Sixty Dollar Flip Flops
I used to be a spontaneous person. Then I became a mother. For a while, I tried to be a spontaneous mom, but the idea of going to the mall on a whim with a breast fed baby and a hiker sized back pack of necessities changed me. I became a planner.
My husband has remained spontaneous, which is the reason I own a pair of sixty dollar flip flops.
A few years ago, the summer after the Cree Princess came into our lives, my husband woke up one Sunday morning, after the she has spent the night.
Has the Cree Princess ever been to Banff?
I don't think so.
We'll let's get that girl to Welches Candy Store.
Welches Candy Store, in downtown Banff, Alberta is a small candy shop that contains shelves upon crowded shelves of every candy known to man. It is in the heart of Banff National Park, a world wide Vacation destination.
Sure that sounds great, when?
Now.
Like, today, now?
Why not, we can be there and back by supper time.
Spontaneous me kicks in for a moment as the boy yells, "Welches Candy Store.... allllllllllright."
Sure why not, when do we leave?
Can you do 1/2 an hour.
You bet. You get the kids ready, I'll pack.
Packing to me is never a simple thing, usually starting a week before with an extra large wheeled suitcase lying on our bedroom floor, but time was a luxury I didn't have.
Flying around the house... spare clothes, water bottles , snacks, camera, car games.... ta da super me.... I did it. Slammed the trunk, kids in the car and we are off to Banff. Welches Candy Store here we come.
Half way there the Cree Princess had to use the washroom, so we pull over at the next service station. I get out of the car and the gravel bites my feet. No shoes. Now I often kick them off, but a quick search of both car and memory revels I did not wear shoes.
Although my husband is giving me his "oh hope" look, I remain undaunted, as I try to recall if there are any shoes stores in Banff. There must be. And there was.
As we pulled up to the store, I had a plan.
Ok, everybody out.
Just run in, we'll wait here.
That didn't fit with my plan. More people, more diversion, and perhaps I could get out of that store with dignity and shoes. I insisted on carring the Cree princess, so that people would look up, at her, instead of down, at my bare feet and off we went.
I had never been into a shoe store in Banff, and was shocked by the prices, 149.99, 129.99.... you have got to be kidding.
After issuing the order to fan out and look for cheap, my son made the find. Yelling across the store, he proudly produces a pair of flip flops, "Hey mom ,he yells, these are only 59.99, can you afford these?". After doing the prerequisite look around the store with a "whose kid is that" look on my face, I make my way over to him, try them on, and saddle up to the check out, shoes and box in hand.
Pulling out my Visa, I informed her I would be wearing them. Would you like me to pack up your old ones. No thanks. I ignored her puzzled look, held my head high and walked out of that store .
Mission accomplished.
My husband tells this story amongst his other "oh hope" stories. The men laugh. The women understand.
You do understand don't you?