Me pretty talk on a day of one.

Like a little Dream in wonderland she wandered into my home, completely bedazzled and awestruck by her new and foreign surroundings. She immediately flocked to the weathered and crotchety, old bird who wanted nothing more than a moderate amount of personal space. Explain the concept of personal space to a four year old child. It was not long before the bird was chirping and hissing violently toward the young girl.

Distractions, however, are commonplace at such a tender young age. It was easy to sway her attention to the mild-natured, gentle bunnies a room over - a much safer source for a child's delight. Her name was Kristy, a delightfully energetic child. The weather gloomed outside but remained devoid of rain. And yet, she insisted on sporting a bright green rain coat within the confines of my home. Intrigued, I prodded about the history of the child.

Kristy lived the first 9 months of her life in China, unwanted by her parents because she lacked one overwhelmingly important quality that Chinese people treasure so greatly - the proper genitalia. But fortunately, she was taken in by a charming, intelligent and exorbitantly kind young American woman. Being a single mother, she had to find the most suitable environment to keep watch of young Kristy as she worked. She, of course, chose a place very fond in her heart: the JCC (Jewish Community Center.) Now, to me, concept of a Jewish Asian (or Arian if I'm having difficulty typing) girl is one of utter hilarity, and in all honesty, probably the driving inspiration for this story.

After she enjoyed swimming in our pool and completed her mesmerization with Sleeping Beauty, we all sat down for a delicious dinner. As she was clearly entertained by me for some reason or another, indicated by the many stickers which now covered my attire, I decided to ask her questions about herself. Not knowing the extent of a four year old that she was, I asked her if she was going to be in kindergarten come Fall. To which she excitedly exclaimed, "I'm in Pre-K!" If I had only heard this statement, I would have assumed that this had been the most profound accomplishment in her life. When I realized that she had just recently had a birthday, it occurred to me that unless something goes seriously wrong, she will be one of the smartest children I will ever met. How could she not be? Chinese blood and Jewish rearing sound like a perfect formula for brilliance and stinginess.

This was a long day for the four year old. After eating some chicken, and bartering aggressively with her mother for the right to consume two rather than one of the cookies that she was in charge of making, she was thoroughly pooped. It was time for her day to come to an end. And with it came a lesson for me - when kids aren't bratty and obnoxious, they really can be a lot of fun and a breath of fresh air.

Note: Really, I just wanted to write an entry that was story-like rather than just reflective thought, and I thought the events of yesterday were good inspiration to do so. But off that topic, school is canceled tomorrow, and I'm elated. Have a great day! I know I will.