Today, we had a fire drill at office. We were warned about this starting a week ago. We were calendared for it. We were sent reminder emails. It was all very realistic.
Dutifully, your's truly locked computer, tossed hair back and proceeded to nearest fire exit (well almost! How was I supposed to see the fire exit behind me?! Really!). Little did I know that I was to be brought so close to the realities of life.
Our Emergency Response Team told me to take off my shoes and proceed. Fair enough. Which was OK until I started going down the staircase. That was when I noticed that I was amongst the minority. Ladies with beautiful platform heels, stilettos, clump heels sashayed down the staircase. Which was still fine - I am amongst the few who really know the importance of a fire drill. [continues to troop downstairs whilst keeping away from assorted debris on floor].
OK OK. This can't be happening. I am the ONLY ONE with no shoes. Really, Emergency Response Team!!
Sigh. So it happens that I prance barefoot on the gravel, avoid curious stares at my feet, and literally crane my neck to see the fire safety demonstration that OTHERS WEARING HEELS ARE COMFORTABLY WATCHING!!! (with their 'elevated' status).
And that is when the epiphany happened. That is when it suddenly became clear as James Bond's martini to me. I knew what was important in life (and in case of emergency fire drills).
When I am in a life & death situation * (the asterisks mean a footnote. If I have to tell you this one more time...), I want to save the most valuable thing - my shoes!!
When I am wearing my shoes...
-- I can walk, I assure you! That is partly the reason I BOUGHT them.
-- About the heels and stepping on toes bit, 1) Other people are wearing heels too! My naked feet just leave me more vulnerable 2) Stepping on other people's toes is quite the norm. (Ask any corporate salaried person) Also, quite a few men/husbands/boyfriends are used to this 'heel' treatment.
-- I am more confident in my heels. I can therefore assist more people getting them out of the fire. [Really, would you accept help from someone who is NOT wearing shoes when the floor is as hot as a cat's bum?]
See?
I love you, shoes.
PS: The same event has been described in my friend
Nachi's blog. Please read & see a different treatise on the same event. How do you do it, Nach?
Footnote:
* Why do they call it life AND death situation? It can't be both, can it?
