10/25/2024
I HAVE TO SHARE this moment... Ever since my Daughter Blake has been able to put her own socks on, she has NEVER matched her socks, and it is absolutely one of my favorite things for multiple reasons (which I will ramble on after this short version)
Many of you know I live in the "Promotional Products" space of making custom-branded apparel, and I opened the flier/booklet. What do I see as ? Mismatched Pairings!
Now my longer why to this post...
1st - When I interned at Sundstand in college (the former Collins Aerospace or whatever new name it has this week) - Internships back then definitely had nepotism connected to me being able to work there... One of the project engineers I was able to work with (and btw 30 years later, Mike Fleming, the guy who shared this with me, is still one of my favorite people in this world) had a photo in his cubical he kept and shared with me was my father (Larry Wachowiak) as an "electrical engineer" had a day where he showed up to work wearing 2-way different socks that could not go unnoticed by anyone that was not wholly blind... However, he did NOT do this on purpose.
My daughter has ALWAYS been not only intentional in wearing 2 different socks but unwavering in wearing mismatched socks (outside of her softball uniform)
Part 2 of my back story love of this - is thanks to Brian Lynch, and I remember this day like yesterday... I was a bartender at Bacchus - which is now Abreo Restaurant and Brian, who to call him stylish and well dressed would be an understatement in my opinion... but not only a fantastic dresser... one of the largest, funniest, wittiest personalities I've ever known to this day, and has a massive imprint on showing me how to be and love/embrace me... wore the funkiest socks I'd ever seen until that day, and when I asked him about them, his response fired off faster than I could finish asking, and said with the most eloquence and simplicity - that I know I am paraphrasing at best... he said: "because life needs to be fun, and normal socks are too boring, and fun socks show off your love of life and the fun you make with every step."
I have never worn a "normal" pair of socks since the 90s, thanks to him...
The point to all of this long-ass sockys story... I find life connects joy, not in balance, but through Harmony... and just like a symphony of amazing music can move your soul, so can the little joys of life by letting your love of unique joys be acknowledged and celebrated... And I LOVE that my Dad stumbled into making a connected moment into a lifelong friendship between our co-workers, sharing that moment that bonded the start of our friendship...
I LOVE those funky socks - they connected and amplified a fantastic friendship and helped me grow more confidently into me
And now, today in my "JOB" that I love allows me to sell custom branded socks that help brands connect with their culture - and community - and show off the fun - the funky - the style and sometimes their tribe is such a unique and unforgettable way, at a minimal investment for a lifetime of memories... Socks - Connect People... Socks create memories - Socks can build friendships and at the same time... keep your toes warm!
I did not intend to sell socks when I started writing this... HOWEVER... If you find an opportunity or want to buy custom-branded socks, I am, of course, happy to assist you...
