I've never told this story before. I was 17, dolled up for the midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show at a swanky old art theater on Balboa Island. I don't remember what else I wore, but the sandals were cute, cream linen with an ankle strap.

I have somewhat of a phobia for bugs, especially cockroaches. It's gotten better as the years pass, but at the time, the sight of one made my stomach churn. SoCal can grow 'em big, 2" or more. Houston, where I lived for a while, it's even worse. They call them palmetto bugs but I don't care, they are disgusting roaches. Ugh.

In the middle of the film I felt something tickling the bottom of my foot. I shook my leg and an enormous roach jumped out from between my foot and sandal. Somehow I did not scream. But just typing this, my feet are squirming. I spent the rest of the show huddled in my seat to keep my feet off the floor and trying not throw up.

I have seldom worn sandals since.

Please tell me I'm not alone with a fashion phobia.