The day started out well – a healthy breakfast, full TELF class which rarely happens, scored a box of Belgium chocolates from one of my students, and picked up my chip and shirt for ‘Bieg Niepodległości’ (Independence Day Run), which takes place this Thursday on the streets of Warsaw. Even though I got lost and had to travel across the city twice to find Warsaw’s Sports and Recreation Center, I kept a smile on my face and a positive attitude.
Then, the heel on my boot broke. The left one. I laughed. I didn’t know what else to do, it could have been one of those Mentos moments but unfortunately it broke on such an angle that I couldn’t do anything about it (a few weeks ago the right one broke and I had it fixed which made this even more funny and frustrating at the same time). So, making my way to yet another part of Warsaw, limping but trying to keep a smile on my face, I began my search for a pair of new boots.
Three hours and ten shops later I came out empty handed and still hobbling unevenly – and in a bit of pain – around the shopping center desperate to find a decent pair of shoes. Sure, I could have purchased any old pair that may have fallen apart in the rain, or a pair that would hurt my feet but I wasn’t prepared to do that. By this time I was exhausted, sweaty, frustrated, suffering a headache and ready to burst into tears.
Why is it that when you need a pair of shoes you can never find one?
I gave up. Even the shoe repair guy couldn’t help me because the heel had broken in such a stupid spot. So, I ordered a latte and Thai wrap, and sat down in a café; while I ate I stared into empty space trying to clear my mind. My positive attitude had turned into a negative one over a stupid broken shoe heel and the fact that in a massive shopping center where I scoured for a decent pair of shoes I couldn’t find anything that was worth purchasing. Of course there were shoes that I liked but only in size 35/36, I’m a 39/40. In the end I returned home early and got underneath the duvet, switched on the laptop and did some writing related work.
It’s amazing how one or two little things can put a damper on your entire day though I do feel better now. People stared at me funny, shop assistance snickered, but I figure there’s a few more pairs at home that will get me by until I find the perfect pair for winter.
