Kintropy In Action

The negotiations started after dinner.

"We need to pick up Hannah's [Medicine A]," Janette said.  "I'm okay doing it."

"I wouldn't mind picking up prescriptions," I offered.  "Plus I need to add my [Medicine B] and Gabriel's [Medicine C]."

"Okay, but I wouldn't mind getting out either." 

Eyes narrowed and glances were exchanged.  Both of us were staking out impossible positions: a night free of child care responsibilities. 

I placed the Walgreens call, adding to the pick up, and Janette cruised down to the floor to visit with Hannah.  Earlier, I had staked my position:  I was worn out and didn't want to be responsible for much tonight (e.g. wanted to creep away to another room and watch the news).  After work and a walk home, I was tired, but avoiding any fatherly duties tonight was being yanked off the table.

"Okay," I acquised.  "You can go do the pick up."

"Thanks," Janette replied.  "I also need to get a couple things while I'm out, [me:  ] but I'll take Gabriel with me [me:  ]."

So Janette and Gabriel headed out for a couple of hours.  Granted, I had lost the negotiations, but Janette's sweetner at the end made things work out pretty well.  Besides, Hannah and I had a great time together over the weekend, and I think we were both looking for a repeat.  We sang together, watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune (Hannah's favorites), laughed at funny voices, and stretched on the floor together.

Around eight, Hannah and I headed back to her bedroom for some Laurie Berkner downtime (her:  the video; me:  some reading).  A little after nine, Janette and Gabriel returned.  

"Gabriel, I said it's time to get ready for bed!" 

"I am!  I am!"

Janette popped into Hannah's room and deposited a fresh, warm Milky Way latte from Dutch Brothers (our unspoken repayment when she gets the out-of-house permission slip).  Hannah's nurse joined us, and I gave her the report for the night as Hannah hugged and kissed her. 

All in all, I thought, a pretty good night even if my original position wasn't won.  Hmmm... it is Tuesday...  Maybe I could try winning a different negotiation:

"Janette," I asked sweetly, "we're you going to take out trash tonight?"

-- Dad