When it Flips it Flops

Growing up in Idaho as a kid means learning to love the outdoors. Kids learn to run across black pavement and gravel roads bare foot without hesitation. Living in Idaho means jumping in the lake in May to 'test the water' until it becomes warm enough to swim in. Most of all living in Idaho means being tough enough to wear your flipflops or sandals year round.

I have lived in the Northwest part of Idaho for 21 years now. Ever since I was little I have hated the feeling of shoes, so my brother and I decided long ago that we wouldn't wear them anymore. Shoes are for sports and working. Flipflops are for life and everyday wearing. I own about 15 pairs of flipflops and 2 pairs of shoes (one for working out and one for work). Flipflops are just more comfortable and easy going and you don't have to worry about shoe laces. If your foot is swollen it wont fit into a shoe, but the flipflops are a perfect fit. In the summer they're easy to slip on and off and you don't have to worry about drying your feet off. Flipflops are the only way to go. (I recommend Reef Sandy Flipflops.)

Now while flipflops are amazing there are some rules that go along with wearing them. We can them the 10 commandments of the flipflops.

1. Thou shalt not be a warm weathered fan. (wear the flops in the rain, snow, and sunshine and all that falls inbetween.)

2. Thou shalt not wear socks with flipflops (not even toe socks, this only makes a mockery of all that flipflops stand for.)

3. Thou shalt not 'flip; on purpose. (your arrival can be stated in other ways.)

4. Thou shalt not wear 'fashionized flops' (anything with jems, heels, or made of astroturf.)

5. Thou shalt not throw away flipflops until thy foot touches the ground. (all the padding is worn down.)

6. Thou shall master the art of pant rolling. (wet jeans don't dry quickly.)

7. Thou shall master the 'flipflop prance' (a quick/light step on ice/snow to get from point A to point B without falling.)

8. Thou shall master the 'flick' (walking through water/mud and not spraying the back of your legs.)

9. Thou shall let thy foot form perfectly into thy flipflop.

10. Thou shall understand that "When it flips, it flops."

Along with wearing flipflops year round means that you have come to terms with the side glances and the "OH! Aren't your feet cold?" remarks from elderly ladies and the expressions on peers faces that seem to say "You're crazy". Once you come to terms with this and can follow the rules flipflops become a way of life, one that you can't leave.