Well, I’m only going to write a short FlyLady post today to tell you I’ve given the shoe thing some thought. It’s part of FlyLady’s morning routine for women to get up, get dressed, and put on lace-up shoes — even if you’re not going to leave your house. (GASP!)
It’s Step #2 of the morning routine:
“Shower and get dressed to lace up shoes, fix your hair and face”
FlyLady believes this is important because she used to work for a cosmetics company from home, and she had to follow the company rule of never making a sales call unless she was dressed — all the way down to her shoes.
Well, what do you think? Many of you are moms who are either running a home-based business, homeschooling, or staying home to raise your family. Do you wear shoes at home? (This is also a cultural thing, I’m aware, as in some countries it’s not acceptable.)
I’ve been trying this out. And here’s what I found:
FLYLADY IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!
I feel 100% better when I get dressed for my “work day” all the way down to my shoes. My lace-up shoes are actually my running shoes — which help me feel like moving faster around the house. I can still wear my slippers before or after “office” hours, but I feel more professional if I’m dressed like I’m working in an office or school. (A very casual office or school, of course.)
On the same note — for me, getting dressed to my shoes also means putting on make-up. Even wearing just a little makes me feel better when I don’t look so scary. Also, it shows my kids that “home” is an important place to be, just as much as going somewhere.
Those are my thoughts on the “shoe thing.” I’d love to hear yours!
Well, for my first 2.5 years here in Taiwan, I did the no shoes in the house thing because of culture (and because I like being barefoot). But, my friend here in Taiwan who is also a flybaby told me she has “flyshoes.” Tennis shoes she only wears in the house but not outside of the home.
I started doing this too. I like it. I just wear them in the home and change in and out of them at the door (I still keep my “shoe closet” by the door–wonderful piece of furniture). I also will take them off when I have company over.
I have accidently walked out of my home in my flyshoes, but I just mopped my shoes the next time I mopped “the middles” of my home.
Comment by amanda — February 24, 2006 @ 9:16 am
I’m a no shoe gal myself. It went with the stereotypical package of a mom. You know barefoot pregnant and in the kitchen. That’s the way I’ve spent most of my married life. And I love it!
Comment by Spunky — February 24, 2006 @ 11:09 am
Okay, okay!!!! I’ll put the shoes on!!!!!
You are SO RIGHT, though. I’ve fought many things. I think so hard about doing some of the flying routines, follow her suggetions. If I would just stop thinking about them and DO them, maybe more would get done around my house?
And on that note, my “computer time” is up. One to a 15-minute flinging of my office. How long would it take me to shove EVERYTHING into a box and put it out to the curb? Can’t do that. Or can I? Hmmm…
Comment by Karin — February 24, 2006 @ 11:10 am
I totally agree. Those few days when I haven’t put my shoes on for some reason or another I have not gotten as much accomplished. BF (before Flylady) I was a barefoot person all the time – even around the house during the winter. But now I just don’t feel right if I don’t have them on. Plus, I have actually broken my toe just by stubbing it in the kitchen because I was hurrying around in the morning because I didn’t do my full morning routine. If that’s not a testimonial for wearing shoes I don’t know what is!
Comment by Rachel — February 24, 2006 @ 11:23 am
I posted something on the topic in response on my blog though I have to say I love Spunky’s answer. *grin*
Comment by Spring — February 24, 2006 @ 11:40 am
Heather,
We go out six days a week someplace. I am definitely a no shoes mom on Thursday — our at home “pajama” day. Every other day is an up and out early day, on purpose, because otherwise we don’t get as much done. But our down day is downtime. I do agree with the Fly Lady that a clean kitchen sink is the start to an organized life — but I clean it with my shoes off.
Comment by Curtis — February 24, 2006 @ 5:17 pm
Thanks for your comments! My husband says it looks like I’ve started a shoe controversy, and that I should tell you, “I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes.” (ha ha)
Really — it’s just one of those things I’ve been reading about for a while and wondering — does the shoe thing really work for most people? Now I see for some people (yes) and for others (no). Interesting. I like Amanda’s compromise of “house shoes.” (Mopping shoes — that’s funny!)
Comment by Heather — February 25, 2006 @ 7:28 am
I’m late weighing in on your shoe question, but since I wear shoes 24/7 I wanted to insert another opinion.
Back in 1995 I had to have surgery on both feet (heel spurs), and ever since I’ve had to wear shoes with inserts for support. I can’t even get up in the middle of the night without having my tennis shoes by my bed to put on and wear to the bathroom! I mostly wear heavy duty tennis around the house and yard but switch to something a little nicer for going out (but with lots of support–can’t do clogs with my heel bouncing up and down).
I don’t know what I’d do if I went to someone’s house and they asked everyone to take their shoes off at the door especially on all wood floors. Wearing shoes 24/7 is just something I’ve had to get used to…and it’s no problem! The Lord can make anything alright if you have to do it!
Comment by Deb — February 25, 2006 @ 11:38 am
Karin pointed me to your site and I’m been a fluttering flybaby for four years and I put my shoes on on Day One and can’t walk around the house without them, even on Sundays, my day off. I just don’t feel right if I don’t.
I plan to bookmark you and link to your site on my blog. Thanks for being here.
Comment by Nancy — February 26, 2006 @ 9:39 am
Confession time – I don’t typically wear shoes in the house. It is true that I feel more like I’m “at work” when I have them on and it helps to get more done. I’m not sure why I don’t put them on really….habit? Maybe it was all that time in the military and being anxious to get those combat boots off each day lol.
Comment by Blair — February 28, 2006 @ 7:51 pm
I don’t wear shoes while I work, but I don’t wear pajamas, either.
I shower and put on something comfortable – jeans and T-shirt or sweatpants, cozy socks and slippers. No makeup, although I may comb the hair. It depends.
Comment by La Shawn — March 1, 2006 @ 2:53 pm
Well this will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me and I doubt if anyone in the world cares, but the second line this song on Gina Holmes’ blog pretty much sums me up. http://firstnoveljourney.blogspot.com/2005/12/sing-along.html
When I get dressed the kids ask, “Where are we going?”
Do I get much done during the day? Depends on your definition of the word much. What does God require of us each day? I never get it done. I never love God and neighbor as I ought. And it’s possible that a shower and a pair of shoes would make me more loving and giving. On the other hand I might remain selfish but in a more uptight way. =0)
Comment by sally apokedak — March 3, 2006 @ 11:32 am
Ha ha, Sally! Thanks for linking to Trish’s “Favorite Things” sing-a-long. I remember reading that a few weeks ago. I can definitely relate to “Fingers on keyboards and coffee for power…”
Comment by Heather — March 3, 2006 @ 11:41 am
I’ll start with a disclaimer: I didn’t join FlyLady because I have a clutter problem. Like anyone else, I have couple of closets and drawers that need attention, but since I weed out and trim down my storage and clothing annually, it nevers gets out of hand. Even before I found Flylady.net, I could usually have my home “company ready” in about 15 minutes. I joined Flylady to help myself develop a working cleaning schedule.
As for shoes, I think it’s a lot of hogwash. I have always loved being barefoot. If I want to be comfortable in my own home, shoes are definately not the answer for me. I have yet to understand why Marla thinks everyone needs shoes on their feet to have a tidy home.
Here’s a great example of why shoes aren’t necessary: Last week, I was feeling pretty cruddy. I was fighting off a cold and being pretty lazy with my housework. I have been trying the shoe thing, trying to put some faith in it, and wore shoes all day Monday- Wednesday, convinced I would get off my “franny” and tend to my housework. Didn’t work. By Thursday, my energy was returning, and I quickly got caught up on the week’s cleaning in one afternoon. The process was quick and enjoyable. AND I WAS BAREFOOT all day long.
Sorry that was so long, but I felt I needed to fully explain why I do think agree that shoes are that important.
Comment by Lynette — March 7, 2006 @ 12:22 pm
Just found this log by accident.
I’m strictly ‘no-shoe’. I tried the shoe thing and felt so uncomfortable. I keep having to look down to make sure I’m not stepping on cats, toys, etc.
I don’t feel ‘professional’ in my shoes at all. I feel very insecure with my shoes on. As if I was halfway the store and rushed back because I’d forgotten something, or I urgently have to go somewhere else… I tend to not start things because having my shoes on makes me feel I have only a little time before I need to ‘go’. I keep having to consciously remind myself that I’m wearing the shoes to do housework in. It feels so *wrong*.
When I was small, my mother would have fits if I walked into her house with my shoes on. Even when I visit her I make the kids take off their shoes and usually take off mine…
I can’t concentrate with my shoes on and I feel I’m ‘dirtying’ the floor I just cleaned by walking around in shoes (even if they’re strictly ‘indoor’ shoes…)
I guess it’s one of those ‘blame it on my youth’ things, but I just can’t bear shoes…
Comment by Karin — April 20, 2006 @ 3:25 pm