Brat's "Graduation"

My Brat graduated from Kindergarten today.

We pulled out her 'fancy' Easter dress last night, and laid it out for packaging today.

She sat ALMOST still while I braided her hair, and tucked the ends in nicely, smoothed the frizzies out and then she put on her makeup (just a sparkle paste that she smears all over her face for special occasions). She was so excited about her graduation ceremony.

I left for work, after packing her dress, and leaving specific instructions with Bugs to carry it for her on their way to school. Now, normally on Wed. when I leave for work, D is still awake and gets them out the door successfully on time. Today, because he had to be awake again so early for the graduation, he was in bed when the kids left.

So, off I went blithely going about my day. When I got to the church where they were having the ceremony, I saw Brat, coming down the aisle, tears streaming down her little face.

She was not wearing her fancy Easter dress. She was still wearing her school uniform. She came over to me as the kids passed by, and I asked, "Where's your dress baby?" She took one deep breath and screamed, "STUPID BUGS FORGOT IT!" and proceeded to wail and howl. So, I kissed her streaky face, told her she was beautiful no matter what she wore, and that I was so proud of her and that I loved her. She stopped crying, but she was clearly still furiously angry.

D went home as fast as he could and brought back her fancy dress. During a short song, Lilah did her quick change in the corner and went straight back into her spot and joyfully sung the rest of the songs.

All in all, it was an absolutely awesome time for us. Pictures to follow.

Blondie's Is A Good Day.

Today was a busy day.

First just being awake was traumatic. I fell asleep last night folding clean laundry. So, I went to bed at the unheard of time of 11pm (that is incredibly early for me). Monster woke up at 6 and I got up around 6:30 this morning.

Then I went with my cousin to donate blood (I usually go about every 8 weeks but while I was pregnant and nursing I didn't so, this was my first time in the last 2 years). My blood was flowing too slowly today (apparently drinking three coffees and two diet cokes was NOT what they meant by "hydrate yourself") so they only collected one unit instead of the usual volume.

Then I went for lunch. I was starving and I've been waiting patiently (tried a couple times but it was closed) to try Blondie's Restaurant for years. My husband came home once with a 1 lb burger. He loved it so much because of the owner (we love going someplace honest and upfront).  He was so impressed and amazed by her and her establishment that he would love me to go to her and get a job with her, because he's dead sure I'd love working there. So, I've been wanting, and waiting to go for years now.

Until today. After donating blood, myself, my cousin and a friend went to Blondie's. We got there about 12(ish). There are 'Rules' on the wall. I read them carefully.

"Ordering a milkshake when it is busy will result in DEATH" and "If you have complaints about our food, prices, or service- McDonald's is right down the street" are my two favourites- but I liked (and agreed with) the rest of them just as much.

So, I went for it. I asked the waitress if it was too busy for me to have a 7 scoop of ice cream shake. She looked around, thought briefly and okayed it. I ordered the 1/4 lb burger and fries. My cousin had chicken fingers, and my friend ordered a tuna salad sandwich. The waitress looked up from her pad, "That's going to be a while, she's pretty busy with making burgers."

Friend said, "That's just fine." The waitress left and took our order in to "Blondie".

From the kitchen we hear, "That's going to take FOREVER!! FOREVER! A LONG TIME! FOREVER!" I loved it.

The sandwich was the first thing to arrive. And it looked good. Nice thick brown bread, looked super soft and fresh and the lettuce was nice and green and crisp. A good sandwich.

The burger and chicken and fries arrived, and they were all delicious. The bacon (standard on burgers) was thick cut and crisp and so tasty. Loved the burger, but couldn't finish because it was simply too big (the 1/4 lb is AFTER cooking).

Then my milkshake arrived. And here's where it got gooooooood. It was so thick the straw stood straight up. It was FULL of strawberries. REAL strawberries. The shake was so heavy with ice cream that I made my cohorts try it. It was simply the best shake I've ever had. I don't know how much I paid for it.

Frankly, I don't care how much she charged me for it. I would pay $15.00 for that shake on a regular basis.

All in all, a good day. And I will be going back to Blondie's again.

What A Stupid Word. Floss.

I have a dentist appointment this morning.

I have to be there in 30 minutes. From right now. But I'm still not fully ready. And I am on here writing instead of getting up and moving towards the door.

And not because I hate the dentist, in fact, quite the opposite, I love my dentist. I love the office, I love the receptionist, and the dental hygienists are all very nice, and very friendly.

I'm still sitting here, procrastinating because I haven't been flossing for the last month. I keep forgetting- coupled with the fact that at some point about a month ago SOMEONE (Brat I believe) brought the floss out of the bathroom, and the baby played with it. I don't know where it is. And that's an excuse- a weak one at that.

I haven't flossed because I don't care. There! I said it!

I do not care if I floss.

If the floss is right there, I will use it. I know it's great for removing plaque, and aerating the space between teeth and blah blah blah. None of those is the reason I floss. I floss because I feel guilty going to the dentist if I haven't been flossing- I don't want to disappoint him.

He's nice about it. Makes a joke, "Well, I'll get more business when your teeth fall out I suppose! I'll just have to go into orthodontics as you age."

So, yes, I haven't flossed lately. And he'll notice, and he'll tease me. And I deserve it for not flossing or, more precisely, for not caring that I haven't been flossing.

So I have to remember to buy new dental floss on the way home.

But for now, I have to suck it up and go get my cleaning done. Dammit.

P.S. Now that I've written the post, and gone over it to double check it, the actual word "FLOSS" has lost all meaning to me. I keep seeing it, looking at it, now I'm thinking, "What a stupid word." I hate it when that happens.