She does like me

On Monday there was a holiday open house at Ladybug's after school program.  My plan was to go.  I wanted to make sure that I go to these functions.  I know I have to work.  But she only has me.  I don't want her to think I can not make time for her.

Last week the counselors helped the kids make gingerbread houses so that they could show them off to the parents.  Ladybug asked me to go.  She asked me to like hers best.  But she did not seem excited about it. 

But Monday was a big day at work.  We had an arbitration.  I spent all last week preparing for arbitration.  I worked all day on Saturday (Ladybug in tow) preparing for arbitration.  I wanted this to go well.  I like our client.  And opposing party lied to me -- on more than one issue -- and I could prove it.  I was anxious to know how things were going.

About 1/2 hour before quitting time the bosses showed up with stories of what happened.  They both (YES!  Both) praised me for my great work.  And I heard stories.  They told me the issues that did not get reached.  We made plans on what needed to happen next.

Then I skipped out.  On time.  I found the quickest way to the after school program.  I drove up and parked.  I grabbed my coat and took a brisk walk (only partially because it was so flipping cold out) up to the front door.

And there was Ladybug.  Pacing the front lobby.  Waiting.  Talking to anybody who walked by.  When she saw me walk in she screeched with joy and ran to me.  She jumped in my arms and hung on.  She then dragged me to the gym.  Then the cafeteria.  Then back to the gym.  And back to the cafeteria.  She introduced me to all of the counselors (and not one seemed to have a reaction to the fact that I was a white mama to a black child).

It was really nice to see her excitement at my arrival.

Mean Mama