I'm not sure about other moms, but I have made decisions for my kids pretty much since they were born. I was trusted to come up with a name that would keep them from being bullied at school. I chose Pampers when Huggies weren't quite right and the Kirtland brand was really wrong. Bottle feeding was best for my kids when nursing just wasn't possible. And, I even chose to let my 9-month-old eat cheerios off the floor (or any other surface) one day when I had the stomach flu and he had to fend for himself. Oh the scandal!
Tonight Subway took that power away from me.........almost.
Cole and I went to Subway and he asked if he could have a soda tonight. I'm a knee-jerk, say no to everything kinda mom, but I'm working on saying yes more, even if it's not the best choice. Cole had been very enjoyable and cooperative all night so, yes, I said yes. I said yes, knowing that the Kid-Fit Meal comes with a juice or a milk, but I've been able to substitute a soda before. No worries! Well, SURPRISE! Not a chance. Not only that, but the sandwich is smaller, 2 inches if it's a mile, and they'll be no cookie or chips with that. Of course, I'm welcome to purchase additional items but there will be NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
At this point, I'm shocked but still very cooperative and trying to take the high road. "Can you please help me? I told my son he could have a soda tonight. How can we make this work?" NO SUBSTITUTIONS! I tell the nice young lady (no really, she was nice, and performed admirably throughout) to please call the manager. Ya, I know I'm being a little stubborn here. To purchase an extra drink would have cost me a whole two dollars, but I just had a great run, have some killer endorphins racing through my system and am feeling a bit feisty.
So, my food is all ready to be rang-up and we're calling the manager. BTW, I'm still very pleasant, talking to the other young lady working and trying not to be "that lady". After explaining the situation to her manager, I am put on the line, with the not-so-nice manager. NO SUBSTITUTIONS! Then she goes on to tell me this is the Kid-Fit meal and a soda is not a fit drink for my child. Perhaps I need to consult with her on all my decisions regarding my kids. Or maybe she and I can discuss the chips that are directly at eye level with my healthy and very active 6-year-old. Or the chocolate milk, she is forcing on my child, that has upwards of 180 calories and is placed so high-up in the refrigerator, I need to reach it for him. He could grab a Pepsi just fine.
Well, I asked if all the local Subways had the same owner and the unfortunate answer is yes. I was hoping to change my patronage to a different store. This is sad news for Lewis County Washington. The saddest news being that Mr. Lewis County Subway owner refuses to participate in the "Janu-any" $5 dollar foot long promotion. Tell me you didn't just sing the little commercial jingle in your head? Nope, not here, and no soda either. Not if your kids also would like the cool little bag their 2 inch sandwich comes in.
There is a first time for everyone. And today was mine. I actually walked out of Subway, leaving my food (and my sons) unpaid for and sitting on the counter. Then proceeded to drive to Quizno's, more than happy to pay the five dollars it probably cost me in gas, seven-miles away. They were more than happy to let Cole have a soda, Rootbeer, if you're wondering. He asked for Mtn. Dew, but I thought that was going a bit too far in my irresponsible parenting. The owner of Quizno's also informed me that he delivers, so next time I don't even have to spend gas money.
I chose my Free Agency
NO SUBSTITUTIONS!
