A Pre-Holiday Guest

A week with the class flamingo, Ms. Pinky.

Most people are used to hosting guests this time of year, and our family is no exception. For the past week, my house has been home to my two-year-old son’s class stuffed flamingo, Ms. Pinky. My husband has been dreading her stay since he first heard about the germ-infested bird.

Upon her arrival, I quickly learned that my two-year-old is, predictably, a rather rude host. Though initially excited for Ms. Pinky’s visit, he tired of her almost immediately, leaving me as her main companion. Moms, you know how this goes.

Since it would be Ms. Pinky and me for the next few days, I welcomed her with a proper spa treatment—a warm bath via the washer and dryer. Here she is, all fresh and clean.

Once my kids left for school, I found Ms. Pinky sipping tea in the kitchen, deep in my copy of Nora Ephron’s Heartburn (a classic, obviously). We both laughed when we realized we have the same taste in books.

When her visit didn’t go as planned, and my son fell ill with a stomach bug, Ms. Pinky kept herself entertained. She proved herself remarkably self-sufficient, preparing a breakfast of fish one morning. She never once asked me where to find a utensil.

While I was preoccupied with my son’s bug, she watched her favorite shows, leaving me space to tend to him. Beyond conscientious.

She introduced me to one of her favorite television programs, “Wild Birds.” We gabbed about a trip she took to Florida last spring with another one of my son’s classmates, where she happened to bump into a few hundred of her cousins.

And, she even entertained my husband’s lengthy shpiel about the importance of red light glasses. Quite classy for a lady who was not exactly ‘welcomed’ by him.

By the end of the week, it was clear: Ms. Pinky had adapted to our household far better than most guests ever do. And honestly, I had a tough time giving her back. May all of your holiday guests (if you have them this week) be as well-behaved as Ms. Pinky.

Thank you for reading The Performance Plan, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday if you are celebrating. Drop a heart if you laughed.