Today, let’s muse over root beer floats… It’s just been one of those days…El Morno has turned into El Nighto.

Cole had a short paper due on Julius Caesar today, and we have been discussing Brutus’ tragic flaws. To me, it seemed like a no brainer: Brutus was a hubristic ass who sold out his best friend, murdered him, and then tried to convince the Roman people that he did it for the greater good. The end. Cole wondered if Brutus might have been right about Caesar; maybe he would have been crowned king and become a tyrant. Well, since Brutus murdered him, we will just never know, will we? Sheesh.

I’m not sure if it was my condemnation of Brutus, Cole’s upcoming trip, or just a series of life events, but I was up most of Thursday night. I generally don’t care if I can’t sleep; there is always someone on Facebook to chat with or, in the case of last night, I could do a little research on millionaires (millionaire research is under “Did You Know” scroll down) One of the studies completed on this subject proved that while money cannot buy happiness, most people are happier with money than they are without it. Good to know, don’t you think? I am really hoping that a lot of money wasn’t put toward researching this topic; you know—money that could be spent proving that chocolate is most people’s favorite flavor of ice cream.

Today is the last official day of 9th grade. I sent this cake to school with Cole. Don’t you love it? A flower for each 9th grader!

When we picked it up this morning, Cole couldn’t help but smile and say, “Wow, that cake is very colorful.” I asked him which flower he would choose, and he chose yellow. Do you think he was humoring me? I also bought Coke and Dr. Pepper. When it comes to snacks, I am evil. I will tell you tomorrow how I crossed over to becoming Cruella de Snacks– in a good way.

But today, I want to share a story that will reassure you that the emergency Facebook system works, just in case you ever need it… Would you like some chocolate covered strawberries to enjoy with your float? I agree, not the perfect pairing but it is strawberry day.

After delivering Cole  the cake and soft drinks to school, I returned home, pulled into my garage, and locked two pups, my purse, my spare keys that were in the purse, along with my cell phone in my Honda. My home phone was not charged because I so seldom use it, and all the neighbors were out or at work. Once upon a time, I had a husband who worked at home, and I complained about never being home alone, and now, once again, he managed to have the last laugh.

I did not cry. I was home, the temperature was mild, and my pups, while confused and utterly useless, were safe.

I did not call the police or fire department. I am not a fan of sirens.

I pondered my situation, felt a little hopeless, and then realized that all was not lost—I had Internet, which meant that I had Facebook. I posted “HELP” on my Facebook status and detailed my problem. I then asked someone to call my helper, who has saved me countless times, and ask her to e-mail me. I was pretty certain that she would not be checking her e-mails at that time of day, which is why the phone call was needed. My helper could then call Triple A for me; crossing my fingers, I hoped that I had not ignored the Triple A renewal notice.

My Facebook friends responded in record time, helped me reach my helper, and even sent me a virtual glass of iced tea. My helper e-mailed me and placed an order for service with Triple A. Help was on the way. While I waited for Triple A, I organized all the cardboard boxes in my garage and returned errant tools to their rightful places. Triple A arrived in less than 40 minutes and quickly opened my car. I freed my happy campers, went inside, and immediately found the charger for the home phone, and added to my “never done list” more spare car keys!

And then I took a very long nap.

Cole called. The cake was a hit. The soft drinks were gone, and then he wondered why I was not at school to pick him up. Cole had been dismissed an hour early from school. Our high school dismisses the kids whenever they are done for the day, or when they get tired of them. Being on time is such a challenge.

I’m off to pick him up; but please don’t rush! Finish your root beer float, enjoy another strawberry, and if you want, leave me a musing comment because odd loves company!!

Kb