HAPPY 2012! I am so glad to be entering an even numbered year. For whatever reason, I am not a fan of odd numbers. I recognize they are necessary in all things mathematical, but even numbers work better for me. Given that confession, some of you may wonder why I picked an odd numbered year to leave an amazing career in the Federal Judiciary and become part owner of a specialty running store/business (2011). I guess my focus was more about quality of life, and wanting to be moving in the same direction as my husband (Mr. H) and our blended family of eight (even number) every day.
The last twelve months has/have gone faster than words can describe. In reflecting on the year, I can honestly say I must be the luckiest person in the entire world of both even and odd numbers. I have never enjoyed doing something as much as I enjoy being a business partner with my husband (Mr. H), and being a parent to six wonderful kids. Even or odd, there is absolutely no number you can place on finding what you love and figuring out a way to do it.
Family, friends and former colleagues frequently ask how things are going and/or if I am still happy selling shoes. I have yet to answer this question in a way that adequately captures all that I think and feel about selling shoes. I have loved pieces of all of the positions (jobs) I have had the privilege of holding. Along the way, I have met and worked with some absolutely brilliant legal minds, and some wonderfully creative and talented professionals/individuals. Without taking away from these positions and/or individuals, I can honestly say that I have never done anything more rewarding than selling shoes. It is likely less about shoes than about meeting and going into business with the most honest, genuine and good person around (Mr. H). I finally feel like I am making a difference, both in the lives of others, and in my own. It is wonderful to do something entirely genuine that has the potential to help people along the way. Good, old fashioned small business/commerce. It took me less than twelve months to come up with the phrase, “A Pair of Shoes Can Change Your Life!” From time to time, I modify the phrase to include . . . and possibly a cute outfit or accessory!
Listed below is/are an even number of funny reflections/realizations/resolutions from the past twelve months and . . . for the future. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Reflections/Realizations/Resolutions from the Past Twelve Months and . . . for the Future
2 . . . Reflection: While learning to “open” the store, Mr. H explained his process for opening and closing the cash registers. Part of this “training” included Mr. H’s strong opinion that the money did not need to face in the same direction and that he thinks it crazy and a waste of time when people spend time worrying about such things. Eeeek! Who would have thought this should have been part of a going-into-business-together-pre-screening-interview/plan. Those of you that know me somewhat well likely know that if I have loaded the dishwasher, all of the spoons will be together, knives, forks, etc. I feel similarly about bills facing the same direction. We have compromised . . . sort of. When I open, you can bet all the bills will be facing the same direction. And . . . when the deposit is off at the bank, you can bet I blame it on the staff person who feels the bills do not need to face in the same direction.
4 . . . Realization: Women really do not like to admit they have big feet. Shortly after meeting Mr. H, he offered to get me a new pair of running shoes. I told him what size I thought I needed. After some difficult questions/answers (“yes, I have black toenails from time-to-time”), I became the reluctant recipient of a pair of running shoes one and a half size(s) larger than those I had been wearing for years! This awkward experience/realization has actually helped me help others with similar shoe size issues. Now, when someone tells me they think they are an 8 to 8.5, I start with the higher number and work up. Yes, a pair of shoes can change your life, but the right size shoe can certainly increase the positive experience/impact!
6 . . . Realization: People will pay lots of money to get muddy, AND generally would rather give away muddy shoes than take them home and wash them. For two years now, Bandanna has been a sponsor of the local “Dirty Dash” mud run at Bogus Basin. The first year (2010), Mr. H and I were absolutely amazed at the “mud run phenomenon.” After witnessing the hundreds of pair(s) of shoes that were left behind, we decided with a bit of effort we could give the discarded shoes renewed life and new homes. In 2011, our sponsorship included (with the amazing efforts of the Boise Rescue Mission), collecting, transporting and cleaning over 600 pair of shoes for donation. WOW! Despite being in the public service sector for many years, I cannot tell you how good it felt/feels to be part of something so easy, muddy, rewarding and full circle. The Dirty Dash will be back for two days in August, 2012 . . . plenty of time for you to start planning on shoes to donate!
8 & 10 . . . Realization & Resolution: It is very difficult to feminize (classily) a T.Rex. One of our goals for 2011 was to introduce a female version of T.Rex. We are still working on . . . her. I sort of thought all she would need was a few long eyelashes, some pink Nikes and a few polka dots. Turns out it takes a bit more than a few accessories to feminize (classily) such a large presence. We are close, however. This/she remains a resolution for 2012.
12 . . . Resolution: Bandanna’s new website. Assuming the company that is constructing our new website does not fire us for taking soooo long to craft content, we should have our new website up and running by late January or early February, 2012! We are extremely excited for this new addition. We will be anxious for your feedback and thoughts. Our Race Calendar will be converted and upgraded also, so please continue to email us any local races you would like added and/or any updates that we may be missing and/or have missed.
14 . . . Realization: People like getting stuff for FREE! I cannot honestly say that I used to be one of these people . . . I have always been a bit selective about FREE stuff. I’m all for FREE if we are talking about GOOD coffee or stuff I will actually use again. I recently tossed a lot of those FREE dental floss dinosaurs. I never actually witnessed any of our kids using them on their teeth. I actually think they may have been part of a battle with some army men and a fleet of Hot Wheels. I also tossed several miscellaneous pens and lip balms . . . the sort of stuff you get at vendor tables at local events. Bandanna will often have a table at local running events that we sponsor. I am always amazed at the number of people and/or kids that come by and ask what we are giving away for FREE! At one recent event, someone asked if they could have our display items . . . colored bandannas and very nice shoes. Going forward . . . temporary T.Rex (male and female) tattoos could be FREE . . . and/or really bad legal advice from four 9 year olds.
16 . . . Resolution: This writing/article/piece represents the kickoff to a weekly column that I will be writing/posting on our website. My hope is to share a bit about the inside world of Bandanna, and the unique and sometimes humorous lives of the owners (Mr. H and myself) and our six amazing kids . . . Charlie, Keegan, Cullen, Bryn, Molly and Max. Here’s wishing you all fantastic things in 2012 (even number)!
Shannon Harris
