Oh, the DRAHMAH . . .

Once every two or three times during the ski season, the kids on the honor roll are awarded with a school sponsored ski trip. This is a great incentive for the kids, and since my Kid likes to ski, she works hard for this and looks forward to it.

Because we don't actually live near a ski resort (despite being surrounded by mountains) the ski bus usually leaves town at 5 a.m. Which means that the kids need to be at the school at 4:45. Which means we leave here by 4:44 (have I mentioned I live in a small town?). Which means that The Kid gets up at 3:30 to get ready, eat breakfast, pack lunch and dress.

Most of that went according to plan. But at 4:35 she decides now is the time to get dressed and finish eating breakfast. She is not terribly quick in this department. I personally think any future dates (and husband) should simply make dinner reservations for 8 and tell her they are for 6. So she is S . . . L . . . O . . . W . . . L . . . Y getting dressed (and no comments from my mom here about that day in kindergarten; I had that taken care of by the time I was in 9th grade).

Now, while all this is going on, I casually ask her (because, you know, this was all supposed to be put together last night), "Do you have everything for the trip?"

"Oh geez!!!"

Runs upstairs. Pounding feet heard. Other noises heard. Groaning. Other unintelligible noises. Runs back downstairs. "I couldn't get my ski pants on."

"Why are you finding this out now?"

"Because I FORGOT."

"Okay . . . Now do you have everything? Lunch? Money for ski rental?"

"OH SHOOT!!!" Runs upstairs. Stomping feet. Things thrown. Crying beginning. "DAMMIT!!!"

"I put my money in my pants pocket yesterday and now it's not there!"

"Then I guess you aren't going skiing."

Finally she looks through the side pocket of her backpack, and ..... viola!! .... the money is right there where she left it in her pants pocket.

*sigh*

All of this in a frantic five minutes. And, as it turns out, the bus driver didn't even show up until 4:57.

I hope she has a good time.