insurance

i like how when you buy new shoes, they often come with a spare pair of shoelaces.

laces are one of the most over-looked items in our daily lives. unless you wear loafers, these innocuous slivers of plastic tipped string play an integral role in our waking productivity. can you imagine how annoying it would be if our shoelaces suddenly vanished?

our shoes would come flying off our feet. we wouldn't be able to run, or even walk at a brisk pace, without our shoes coming off. we would loose any sort of ankle support; construction workers would be at peril; the inhabitants of nunavut would freeze; firefighters would singe all the hair off their toes. it would be chaos.

i realize this is less of an issue for females, what with their plethora of lace-less pumps and sandals, but still, recall the many times during the week you thank god for the comfort and practicality of your trusty, dependable sneakers. our ability to do routine tasks would be severely hindered without the lowly shoelace, holding everything together in its strong and silent manner.

it is for this reason that i appreciate the spare shoelaces that come with my shoes. not only are they a different colour -- allowing me to personalize (in so much as having 2 options constitutes a personalization) the appearance of my kicks -- but it is also a constant reminder that somebody, somewhere, understands how important these shoelaces really are, and had the foresight to ensure my ability to function should i for whatever reason lose or break a lace.

this attention to detail is the kind of thing that makes the world seem like a more bearable place to be. so wherever you are, shoelace woman or man, i thank you. it is because of you, and the unwavering strength of shoelaces everywhere, that i will sleep easier tonight.

god bless, and goodnight.