Another one of those "I Have No Plan!" moments.

Last week, I wrote about a very busy couple days where we went to Six Flags and to the mall to meet friends.  I forgot to mention an experience that I had towards the end of those hectic days, at Planet Smoothie.  I probably forgot to write about it because this sort of thing really isn't that unusual.  What makes it stick out, to me, is it was one of those moments where you are on your merry way, with only the typical level of crazy, and then something happens to which you have no response but to freeze... and beg for help.

As we walked around the mall, I was really craving a smoothie.  Not a "from a pouch" smoothie, or a milk-shake variety smoothie, but the real deal-- fruit and ice.  No yogurt or ice cream.  As it turns out, Discover Mills Mall has no such smoothie establishment.  So, after our visit with friends, with a bunch of tired kids in tow, I found a Planet Smoothie right by the mall.  I called Jeff (whose office is also very close to the mall) and asked if he would like us to bring him one.  We don't see him at his office very much at all, for obvious reasons, so I thought it would be nice to make an appearance and bring him a bit of refreshing happiness.

We made it to Planet Smoothie, parked, and I made a fateful decision.  I was just running in for a few drinks... I didn't need to get the stroller out AGAIN.  I carried Olive while Ivey held hands and we all made our way into the building.  We ordered our tasty goodness.  Since mine was also taking place of the breakfast and lunch that I did not consume, I ordered a 32oz Leapin' Lizard.  My favorite.  The cashier put the massive styrofoam cup in front of me at the counter, and I proceeded to put the straw in.  At that time, Olive kicked her foot.  I tried to correct the cup's lean, but ended up pushing it down.  It started falling off of the counter.  Instead of stepping back, I did the momma-thing and lifted my knee to try to save it from its fall.  All this did was put my knees and thighs in prime position to catch every one of those 32 ounces.  The thick, strawberry filled smoothie sat in my lap, as I crouched.

All I could do was look at the cashier with desperation in my eyes.  "I have no plan!"  I told her.  As someone came around with a mop, I still had no plan.  Do I stand up and let it all fall?  Do I scoop it all up?  The thick pseudo-liquid had no soaked completely through my tight denim capris.  We managed to scoop most up, the rest hitting the floor.  I still had. no. plan.  I brought a change of clothes for the girls, but not for me.  (Haven't I learned by now to bring myself some clothes?)  With all four kids in tow, I dragged us into the bathroom and proceeded to strip down, completely soaking and washing my pants in the Planet Smoothie public sink.  After wringing them as much as possible, I managed to pull those wet capris up, organize the kids, grab a replacement smoothie, and we all made it out the door, delivering Jeff's beverage to him at the office.

I should, but won't, learn a few things from this experience.

1)  Bring extra clothes for the adults, or at least momma, as daddy would just ride home in smoothie-pants.

2)  When you've had a full day, know when to fold 'em.  Don't push for that extra errand or extra stop... The kids aren't on their game and either are you.  It can only lead to disaster.

3)  Even when insanity hits and you find yourself in a "I have no plan!" moment... You will somehow find a plan, in a pinch, and come out okay in the end.  Even if your kid is wearing nothing but a stranger's shirt, you have to borrow money from someone you barely know, or you find yourself in your underwear in a public restroom.