My SoulSolemate

from shoeboxblog.com -- go read this blog

Almost two years ago, a friend asked me if I could tutor her friend's daughter. I hadn't been coaching anyone in a while, and hadn't taught Mathematics in an even longer time, but I decided to give it a go. So I started tutoring Shoes' eldest, who was 8 at the time.

Going over for a tutoring session every week, I soon got to know the family. There's Shoes' mum, who, as we discovered soon after, knows my mum and grandmum from way back. There's Mr. Shoes, the Mac fanboy, with whom I talk geek. The four kids - I teach the eldest, lend my iPhone to the two boys for them to play with, and go all heartmelty over the 1-year-old.

And then...there's Shoes.

Why do I call her Shoes? Well, for one thing, that's the first word of her blog name. Secondly, she loves shoes as much as I do.

But most importantly? We realised sometime last year that we have the same shoe size. And I tell you, that is no easy feet feat! She understands the pain of finding a gorgeous pair of shoes, only to be told that it doesn't come in our size. She understands the sheer joy at getting a great pair of shoes, and even better if there's a great bargain involved.

So yes, my solemate.

Shoes entered my life as "my student's mum". She has now become a friend. Of course, it helps that I see her nearly every week. Heck, I see her more often than I any of my other friends. She's clever, has a great sense of humour, and accepts me making fun of her technophobia. She's a working mother, of four kids! Now that, in my book, is just awesome.

I actually really, really look forward to tutoring, no matter how tired I am at the end of the work day. Shoes' kids are just great, and they never fail to make me laugh. (Well, sometimes Student makes me angry, but that's another story.) I enjoy chats with Shoes' mum and husband, about completely different topics, of course. And I love chatting with Shoes, about pretty much anything. It's just great to have a proper adult conversation. My colleagues are alright, but they and I don't really click. Shoes and I, on the other hand, seem to hang out on the same wavelength most of the time. During crunch time, going over to Shoes' place was the only event on my social calendar.

But what brought all this on? Why am I suddenly blathering on about someone I don't mention all that often? (Hmm, actually, I think I might have mentioned her quite a few times...but anyway.) Well...I'm just glad that she's a part of my life, that's all.

Oh, and it's her birthday. So Shoes, even though you're not going to read this until you get back from Bali (and if you do read this in Bali....WHY?!? Go hang out at the beach!), I really really hope you have a great time, because you deserve it.

Happy birthday!!!