bagels

Ali just returned from Montreal, where he was on a “work trip.”

I use quotes here because:

• Ali’s work trips – which often involve destinations such as Turks and Caicos and Hawaii – are always the cause for much suspicion, and
• I like to overuse quotes.

Generations…My mom came for a visit…

Per my request he returned with two Montreal bagels, which sadly tasted identical to Starbucks bagels.

Rest assured I’m not implying Ali forgot to buy my bagels and then purchased them at Starbucks at JFK or anything. Just making an innocent comparison.

Picnic in Central Park…

Additionally, Ali returned with a Go Pro Camera “for Maya,” which was obviously NOT per my request.

Me: “May I list the reasons that Maya does not need a Go Pro Camera?”

Ali: “No you may not.”

Me: “Will she even know what to do with a Go Pro Camera? I mean, she’s 10. Plus she’s been half-assing her homework lately and isn’t making her bed properly. Pretty sure she doesn’t need to be rewarded at the moment.”

Ali: “Let’s make the camera a reward for doing better in school. She can use it on the weekends.”

Weekend trip to Roosevelt Island…

I went with this because I’m trying really hard NOT to dictate how Maya should be raised. After all, parenting is supposed to be a joint effort, right?

Unless of course it involves making her meals, washing her clothes, helping her with homework, or being a disciplinarian, in which case I’m definitely a single parent.

Cherry Tree (I think?) + Maya at the NY Botanical Gardens.

So yesterday, with much flourish and excitement, he presented Maya with the camera.

Maya: “Thanks Dad but I don’t need a Go Pro Camera.”

Just as I’d thought. She also didn’t need more than a few bites of her Montreal bagel either, which she quickly deemed bland and chewy.

Which sounds suspiciously like a Starbucks bagel to me…