Lessons from my somewhat unsuccessful morning outing
It's a lovely, late-summer day in our fair city. What could I possibly be complaining about?
1. The Science Playground at OMSI (read: location of sandbox that allows mamas to chat while their 3 year-olds occupy themselves) is closed. [Possibly only for a day, so call first if you're intending to visit. 503.797.4000] My well-planned outing with a friend that involved sending our older children to the free movie with Dad so we could take the younger children to the OMSI kiddie area was foiled. We spent an unsatisfying 45 minutes consoling ourselves with water rockets and the ball room, and the kids put a brave face on it, but uninterrupted adult conversation was out of the question.
2. We decided toys, caffeine and sugar would improve our prospects, so we headed over the Broadway Bridge to Sip and Krantz (thank you, uM, for the recommendation). Lots of construction going on there, so after driving around in circles a few times, I finally parked on NW Johnson on the south side of the fountain. I dutifully payed for my spot, and we were off. Lovely cafe, but we ran headlong into the lunchtime sleepies, so our kids, who were still pining for the sandbox, alternated between brain-dead and yelling. Uninterrupted adult conversation was out of the question.
3. We headed back to the car, and I spied an ominous looking yellow envelope tucked beneath my windshield wiper. A $50 ticket! But I paid for my parking, and it wasn't yet expired! Turns out one is supposed back in to those spots -- does everyone realize this? Only after I stopped cursing did I notice the small white and green sign which says as much. Never saw it before. Grrr.
Sigh. I'm home now, my son is playing at the neighbors, and my daughter is asleep. And my friend and I did get to catch up, albeit in fits and starts. All is well. But at least I can share my woes with you so you can avoid the same pitfalls.
hehe, I've so had days like this! i sometimes think *getting someplace* and then *leaving* it again becomes approximately seven times as hard when you put children into the mix. parking, biking, car seats, temper tantrums, and the dreaded unscheduled closings.
i feel your pain.
Posted by: sarah gilbert | August 22, 2006 at 03:52 PM
The science/toddler area of OMSI is closed til next month. They are installing a new exhibit. There are alternative activities on the lawn. http://www.omsi.edu/visit/playground/
(We tried to go today too)
Posted by: Blair | August 22, 2006 at 04:04 PM
Oh, Asha, I'm sorry about your bad luck! I needed to see this post, because we've had a crazy night, up since 3am with my newly neurotic 5-year-old (perhaps impending Kindergarten has him worrying?), which culminated with him peeing all over his room.
I've been telling myself (and my husband), "These years are fleeting. Just embrace the good times," but I'm just so very tired!
Posted by: Serena | August 23, 2006 at 09:14 AM