I like to think of myself as a flexible mom.

Today I ran into my good friend, Mindy at the entrance to Kohl's. We each had our respective twelve-year-old-girls-in-search-of-Winter-Carnival-dresses (who happen to be the same size) so we changed our plans and shopped together. As I explained to Scott, one thing led to another, and four stores, five hours and easily 45 dresses (per girl) had passed. Yes, each girl settled on her it dress, and no, we did not go back to past stores to have them remove from hold all the previous "maybe" dresses.

Mindy and I enjoyed our own running commentary so much, though, we decided we should have our own reality television show. We were quite certain the whole world would appreciate following us around in our minivans, offering helpful hints and suggestions on such topics as Snacks on the Go, Quick Hair-dos for Sports, Funding Lunch with Minivan Change, Bleach, and Why You Shouldn't Buy Your White Wedding Dress at Deb if You are Already Four Months Pregnant (well, I can think of one particular person who might not fully appreciate that tip, though she certainly needed it).

Here are six things I learned today:

1) Twelve-year-old middle school girls do not love Polly Flinders. And they would hate Gunne Sax, if they even knew what it was.
2) If you are shopping in TJMaxx and run into my pastor's wife (and happen to be trying to justify a purchase), ask her opinion.
3) Mindy (the quintessential kindergarten teacher) only looks convincingly proper... she can deliver a line that'll leave you clutching your sides and gasping for air.
4) Deb in the Auburn Mall has dedicated half their store to Plus Size prom (or wedding) dresses. The other half seems to be for mini-chicks. Apparently average people just do not shop there.
5) It may quite possibly be true there is no dream of matching a shoe to Lilly's new canary yellow Winter Carnival dress.
6) Retail therapy works on killer colds!

And, since we went to town for paint in the first place, I feel compelled to mention we did find a lovely shade of beige called "Cozy Cottage." Of course, I was scheduled to spend my day painting the newly-walled basement after my quick trip to Home Depot, but I've simply run out of time. That's OK, I'm flexible... I think I'd better sit here and wait for our producers to call.