“I don’t know which is more discouraging, literature or chickens.”
~ E.B. White
This is not a Bucket List. I’ve grown to despise that term, damn Jack and Morgan, they ruined everything. So…what? If I don’t make a tick mark beside everything on my List, I’ve FAILED life? When my time comes to go toward the Light, I’ll not be allowed a feeling of contentment and a job well done? Some omniscient being will stamp a big ‘Incomplete’ on my celestial report card? Fak off!
No, this is just entry #1 of some stuff I’d like to do at some point whilst my soul is still attached to my body. There’s a difference.
My youngest (Thing 2) is currently in school Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Fridays. It’s a stupid schedule, I know. Most Friday mornings last year were spent scrambling to find the calendar – is he going? He’s staying home? Dammit, I had a pedi booked! This year I galvanized myself into action and marked every single week off, so a simple glance tells me if I can make any grownup plans.
In any case, Mondays and Wednesdays remain my sure-thing days of the week, unless of course Thing 1 or Thing 2 have colds, which means I’m on call. Whatever.
At least one of these mornings usually includes a trip to Starbucks. Funnily enough, I am seriously anti-Starbucks (I defiantly use terms other than they have written on their artfully done menu), but after watching the two daytime girls at my local Second Cup eating behind the counter, licking their fingers and then going off to prep a drive-up order without once washing their hands, I decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and head over to the west side of the street. Here, I order my beverage:
Me: (scanning the boards distractedly) Uh, yeah, I’d like an espresso and steamed milk, please. For here. That size (points to mug on counter).
Snotty, 20-something barista: (with barely-disguised contempt) So, you want a grande latte?
Me: (looking perplexed) Uh, yeah, I guess.
Fuck ’em. I’m never gonna say it.
I grab a newspaper from the rack, usually The Hamilton Spectator, though sometimes The Toronto Star if I’m lucky. Find my window seat and set up shop for the next hour.
Late September, I’m happily browsing away and I come across this article in the Spec, “New York City’s spots for book lovers: a literary tour.” OMG! It’s like some New Yorkers got together to discuss a few of Erin’s Favourite Things, namely New York itself (which holds an almost mythical fascination for me, having never been there), books and booze.
One day, I muse to myself. After Thing 2 starts first grade. One day.
Who’s in?
Erin's Clishmaclaver 