Life in my Sole

Life happens. It always does. Happiness or sadness is just two sides of the same coin that is life.

But this time, I will introduce you to a new version of "Life".

It was a rainy Monday. Fresh from the trauma of having faced the super typhoon Ketsana, my soul was also drenched in the gloom of Manila.

One solution when you are sad is to think of happy thoughts. And so I did. I was at the Landmark in Trinoma. The first thing that came into my mind was a pair of sandals, one that I have always wanted for four years. Those beautiful Ipanema sandals, endorsed by Gisele Bundchen.

My mind was entirely focused on that. I didn't know whether to buy it at that time, so I decided to just see and feel, then treasure the feeling that it would give me. I knew that those were in display somewhere in Landmark. I looked around and indeed there were! I spotted my favorite Gisele Bundchen Seed Collection. My heart just fell in love with a sandal named "Life" in lush white and gold.

I touched it and felt happy for a while, with a remorse that I couldn't buy it. And then I realized something! My current flip-flops get slippery when wet, and my Mark Ecko shoes are still drenched from the flood (not to mention foul-smelling, too! I walked through the flood wearing those).

The next moments were happening at random. I tried to put on the sandals, then a feeling came that I should just buy it. Second thoughts did not enter my mind. However, when the salesboy told me that there were no more of those Life sandals in size 7, I didn't feel sad at all, instead I was more determined than ever. I knew that there was another boutique in Trinoma that sells Ipanema sandals.

True enough, when I looked up at the second floor, I saw a shop named "Shoe Salon". They were selling Ipanema sandals, too. But, just like in Landmark, they didn't have my size.

So, I just went home. And as I passed by Gateway Mall, I saw another branch of "Shoe Salon" and by the glass windows, I saw a shelf full of Ipanema sandals on sale. And yes, I gave it a try, my third.

"Do you have size 7 of these?", I asked the salesgirl as I waved the Life sandal. But this time, I expected to be declined again.

The girl just took the sandal from my hands then went inside their stockroom. After about 10 second, she came out with a shoe box! Next, she opened it and gave me the size 7 Life sandal.

Wow! Just like that! I put it on my feet to try it. It was perfect! I took it off immediately, handed it back to the salesgirl as I said, "Okay, I'll take it."

I very happy on my way home. Not only did I have the pair of sandals that I've wanted for four years, I was also given a raffle coupon and an eco-friendly Ipanema bag.

At home, I spent most of my time contemplating my new Life sandal. The sole is made up of soft material that wasn't rubber. It turns out to be Air-infused PVC, a synthetic polymer. It's so soft that it bends with my feet. PVC is a strong material, too. Life sandals are heavier than ordinary rubber flip-flops. The double-layer scheme makes it look sturdy and stylish. The lower layer is tough and rough, so I won't have to worry about slipping in the rain. On the other hand, the upper layer is soft and gentle with the feet. As a bonus, the glittering PVC ankle strap is so soft and smooth, I wouldn't have to worry about it bruising my skin.

The best highlight of the sandal is the printed design. It's a wonderful sight to have at your feet. Being a nature-themed collection, flowing leaves in brown and glittering gold were on the sole. Known as Gisele Bundchen's "Life Spiral" stud, it gives the perfect finishing touch.

For the first time, I put my very own pair on. And I couldn't help but to walk with confidence. Suddenly, a strong emotion developed within me. The excitement was overwhelming. I felt happiness coming from my feet and slowly rising up to my heart. It burst my soul with so much positive energy that I couldn't stop jumping and walking (even cat walking!)

"Wow!", I can just summarize it as that! The feeling was so intense that I really savored it. It had been so long since I felt that way. Yeah! I felt like a million dollars! I felt like I was Gisele Bundchen!

It's amazing how a pair of sandals can do great things for me! It comes with an auspicious name, too: "Life".

I am reminded of my life. And how it does not really go the way I want it. Happiness depends on our decisions. I'm glad that I decided to buy these pair of sandals. I will always remember the happiness that it generates each time I wear it. From now on, I will always be happy with every step as I trek on this journey called "Life".