May 07, 2003

Big Chunks of Pineapple

I have heard for the last three days how Megan Riley threw up big chunks of Pineapple right on the line. Fascinated by her classmate's biological demonstration at circle time, Jenna has been discussing this amazing event endlessly with anyone who will listen, which means me and her aunt, for days.

"Megan Riley ate too fast, and she threw up big chunks of Pineapple RIGHT ON THE LINE!"

The line is the circular piece of tape that outlines where the children sit for circle time.

"Too fast. She ate big chunks and she threw them RIGHT UP!"

I ask if Megan was sick, Jenna says no, but then reports that Megan was absent the next two days, and that yes, she was sick. Among other things I think, great. Nothing spreads through a school quicker than "the throwups."

So when Jenna woke up this morning crying from a killer headache, complaining of a sore throat, and asking for "the throw up bowl" I thought of Megan Riley and her big chunks of Pineapple.

I'm off to get the thermometer because she feels hot to the touch. Wondering what will blossom from this: big chunks, strep throat, a quick-fading virus, or another round of week-long sickness. These things I wonder as I get some toast and cool water ready, check the weather to see what flood or tornado might be stopping by today, look at my house in complete and I mean complete disarray. Today was going to be "my day." The day I clean up the house, having gotten the most recent project out the door to my client, the day I get things back in order so that I can just simply r-e-l-a-x.

But Megan Riley and her Pineapples have different ideas.

I admire Halley, who wakes up thinking anything's possible, while over here I wake up and learn nothing's possible. At least not today. At least not for me.

Off to fetch the thermometer.