Good to Know

I should know better than to pat myself on the back.  

Though I have nothing but happy memories from our sunny trip to the fields for Sweet Potatoes Digging this past Tuesday, there is still a small twinge in my lower back - a not so happy reminder that there is still so much to learn!  My backpack, cumbersome and heavy on the crowded trains, was easily twice the size of some of the other moms' packs, and I couldn't help but notice I was the only one on the trip with such a burdensome load.   I had plenty of time to puzzle over this during our 40 minute walk to the farm from the train station, and it occurred to me as I looked around that these mommies were clever enough to share the load, so to speak.  Each one of their children was carrying a backpack with their own food and supplies.  Why hadn't I thought of that?! Instead Patrick and Evelyn marched merrily along, pausing now and then to wonder how much further?

The second mystery to the moms' tiny satchels was revealed as we were all preparing for our picnic lunches.  I jauntily reached into the great expanse of my backpack to extract my victory item of last week's treasure hunt at an 8-floor department store: my leisure sheet.  As I proudly unfurled this hard-won picnic blanket I realized with some surprise that I was the only one unfurling. The kindergarten children had already pulled from their packs small, towel-sized plastic tarps, bright with colorful Disney characters.  While I was still smoothing corners they were industriously setting out their bento lunches.  Leisure sheet, huh?  I was crushed!  That's a leisure sheet?!  My leisure sheet says leisure sheet right on it!  Sure, it's bigger and bulkier, but it was hard to find, making me all the more ready for some leisure! Where in the world had the other mommies acquired these darling, child-sized personal leisure sheets for their kids' picnic stashes? I mustered the courage to inquire of the mom next to me, "Where did you buy this?" Typical of many Japanese women, she smiled and instantly covered her mouth with her hand.  With the slightest giggle she cheerfully explained, "Not buy!  Kentucky Fried Chicken!"  Of course...of course! Why hadn't I thought of that? :-)

It's okay.  It's not the last mistake I'll make here.  And the twinge in my lower back? It will be gone any day now...I just know it!