One of the issues I’ve had in trying to adjust to my new life is the inability to get anything done.  AG hates shopping and such but I don’t have enough time to get up to Land of Retail (Tukwila) and back while she’s in nursery school.  Tuesday night I decided I had had enough!  I wanted to get AG’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny but didn’t know where to find one.  I needed to get buttons for the cardi, easter supplies, etc etc etc.

After a little research a plan was formed.  Yesterday morning Anna Grace and I got up early and headed to Federal Way.

We ended up at The Commons, formerly known as the Sea Tac Mall.  Now forever known as A Complete Waste of Time Mall.  But… they had an Easter Bunny.  Almost all the shops in that mall are either closed or in the process of going out of business.  There are only three things there worth the stop: Macy’s, Borders and Target.  That said, I’m not sure its worth driving to Federal Way for that.  But… there are tons of other shopping centers in that area making it a great place to run errands.

We saw the Easter Bunny and Anna Grace totally believed the whole thing.  When she first saw him she started saying "meow" over and over.  I guess she thought it was a cat.  Then she started saying "dog".  When she sat on his lap she was overtaken by a case of the giggles and being shy.  She curled up and just laughed.  Eventually we got her straightened out and she got her picture taken with a huge smile on her face.

We then explored the area.  I found a JoAnn’s where we were able to get buttons and Easter supplies.  There was a Pier 1 outlet and then…. big fun…. I spotted a Trader Joe’s.   I  had never heard of Trader Joe’s until I started reading Janet’s  blog.  When I arrived in Washington I started hearing ads on the radio for TJ’s but didn’t know where to find one.  I just happened to see a sign for one yesterday and we headed over.  Very cool place and not that expensive.  I bought some things that were actually cheaper than our local grocer.  I also took the opportunity to pick up a few things for Sister GI as I’m trying to put together a box for her.  I think trips to TJ’s will be occurring more often.

Finally, we headed to Auburn in pursuit of the World’s Most Expensive Trash Can.  When we arrived in Washington it was obvious that keeping the trashcan hidden beneath the kitchen sink was not possible.  I kept the can out in the open for a short time during which it was raided by cats and toddlers.  So, for nearly 10 weeks I have had a trash can sitting on my kitchen countertop.  I can’t tell you how pleased I am about that.  I began searching for a cat-proof, toddler-proof can and I found it.  Then I about choked over the price.  Eventually I realized it was my only option, passed it through the Budgetary Committee and awaited the arrival of a Bed, Bath and Beyond 20% off coupon.  This little treasure arrived on Sunday and so I now present you with… The World’s Most Expensive Trashcan…..

It has been tested and found to truly be cat-proof and toddler-proof.  HAH…. 2 points for Mommy!!!!

Well, I need to go pick up AG from nursery school.  Reminder: tomorrow is World Grits Day and the day of our Grits and Sticks celebration.  😉