A Day in the Life

So, today was a pretty typical day in the life of a single mom. I had a doctor's appointment this morning, so I left Charley with one of my girlfriends, and went off for about an hour to get what I needed done. It's amazing how difficult doctor appointments can be when there is a kiddo tagging along, least of all my kid! Anyway, the appointment was fine, and I went back to pick up Charley and my friend to go to lunch and do a little shopping. Of course. Charley had been great all morning, and she did very well at lunch. She was fine for about an hour of shopping, then it was melt-down time. There's nothing like carrying a toddler who was screaming, "ICE CREAM!!!" at the top of her lungs, out of the mall. I got looks of pity from the older women walking by, and looks of disgust from the younger generation (yes, I'm 29, and said younger generation). My theory is, once they have kids, they'll get it. I definitely don't love those terrible twos moments, but they don't really affect me anymore. I'm pretty good at ignoring the tantrums, until they subside. When they happen in public, though... Let's just say they aren't my proudest moments as a mom!

Anyway, after Charley's mall meltdown, we went home, and she was fine. She was happy as can be, watching the KU basketball game with me. The way she says Jayhawks is about as hilarious as the way she says leotard (use your imagination... you'll figure it out). She cheered them on, until the bitter end. It was a sad day for Jayhawk fans. I can't wait to take her to a game, someday. She will be an amazing little cheerleader! I think the season got cut short this year, but that's okay, there's always next year.*Sidenote: What happens when you take a bath after a very painful loss, and 2 drinks? Well, if you're me, you forget to wash the conditioner out of your hair. I washed it out a few minutes ago, and my hair is VERY soft right now. I guess I got an unintentional deep conditioning treatment!

I got several texts today from Howie (could I really date a Howie?) and AJ (the VERY nice guy who I'm just not into). Honestly, I don't think I'm interested enough in either of them to keep talking to them. So I haven't responded. These poor Backstreet Boys aren't faring well in my dating realm! It's interesting to me, though. When I don't respond, they keep texting. Then, I feel bad because I know I'm just not into them. At the same time, when I DO respond, I don't hear from Howie for days at a time. What kind of sense does that make? None! I guess it's part of the game! I would like to say I've got the game figured out. I think I do. Generally I like to play games (i.e. board games...ha!), but I'm not so into the dating games. I'll tolerate the game. I'll deal with it, if the right one comes up in the mix. But I'm not such a fan of the game. 

This brings me back to the topic of texting. Why has it become such a dating staple? Is it because it makes things less awkward as you get to know someone? I mean, I understand that point of view. Honestly, it's easier for me to start out texting, too! Talking on the phone can be nerve wracking, and awkward. I'd rather have the awkwardness of a phone call and get it over with, though. It's better than having the awkwardness in person when you can't pretend to listen, while watching Dance Moms throughout the conversation! Most of the time I'm pretty attentive on the phone, but if it's awkward or boring, I check out. You would think most people would notice when I check out. I know my sisters do! But some of the guys I've talked to can ramble even more than me, and that's not an easy feat! Anyway, I swear, the next guy to CALL me, will get a date. I might regret saying that...but hey, I'm willing to risk it! I mean, I'm WAY better on the phone than I am via text. Although, I talk a lot...I apologize in advance to any man who might actually call me!

Alright, let's talk about a teacher story...Today we're going to talk a little bit more about Jacob, the student I previously mentioned, who burned me with a hot glue gun. When we were building the chairs in his science class, which was a total fiasco, because I am SO not a builder (although I did manage to help 3 kids make nearly identical chairs that they could actually sit on), his dad came in to help one day. He watched me working with Jacob, and Jacob was having a particularly rough day, so I thought I made a horrific impression. However, I got a phone call at the school the next day from his father. He was impressed with my consistency with Jacob, and wanted me to do a little bit of work with him outside of school. I agreed, and started taking Jacob with me to the gym once a week.

Jacob was always a hit at the gym. He played with the kids, learned basic gymnastics, and got a lot of practice with following directions and having appropriate social interactions. The drive to and from the gym, could be interesting, though. One thing to know about Jacob, was that he was OBSESSED with words. He was notorious for reading any word he saw anywhere, so I was pretty used to hearing "real estate," or "no turn on red," shouted out from the back seat. One day, Jacob was talking to himself. He suddenly started saying, " Oh my GAAAWWWWD," over and over again. I corrected him. "No, Jacob, we don't say, 'Oh my God,' we say 'Oh my gosh,' or 'Oh my goodness." He thought for a minute. "Or, ' Oh my wolf!" he exclaimed, with a grin on his face. I started to laugh, because I had no idea where that had come from. Was it because he loved the Minnesota Timberwolves? Did he hear that somewhere? Then, sure enough, I looked out my window, and saw a law firm with the name Wolf in big letters on the building right next to us. I should've known. Jacob never failed to entertain me!

Sidenote: Charley starts gymnastics tomorrow! Can you tell I'm excited about it?!