On Bitterness and Brunch

“Do you need anything?”

No, I’m good, thank you.

“Water with ice, no straw?  Anything else?  Hungry?  Something wrong?”

I hesitated for a moment and turned to face him.

Really, I’m fine.  Please stop being so accommodating.

He seemed surprised for a moment, but understood, thank god.

I was relaying the scenario to a guy friend of mine the next day.  I felt bad for what I said, and hoped my date understood.  My friend said, “So basically you’re uncomfortable with things being the way they should be.”

And, of course, he was right.  He always is.

The accommodating guy is someone I’ve been dating for a little bit.  Sarah has nicknamed him Mystic.  A story for another time.

He made me brunch on Sunday, but beforehand, he took the time to ask what I like to eat.  I rattled off a handful of choices.  He went with an egg white omelet that featured chopped spinach, assorted herbs and cheese.  He doesn’t eat eggs.  He chopped the spinach so fine that it looked like herbs when he was done.  He asked questions.  He took care.  He fawned and fussed.  He accommodated.  As I texted him last night, I’m a lucky girl.

When it comes to relationships, there is a line to straddle for sure.  Somewhere between having a healthy dose of cynicism about everything and becoming bitter.  I’m walking the line, I know, teetering on one side, then the other.  I sometimes struggle with the notion that Mystic might be accommodating because he likes me.  Wants to take care of me.  Wants to do right by me.  Imagine that!  I still want to believe the best in people, not even just boys, and I want to continue to raise my kids in the belief that people are downright good, and the ones that aren’t are the exception. Including boys like Mystic.  Luckily he seems to understand where I’m coming from and is undeterred.  And he makes a pretty mean egg white omelet to boot.  I always did like a guy who could cook.

Project 365
May 25, 2011

My littles were not lovelies yesterday. They were monsters. Particularly the oldest. Tonight I decided perhaps a change of scenery was in order, so we packed up a picnic dinner and the dog and headed for one of our favorite parks for a little impromptu dining al fresco.

It was just what the doctor ordered. Then again, it was either going to be that or an IV with a vodka drip.

And now, a few hours later, this cuteness is soaking all the grime off their little bodies in the bathtub and are moments away from bed. Sweeter words were never spoken, because this Mama is spent.

I’m not sure when she went all gangsta on me, but as I was taking this shot, she yelled out, “Mom, can you handle it?” Um, no.

Nick took this shot of Eli recovering on the ride home. This afternoon, the groomer called and mentioned a large growth that she noticed on one of Eli’s paws yesterday when she was bathing him. He has a vet appointment tomorrow. I found the spot she was talking about and am more than a little worried about what tomorrow brings. Moments after this picture, we pulled in the driveway, I opened Eli’s door and he unceremoniously fell out of the truck. I have never, in 9 years, heard him cry like that. And he fell on the paw withOUT the growth. He is now limping pretty badly, and sporting a large ice pack that Nick strapped to him. All I see are dollar signs and a little boy’s tears, so if you’re the sort to pray, I think now would be a good time.

Herbed Egg White and Spinach Omelet
Recipe courtesy of About.com (Low Fat Cooking)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

• 3 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon nonfat milk
• 1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar or grated parmesan