Dawn of a New Day

For one reason or another--mostly because Sarcasm Girl doesn't often go out on school nights unless there's some special event--a Mock Trial competition or a concert or something in particular--we've never established a curfew for her. Today she had a Mock Trial meeting, and afterward called to say that she was going to grab something to eat downtown with some friends. About eight o'clock I called to ask what her plans were: she and some Mock Trial buds were going to Eggettes, a snack place two blocks from our house. All her homework was completed. She'd be home in a bit. So, in the happy consciousness that she was nearby, I said fine and hung up.

At 9:40 I called up and said "Guess what. You've never had a curfew before, but by the power vested in me by Motherhood, I now declare that on school nights your curfew is 10pm. You have twenty minutes."

She giggled. I laughed a little. And she was home by 10. Tremble at my Maternal Power!