Should I Stay or Should I Go?

A story about mixed emotions. Also: Chickens.

Part 1. The Morning

This morning was a little different than usual

Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash

Instead of having her wake me up it was the reverse as she was a late sleeper. Maybe she’ll learn that those late nights will catch up with you eventually and your body needs a reset.

Anyway, It was the usual morning with getting everybody breakfast and out the door as we don’t want to be the last one to arrive at the camp because if you’re the last one you have to stand in front of the whole group and do the chicken dance. I think this is hilarious but believe it or not there has not been any need for the chicken dance on our end.

Speaking of chickens, we had the radio on this morning and the DJ was telling us about a new world record: The oldest chicken. Her name is Pearl. Of course she thought that was hilarious and I did not think I would be talking about the age of chickens but there you have it - chickens.

When we get to camp I heard something I didn’t think I would hear from the child and I was totally unprepared for it:

“You don’t have to walk me to camp Dad - just put my backpack on”

And with a quick kiss she was off. She doesn’t need her old man anymore.

bye dad (sniff)

So that happened. I thought I would get until at least 10-years-old before I would embarrass her enough that she doesn’t want to be seen with her old man but there you are.

Of course, I stood there and watched until I knew she was there safe and sound and acknowledged by a staff member. You might be too big for a walk to camp, but I;’m still your Dad.

Part 2. The Evening

The evening was the opposite. She was all about Dad when Dad could have used a minute in his own head, but nope - BW got a package delivered today and it came with bubble wrap so we had to have a bubble wrap challenge that involved pointy sticks and poking the bubble wrap. It seemed kind of dangerous.

Later, BW wasn’t feeling well so she went to bed and it’s been up to me to get the dishes done, kid to bed, etc. This would not be a problem if I didn’t have both a needy child and dog in the house at the same time.

One just wants to be pet at all times and the other was hell bent on having some soccer challenge in the front yard (OMG, the challenges). This is all fine and dandy but I’m up to my elbows in dinner dishes and the plants need watered and lunches need to be made.

I told her that she would have to entertain herself outside until I got things under control inside. Seems easy enough yes?

“Dad? Are you Ready?” and then two minutes later I hear the front door again..

“Dad?, the challenge is ready”

I know, I just needed five more minutes, I told her.

“Dad? Are you ready?”

OH Hell, I’ll let the dishes soak. I then go outside for all of five minutes of the soccer challenge, where I continue to get the stuff done while she putters around outside.

Today ended up being at both ends of the popularity scale today. In the a.m. she didn’t want anything to do with me and this evening I was man of the hour between the hours of 5-8pm.

And I learned that the average chicken lifespan is between 5 and 8 years old.

Unless of course, you’re Pearl.

Until Next Time,

TH and Co.