On my way to New Orleans six weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised at the TSA check.
“You don’t have to take off your shoes,” the lady said.
It was like Christmas and my birthday rolled into one.
Imagine how such a small thing can mean so much.
I prefer to travel in tennis shoes. They are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods. The drawback is they don’t slip on and off.
That means that besides having to hurry and stuff my laptop and tablet back into my carry-on, grab my purse before it whizzes by, all while holding onto my boarding pass and ID with one hand, I have to go find somewhere to sit to put my shoes back on.
It’s a travel nuisance, but when you have fingers that have a tendency to not cooperate the second you want them to, it seems to be a little more than that. Stress makes my fingers sluggish. Or maybe they just get sluggish when they have to do things I don’t want them to do.
As luck would have it, I had to go home for a few days after three weeks of being here. And again I got the same gift. I began to feel special. Wow! I rated being on the OK-to-not-take-your-shoes-off list.
But returning to New Orleans once again, I was rudely awakened to reality. No more special treatment for you, RA Lady. This time I not only had to remove my shoes, I had to submit to being x-rayed. At least I didn’t have to wear one of those designer gowns they hand out at doctor’s offices and hospitals.
It must have been a fluke, both times. I’d hit the shoe lotto and now I was broke again.
But you know what? After almost two months of being away from home, I’ll take my shoes off and walk barefoot all the way to my gate if they want me to. I’m tired of seeing green grass and green trees out the windows. All the windows. A big green 360.
I want to kick off my tennis shoes and slip on my dancing shoes.
I want to go to a club and hold a drink in my hand.
I want to dance to slow reggae.
I want to feel the dizzy creeping up from my feet all the way to my head.
I want to close my eyes and sway the night away.
I want one more blissfully . . . blissful . . . moondance.
Beating Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Irma: I’m not sure how much longer you’ll be chasing your toddler, but I do hope you get to sip a Mojito and dance the night away soon. When I was getting ready for my recent trip, I ran across what I think are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had on my feet. They’re Skechers Go-Walk-2. They come in a number of styles — all of which I think are slip on. You can buy them online (http://www.skechers.com/search?t=go+walk+2), at Skechers stores (there’s a store at the outlet mall near the Riverwalk in New Orleans) or in various other shoe stores like DSW. It’s interesting that they didn’t make you take off your shoes. Usually only people 75 and older or those of us who have completed Trusted Traveler programs get a pass on the shoes. (And you don’t look 75!) Sending hugs.
I have over two weeks left. And though I am totally in love with this little angel, I’m antsy to get back to my routine. I will look into those shoes, thanks. I was so surprised I didn’t have to take off my shoes, I almost hugged the lady. But, no, nowhere near 75!
Oh those last few lines sound heavenly…I can’t remember the last time I went dancing. I miss my silver salsa shoes and the music…I think it’s time to get my feet back into my own dancing shoes… and the last time I travelled, I got to keep my shoes on too 🙂 Loved this post. Hope your hands are behaving these days. Cheers.
Music is therapy for me. It lightens any and all loads one has to carry. And dancing just enhances the experience. Better than meditation. Or maybe it is my form of meditation. Maybe that’s why I like Tai Chi. The moves are like a dance and I usually do them to music. My hands are much better, thanks, J. Hope you get to go dancing soon!