The future famous film director and the future restaurant critic cannot believe their luck.
They have stumbled upon a kiosk dazzling with rhinestone-spotted bangles and a rainbow of Indian scarves.
"OHMYGOD. Ohmygod," they repeat. "Look at THIS. I need this."
Also: "Oh my God."
"I think India is my favorite country," gushes the 10-year-old.
"I LOVE these," she says with a sudden intake of breath as she reaches for one shiny thing after another.
Her 11-year-old accomplice nods her head in agreement, but she is speechless as she runs her hands over a display of rhinestone-dotted bracelets.
I do not think they can hear me anymore.
They touch everything.
They choose matching bracelets in lime-green and yellow, an heiress-sized blue and green rhinestone ring shaped like a flower and a jeweled hair clip.
They look at me hopefully.
Being "future," their chosen careers are not in what you would call the salaried stage.
It is my money we will be spending today.
What? You didn't take the "teaching moment" that was right in front of you when India was mentioned as a favorite country? After you've spent ten minutes telling them about how great it is to be female in India (castes! honor killings! Mothers-in-law who set their daughters-in-law on fire!) they might look at their jangly spangles a little differently. And not sleep that night. It's your DUTY to destroy their fun!
Posted by: Sue | August 11, 2008 at 12:06 PM
You're right. I totally blew it. I think they envision India as a giant Claire's outlet.
Posted by: Suburban Kamikaze | August 13, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I guess I am confused, what has Inja got to do with anything?---like hello its so poor and all?
Posted by: Gary "old dude" | August 13, 2008 at 06:02 PM
LOL, my 3-year-old has just learned the phrase "I need" as it relates to candy, toys, or anything sparkly. Good to know this is only the beginning...
Posted by: Cuppa Jo | August 19, 2008 at 08:09 AM