I went to the Mall of America last evening with my new personal shopper, MD. It was another productive trip; two pairs of pants, two new purses, a necklace, and The VP's personal favorite: the high heel black leather boots. I really enjoyed myself, and our next trip promises to be even better because I told MD she was going to have to push me around the mall in a wheelchair for telling me she'd never heard of Huey Lewis and the News.
The shopping euphoria lasted all the way through this afternoon. The boys and I had a pleasant morning, but later on when I told The Governor it was time to go inside for lunch, the battle started. He wanted to stay outside, so he looked at me and said, "I hate you." Not with venom. Not with animosity. Just in a how's-the-weather-in-your-neck-of-the-woods sort of voice. The first shot across the bow. (Taking notes, Elder?) I responded with a stern lecture on why we use language like that, hurt feelings, blah, blah, blah, now get inside. He crossed his arms and said, "I refuse to move."
As he found out, the laws of physics do indeed apply to him, and he found himself being dragged towards the house. He retaliated with "I'm ALWAYS going to be bad! ALWAYS!"
So I told him if he was always going to be bad, his father and I could look forward to an even earlier military school enrollment date than we had previously planned.
That threw him. I always enjoy using vocabulary beyond his comprehension. It messes with his little mind. Next year I'll be out of luck but right now it keeps me entertained.
Once inside, he decided to skip lunch and take a nap. Sure, I had to guide him in the decision-making process, but he had a pretty clear idea of where he was heading.
And speaking of heading somewhere...Margaret, if you're reading this...want to head to Northwest and play racquetball some night soon? You know how I get when I try on clothes.
Posted by Cathy at August 24, 2005 12:51 PMWhen are you getting The Governor a stuffed tiger?
Posted by: aelfheld at August 24, 2005 03:12 PMPushing you around in a wheelchair shouldn't be too difficult for the Mall Diva. After she finished her rounds with you last night she still had plenty of energy to ... go shopping! The combination of cash in hand, and a Mall at hand ... well, so much for her IRA.
Further, while I admit she has had a sheltered existence, she most definitely has heard of Huey Lewis (though perhaps she's suppressing these memories).
Posted by: Night Writer at August 24, 2005 04:26 PMSure! After a week long vacation with a huge chocolate desert every night, I could use a few games of racquetball!!
Posted by: Margaret at August 25, 2005 12:36 PMHa! I am so loving watching you go through this. I haven't had to use the boarding/military school threat in at least 3 years -- nyah nyah!
No, seriously, it gets better. You get to see how huge their pupils get when you explain that military school is a sleep-away school like Hogwarts, except you have to wear a uniform, and do soldier-style exercies and drills between classes, and eat horrible food and sleep without stuffed animals...
Hang in there. It's good to do these battles when they're young(er). Helps you to build up the stamina you'll need for when they're teenagers...
Posted by: Joan at August 26, 2005 10:05 PMHigh heeled black leather boots? This doesn't sound like the Cathy I know. How about black kangaroo leather soccer cleats. Makes more sense.
Posted by: DaveP at August 29, 2005 04:01 PM