I'm Sorry, Ma'am, We're Out of _______

You can just fill in that blank. This weekend has been one frustration after another when it came to eating. Let's recap:


Our state gymnastics meet was this weekend. Now, the state meet splits up even the gymnasts from the same gym in the same level. So, Lauren and I had NINE sessions in three days...and SIX of those were Saturday. Whew!!! We barely had time to go to the bathroom.

Friday night we had only one session, and when that was over we dropped Lauren and Carsyn off at the hotel and Vicki and I went to Zaxby's to get some food. Simple really...just chicken sandwiches and drinks. All we asked for out of the ordinary was salt. Just salt. The waitress had the sweetest smile when she said, for the first of the many times this weekend, "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of salt." Out of salt??? With grocery stores and Sam's not two miles away. What the heck???? Must have just been a freak thing, right? Wrong!!!

We weren't really worried about what we would eat Saturday. The neat thing about the meets is that the hosting gym has a coaches' hospitality room because we really don't have time to leave to eat. Well...let's just say that all the gyms this season have really fallen down on the job. Several times we have had 8:00 meets and the breakfast food would not be there until 10:00. What are they thinking???

This weekend had to be the worst, though. Now don't get me wrong-- we love the Bama Bounders and their meets, and Mr. Mike is wonderful to work with. Most of the problem lies with us--we are PICKY. However, I will have to admit that I do not believe I have ever seen sweet potato casserole and rice and chicken nuggets served together. There was absolutely nothing we would eat...all day long.

Carsyn did sooooo good for such a looooong day, so when Haley's meet started I gave Lauren a little break and then Vicki and I took Carsyn and got her out. We had not been gone long when Lauren sent a text saying that the meet was going by really fast and we could come get her. Of course, the plans were for an immediate stop at some fantabulous place to eat. Vicki, Lauren, and I were starving!! We were thinking Applebee's but saw Panera Bread first. Although sandwiches weren't exactly what we had in mind, we all knew the macaroni and cheese would make everything ok. So we got out, unloaded the car seat, tried to keep Carsyn asleep, and went in to give our order. The sweetest young man took note of the plain turkey sandwiches on country bread with American Cheese, and all was going well until...Lauren: "I want macaroni and cheese with mine." Waiter: "I'm sorry, ma'am, we are out of mac and cheese." What???!!! Out of their own signature dish?? Unheard of!! I'm sorry to say that Lauren did not handle this well. With a look of pure disgust, she said, "Well, I just don't want anything from here" and turned and walked out. I could tell that Vicki had never seen Lauren really, really hungry.

We finally found Applebee's and the food was great, Carsyn was good, and the waiter was gracious. We decided that it was time for Carsyn to get in, so I would stay with her in  the room while Lauren and Vicki picked up a couple of things and get some dessert. Diapers- check. Shoes - check. Then for the dessert. At Sonic the girls were told that a hot fudge sundae would be impossible because the hot fudge machine had just been cleaned and it would take a long, long, long time for it to heat up because it had to get very, very, very hot. Another way of saying, "We don't really want to do this order. Please go somewhere else." So they did. Lauren drove to McDonald's and, with great hesitation, asked for a hot fudge sundae. No problem! Reese's McFlurry? No problem! Chocolate milkshake? No problem. Until she drove to the window. Vicki's hot fudge sundae came first. Then my chocolate milkshake. But where was the Reese's McFlurry? You guessed it: "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of Reese's." Are you kidding me??? Lauren settled for an M&M McFlurry, but not before giving the entire story to the poor window worker.

Sunday was the last day...had to be better, right? In some ways it was. I did the 8:00 meet so Lauren and Vicki could rest and get packed up. Kathryn did a great job! Then Lauren came to stay with Becca (who had an awesome meet!!)  and Vicki, Carsyn, and I went to Target and Shoe Station, and the Dollar Tree. We were to pick Lauren up right after the meet and we would go get some lunch. After seven (7) U turns, we finally decided to go back to Zaxby's. Easy order again-- chicken strips, chicken sandwich, club sandwich. All was looking good. There was a slight problem with our drinks: Zaxby's wanted us to have bottled water, but we wanted ice in a cup. I finally convinced them that despite the fact that we would be charged the same, we really preferred the cup. Driving up to the window, I was proud of the fact that at least our last meal in Tuscaloosa would be without a hitch. And then it happened. At Vicki's request, I asked for just a few packets of ketchup. "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of ketchup." Ha!! Can you believe it? Out of salt AND ketchup? Wow!! Double Wow!!

Oh, well, the chicken was good and all of it made for a good laugh...if Lauren is ever actually in the mood to laugh about it!

We are so proud of all our girls...outstanding effort from each and every one!And so proud of Carsyn--such a long weekend and she was a trooper! I'm sure there are many more of those meets in store for her!