North Maple Rag

Tomorrow's March and that means spring is very nearly here. Today, however, it’s snowing in New York. I appreciate snow more than your average New Yorker, but I’m getting a little sick of it. I’m also sick of the cold and the wind. I’m ready for spring. So ready, I spent about an embarrassingly long time this morning shopping online for my favorite annual spring purchase: Reefs.

Reef sandals were first brought to my attention in college and in recent years, I've basically lived in them from April well into October. I currently own two pairs and both have held up admirably well. I probably don't need a new pair, but at approximately $20 a pair, I don't feel too extravagent adding a third to my collection.

Also, the new 2005 models are pretty snazzy. There are several bright and fun women's styles that I'm considering. There's also a new men's line designed by a surfer that include a bottle opener in the sole (I've referred those to friends who I think might utilize such a feature).

My elementary school used to have strict rules about wearing shorts in the spring. Usually, the principal would make an announcement once it was determined that the weather justified shorts (not unreasonable considering the number of times it's snowed on my late-April birthday parties). The day that we finally got to wear shorts to school was always a milestone. It meant that winter was officially over and that the fun of summer was just around the corner. That's how I feel about sandals now. Slipping on my Reefs means that the weather's nice enough to support truly spontaneous fun (the kind that doesn't require the forethought of socks and tennis shoes). Also, my last job had fairly strict rules about wearing open-toed shoes during the workday, so sandals now have carry with them a feeling of rebellion, as well.

Maybe it's silly to place big expectations on a pair of flip-flops, but Reefs have never let me down and I'm confident my new pair will only bring about good things.