My First School Shoes

When did buying shoes become such an emotional event?

Yesterday we went to buy Jo San's first pair of School Shoes! At first the store looked packed with children (mainly girls) all waiting, surprisingly patiently, to have their feet measured. We joined the queue expecting a long wait but suddenly a group of 'trained fitters' arrived and took charge of the mums and their children, and soon Jo San was having her feet measured and choosing her shoes.

Her first choice was not available as her feet were too small for that range, but the fitter (Matthew) did a great job offering alternatives and made this the easiest shoe buying experience for Jo San. Oh the battles we had in her earlier years!

Looking at Jo San's face when she put on the shoes she looked so proud and grown up, I had to fight the tears welling up. Not a good look... blubbering mum in a shoe shop!

Wearing her 'Super Star' sticker proudly Jo San showed off her shoes to her friend outside the store...... Even at this age, boys just don't understand the love we girls have for shoes, particularly when its your first school shoes!

"No Pencil Case Required"

20 Days to Jo San's first day at school, and I'm very disappointed to learn that she takes an empty book bag to school.

I was looking forward to letting her choose a new pencil case and all its contents. I remember dearly those days when we would get a new pencil case and proudly show it off in class on the first day back at school. Maybe that's a ritual to be started when she is a little older.

Anyone remember those pencil boxes from Hong Kong with the hidden compartment, in-built sharpeners and an eraser holder that presented itself at a push of a button?