Random Day

Woke up, got outta bed.....

Some kind of O cereal mixed with a different shredded grain for breakfast, at least I think that's what the kids ate. I was in the shower while it was happening.

Hey, we are actually going to be on time for Village today. Wait... we forgot the snack. Okay, banana and apple and trail mix thrown in the bag. Easy. Let's go!

Uh oh, we forgot about show-n-tell again. How about this? No? What about...? Oh, you're right, what was I thinking? Yes, just grab a random toy as usual. We'll wait downstairs while you get it... ... ... Really? It took you 10 minutes to find two little cars? Okay. Well, now we are off.

Oh look, judging by all the trashcans up and down the block it is trash day. How come ours are still by the side of the house? Okay, get in the car while I put them out. Of course they already picked up the recycling so that will have to wait until next week, again. Only one can to move! (Yes, I still call it a can even though it is plastic and on wheels.)

And we are off... Wait, there are no children in the car. There you are. What were you doing in the house? I see. Yes, I agree, the cars needed to be supplemented with a brown stuffed dog. Okay, buckle up. But you were able to buckle yourself yesterday. I don't understand how this ability comes and goes from day to day. Alright, I'll twist to a back damaging position to help you.

I drive s l o w l y to "school" (Education Resource Center really) because I've already received a pricey speeding ticket along these roads recently. I silently curse Beaverton photo traffic enforcement during the ten minute ride.

We are here. Don't forget to watch for cars before you cross the.... She's already across. What are you doing just sitting there. Do I have to pull you out of the car. What is so funny? Okay, don't forget your backpack. You have your cars and dog and apple and banana. Where is your coat? Well, get it. It's 50 degrees out today. Are you crazy?

Kids are in classes. Go back to car to get paperwork you forgot and drop off in the office. Say hello to parents in the hall. Quickly walk back to the van and now this is it! You have a 2 1/2 hour block of totally free time! (God bless Bobbi Burton and Ute Mitchell!) Yes, you have things to do, but you can do them alone. You can crank up the radio to whatever kid-inappropriate station you want. You can have a somewhat leisurely coffee/breakfast a few blocks away and read the paper uninterrupted. You can go to the grocery store to get a few things without "Can we get this? We need one of these! I'm getting this." and carts hitting other shoppers and spilled coffee and bathroom stops every hour and I'm hungry I'm hungry I'm staaarrrrrrvvvviiiiiing!

Coffee, store, library, back to Village, find a quiet corner and plan next weeks classes, put library books on hold, write, research something, read, talk to Barbara and Lori and Michelle and Melanie and Bonni and... crap, what is her name again? I'll just talk and hope she doesn't notice.

12:15 already? You want a snack? Here's some food. You want to eat it in this room? Okay. Wait, you really want to go to this room? Okay. Now you want to go outside? Okay. No one is outside because it's cold? Okay. Let's just eat in here. Oh, you'd rather play than eat? Whatever man. Okay, eat again? eat play eat play.

Everyone seems to be going home, so let's get going. You want to stay? Your sister wants to go. Wait, she wants to stay, no, she wants to go. You want to go? Now you want to stay? No, now you want to go. Get your stuff you made in class. Okay, everyone's hands are full, back to the car. I'm almost there and look back. Where have the children gone. Hello? You were right behind me. Oh, you had to say goodbye. Okay, now we are all here. Into the car. Just throw it all on the front seat and on the floor over existing layer of car detritus that we keep forgetting to remove.

Okay, let's go home. What? You don't want to go home? Just drive around you say? Just drive? I don't think so.

Home again. I'm bored! I don't want to clean my room! I think you've played on the computer enough today. I don't want to go to the concert tomorrow! IT WILL BE SO BORING! I can't just sit there and listen to music.