Shopping carts, office supply stores and party updates

I have lots of random thoughts roaming my head this morning. Going a little crazy here. The good news is that I already feel better just typing that title. Can't imagine how good I'll be feeling by the end of this post. Randomness, please exit brain.

Shopping carts. I used to love them. Pop Lily in and away we went. Nothing difficult. Enter Jade. Now, Lily, who didn't want to ride in them anymore 10 months ago...insists on a ride. Not just in the buggy, but up front. This works great at Costco...they have the double loader variety there. Everywhere else...not so lucky. I'm fine with saying no and possibly being kicked out of Target due to the wailing, and so I just go on.

That's not the only issue though. It seems like recently I've been running into a type of shopping carts that I absolutely despise. First there is the kind that don't let you prop the infant carrier on them correctly...those stores were off my list when Jade still was in the carrier. Now what I'm avoiding are stores whose cart's plastic seats automatically flip up to cover the holes where Jade's legs go through. Do you know what I'm talking about? The little plastic rectangular thingy that they need to sit on, constantly flips up making it impossible for you to man handle them into the cart. Where is my third arm during these moments? A boycott is in order.

On a more fun note, I went to the office supply store alone last night. Don't you love the stores that are open til 9 or 10 at night that you can run to once the kids are in bed? Ah, the office supply store. I don't know what it is about all those cool pens and other random gadgets that transforms me into a kid in a candy shoppe. My find of the night? This ginormous pack of multi-colored permanent markers. Not just primary colors or pastels...this pack makes the rainbow jealous. It even has its own storage case. Which is necessary when you are the proud new owner of 36 fine colored permanent markers.

I did make it out of there without buying the battery operated eraser and paper shredder lubricant that I saw. Such fine items I'm sure, it's astounding that I've made it this far in life without either of them. Seriously, whoever needs a battery operated eraser might find a new ream of paper a better investment. And if your paper shredder is so overworked that it needs a lube job, you might want to call a shredding service.

So, you're wondering what business I have needing that many markers of various colors. This will be the final random thought exiting my brain.

We have a party to decorate for this weekend. Remember my dilemma of throwing a Potato Head party for sweet Jader-Tater? Well, the drama continues. I already knew that there was no chance of finding Mr. or Mrs. Potato themed party goods. So, I thought I'd just keep it simple and use solid colors. Pink and brown. Easy enough. WRONG. None of the party stores carry ANYTHING in brown. Not plates, napkins, plasticware and definitely not balloons. I was just sick when I realized this last night. 6 days before the big potato event.

Enter the markers. I ordered a bunch of pink and white balloons and will be spending the weekend drawing Mrs. Potato Head on them. I know. I promise I'll be looking for a life soon.

After going to the office store, I thought I'd Google "brown balloons". Alas, Google didn't let me down this time. There are companies out there that sell brown partyware. Even in different shades of brown. So, it looks like I am in luck. Sort of. Did I mention I only have a few days before the party? Plus one of those days happens to be a postal holiday.

FedEx to the rescue. Thank God balloons are light. And uninflated. The disclaimer had to tell me that. "All balloons are shipped uninflated"...well, I'd hope so.

Okay. I'm off to get a life. Promise.