Mr. Crabby pants is CRABBY

He is home today, working. I am home today, not. I have a mammogram later today--topic for another entry. He has a "procedure" tomorrow. The reason for the crabbiness!

He is on a liquid diet--day three of the preparation! Day one was no seeds, nuts, or salads. Yesterday was avoid red food coloring (odd, but I suppose necessary---but really, how many people consume all that much red coloring---I suppose we would be surprised!) Today is only clear liquids! OMG, the end of the world has come!

He started off the morning with the announcement that he was going up to the McDonalds (TM) to get some $1 sausage McMuffins (probably TM). It was not well received that I pointed out that a McMuffin did not fit the definition of "clear liquids". "Caught",he argued about the exact moment "the day before" began, the printed guidance from the Dr. was indisputable---and he relented--this started what I expect to be many hours of extreme CRABBINESS!

Not helping is the ban on coffee (apparently not a clear liquid, and certainly not the way MR. CP brews it!) There is no ban on caffeine, so maybe I will suggest some Mountain Dew to preserve my sanity!! (and maybe prolong his life, as 15 minutes ago he was in serious danger of not living long enough to arrive for tomorrow's procedure!)

He doesn't like the Popsicles (retrieved from the freezer, left behind by Z who forgot they were here)--there are no sticks! He doesn't like bouillon I picked up--it is in cubes that take too long to dissolve! He doesn't like tea, period. The Jello (TM) isn't ready yet.

He doesn't want to drink the 7-UP, Vernors, or Sprite (all TM's) that I procured on his behalf. The consume' poised in the lunch que brought forth "the face"--so apparently it will not be received with enthusiasm either.

Now, a few years ago I went through this same diagnostic/RO procedure. I gave him my words of wisdom--what I wished I had known/done differently. I guess this is one of those things in life that you have to experience to believe that anyone's good advice is worthwhile. I certainly won't forget the part of the instructions about only clear liquids--even 8 years from now when I am scheduled again!

I think I may get ready early, and "shop" my way over to the mammogram center---that way I will not have to endure his miserableness....by the time I get back, we will have just enough time to watch the evening news, and he will be otherwise occupied for the rest of the evening....and I will turn the TV volume to his preferred level, so that it will be impossible to hear him should he be calling......

36 years ago

Today, 36 years ago, 2 was born. Right on time. Exactly on the date. A "brother" that 1 "did not want"--she wanted "just a baby". Always the oldest boy.

A lot has happened in 36 years....more babies, jobs, houses, cars, furniture, pets, trips. Schools, plays, performances, play, work, adolescence, cars, jobs. People who were important links to our past are now gone... grandparents, great aunts and uncles, who 36 years ago were an everyday part of our lives. New people have become an everyday part of his life. 36 years is "forever"-- and just a minute ago.

I got out the pictures from 36 years ago...1 as the only, then the chubby smiley baby--first year documented in snapshots of everyday activities--summer sitting in the grass, in stroller, walker, playpen, with mom, dad, sister....dark hair, dark eyes, chubby baby hands and feet....just yesterday, but a long time ago. He looks the same, but the adult version of that baby.

Now he has his own baby, and sometimes I see a fleeting resemblance. A glimpse into the past, then gone. Because my baby is 36. 36 years is a long time--and it flies by in a minute!! Happy Birthday, 2! Many more!