I
t wasn't that great, very slow and almost walked at one point, but got it done.

On Saturday was our boy's group Ranger Derby car race.  We had been working on the race cars for the past several days and finally got them done Friday night.  I headed out the door barefoot and picked up the foster kids mom.  As my usual practice I entered the church with my shoes on and then took them off shortly after arriving.  Not a single person said a word about my shoeless state.  Things are improving.

I got some gas and while pumping my gas barefoot a friend was pumping next to me and we chatted for a while, once again no comment on my bare feet.  My local grocery store still hasn't said anything as we picked up the groceries.

The pasta primavera with left over fish sticks

The best part of the weekend was my daughter worked on her Raddish kids meal.  She made a One-Pot Pasta Primavera.  It had red peppers and broccoli and the kids ate it with only a slight hesitation with the red peppers.  They also perfected the Whipped Chocolate Mousse that was a bit runny the last time they made it.  When they were done, they cleaned up the kitchen and I cleaned out the refrigerator.  Also, while they were cooking I gave the living room a really good clean, so the house is looking a lot better again, but still needs some work.

use code h3rwph to save $20 on a Raddish subscription.  Visit http://www.raddishkids.com and check them out.

Barefoot Evening

Thursday evenings the kids go to JBQ at our church.  Today I once again walked in with my shoes on, but once there I took them off.  The choir passed through and I ended up with a lot more comments then usual.

One lady said in a friendly manner "Put your shoes back on."
An elder of the church commented "Making yourself at home I see."
I don't recall the third comment, but it was still directed at my unshod feet. 

It is very interesting on how many people comment that you are barefooted.   I suppose it should not be surprising since it is not normal to see barefoot people these days.

Overall I think my plan is going to work, by the time summer comes around and I leave my shoes behind for good everyone will be so use to seeing me barefoot they will hardly give it a second thought that my shoes are not nearby.  At least it will not be a shock to the whole congregation, though during services I will still wear shoes, at least for the time being. 

When I left I just picked up my shoes and walked out the door along with another family.  Nothing was said and it was starting to rain and the temps were just above freezing.

That same evening, while refueling my van at the local gas station, the attendant came out to sweep up a spill that was now under my vehicle, but close to my bare feet.  With the wind chill it had to be below freezing and I could feel the cold ground under my feet.  This person didn't say a word about my lack of footwear and we briefly chatted as she waited for me to finish up and move my vehicle.  I know she had to have seen my feet since they were inches from the spilled substance. 

Overall another good time being barefoot.

First Experience in a Store

Went to Derry last night for a practice my daughter needed to attend.  During these practice sessions, I have been waiting in the common area, usually barefooted with shoes nearby.  I have noticed people glance down and see my feet, but I'm sure they also notice my shoes, so no one has said anything.  As I sat reading my book, I decided I wanted something to drink from the small store nearby.  I decided I would take the short hike to the store barefooted and see what if any reaction I got.

Once again I could feel how cool the pavement was and upon stepping into the store the first thing I noticed was how nice, warm, and smooth the tiles were.  I wouldn't be surprised if they had radiant heat.  I quickly crossed empty store to the coolers and found some chocolate milk.  There was no one else in line and the cashier was busy so probably didn't even notice my bare feet as I approved her station.  I purchased my milk and walked back with no issues.

Once back inside the building during a break I sat with some of the leaders of the group and they were talking about different customs they have and how it bothers other portions of their family.  (I joined them barefoot without any comment, but I wonder if my feet lead to any part of the conversation.)  One parent said they have no problem letting their child wear pajamas all day when they have no place to go.  But if a certain relative is going to be seen, the child will change out of the pajamas.  Another adult mentioned she use to enjoy going barefoot when she was a kid.  It sounded like she still enjoys being barefoot, but just doesn't practice being barefoot outside of the home.  But the topic was brought up because their relatives feel that slippers are needed to protect you from catching a cold, even in the warmth of your own home. So no bare feet when those relatives are around.

Overall I am starting to feel very liberated and excited.  I could never have imagined being able to do so much barefooted just a short time ago.