misFORMation

February 10th, 2007

My family likes to get things right. We like to analyze, experiement, and fully understand each action and reaction. I have to admit that there is an Iverson perfectionism streak that runs through my parents and my brothers. At times, this personality trait can come out in the strangest ways.

I recently bought a pair of shoes that has a sole which forms to your foot. I have worn these shoes everyday to work and have loved them. They do not hurt my feet even after standing or walking all day long. My back also seems to be in better shape than with other shoes. This past week, my perfectionistic/obsessive personality kicked in. Everyone knows I drive almost and hour each way to work. Well, this means that I am sitting in the car for that long with my feet at odd angles while I drive - especially my left foot which is rolled slightly to the left because of the steering wheel. I have become consumed with thinking that this strange angle is going to mis-form my shoes and make the left shoe fit differently than the right shoe. I also caught myself trying to measure any fit differences throughout the day while I was standing and walking.

Since I realized the damage I might be doing to my shoe I have had to come up with alternative ways to hold my foot while I drive. Most of my alternatives have not been very comfortable. Tim suggested riding without my shoes on, but the weather is too cold for that. I can only hope the damage will not be fatal.