Hello.

 

Hi, I'm Annie.

Mother of 3,
spouse to G,
writer of things,
former batgirl,
sister,
daughter,
lucky friend,
and American
living in Australia.

Basic Joy = my attempt to document all of this life stuff, stubbornly looking for the joy in dailiness. 

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Annie's bookshelf:

Mama, Ph.D.: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic LifeMountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the WorldThe Sweetness at the Bottom of the PieThe Island: A NovelThe PassageSecret Spaces of Childhood

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Monday
Jun042007

In the hot seat

I don't want to brag but...I'm popular. Every time we go somewhere with seating--restaurant, movie, church--my kids fight over who sits next to me. It's flattering, really, and (to be frank) I do nothing to discourage it. At least someone likes me! I've thought about doing a rotation schedule but that seems so narcissistic (and time consuming) that I have rejected it. So, instead, when we arrive somewhere we all do this stand-and-shuffle tango trying to align ourselves in the right order for peace and tranquility. And justice. And harmony.

Lucky for us we have a member of the fairness police squad in our family. Maddy knows who has sat where under which circumstances since time began. There's a little corner of her brain that keeps track of all things justice related (maybe a classic middle kid thing to do?). Last week we went someplace and, to Maddy's mind, we sat in the wrong places.

"It was my turn to sit next to you, not Sam's," she noted (for the record, your honor) as we left.
"Well, next time you can."
"But Sam didn't even talk to you. I would have been a much better use of your time."

Some day they won't care anymore. Some day they will argue about who has to sit next to me. But for now, I'll take it as a great vote of support from my very own constituents.

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Reader Comments (2)

That is hilarious! My kids never fight over who gets to sit by me because Hannah is usually holding that place of honor (only so she can spend her time touching my face and criticizing my hair). I think truth be told, the boys wouldn't notice me missing. Be glad you are loved!

06.4.2007 | Unregistered CommenterStie

That is so cute. In our family, it's dad who is the popular one. The kids all want to sit by him. Or more often then not, on his lap. Nathan claims its because he's the novelty parent. You know, not around as much so he's more exciting.

06.4.2007 | Unregistered CommenterBridget

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