The End of the Week

Well, it's that time of week when we (Vances) mysteriously have less patience with our kids. Our kids, equally mysteriously, are less than thrilled with the company of their weary parents. All of this leads to somewhat shorter tempers and unpredictable reactions to just about everything.

What better time to try to have supper outdoors?

During our recent foray into the wilderness known as Orléans a couple of days ago, Janna and I also picked up a patio set and somehow fit it into our minivan, which, like Mary Poppins' magical bag, seems capable of storing an infinite amount of cargo. Tonight, as the kids erupted into spontaneous tears and shrieks around us, I thought, "Hey, let's try out that patio set and have supper outside in our backyard? What could go wrong?"

Apart from Janna's apocalyptic fits of terror every time she spotted or thought of an insect, things went pretty smoothly. That is, until I decided to give Jesse an unexpected present from my school's drama class. I think his reaction is pretty much the perfect representation of our emotional state at the end of the week.

Ironically, Janna's intense reaction to the bugs this evening may have been justified. We felt a little bad for growling at her once we saw the big bites on her neck and back. So much for insects being our friends.

What can bring some life to a pretty beat couple on a Friday evening? This was the question we asked ourselves tonight. The answer? Popcorn, tastefully seasoned with salt and real butter, accompanied by the traditional combination of GF crackers, pretzels, cheese, and avocado, naturally. Add to this one episode of Seinfeld and you have yourself one perfect Friday night in the Vance household.

That said, my ability to type a coherent thought is slipping away from me quickly. 10pm is fifteen minutes past bed time. Must make it upstairs....

TGIF,
Until next time...