I was thinking about all of that again during dinner. Because sometimes dinner is the kind of experience you just can't make up.
The start of it all was unremarkable. There isn't anything to say about it other than to make a comment about that cheater grill. You know, I love that thing. And then the obligatory (I've noticed it is a trend with me in every post that contains its picture) "See that table and chairs?" I made that. Because I did. And I like the way it looks. Even if those cheap, plastic chairs in the background are far more comfortable.
It goes without saying we eat around here like we are never going to eat again. Grilled salmon (wild caught from the Kenai...absolutely worth the splurge) salad.
And then it got interesting.
I know some of you with little children are thinking a time will come when Halloween masks no longer have a place at the dinner table. Let me just cut to the chase and say "You know all those people with big kids who tell you things will pass? They are lying to you."
The only thing that happens is more stuff comes to the table. And sometimes there are more people talking than are physically present.
It really is a strange thing to be tuning into your daughter's conversation that began "This guy at work..." only to look down to realize she is eating off a toddler's segmented plate and drinking something wrapped in a redneck koozie (that she got from said guy at work).
Maybe the conversation is always bizarre. Maybe I was just thinking about it too much.
Jac contributed two things: "Shut up Alicia" and "I heard on the news Omega 3 is good for you." (Right before he put his mostly uneaten salmon in the kitchen.)
I don't think Ryan said anything unprompted. He did just get done cutting the grass, so he earned his pass.
Alicia....non-stop.
"Mom. Did you know Mallory's mom doesn't work? She doesn't work at all. Can you believe that?" (While I stared at her trying to figure out what her point was. I finally decided I should tell her I'd be crazier than I already am if I didn't work. In the case she was suggesting I shouldn't.)
"Shut up, Jac." (Followed by "Shut up, Alicia.")
"Dad. You know what mom did at the pet store? She's so rude. The lady wouldn't let me use mom's debit card without her ID. When mom came in she was all angry and told the lady we'd get our crickets at PetSmart next time." (This is a true story. Isn't that the point of a pin number? I was annoyed. Who would steal someone's debit card for the purpose of buying a $2. box of crickets? Ryan agreed with Alicia and said I am crazy. Duh? Common knowledge?)
...Sort of makes you wish you could have been here, doesn't it?
