Story Problems for Today's Mom

Good Gravy, the last few days have been crazy. When did summer get so busy? (Answer: this week.) I thought it might be easier to explain things as story problems, although I always hated them when I was in math class. Instead of figuring out the dumb problems, I always got all existential instead. Why did Jose and Sally get ten cookies and Mark only get three? Who was the dunce handing out cookies and why didn't he do it right to begin with? And why do I care what time two trains arrive, travelling at different speeds? They get there when they get there. Sheesh.

Let's see if I can come up with some story problems that are a little more relevant.

1. If Jennie and Mr. Jennie are celebrating their 19th anniversary, what presents do they get for each other?

A. The 19th anniversary gift is traditionally bronze.
B. Dinner and a movie at the Drafthouse theatre. That way they can eat and watch a film at the same time and thus aren't reminded that they ran out of things to talk about seven years ago.
C. Earrings for her, Sex for him.
D. Presents??? The entire budget will be spent on Jasper's birthday three days later. Thanks for being born two weeks early and messing up the anniversary, Jasper!

Answer: B. (Sort of.) We did go to a combo lunch/movie at the Drafthouse to see Midnight in Paris (which was excellent). But we only went there because the popcorn is so good. Mister and I still have plenty to talk about even after all this time.


2. Which of these activities can be performed in the most coma-like state?

A. Picking up mother from the airport at 11:15 pm. Because of course that's the cheapest flight.
B. Picking up teenage daughter up from a party at midnight, the very last minute before her curfew. Apologize profusely when you realize you've rung the doorbell at the wrong house.
C. Tapping at Scout Leader's door at 6:00 am to pick up son from Scout sleepover in order to get son to Cross Country running practice. No other Scouts or leaders may be disturbed or points will be deducted.
D. Taking 6 year-old back to bed because, "the sun is mixed up and it's shining but really it's still nighttime. So go to sleep and don't get up until the first number on your clock is a seven."

Answer: D. At least I think that's how it happened. I was so tired I don't really remember the details.


3. Name the activity least likely to be performed while trying to make Jasper's birthday cake:

A. Giving 12 year-old a beginning hammered dulcimer lesson because Jennie "promised and swore that Thursday would be the day". Never mind that it requires 20 minutes tuning the stupid instrument first. After wasting ten minutes looking for the tuner.
B. Cleaning up cat barf. Twice.
C. Dropping everything to go to the grocery store because there are still items Jennie forgot despite two grocery store trips earlier in the day.
D. Like it really matters. It's so insanely hot here that the icing will melt and run down the cake, looking like something from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Answer: B. The cat did throw up twice but I made India clean it up.