The other morning I took my son to school in my pajamas as usual. No big deal, I don’t have to get out of the car or get near enough to anyone for them to discover I have not yet showered and brushed my teeth and hair. The extra 20 minutes of sleep are well worth the trade off…most days anyway.

On this particular day I decided that I should also stop by the grocery store to pick up soup for my sick boy at home. It was going to be a bit of a sacrifice if I happened to run into someone I knew, but I needed to do it before Travis left for work and I was forced to throw sick kids in the car.

I don’t per say keep track of what’s in my checking account. That may be why Trav has given me my own account so that I don’t end up spending ALL of the money or something. I was still quite surprised when my card was declined and the man in line behind me had to wait as they re-scanned each item and put it aside for me while I called my husband in a panic. Since our internet was down at home there was no way for him to bail me out by transferring money as he has done so many times before. I stood only a few small feet away from the examining eyes of the clerk as I explained I would have to come back later. I could see the judgment in her eyes as the traveled from my nappy hair, to my pink pj’s, and all the way down to my warm Roxy boots. All the way home I just kept asking myself, “what was I thinking”!!!

I think our biggest problem is that both Travis and I are use to having a dad to fix anything that is broken. The idea of paying someone to do this for us is very painful. So, when our front door started creeking and sticking, I was proud of myself for getting out the WD-40. That seemed to work for little awhile, but actually may have made the problem worse.

We had some friends over for dinner last week, which is the day the front door refused to be opened from the inside. I went out to get the mail earlier that day. The door was stubborn, but it had met it’s match. I tugged and twisted and pulled until the knob popped right off! I felt fortunate that it could still be opened from the outside. So, when my friends arrived I called out to them, “Joanna! I can’t open my door, can you please let yourselves in?” I guess my time at CFNI and living in the getto of Oak Cliff has left it’s mark on me.

After dinner our friend went to Home Depot with Travis mostly for moral support. That place can be so intimidating for women and computer geeks. Our friend also showed us that the screws in the door had come loose leaving it in kind of a hanging possition (the WD-40 probably helped loosen them even more) causing the door lock to get banged and jammed everytime I opened it forcefully.

Travis finally got around to fixing it last night. These things are never quite as easy as what those smarty pants fix it people say they will be. He called me away from my relaxing shopping trip to come home immediately and watch the kids so he could go back to Home Depot. Meanwhile we have two holes in the door letting our cool air out and a million flies in. But, when he returned we were both pleased with the finished product. We only suffered through some minor groans and a little yelling. We could hang a sign saying that “no one was hurt in the fixing of this door”. Not so far anyway. Which brings us to today. I was so excited when I heard the Fed Ex guy leave a package at the door, but no matter how much I tugged, twisted and pulled the door it would not open. I guess I will have to wait and hope someone will be able to open it from the outside. Until then I am trapped and in need of a fix it man.

I don’t know why I am so bothered by this kind of thing except that it feels like such a violation. I need to let these men know that I am not impressed. I do realize that there will be people who read this and are offended. If you can tell me what other universal sign there is that gets my point across that I really do not appreciate being looked upon like a porn star, I will gladly use it. Since these men are usually in a car during the “eye rape”, I am not able to have a gentle conversation explaining how demeaning there behavior is. Until then, I will not make any more promises. If I notice a man is violating me, I will defend myself….always!

The boys were really good on the plane. The other passengers were commenting on that as well. On the flight to Ca, Austin pooped all over me, himself and his blanket. I had to walk from almost the front of the plane to the back bathroom using the baby to hide the mess all down the side of me. I am pretty sure I splashed a few of those annoying passengers that hang out into the isle way. Once in the bathroom I realized that I would have to strip one layer off. The stewardess was kind enough to give me a plastic bag to stuff all of our soiled items in. When walking back through, I was seen by all wearing a thin, tan, spaghetti strap tank over the top of a bright pink bra.

It was so good to see my friends and family again. Unfortunately, catching up was a bit of work for me since I lost my voice and could not speak above a whisper for most of my trip. I didn’t let that stop me from having a great time though. I stayed out late with my friends, which is how I lost my drivers license. I continued to work out even when it sent me into coughing fit, I strained to keep everyone’s attention with all that I had to say. And yes, I am suffering the consequences. There is something to a good nights sleep and allowing your body/voice to rest.

After having my husband overnight my birth certificate so that I could catch my return flight, on the way back to TX somewhere in the plane or airport I lost one of those bright pink removable bra straps. I should be embarrassed, but I am just upset that it was a new purchase with matching underwear!!! Darn! Let’s inventory all that I lost on this trip.
1. Voice
2. Driver’s License
3. Favorite lip gloss
4. Pink bra srtap
5. A lot of sleep from baby waking up at 5am everyday.

I think that is it. Good times, good times!

Now we can talk about what I gained.
1. 4 pounds
2. a harsh cold
3. memories with friends and family

Well worth it all!