I like the saying that a marriage is like wearing a pair of shoes, meaning that only YOU who wear the shoes know what it feels like (in these shoes or in this marriage).

Now, I am telling you buying shoes is like getting married, meaning only YOU who wear these shoes can tell if they are worth the cost. If you don't beleive me, just wait until you develop some foot pain.

I started having foot pain (things under my feet) late last year, as I tried to walk 30-45 mins after dinner for health reasons. The pain was enough for me to look for a solution. It took three hospital visits, spanning over months (well, one problem with the HMO in the US is waiting as in any other country). The pain was finally removed by my podiatrist yesterday afternoon. Taking his advice, I started to look for better shoes, or insoles.

The Macy's won't do. So, I stepped into The Walking Company at Kahala Mall. They have a device to show how your weight is distributed. Then, they sell you (expensive) shoes. I didn't like their designs, so I decided to try a pair of insoles. Well, they are very comfortable. One can pay for USD10-20 for a pair that don't fit perfectly, or pay $80 for a nearly perfect fit. I didn't like the price, and called my "financial consultant." I was told this is clearly a rip-off. Well, I knew that, but it's my poor feet that we are talking about. I cited the saying about marriage is like shoes, and paid to keep my feet happy. I was told that I have 30 days to return if I am not happy with the purchase. NOW, that is the business model I wish to use (but can't use it in my editing business--no refund, sorry).

I will walk as much as I can in the next week, and then walk some more in China if I don't return them by March 30th.