Heard from two rooms away:

*sound of Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell on the television*

Shake: *High-pitched SQQQUUUUUUEEEEEEAAAAALLLLLLL*

Mr. H: Is that your rebel yell?

***

Today was spent at the Henry Doorly Zoo. We live practically down the street from it, so I don’t know why we don’t go more often. This morning there was a newscast about a sodium hypochlorite (think bleach) spill near there and I thought, Oh, the zoo sounds like a good idea. Figured it would be good exercise and I thought that maybe Shake would be interested in looking at something other than the same old toys. It was also gorgeous out. By Thor’s knobby knees, I love the fall. What, Autumn doesn’t start until the 22nd? Tell that to the weather gods. Anyway, Shake was fascinated with the new butterfly garden and even waved “bye-bye” to the butterflies on the way out.

And to the flowers, and to the baby behind us, and to the sliding glass door, and to herself in the mirror.  A long “Haaaiiiii!” accompanied each wave.  Confused child.

She loved looking at the gorillas and was awed by the aquarium life — the penguins were especially entertaining.

Four hours later I was worn to unraveling. My hip was beginning to hurt again and I realized, with a bit of frustration, that I would never be able to work at a job that required me to stand for eight hours if only four had reduced me to a hobbling gimp. Not that I’d want one anyway. I’m just saying…

It was a good day. Shake passed out on the way home. And I do mean out. She didn’t even react when we got home and I pulled her out of the car seat. That alone was worth the $11 admission fee.

***

Now I hear from the other room:

Mr. H: Oh no! Little Girl!! *dejected* Oh, my water. *chuckles* Did you drink some, at least?

Ahhh! Children. At least it was only water this time. *MWW-AH* Goodnight, everybody. It’s Mommy’s turn to pass out.