Tomorrow is my first of two days per week that I am entirely without children. Eliza attends preschool from 9am until 3pm, freeing me to do whatever my little heart desires unencumbered by a two-year-old who is what Okies euphemistically refer to as "busy."

It just so happens that, by Monday morning, we are usually in need of quite a bit around the house by way of food and supplies and so I've established a little ritual the past few weeks that I'm very much looking forward to. I clean up a bit and throw on some clothes while the kids get ready for school. Then, after I drop off Eliza, I head to Walmart (shut up) and do my shopping, stopping part way through to eat breakfast at the McDonald's inside (shut up some more).

While I look forward to this no matter what anyone thinks of it, it does occur to me that my assimilation may be more complete than I care to admit. You can't get much more rural Oklahoma than being excited about hanging out at the Walmart. Add to it the fact that I've got the BC Clark jingle on my iPod and, well....things aren't looking good for me, folks.

This small fact notwithstanding, I do look forward to my mornings out, probably for the most part because they're OUT. I don't get out much, folks, in case you haven't been playing along at home, and I get out even less without at least one rugrat in tow. I'm actually someone who doesn't mind running errands....when I can go by myself and intersperse the "must-dos" with a nice meal, a browse around a favorite store, etc. I love being able to go out and either do things as quickly and efficiently as I like OR take my time and meander as suits my mood, without being hindered in my efforts or someone complaining at me they're bored. The tuition we pay for Eliza's two full days is worth every cent, especially for someone like me who doesn't have the help during the week and has to pretty much handle everything on her own.

Oh, and for what it's worth, if we had a Super Target? I'd SO be there every Monday morning, instead.