Shoes and Vegetarianism. The Hidden Struggle

This struck me as odd this morning. While sitting at my desk at work, I discovered an unusual connection between shoes and vegetarianism.

Where is he going with this you ask? Well, I have been Vegetarian for the better part of 8 years now. Plus 5 years served as being Vegan. So, that's around 13 years total. I usually never have trouble finding something delicious to eat, I've been known to settle for less than healthy substitutes, but generally can find something good and meat free.

I work for a large company that has a cafeteria located conveniently inside the building. Although they do make claims to have healthy alternatives and vegetarian options, I find it difficult to enjoy a lunch that isn't a $9 bland salad or a $1.50 bagel that I already had for breakfast. This was my dilemma yesterday. After carefully circling the cafeteria 2-3 times and most likely making the workers nervous, I discovered that my only vegetarian option was french fries. Which I also was unable to know if they were cooked in the same oil as the meat was. Well, this did not sit well with me or my appetite.

Now, on to the foot wear connection. I have also had the pleasure since the tender age of 10 to not be able to find shoes that fit my feet. I am now somewhere between a size 13 and 14; this is all depending on the company of which I purchase my shoes. Now, to small footed people, this may not seem like a big deal; most companies however, do not stock shoes in abundance above a size 12. And they usually do not come in a wide size.

Where have we gone wrong people? I just want to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, I want to be able to walk into a store and purchase a pair just like I want to be able to purchase an affordable healthy lunch with the added convenience that a cafeteria inside my place of business should afford me. But, to my dissatisfaction, I am not.

I guess I am not meant to have shoes that I will not fall on my face in the winter while wearing. Ones that won't let the wet rain in through the bottom, or ones that will keep my feet warm in cold New York Winters. I wish I could easily purchase my favorite pair of shoes in multiple colors at a good price. Right now, I've been looking for another pair of Dr. Martens Zack Elastic Slip-On Shoes in size 14. Why is that so hard? I have a pair of Brown ones that are on their last leg. Sad news. Maybe they'll read this and discover I am having so many problems.



I will also wish for a nice tasty lunch. Which I will try to locate right now.

Thanks as always. This rant has been brought to you by the sounds of The Decemberists. Enjoy