First, if anyone can tell me how to get yahoo messenger off my windows XP, I would love you for life. Just please don't tell me add/remove programs. Been there, done that and have the frustration to prove it.

Second, I discovered that boiling noodles after one Smirnoff Ice is a bad idea. Furthermore...making lasagna after said *one* drink is now considered taboo in my household. Ok, it wasn't the worst lasagna I ever made but it wasn't my best either. Which reminds me...why is lasagna one of those ever-so-yummy meals or would-not-feed-to-the-dog meals?

PDQ informed me today that life as an almost 11 year old is the worst thing possible to ever happen in her entire career of living *insert dramatic eye roll*. She know wants to be 12. What's so great about being 12, I have not a clue. But it is her new found goal in life. Turn 12 and apparently the entire world changes and new opportunities open up. The world suddenly becomes an exciting place to live and cosmic forces fall into line. As her mother, I felt it was my duty to inform said young squirt that will forever be at least 4 inches shorter then me that she is still only 10 and it is impossible to skip an entire year to hit be one-two. I'm still unsure if she appreciated my sense of obligation. When she starts speaking to me again, I'll ask and let you all know the answer. I'm pretty positive by 6am tomorrow she will be back to pestering me. Until then...let's c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e the silence!

RB decided she no long wants to be a princess. That's right, she's giving up her crown. *Bow heads for moment of silence* She is gonna be....wait for it....it's coming....a QUEEN! Again, motherly duty kicks in and informs said child who will eventually be at least 2 inches taller then me that I, her wonderful mother...has queen title. She gave me a crown and a kiss. Can you tell which was my favorite today? Ooh...and she napped too! She got double brownie points.

Yes, yes...I am fully aware that mothers...well, parents in general should never play favorites with their children. But in my defense...I never claimed to be the almighty great mother up for the parent of the year award. If I were up for the award, I would do stuff like *shudder* play candy land or chutes and ladders with them. I don't, I'm not and instead of college funds...I am saving for future therapy. They can pay for their own college...I'll just make sure all the far out wacky things I subject them to are on my dime.

The man was home for the afternoon. He watched a bit of NASCAR then took RB out for bike rides and walks. I say bonding...he says making sure she falls asleep at a decent hour. She was pleased as punch and enjoyed every minute of it. They even went to the store together. That's a level of excitement rarely experienced! She went to bed with a smile on her face and that put a smile on our faces. The added benefit was that instead of pulling my arm for something, she was pulling his.

Overtired, under-worked and too much free time. I should nap more often. Make up for some sleepless couch nights.