Isabel's Career Plans

My daughter has always wanted to be a princess when she grows up. I'm not sure who even brought up the idea that she should have plans yet, but somebody sure did! When asked why she wants to be a princess, she usually mentions things related to the wardrobe. Thankfully, gauze, twirly skirts, and lace are not limited to royalty, so I think she will be okay. If the artistic ability keeps up, she might get to design princess attire...

So a couple of weeks ago, out of the clear blue sky, Isabel decided that she needs to get something else done before she becomes a princess. She wants to be a Mom.

I was so surprised by the revelation that I almost cried in front of her! My baby wants to do what I do. Here's hoping she can do it better. I'm not a bad mom. Don't get me wrong. I'm just not fantastic. I can work OR keep house and do the dishes and laundry. Most of the year, getting dressed involves a silent prayer and a dig through the overflowing clean baskets resting before the dryer. In the summer, I catch up (usually, mostly). Meals are typically some boxed version of a homemade dish. Mac and cheese or lasagna, anyone?

This year, I spent a week in front of my single burner and only crockpot to fix enough meals to get us (theoretically) fed with homemade homemade food until Thanksgiving Break. Isabel wanted to help with that, too, because she's amazing that way.

When school started, I have been excited to see other ways that she is asserting her independence. She absolutely insists that I let her carry a lunch to school. Oddly, I'm the one who has been objecting. But I always hated to carry a lunch. I like hot food, and am not a huge fan of sandwiches. Kind of a double whammy.

Isabel, on the other hand, LOVES jam sandwiches (no peanut butter, please), and has become quite proficient at producing them on her own. So she has begun to pack her own lunches. And they're fairly well-balanced meals, too. A sandwich, a little fruit, Kool-Aid, and dessert. And dessert always gets left for last. A single serving (I measured it out for her) of Sour Patch Kids has lasted more than a week because she's a slow eater. I sent her some steamed carrots last week when she insisted that she doesn't like the crunchy ones, but they were not awesome. I didn't blame her for not eating them, and I'm pleased that she wasn't dishonest enough to pitch them.

Nigerian Scam Writing Exercise

Nigerian scam writing exercise

All three of my brothers are very creative guys, and I guess I am in my way, too. But I feel like my creative writing could use some help, so I bought a book today called 642 Things to Write About. Today's exercise is this:
"You're a Nigerian e-mail scammer. Write an e-mail that will convince the recipient to send you $200." My entry follows:

Hi, this is very embarrassing for me. I can’t believe I’m to the point that I’m emailing complete strangers to ask for help, but there you have it. My name is Erin Johnstone. I’ve been living in the United States for the last three years as an exchange student, but I need to get home to France right away. Our government has contacted me today and informed me that my mother is dying in the hospital after being injured in an automobile accident. She is not expected to live more than 48 hours, so I need to get home. Please help me! I’m so scared for her, and I want the chance to say goodbye, if it comes to that. My problem is that I’ve borrowed from my roommates and my classmates, but I am still $200 short for the ticket to get home to see her. Can you please help me?

I’m so embarrassed to even be asking, but I’m desperate to see her one last time. If you can help, please email me and I will give you my information . I can also receive direct donations at the Paypal account with this email address as the account identifier.

God bless you for your compassion.