A picture is worth 1000 words..

We've been a little preoccupied with illness/injuries in our family.. and I had a reading spurt where I managed to read 6 books in the last month...  Hooray!  Now we're all healthy and mostly chocolate chip free I thought I would catch up and post a few pictures of what I've been up to...


Friday night fun at the gym:

Here I am flipping the 250 lbs tire.

Now, here I am right after throwing up...

BA HA HA.   I wasn't actually throwing up..I was looking for some identifying marks to determine how much the tire weighed since my trainer thought it had the information on it somewhere... Such a flattering photo...

I work out (like the song) :)

I'm not a believer of the cabbage soup diet or any similar fad diets. I believe you should be able to have everything in moderation.  Moderation being the key word.  Lately, my moderation hasn't been so moderate.

I work out so I can eat.  If you don't count running around after the children and washing floors by hand at least once a week (4 kids, remember?),  I work out hard about 5 hours a week doing kickboxing, cross training and swimming. Perhaps I am overindulging a tad too much lately.  In an effort to lose those last 10 stubborn pounds that have taken up permanent residence on my lower half I've decided I need to cut back on a few things we usually stock.

1.  Diet Coke.  As I sip a diet coke as I type I know this one is a constant struggle for me.  (It is so much easier to grab a cold caffeinated drink in our house.  I don't drink coffee, By the time I get around to drinking my tea,on those days I actually find time to make it, it is already cold...  Mmmm cold tea.  NOT.

2.  Open bags of chips.  I detest Ranch Chips.  However, if there is an open bag of ranch chips laying around it usually takes me about a handful to remember how much I really really hate them.  No more buying chips.

3.  Milk Chocolate Chips.  Mmmmm.  Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. We were going through a one kg bag of milk chocolate chips a week and most of them weren't making it into the cookies or muffins that they were intended for. I even labelled the jar POISON in attempt to thwart any intruders. It didn't work. Jeff and the girls weren't fooled either.  Perhaps the happy face makes it less of a deterrent?  Maybe I need to work on the label a bit, or just not buy them.  I think we'll secretly go back to semi-sweet chocolate chips and I'll record the first person who attempts to eat a handful of those!  Bahaha.

4.  Snacking while making school lunches at 10 pm.  I'm not intentionally trying to become a sumo wrestler but perhaps if I continue down this path you may see my name associated with the sport!  :)

Stacey "sumo mama" does not have a nice ring to it.

I think that about covers it.  I'll keep you posted.  :)

Shopping

I took the boys grocery shopping today.  We didn't need much so I thought we'd be quick. They boys haven't been grocery shopping in a while as Jeff usually does it. Alone. Now I remember why..

They are sooooo fast!  Initially, they were trying to be helpful.  One grabbed bananas so the other would grab bananas.  How many bananas do you need?   All of a sudden it seemed like they were grabbing random things off the shelves and putting them in our cart.  It was like a whirlwind around me.   Our 2 year old even put a head of cauliflower is some unsuspecting elderly lady's cart.  Luckily, we both saw immediately or else she would have had a surprise at the checkout!  (and probably wondered if she was going crazy)

I was putting things back where they came from as fast as I could catch them.  I didn't catch everything.  Finally, almost an hour later we got to the till. I gave the cashier 1 package of freezies and 1 extra box of crackers.  I still managed to come home with the items below that I did not put in the cart.

1 box of Hot Wheels Sugar Water.  I don't think there is any juice in it at all.
1 overripe tomato.
1 whole orange in okay condition.
1 head of cauliflower which had been in the elderly lady's cart.  I felt bad for it and figured we'd use it at least.
1 box of Mario Gummies which I swear I took out of the cart. They somehow made their way back onto the conveyor belt unbeknownst to me.

I forgot to mention the dancing at the till.   I'm glad they had fun. Myself, I would consider it a sanity workout.

I'm hoping not to have to do it again anytime soon.

So beware of little boys around your grocery cart.  You may end up with items you didn't intend on purchasing!

Curses

My children live in a bubble.   They believe in the Tooth Fairy, Santa, The Easter Bunny, and Leprechauns that prance through the house St. Patrick's Eve leaving coins and candy. Of course, after they have successfully freed themselves of the booby traps that the children have set.  The cardboard box traps are like 5 star hotels.  They tried to entice the leprechauns to stay once caught with barbie furniture, flooring, and jewelery as lures. Although, I think it would take a pretty "special" leprechaun to get caught in one.  I think Trouble even cut a door into hers.  I can't think of an easier escape route than that!

 They are so innocent, or so I thought.  My 9 year old and I were talking about swear words this week.  She declared that people at school told her S-T-U-P-I-D is not a swear word.  WHAT? SINCE WHEN!?  Okay. I don't want her looking like the village idiot at school so we had a discussion about it isn't a nice word and in our house it is not to be used as it is like a swear word.  (Oops! I forgot I-D-I-O-T is a swear in our house too.)

She then pipes up that she know a few more swear words.  Who is this kid hanging around!!?!?  She states she knows the "F" word.   Ok.  I'm not really surprised. I figured sooner or later she would learn that one at school.  It's not as if I can send her with earmuffs to wear on the playground just so she doesn't hear bad words. Then she states that she knows the "C" word.  ACK!  Shut the front door!  Who the heck would have taught her the "C" word in grade 3??!!?!?!  I'm ready to visit her school and have a chat with her teacher to find out what is going on when Trouble pipes up, "OH, you mean CRAP!"   Phew. Maybe they are still a little more innocent than I thought.

Rational

I've been busy reading the Hunger Games trilogy this past week.  I couldn't put it down and it isn't even the type of book I'd usually read.  I didn't accomplish much else in the evenings!

Friday, the 6 of us went on a quick trip to the States during the PA day.   We decided we'd take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese for some fun and do a little shopping.  I think others had the same idea.  Thankfully, Chuck E. Cheese was almost empty but almost all of the vehicles at the mall had Ontario license plates.

 I'm not sure what it is about the large bridge we must cross at the border but it causes my 7 year old to lose the ability to think rationally.   Recalling an earlier visit when we were sitting on the bridge waiting for customs she looked up and asked, "Are we underwater?"  HUH?     

This time as we idled on the bridge waiting our turn she exclaims, "The USA sure is small!   She has seen a map before and knows how large the USA is so I'm not sure what she was thinking.  Fast forward 15 minutes. We are past customs and on our way.  She declares, "Boy, it sure looks united here."  Jeff and I tried to suppress our laughter, unsuccessfully.  I'm not sure where she gets these things.

Yesterday, I ordered the limited edition Alanna Cavanagh tea towel from thebay.com.  Okay, I ordered 3 but 2 aren't for me!  I was probably the first order since I had been checking frequently.   I was contemplating taking all 4 kids to the mall on the weekend, while Jeff was working,  in hopes that they may have them in stock at our local Bay.  I decided the $7 shipping & handling was worth every penny.  I think I may frame it for our 9 year old's room. (Yes, I know it is a tea towel but I think it is too cute to use.)  Alanna Cavanagh even named the cute dog Walter. You can see more of her amazing work at http://alannacavanagh.com/home.html.  I really love her typewriter illustration and hope she does a silk screen of it soon.  Can't wait to get it!

 

  

Stubborn

I love my children.  All of them.  I'm learning to appreciate each child for their own little personalities. Some days are a little harder than others..

We were lucky we had 3 children before we even experienced the terrible twos.   I had no idea what it was like.  I figured it must be parenting issues when I saw a child having a tantrum in a public place.  I no longer believe it is a result of the parenting.   But are the terrible twos related indirectly?

Here is my baby.  He's a tad speech delayed but we're working on it.  This is a picture of him enjoying a snack at Tim Horton's this week while the girls are at school and his brother is at preschool.  Great picture, no thanks to my photography skills.  This picture doesn't show the full story.  It certainly doesn't give any indication that mommy had to carry him into the restaurant while he was fully resisting. If he would have thought to grab hold of the van in his attempt he probably would have.  I can only imagine what he would have said if he could have expressed himself verbally.  As it was, he decided blood curling screams should be enough.  
 

Thankfully, once we got inside he was instantly transformed from crazed child to angel.  He didn't really like the chocolate Timbits that I offered him . (He's only had one or two before ever)  He did request chocolate milk.  That, I can live with.

Today, I carried him again kicking and screaming to the car.  This was because he didn't want to hold my hand in the busy Wal-Mart parking lot.  I am thankful I am able to carry his flailing 42 pound body.  Last week I was especially thankful I can carry him with one arm when I had to carry him screaming, flailing and crying from the park while pulling the wagon with his 40 pound brother in the other hand.  

He is definitely our child.   He seems to be exhibiting a few traits that Jeff and I seem to have, although not necessarily all the best ones.. Luckily, I haven't had to carry Jeff having a tantrum. Yet. :)     

Miller is stubborn.   If he doesn't want to go someplace or do something he's going to let you know.  As he's not yet able to express himself with words it usually manifests itself in screaming and resisting.  

The poor babysitter who has had to brush his teeth on a recent occasion that Jeff and I went said as much. She was paid handsomely that night.    

My mantra at the moment:   "This too shall pass"  

I'm hoping sooner than later or I may no longer need a gym membership. :)  

Allergy Rant

It has been more than 2 years since our 3rd child was diagnosed with a peanut/tree nut allergy. After our initial allergist appointment we were told he was allergic to peanuts and given a prescription for an epi-pen.  Bye-Bye. (Here is where they pushed us out the door..  kidding... at least they didn't physically push us out)  

 We're still learning about the allergy along they way and now have a great Paediatric Allergist Doctor..  For example we just learnt if he's never been exposed to a certain nut, he may not show as allergic to that nut when doing allergy testing.  I know if you don't have a nut allergy in your house you may not have to think about these things so thought I would compile some tidbits for those who encounter somebody with a nut allergy.

Or maybe you can just call it a rant....

Note:  This is what works for us and is just our opinion, we aren't medical doctors or I'd be charging A LOT for these pointers.

1.  Please do not bring/offer homemade baking.  Unless I know you are as neurotic as I am, you are just going to assist in making my husband and his work friends fat.

2.   Anything purchased from the bulk barn, or bulk areas are out because of cross contamination.  Therefore, the flour purchased at bulk barn may have a secret.  And not a juicy one.

4.  Peanut butter is BAD.  Sooo bad.    

3.   Tim Hortons has warning signs in their drive thru windows and state on their website that their products may contain nuts or be cross contaminated.  Therefore, Tim Hortons timbits is not a suitable snack to bring to a preschool party when you know there are children with nut allergies.

4.   Even if an establishment has a sign saying they are nut free ask anyway. At one we used to visit I thought the cookies looked similar to ones I'd seen somewhere else.  I asked and was told there were NO ACTUAL PEANUTS in them, which is VERY different from nut free.

5.   Labels are our friend.  Bring the box of crackers that shows the ingredients and I'm a happy camper. If I don't know the ingredient list.  I won't serve it.

6.  We discovered www.enjoylifefoods.com and some of their products at our local organic bakery  NUT FREE TRAIL MIX.  WHOO HOO!

Let's just say I'm thankful it's just a nut allergy and otherwise he's a perfectly happy & healthy 4 year old.  Can you imagine if it was a chocolate allergy?  I think if I had a chocolate allergy it would be worth the epi-pen and trip to emerg. and daily at that.

Definitely Not Martha

I am definitely not Martha Stewart.  I started out on the right track.  My house was tidy, organized and clean and I had one child.  Then I had another.  Then the girls started to dress themselves.  And then I had the boys.  Martha definitely did not have boys.  It is much easier to keep a neat and tidy house when you only have one child and that child is a girl.   I also gave up on the household decor after the boys.  Specifically, when a glass bowl from the centre of my kitchen table ended up in itsy bitsy pieces on the floor. Every reachable surface in our house has been bare for the last 3 or so years.  We have just started putting a few things back.  We have a sturdy indestructible bowl filled with pine cones on our front hall table.  Thankfully, pine cones are easily replaceable.

My coffee table books haven't fared so well.    My historical Archaeology book is missing the dust jacket.  The Inconvenient Truth has a few rips, tears, and bends.  It looks a little worse for wear, just like our planet.  How ironic.    We purchased a sturdy stainless steel bowl from Ikea for the coffee table as well.  Love the bowl. It is so pretty.  Here it is.  

However,  why must it be so shiny?  The designer obviously did not have toddlers in the house.   I do not love the constant fingerprints on it, nor do I like the dents it puts into the hardwood when one of the boys decide to spin it off the coffee table. 

Back to Martha. I was reading online a "how to guide" on organizing sock drawers that reminded me of her.  Really!?  Who really has the time or desire to fold underwear? If I am in a car accident are they going to notice my underwear is crease free en route to the hospital?  Doubtful.  Do I need to drive myself crazy any more than I already am?   No. I think I'll just stick to separating socks and underwear in the drawers and call it a day..

I'll worry about the bigger problems instead.  This is what a 7 year old (yes, it is Tornado's room) can do to a bedroom after it was cleaned today. Twice.

Are there any stuffed animals left in the bucket?

I would love to trade places with Martha right now.  Leave her in our house for a week and see how she fares.  I think she may have met her match with "Tornado."  I think Martha might be a little worse for wear by the end of the week.  Hopefully, she'd emerge at least sane.

No matter how crazy it can get we are lucky enough to have healthy children who are relatively polite, respectful and sweet. Our house isn't utter chaos as you might expect. Yes, it can be chaotic at times, but realistically I think most families have those moments. So what if I forgot the muffins were in the oven today when I took 5 minutes to help the kids outside.  They were only slightly crispy on the outside.  The kids appreciated the help and isn't that what is important?  Are they going to remember if their underwear was folded nicely in their drawers or will they remember if mommy took the time to help them?

So, if you come to our house you can expect to see some slightly messy but great kids.  Just don't judge me by the creases in my underwear.     

Lego, Lego and more Lego

Lego is not meant for people with A type personalities or for people who strive for order.  Or their children for that matter.  It should come with a warning label that says "BACK AWAY NOW, this product is NOT for you!"  

Lego has recently been introduced into our house.  All children love Lego including mine, each in their own way.  Our eldest has the new girl Lego which both girls play with quite contently. Our 4 year old has some Lego vehicles which he likes me to put together for him.  After 10 minutes of referencing the manual for the umpteenth time, I have most of it together, minus some lost pieces, which increase in quantity every time he ask me to build it.  Within 1/2 hour he has moved onto something else.  Our youngest has then deconstructed the said vehicle.  Did I mention there are now pieces EVERYWHERE?!  I cringe every time I walk by a set in pieces or find a piece under the couch.  How does it not bother them!?  How can a vehicle have only one fender and be missing half the headlights and be okay to drive?  Whatever happened to the Lego guy's hair?  He went bald overnight and doesn't have an issue with it!   I want to drop what I'm doing and put the sets together before any more pieces get lost.  Sorry kids, no supper tonight, mommy has to build the Lego sets. (kidding)

I think Lego should invent special A type personality Lego glue.  Maybe it should be water soluble so when the kids were big enough to build the set exactly they could be deconstructed again.   I would probably accidentally glue myself to the set but will be much happier if I didn't find any more pieces in the duct work or laundry!    Or I could just throw away the instructions and let them go crazy..

 (Ack. I think that option may cause me to have an aneurysm.)  :)

Common Sense

Yesterday, my 4 year old's DSI wasn't working.  He told me that "Daddy, can fix it. He has big hands."  Good to know that all you need to fix itsy bitsy computer parts are big hands.  He was right though.  Daddy was able to fix it.

It made me think of the many other pearls of wisdom that they have come up with in the last few years. Here are a few memorable ones. Once we were outside and could smell raw sewage or something equally as disgusting.  My daughter took a sniff and then said matter of factly.  "Hmm, smells like daddy."  Awesome.  If you smell raw sewage, Daddy must be nearby.  

We were tarring the driveway last summer when Noelle commented, "I know why you chose black for the driveway!  It is mommy's favourite colour!"    She was right.  It is my favourite colour. Although, most of Canada must love black as well as there are a lot of black driveways.

I bake frequently with the kids.  They like to tell me what they believe to be the next ingredient. We were making cookies when one said, "Now, 1/2 cup of salt."   Salt does make everything taste better.  However, 1/2 cup might be a little on the heavy side for cookies.  (I never add the salt anyway, so I'm not even sure where that one came from!)

Recently, Leyton took his sister's cookie that we put aside for her and ate it.  I let him know that he was going to have to tell her what happened.  He said, "And I'll tell her it was delicious"   Was she relieved to know that it was gone but at least it was very delicious?  She took it well.  Perhaps, she was just glad it was delicious.  Interesting. I might have to try that on one of them some time and see if I get the same reaction.

It is amazing to see how their little minds work.  I try and write down some of the things I remember that they say but I'm sure I've missed some great ones.  However, I'm always reminded what my favourite colour is when we pull into the driveway.

Birthdays & Little Sisters

For one of her teen birthdays, I remember my youngest sister and I gave our middle sister a framed saying that stated, "God made us sisters, We made us friends."    We're not overly religious but I thought it was cute at the time.  My middle sister, who is not emotional at all, immediately burst into tears and called us mean.

I'm thinking about that birthday while we're having the surprise 9th birthday party for Norah today. We're constantly telling our daughters that they are each other's best friend.  They will go through many friends in life but their sister is always going to be there for them.  Hmmm.. Sounds like solid advice.  Now... take a look at the pictures below and specifically the person in the background.   Yep, Tornado from my earlier post. Would you really want to be friends with this person?!?     

 

She is usually pretty hyper, but I think she has eaten way too much sugar tonight or else she thought the theme of the evening was, "How to be the most annoying sister ever."   I almost deleted all the pictures she partook in against my wishes.  You can tell how pleased Norah is just by looking at the photo.  Good times. I then thought that maybe I should save a few of them and show her a few years down the road.  She can see how much her sister had to tolerate.  I think if she does get a similar plaque like we gave our sister it won't be for a LONG, LONG time.  

And it's not even bedtime yet.  

Terrible Twos

I think the people at Bath and Body Works must hate me.  Yesterday, I decided to get some errands  done for my daughter's surprise birthday party this weekend. I had to bring along my 2 year old and 4 year old to help.   Initially, my 2 year old didn't want to go into the store.  That should have set off warning bells. However, I only needed a few things so figured we would be fast.  Nope.  I spent the first 5 minutes chasing him through the store as he wanted to see everything.  Finally, he calmed down and hung around long enough for me to get a few items off the shelves.  I turned around and I noticed he had a large sample hand sanitizer pump in his hand.  I immediately took it away and put it back on the shelf.  Meanwhile, I was thinking "Boy, he sure managed to pump out quite a bit of santizier on his hands."   I finished my shopping and then we left.  Only then did I notice the hand sanitizer all down his shirt.  I am starting to think that he opened the top and took the pump off which would explain the amount of sanitizer he managed to get out... I really hope it was the sample.  Otherwise, I think they may ban us from entering the store again.  (or hopefully just him)

 Here is the best picture I could get with my unwilling model.  At least, he smelled lovely for a good few hours afterwards.

Washable pen would be a great invention...

After a busy March break full of discoveries I'm ready for school to start again.  I  learnt my 2 year old has no fear after disappearing into the tunnels at Adventures without me and trying to crawl across the monkey bars in our backyard. My 4 year old starts crying whenever something minor doesn't go his way. (which needs to be stopped).   We should have named our 6 year old Tornado as there is devastation in her wake whenever she leaves a room.  I also learnt my 8, almost 9, year old needs a break from the chaos once in a while as well.  However, it is much easier for her to escape to her room.  Lucky girl.

This morning, there were leaky pen marks all over the floor which I initially believed to be the work of a 2 year old.  Wrong.  It was our 13 year old dog.  I'm not even sure where she got the pen and I have yet to find it.  She was covered in pen.  It was in her ears, underbelly, neck, between her pads on her paws, etc.  I'm scared to look in her mouth.   After a long relaxing soothing bath.... oh wait, did I mention she's scared to death of baths?    I think I am just as wet as she is.  

Here is the picture of her after the bath and after she decided a roll in the mulch was just the thing she needed.

It appears pen isn't as washable as washable markers...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Oh Where, Oh Where can the remote be?!

We've lost the Blu-Ray remote. This should not be really surprising in this household but with an open concept main floor things usually turn up pretty quickly. This is mostly because I'm a tad obsessive and can't sleep until I find the missing item.   The remote has been gone about a month now. I've checked every room at least twice, even pulled out the refrigerator and overturned the couch.  In the couch, I found some matchbox cars that I liberated from within it's depths. I cut open the bottom with surgical precision (although I'm sure if I was a real surgeon I'd have a few complaints.) :)    I even came across $70 cash!  Score!  However, no remote.  Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt.  Is the journey/process really as important as the result?  I scored 70 bucks, the floor under my fridge is sparkling, and 10 or so matchbox cars are probably ecstatic to be freed.  Perhaps.  However, I still don't have the remote and have no idea where it could be!  I'm really starting to think my 2 year old threw the remote into the garbage as he tends to do with plates when he is done with them. I'll keep you posted.  I'll be obsessing in the meantime.


In other news, we are experiencing amazing weather so we enjoyed some family time today outside at the neighbourhood park.  There was a firetruck in the neighbourhood the kids could visit as well.  It appears my photography skills are right up there with my crafting skills.  They need serious work.  I took some great pictures, or so I thought.  As I was about to send the picture of my 2 year old to everyone and put it up on Facebook I noticed the crazy lady in the reflection of the firetruck. Oh, how wonderful!  What a lovely self portrait.  I don't think I could even photo-shop myself out. It's going to need some serious cropping.  Why do firetrucks need to be so freaking shiny?  I think my finger is in it as well.
 

I'm off to investigate photography classes for people who have no clue how to take a great picture.  I wonder if I'd be remedial or just special?  I think I'd be in a category all by myself. :)

MONSTER HIGH BINGO CARDS

Monster High Bingo Cards

1. Print off all cards

2. The last two cards without the title are the dealer cards.  Cut out each monster individually and use to      call the monsters.

3.  The first one to get a line of 3 is the winner or you can fill the whole card for a longer game.  There will be multiple winners on some games.  I've added a few more monsters to elimate some multiple wins but when they were first created there wasn't a lot of monster high dolls out yet.  Enjoy!

My love/hate relationship with Pinterest

I am not very crafty.  I don't scrapbook.  I have even told people that the kids helped me decorate their birthday cake even if they didn't. (shhh!  It's only happened once or twice!)  I can do things only if they involve a computer like video editing, making our own party invites or Monster High Bingo Cards.



I have discovered Pinterest along with the other millions of women in my demographic category. My first project turned out pretty great, or so I think, even for a craft adverse person.   You can see for yourself below!  I have blurred out our current address so the paparazzi can't find me.  :)  The project only involved a computer, a visit to Staples, which resulted in bribing my 2 year old with a visit to McDonald's as well. There was no scrap booking necessary!  I managed to convince my husband to build the frames,which only cost about $6, and we used some left over black paint.  It isn't too precious either just in case the boys decide they want to play soccer in the front hall while I'm doing laundry and the whole thing gets destroyed. I went with generic rules as I figured people didn't want to see "Leave the poor dog alone" and "Stop picking your nose." front and center as soon as they walked in our door.  It would have probably turned out a little better if I had let the glue dry instead of needing to hang them immediately after completion on the wall as they did bubble a bit.

Anyway, my second undertaking from a pin I saw on pinterest was crepe papering my 7 year old into her room for her birthday so it would be fun to break through in the morning.  Sounds easy!  It sounds like it would be fun as well for the birthday girl, right?   It's now morning time and I'm getting ready so missed it but she comes out of her room, opens the door and is totally confused to what to do so she crawls under the crepe paper!  Hmmm, that didn't quite work out the way I expected.

The current project I'm working on is an Angry Bird Pinata for my daughter's 9th surprise birthday.  It first started as a project for my 4 year old and I to work on together.  He was very enthusiastic so  I assembled everything, make the glue, blew up the balloon and then he decided he didn't want to get dirty.  Sigh.  I continue, alone, and am just done the first coat of paper mache, patting myself on the back as it is looking pretty good so far.  The phone rings, I answer, the balloon pops and I am covered in paper mache.  My 4 year old thinks it is HILARIOUS!    Another balloon, and we've managed to get 4 coats of paper mache on and it is now dried.  My 4 year old decides he wants to fill it with his cars.  Do you know how hard it is to get metal vehicles out of a paper mache pinata without breaking it!?!?  I succeeded.  The paint is now drying and it doesn't quite look like the photos off Pinterest but I think it turned out pretty good.  I can always tell people my kids made it, right?   Anyway, I figure pinatas are just like people.  It's what is in the inside that counts.

Pools, shoes, and a crazy lunatic woman tiptoeing across the deck

At the moment, I believe there is nothing worse than forgetting your pool deck flip flops when you're about to enter the local public pool. Okay, maybe forgetting your bathing suit is equally as bad, but that would cause a few more issues and maybe a call or two to the local police...  Anyway, the moment comes when you open your bag and you realise you have forgotten them.  In your head, the little voice is screaming, "Retreat!  Retreat!"  However, that is not really an option since you've gotten all the way there and have psyched yourself up for the workout.   So, you must proceed.    You are now leaving the change room.  One step. You cringe as soon as your foot touches the pool deck.  You can only imagine that bacteria and micro-organisms that are happily climbing up your foot."  Only 30 more steps to go.  Hooray.  (I'm being sarcastic)    You finally manage to get across the deck without looking too much like a crazy lunatic.   You proceed with your workout and then reluctantly get out of the pool to repeat the steps above all the way back to the change room.  Maybe a little tiptoeing hoping to have less actual foot to deck contact.  You made it.  A horrible experience, hopefully not to be repeated anytime soon. Unless, of course, you managed to leave them behind again.