(Now) Funny Childhood Memories

Just this afternoon I overheard a mother talking about her child's sand shoes and this reminded me of a childhood memory I'll never forget.  I can tell the story and laugh about it now, but back in the day, it was embarrassing beyond words.

At this point I should mention that English is my second language which I began learning in pre-school.  My Mum, although quite fluent in English at the time, doesn't have a clue when it comes to some everyday Aussie terms.  And after this story, I'm sure you'll agree with me!

I was in year 1 and the class was going on an excursion to the beach.  A list of items for parents to pack on the day was sent home and amongst other things, "sand shoes" was listed.  Mum and I had never heard of the term, but as it was a trip to the beach, we both assumed that sand shoes =  flippers.  On the morning of the excursion before school (last minute is my Mum's signature style), I remember rushing into the local Toyworld and buying bright blue flippers.  I ended up arriving late to school so Mum came with me to class to apologise to the teacher and explain why we were late. 

So there I was, flippers in hand - still in their plastic packaging, standing in front of the class... only for the teacher to tell us both that "sand shoes" actually means sports shoes!  It was horrible at the time.  So horrible.  I ended up wearing normal school shoes to the beach.  Eighteen years later... whenever I hear the term "sand shoes", it brings me back in time to that morning in year 1.

If only we had the internet in 1992 to google "flippers"!