On Saturday, we made a special trip to Red Robin, one of our favorite restaurants and one that we seldom get to visit because the closest one is over half an hour away. They have great food and Button always gets a balloon - which, to a 2-year-old, is pretty much as close to Heaven as it gets.

We told the host that there were three people in our party and one (Button) needed a highchair. We were led to a table for two. At Red Robin, a table for two is just that - there is no room for a third plate, and certainly not for the kids’ menu place mat they always give you.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to fit at this table. There are three of us.”
“We can extend the table.”

There were approximately 12 inches between that table and the ones on each side of it (which were occupied). If they extended the table, the people sitting next to us would not be able to get out of their booths. And there would still be no room for a highchair.

We explained this to the host and asked if we could just have a bigger table. Seeing several large tables empty around us, we didn’t think this would be a problem. He said ok, and went back to the front for a new table assignment. He then returned and led us to … anther table for two.

“This table isn’t any bigger than the last one,” I explained to him. “We have three people and this is a table for two.”

He muttered some excuse about how he doesn’t know how many people the tables seat. I stood there blinking at him, trying to comprehend the fact that evidently COUNTING THE CHAIRS at the table was a concept too advanced for him.

He then asked us if we wanted a booth instead. Looking around, I saw several booths nearby that were clearly meant for 4 people and would allow us the space we needed. “Sure, that would be fine.”

He then led us halfway across the restaurant to … yet another table for two.

At this point, I began to lose my patience. “Is there a reason that we cannot get a table that will seat THREE PEOPLE?” I gestured at one of the many empty table around that would suffice.

He looked at the table I had indicated and told me that he couldn’t seat us there because they couldn’t put a highchair at that booth.

I saw other non-booth tables available that could have accommodated highchairs. I considered pointing that out, but was afraid his brain might derail and explode at the possibility of other options.

I asked him dully if they had any booster seats, and the reply was yes.

“Then please bring us a booster seat and take us to a larger table.”

Somehow, we finally made it to a table that had enough room for the three of us and our meals - and boy, were we hungry at that point. Next time, I may just tell them we have 5 in our party, and hope we end up with a table for 4.

I’m getting a new laptop today.  A much needed new laptop, as my previous one takes 20 minutes to start and has decided that several of its programs are optional.

Consequently, I have taken over the home computer, which has J none too pleased because it means we can’t be on the computer at the same time (read: he can never play his computer games because I tend to hog it with work stuff).

I cannot tell you how excited I am about my new purchase.  It’s supposed to arrive via DHL today and I’ve already checked the tracking information 4 times in the last hour and a half.  A few minutes ago, a bus drove up to pick up my elderly neighbor and I just about jumped out of my skin thinking I was hearing the DHL truck.

If it doesn’t get here soon, this is going to be a Very. Long. Day.

“Mama, want me to tell at story about Dora?”

“Sure.”

“Once upon a time, there was … DORA. The end.”