Two-speed bike tyke

When I ordered my child, I apparently didn't read all the fine print. If I had, then I would have been aware of the fact that as the toddler becomes more adept at walking and running, the internal gear shift breaks down and only two speeds work: idle and fifth gear.

As we approach age three, my girl has morphed into this creature with only two speeds: Zoom-come-back-here-right-this-minute, and Dawdle-might-as-well-be-racing-molasses. Lately, Zoom only happens at our house immediately after she screams, "chase me!" or when she runs away because you are threatening her with Chinese water-torture, or hair-brushing as it's more commonly called. Dawdle pace occurs anytime we're actually trying to get somewhere for an appointment at a specific time, or when it's approaching naptime or bedtime.

We were at the mall the other day, trying to hit several stores before meeting some folks for a lunch date, so guess which speed we were maintaining. You guessed it! You know, at dawdle pace, we were actually lapped by little old white-haired men in tennis shoes and black socks. And these weren't even the seniors walking the mall for exercise, these were just old men ambling around the mall while their wives shopped. It was a little embarassing.

I've been informed by more seasoned parents that this phase shall pass. However, I should also be prepared for the boomerang recurrence as she approaches those fun-filled teenage years! Joy.

Disclaimer

Saturdays are typically the glorious day that I get to sleep in and my dear husband gets up with our munchkin and spends the morning with her. Sometimes when I wander down in the late morning, the two of them have gone off to run errands. Grocery store, lawn and garden center, post office, bank, etc.

I love those mornings. I wish I got more accomplished on those mornings, but relaxing is something that I don't indulge in much anymore. So, in a way, I am accomplishing something important.

I do have to say though, there are times when I've considered getting up early with them, just long enough to help my daughter get dressed. Because my husband's fashion sense for a little girl is beyond impaired. It's MIA. When he dresses her, sometimes I wish he would just add a post-it note to her forehead that says, "Mom slept in this morning and had nothing to do with my choice of clothing." That's a bit wordy, though. How about a post-it proclaiming, "Daddy dressed me today!" It's chipper and absolves me wholly from the fashion fiasco.

That said, I wouldn't trade my Saturday mornings for anything. Besides, soon enough my daughter will want to start choosing her own outfits and then I'll have to be seen in public with my own preschool version of "What Not to Wear". Lately, she's been in love with her butterfly dress, which is a little polyester print dress her grandma got for her last year. It's starting to get a little too short, but if it was up to her, she'd wear it EVERY DAY, dirty or clean, doesn't matter much to her. I bought her a couple of new sun dresses a couple weeks ago, but she's still in LOVE with the butterflies.

Do I jump?

I've been moderating the following internal debate:

Issue: Should I pursue a serious attempt at being a writer?

Pros:
1. It's what I've always wanted to do.
2. It would allow me unlimited flexibility in my work schedule.
3. It might actually make me happy.

Cons:
1. Maybe I'm only good at writing in the same way that all those American Idol cast-offs think they're good at singing.
2. I already have a superbly flexible part-time job that pays real money twice a month.
3. Maybe I'll start writing and only make myself more tortured than I already am.

The debate rages simmers on... discuss amongst yourselves.

For photo lovers...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tacey with a few new pictures of Miss M.

Different kind of Flower Girl

So, this is what happens when you combine:

1- distracted mom, folding laundry

2- curious 2-year-old, fascinated with anything colorful

3- bag containing 20 left-over leis from a bachelorette party, unattended on the dining room table

Miss Lei 2007.