The boys and I shared lunch the other day at Panda Express - not so much for the noodles but more so for the opportunity to use "Chinese sticks." ("You mean, 'chopsticks?'" I corrected the 4 year old. "No, Mom," he replied - clearly irritated that I had no idea what I was talking about. "CHINESE STICKS.")
At home with our noodles and sticks, my oldest touted this as "the best lunch EVER" while my middle guy, picking through his chow mein for "the right noodles" asked me if I knew where there were any flies so he could practice catching them. With his Chinese sticks.
"CHOPsticks."
"CHINESE STICKS!" they shouted in unison.
Who knew lunch could be a) such an adventure, b) such a mess and, c) such an awakening at how culturely deprived my children are. We really need to broaden our horizons from the local Mexican food hole-in-the-walls to I-don't-know? Sushi? Thai? ITALIAN?! Next up: Buying a globe!
But the icing on this cultural cake was the opening of fortune cookies when the noodles had been thoroughly picked through, dropped everywhere and stuck to cheeks, unbeknownst to one indignant 4 year old who couldn't be convinced otherwise.
I read each child's fortune to them as they opened it.
E-man's said: "You will soon find new adventure in life." I told him this was very true and it has always been true.
Big T's said: "Treat a friend to flowers." I told him to leave the neighbor's flowers alone.
Then I read L-Dub's: "You will be involved in many humanitarian projects."
"What does that mean?" he asked.
"Well, it means that you will help a lot of people. And you know what? Knowing you, that is very true; you're always very kind, generous and helpf--"
"THAT IS SO NOT TRUE MOM!" I'm interrupted by my oldest who is appalled by L's fortune. "HE STEEEEEAAAAALLS! HE TAKES MY LEGOS! HE FINDS MONEY THAT ISN'T HIS!"
"Yes, son, but aside from all that, he's a very good person."
Keeping the peace since 2003.
Humanitarianism really isn't for kids under the age of, oh, about 30.
Posted by: The Mother | 14 December 2010 at 06:34 AM
How fun.
Posted by: Bobbi Janay | 14 December 2010 at 02:17 PM
Really what do those sticks really chop anyway!! CHINESE STICKS ALLL THE WAY!!
Posted by: Bittersweet Confusion | 15 December 2010 at 11:56 AM