I will admit that I am tired today. Also, I have a headache. Okay, yes. But you might think I would still possess shopping abilities under those conditions, no? Online shopping abilities, at least?

Apparently not. I’ve been waiting to order some books for the kids, and today was the day. (No good reason why today, I just decided.) But! Some of the books are out of print! Some are only in print in hardback, when I wanted paperback! Some were available used, but then I would have to pay shipping for each seller!

Decisions, decisions. In the end I ordered from Powell’s, which meant I couldn’t use my fake-o monopoly money—er, I mean, my Amazon gift card—but which also meant I could get everything in one order (and with free shipping!). And seriously, now I want to go to bed. That was exhausting.

But instead I will tell you about Owen telephoning his friend Ella. Lately, every time he calls her, I remind him that he may not invite her over to play. Unless we’re calling for that purpose, but usually he’s not. At any rate! He agrees to this requirement, then immediately says, “Hi, Ella! You want to come over to play now?” Every time. Except not this time! This time he understood. Can’t ask her to play. Got it. Okay.

We dialed the phone, they said their hellos, and he panicked. “Mom!” he whispered. “Now what do I say?” I gave him some suggestions, none of which were acceptable. “Can I ask her to play NOW?” No, I said, not today. “Okay, well, bye, then, Ella.”

Poor girl must have wondered why he called at all. “Hi, Ella! Bye, Ella!”

Oh well. She’s only three. I don’t think she’ll hold it against him.