She's kidding, right?

I was watching "Monster-in-Law" early one evening last week, when Nolan decided to tag along into my room with me.  It's funny, even if it's not critically acclaimed; Nolan was enjoying the antics of Jane and JLo as they inflicted all kinds of crazy evil deeds on each other.  (At least I think that's why he was watching.  I mean, it is JLo in the movie, and he did seem awfully interested in what is, essentially, a chick flick.)

Mr W came in later, and was watching the end of it with us.  Nolan suddenly pipes up, "Mom, you're not gonna act like that, are you, when I start dating?"

Not missing a beat, I said: "No, son, of course not.  Just make sure she has a college education, doesn't work for Hooters, and don't be bringing me home a stripper." 

Mr W looked disappointed. 

We all laughed, then Nolan said:  "No, seriously, Mom."  "I am serious." 

Mr W looked at Nolan, and said, "You know, your Mom has her standards."  And I couldn't see his face, but I swear, he rolled his eyes.

I was kidding, I reassured them.

Really, I was.  I know that as long as someone loves my children, as much as I do, that hopefully, the extra stuff will just fall into place.  Good people come in all kinds of packages, and just because orange is her color is no reason for me to be judgemental.  Besides, aren't all strippers pre-med?

I have embraced, or at least accepted, certain aspects of being a Mom.  I've had the sleepless nights with fitful babies; embarrassing moments out in public where I hope no one heard/was watching/is recording/saw that; and held my breath when someone starts a story with "Guess what your son did."   I am moving on to a new phase.

The "Mom, you are so NOT-cool" phase.  I'm trying to embrace it, as I am certain that this is the part where I get to embarrass them for a change.  Where we will butt heads over really important stuff like shirts with collars, haircuts, and "but my friends get to do it."

Sounds like so much fun, I think I'll do it four times.

Until then, I'll just do the Saturday Six.  On Wednesday.  Better late than never....

Saturday Six - Episode 109

1. When is the last time you switched from one company to another for an important service? What made you switch? Did the company you were leaving try to make you a better offer to make you stay?

I don't do change well, but the last time it was for phone service.  Yeah, the company I was leaving tried to give me a better offer, but I was mad about some aspect of their service I can't remember and was not swayed by their attempt to make nice.  Anyway, there's a certain comfort in keeping things the same when it comes to this, if only to keep it straight in my own head when comes time to pay the bill. 

2. What emblem or logo was on the last coffee mug you drank from?

My coffee mugs are plain, and I only have a couple of them. (I rarely make coffee for myself at home.  Once, I admitted this to my dear neighbor who had a fantastic java set up at home, and she was both horrified and impressed:  "How do you function, with all those children, and no coffee?"  "My happy pills and the hard liquor get me through the day," I replied.)

Does the paper cup from Starbucks count?

3. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being a world-class chef and 1 being someone who can't even scramble an egg, how would you rate your cooking ability? 

I give myself a 9.  Probably the only 9 I'd get on any scale of 1 to 10, but I'm comfortable in the kitchen.  I tend to keep it simple, but it's yummy, and I'm not afraid of the more complicated stuff...I'm just pressed for time.  And lazy. However, I always make time to bake, and my kid's friends all like that.  I hear the stage whisper: "Is she making cookies?" almost as soon as the bowl comes out. :)

4. Take the quiz: Are you a good cook? 

You Are a Learning Cook: You've got the makings of an excellent cook, and the desire to be one.
But right now, you're just lacking the experience. You couldn't be a top chef yet, but you could be an apprentice.

I think I'm insulted. :p

 5. When was the last time you prepared a meal for someone other than yourself or those already living with you? Was it well received?

I cook for whoever is gathered at my Mom's at least once every weekend.  It's always well received there, so that might not count. It's been a while...a year at least, either way.  It was well received, my friends liked it.  Then again, it was lasagna, and nearly everyone loves that. 

6. Since it is that time of year, what show's season finale are you most looking forward to? Which show do you wish would just go away?

"Grey's Anatomy."  I watched it this past weekend, and shouted at the screen at the end of the first night (it was a two-nighter).  Oh, and "The Sopranos."  I can't wait to see what's gonna happen. 

I'm done with some of the reality show fodder that seems to be spawning all over the t.v. on both cable and regular networks.  "Survivor"--fine.  "Wife Swap" and that Super-Nanny show?  Give me a break.  Don't even get me started on the Bravo offerings.  Eww.