Be careful what you laugh at!!! At my current age, I am still learning new lessons. That should be a lesson for my younger kids.

I've never claimed to be a fashion enthusiast. I like to look neat - clean - and balanced. Is that too much to ask? I never thought so in the past, but now my eyes are being opened to a new standard that I must consider that doesn't even fall into these categories.

This all goes back to a hip replacement that I had done in 2002. It was a great success and I had no serious after effects. Well, I did have one minor problem. It involved shoes. I had a hard time finding any that were comfortable and made walking fun. But... lo' and behold - in time Dr. Scholl came to my aid. He made a great slip-on shoe that was just the right height to accomodate my new hip.

I wore nothing but these shoes ( I think I have owned about 12 pairs in the past nine years). The nice thing about them was that I could wear them with dresses, skirts or pants. Perfect! I remember even thanking God for them publicly in my Sunday School Class - and getting a round of applause from my peers who understood what a tremendous victory this was.

I had one true fear when it came to shoes. I had often seen those little old ladies who wore Nikes, Reeboks, etc. with their completely unattractive anklets - socks - knee high stockings that didn't quite reach their hems etc. "Thank God I don't have to do that!" "Look at how unbalanced that looks!" "Have they no idea about style?"

Oh, God, forgive me - for I know now what I've done.

That's right! I've been having some yucky foot problems lately and after a visit to my very lovely and vivacious Podiatrist, I have discovered that because of those nine years of wearing those stylish shoes - I have seriously injured my feet! Shucks!

Those critical comments will now be directed at me!!! That's right! I'm sentenced to a lifetime of 'sensible' ugly - unbalanced shoes, along with the accompanying cloth foot gear.

Oh well, if that's the worst I have to deal with for my remaining days - I guess I can handle it.

But - here's the lesson! Remember, my little ones. What goes around does truly come around - so be careful what you laugh at! It may one day be you.....