The List

I live in routine.  It's my friend, my warm blanket that wraps itself around me and makes me feel in control.  When the routine is disturbed, so am I.  Okay, moreso than usual.

Thursdays after work I have my routine of going to the grocery store without Zoe, going home and getting about 30 minutes of alone time.  My mom graciously doesn't bring Zoe home until 6:00 or 6:30 so I can have some time.  I usually eat a dinner of cereal, watch some Food Network and then maybe I'll vacuum.  Zoe is still terrified of the vacuum, so it's my time during the week to take care of all the carpet.

Last night I sat down to write out my shopping list.  Since we are on a budget, I like to plan my meals for the upcoming week, make a detailed list and stick to it.  I save over $100 a month doing this.  Plus we tend to eat better because, hello, homemade!

I got out my shopping list pad and went over to the dining room table.  Zoe comes over and asks to make a list too.  She has some grocery store needs that I tend to forget to put on the list.  As she was making smiley faces on her list, she rattled off to me what she absolutely needs:

broom
socks
bananas
apples
blueberries
cake (I confirmed she wanted a whole thing, not just a slice)
light bulbs (which we actually needed)
yellow cheese
crayons
markers
lotion for her face
lotsa books
toilet paper
a puppy

I'm so glad that last one isn't at the grocery store.  I do think her daddy put her up to it.