We've both learned a little

So we have a week and a half of kindergarten behind us and while I'm sure E has learned a lot in these few short days, I have a few thoughts of my own.....

• I've learned that I must be prepared to claim my spot in the carpool line at least 30 minutes before dismissal in the afternoon if I intend to retrieve my kid anytime before dinner. The school lot is tiny and there are A LOT of parents who bring and pick up their child. I did a little math. If I wait in the line for 30 minutes a day for 185 school days, that is 5,550 minutes or 92.5 HOURS (3.85 DAYS!) just this school year! Multiply that by 6 years at the same school and that is 555 HOURS (23 days!) of my life just spent waiting in line at the elementary school. On the other hand, F loves the wait. It gives him time for more of this:

• I've also discovered that no matter how many ice packs you put in your kid's lunchbox, the yogurt will still be warm by lunchtime. And yes, I've tried freezing them, but then she says they're TOO cold. Standard lunch box menu at our house is peanut butter, yogurt, string cheese, pretzels and a drink. She tried hot lunch one day and then announced she is pretty sure she doesn't want to do that again.
  

• Speaking of lunchtime, E's class has lunch at 10:30. 10:30AM! I think they should call it brunch because that's what it is. Minus the eggs. Just for fun, I joined her for lunch today. That was an experience. 85 kids all needing help with their juice boxes, ziplock bags and yogurt tops. Those cafeteria ladies earn every penny they get. Bless their hearts.

• Sadly, an hour is not enough time in the morning to eat, make lunches, shower and get everyone dressed and out the door. After the morning excitement wore off by midweek, I decided PJ's for me in the car were okay. Who sees me anyway? 6AM wake-up call is brutal!
  

• On another note, I snapped this picture this afternoon of another parent's vehicle while I was waiting in the pickup line. Only in this unique corner of the world would this be considered acceptable and probably even normal by most.