The Road Not Driven — Micro-Closet

Last week was good: work had gone smoothly, I co-hosted a baby shower for a colleague, and my mom came to visit for the weekend. But this week started off rough: I received an email Sunday evening that a case I had would be proceeding to trial, I had to wake up early on Monday morning to drive my mom to the Spokane Airport, and my car wouldn’t start. On the way to the airport, in my husband’s car, my mom reminded me that come Friday I’d be on a plane headed to New York to see Hilary, but at that point I couldn’t see the horizon. The week felt insurmountable.

By the time I arrived to court at 8:15, I’d been up for over three hours and felt as if the day should be over. I’d walked to the courthouse because Brian was working in Spokane and needed his car, so I hoofed it all the way to court with my laptop on my shoulder and coffee in hand. To my surprise and delight, my case resolved so I wouldn’t be going to trial after all. As I left the courthouse, the sun was shining, and I decided to walk back to the office.

I have a number of generous coworkers who would, and had, offered to give me lifts between my house, the office, and the courthouse while my car was at the mechanics but it seemed a better idea to hoof it. When Brian and I were living in Moscow while I was in law school and then working for the University of Idaho, I walked everywhere. We lived about half a mile from campus, and the walked to and from campus provided me time to think. I enjoyed the fresh air, stretching my legs, and not driving. It was one of the things I knew I’d miss most about Moscow: it’s incredibly walkable. Living and working in Coeur d’Alene has its perks: we’re on a lake, closer to a big airport, and I work a job that I enjoy. Yet I still miss the ability to walk wherever I need to go.

Nike Cortez sneakers and a Rebecca Minkoff backpack make great walking companions

As I made my way from court, zig zagged through the neighborhoors, admiring gardens, and coveting hidden bungalows. I cut through a cemetery and longed for quiet neighbors. I darted across arterials and cursed the lack of sidewalks. I arrived at the office and knew I’d have to rethink my wardrobe choices if I was going to keep it up until I had my car back.

On Monday I wore a cardigan, skirt, and ballet flats combo. Hanging in my closet, it appeared smart and comfortable for a day of walking, but I forgot about my tote bag laden with my laptop, lunch, and essentials. By noon my neck and feet were killing me. Tuesday I opted an ponte LBD, Gap denim jacket, Nike Cortez sneakers, and a Rebecca Minkoff backpack. I cannot tell you the difference sneakers and a backpack made. I guess the public school look has its perks. It’s not a look I’d usually take to court but it made the four miles I walked painless and cute.

I got my car back yesterday afternoon. I was both relieved and disappointed that my walking had come to an end, but I’ll bookmark that outfit for the next time I have to walk.