I think I'm pushing the line of acceptability if I give my order, then dash off to run a 2-second errand while the employees prepare my order. Even if I'm back before my order is ready. "Could you keep an eye on this" is acceptable only for an unforeseen (preferably unforeseeable) dire emergency, and I don't feel I have room to complain if my order isn't there when I get back.

The only food I ever get at the movies (Gummi bears or twizlers) fit in my purse just fine if I'm at the movies by myself (which is pretty rare since I rarely ever go out to the movies).

Can I go back on Christmas vacation now?

I don't think I have taken food into a restroom. Then again, I don't recall being out and about by myself with both the need for food and a restroom break, so it hasn't been an issue.

My head is all explody. I've been trying to fix work stuff all day with no luck at all and I know DH is overburdened and I don't want to add to his list. And I don't know anyone else that understands this stuff and the internet offers no help. Blah. Stress.

From waaaaaay up:

I guess I'd have to find some rules or guidelines or definition of a complaint.

for example - it is not a complaint to say 'ow" when you burn your finger but maybe giving long explanations about what happened and why - might be a disguised complaint

This was THE biggest thing my mom and I discussed over the trip. My G'ma is the kind of person who wants to be in control, but doesn't feel comfortable making decisions, so she lets others make decisions and then complains about everything. Mom and I are trying very hard not to be that kind of person.

As for the having employees watch my food or drink - I've spent way too much time in bars to ever be comfortable with that. I'll take my drink into the rest room before I'll let it sit out.

I'll take my drink into the rest room before I'll let it sit out.

This is me. Or I construct an elaborate tower on top of the glass.

ETA: I'm going to start taking pictures of those little mini sculptures and do a flickr stream of them.

I tried out a yoga class finally and really, really enjoyed it. But alas, Owen had a meltdown in childcare and I had to leave and calm him down--which totally blew my relaxation vibe.

Oh, and my diamond shoes are killing me.

I don't typically go to the movies by myself and get food that can't be tucked into my purse when I use the loo. I wouldn't trust a complete stranger to watch my food, nor would I expect a theatre employee to do it.

When I was standing in line watching flights getting cancelled out of Cleveland recently, I sort of uttered, "Oh, I'm so fucked" out loud and this little, old lady standing in line next to me looked at me and sighed, "oh, we ALL are, Honey." Which made me laugh and reply, "at least I'm in good company."

When travelling, it's best to pack your sense of humor and not abuse airline employees.

I'm going to start taking pictures of those little mini sculptures and do a flickr stream of them.

You totally should.

Owen! Don't interrupt Mommy when she's yoga-ing!

I gotta say, though I'll try to avoid using United at all costs, United Express (regional service) was very nice, pretty on-time, and the Canadair 50-seater jet was not nearly as scary as the prop(eller) planes they used to use.

When I was standing in line watching flights getting cancelled out of Cleveland recently, I sort of uttered, "Oh, I'm so fucked" out loud and this little, old lady standing in line next to me looked at me and sighed, "oh, we ALL are, Honey." Which made me laugh and reply, "at least I'm in good company."

There's something just endearing about the combination of little old ladies and profanity....

I tried out a yoga class finally and really, really enjoyed it.

YO-GA YO-GA YOGA!!!

But alas, Owen had a meltdown in childcare and I had to leave and calm him down--which totally blew my relaxation vibe.

He's 3ish, right? There was a story in the Sun paper today about how, actually, 3 is way harder than 2 for a lot of parents. It's fairly content free but at least you know you aren't alone!

[link]

You totally should.

They are hilarious (maybe only to me), these little elaborate stackings of napkins, cigarettes, matches and coasters.