Booty walked all the way to the train station today. A 30 minute walk for a 3 year old. I told her now that she is 3 she is able to walk to the station instead of riding in her stroller. We talked along the bikepath, which is mostly pleasant. She noticed people walking their dogs and shiny cars, one of which she decided to touch.
"Ooo momma, that car is hot!"
I reminded her that when we are out in the world it is best not to touch EVERYTHING.
And as we passed a young woman jogging she said,
"She's not touching everything!" and as she pointed to the woman she touched her.
Luckily, the woman was not offended.
"I made a mistake momma. I touched her. Next time I ask 'commission', can I touch you?"

On to the station. When we boarded the train someone gave up their seat for Booty. I struck up a conversation with a woman who, she told me later, was "tatting". This is a form of crocheting, but much more defined. She gave me the name of a shop near my Doctor's office that sells supplies and holds classes.

We got off at Bugis and took the escalator to BHG (Be here for good things), a department store and up again to the third floor to the children's department to buy some walking shoes. It seems all Booty has is flip flops and crocs.

Barbie, Disney, Legos brand, Hello Kitty!, Strawberry Shortcake and a brand named Sweet were the only offerings in size 26 sneakers.
And the color choice was...
PINK. shades of. Sequins and glitter and Bling!
Of course Booty was all over the Barbie sparkly, and Disney Princess sneakers.
"Sorry." I said to her predictably and began one of my familiar refrains,
"I am not paying to advertise for a corporation I don't even like."
Lots of raised eyebrows. (Crazy white lady with child on aisle 4)

We had to settle for a pair of pink and brown Lego brand high top style sneakers, (the logo is hidden on the tongue flap). I bought some lacy socks to girl it up a bit.

She wore them home.

We stopped in the food court and got some juicy Chicken satay. She went back for seconds. And bought some cookies and a freshly baked eclair for me (one of my weaknesses).

We got a seat (Again!) on the train on the way home and Booty was able to look out the window while leaning up against an elderly Singaporean woman, who smiled when the girl finally noticed she was practically in the woman's arms.

Cabbed it home from the station (too hot to walk) and Bee-phia (her nickname for herself) took a nap.

Just finished making some bagels. Sat on the kitchen floor listening but not understanding H's mom and dad speaking Gujurati while I stared at the bagels baking. Sweating.

And now I better get "practiced" before I leave for my course- 4 straight days of silence and meditation. I hear the girl screaming loudly.

Breathe.