On The Road Again

Friday, I turned on the radio and heard that we would be experiencing “weather” from a tropical system that was due to hit the west coast of Florida overnight. Now, we’re on the east coast; however, it’s a skinny state, and what hits one coast, usually affects the other. I immediately turned off the radio. And went about my business. Ignorance is bliss.

Unfortunately, Fiddledaddy also heard about the impending “weather.” And said to me, “If it’s raining hard in the morning, you’re not going.” I planted me feet firmly, hands on hips and let fly with my best and most compelling argument, “YES, I AM!”

This is why the high school debate team couldn’t WAIT for me to join.

First of all, let me explain, that I was planning on attending the gi-normous used homeschool curriculum sale Saturday morning. A sale that allowed NO CARTS or children. Shopping heaven. It was an hour or so away, and I would be leaving at 5:45 am. Yes, A.M. That’s how dedicated to homeschooling I am. And bargain hunting. And getting away from the house without the children.

Also, I should clarify that Fiddledaddy and I have “veto” power over one another during inclimate weather. In other words, if we’re experiencing say, a hurricane, and one of us wants desperately to play golf, or whatever, the other can say “no” without fear of getting hit with a frying pan. It’s one of the secrets to a successful marriage.

You just can’t pay a therapist for that kind of advice.

I set my alarm at 4:45 am. But that’s not what woke me up. The sound of hard torrential type rain and wind pelting the windows had my attention. I chose to ignore it. I got up and got ready to go. Besides, I reasoned, the rain will keep less intrepid homeschool shoppers away. Chickens. And the bargains would be MINE, ALL MINE. (Insert maniacal laughter.)

I was quiet as a mouse, but Fiddledaddy woke up. And turned on the news. We were expecting 5 inches of rain, and it had been so long since our last measurable rainfall, everyone, apparently, had forgotten how to drive on slick streets. Accidents were reported everywhere. He gave me “the look.” I informed him that the rain would let up considerably when it was time for me to leave. I know things like this. It’s a gift.

At the appointed moment, I gathered up my hopelessly out-of date hot pink fanny pack, my trusty black backpack, an oversized waterproof shoulder bag to haul my booty in, my typed, organized-by-subject, alphabetized curriculum “wish” list, mapquest map, and map of the sales floor. Add to that add a water bottle, and survival food. Oh, and a compact umbrella. Just in case. I couldn’t have been more prepared. I looked out the window. The rain had stopped. Fiddledaddy walked me to the car and told me in no uncertain terms to be careful. His exact words were, “It’s not that I’m worried about your driving, it’s the other idiots on the road that I don’t trust.” I ponder his use of “other,” and assured him I would be a good defensive driver. The best defense, as you well know, is a good offense.

I had synchronized my watch with my sister-in-law, Sue, and my good friend, Maridel, and we met up at the 24 hour Starbucks. Maridel is one of the most organized people I know, and anytime I can trap her in the car with me for an extended period of time, I do it. So I can drain her of all her knowledge. And soak it up like a sponge. When we were all sufficiently caffeinated, we climbed into my van, prayed for safety, and set off. We saw no really “serious” accidents. And the rain was not bad at all. But, ominous enough to keep the line from being too long when we arrived. Usually for this particular sale, the line wraps around the building by 7 am.

The sale was SPECTACULAR. I was able to mark a couple of things off my wish list. My favorite find was a Spelling Teacher’s Manual that usually retails for $25.00, for $3.00. THREE DOLLARS. My compadres in crime and I filled the back of my van with our purchases and stayed the full 2 1/2 hours of the sale. And I only spent around $40.00.

Sue, who was a used curriculum sale virgin, is now planning for next years trip. We homeschool moms are a sturdy and resilient bunch. And perhaps a little insane. We’re a lot like postal workers. And I don’t mean in the going postal sense. No wind, rain, snow or sleet will keep us from our appointed rounds.

Or a really fabulous sale. And you don’t have to be a homeschool mom to appreciate that!