When I unzipped my duffle bag and started to unpack, it was immediately evident I had a problem. A lonely pair of shoes staring back at me—shoes and no socks.
Well, whatcha gonna do? I put my stuff in the locker and went upstairs to run. I had my flip flops, after all. I’d just wear them to work.
I mean, there are folks at work in flip flops all the time. And tee shirts. And shorts. And hippie ribbons in their hair. There are remote controlled helicopters. There are nerf guns. There is beer in the fridge after 5:00 on Fridays. Oh for heavens sake, I can wear flip flops.
In the 9:00 status meeting, I walked in and sat down.
“First time in my career, guys,” I said, pointing to my naked toes.
They looked at me, waiting for me to finish my sentence.
“First time I’ve ever worn flip flops to work.”
Now KK knows how old I am. He looked at me, confused.
“You mean, the first time since you started here?”
“No,” I said. “I’ve never worn flip flops or sandals to work. Ever.”
His eyes were wide with disbelief.
What a liberating day it was.