Balloons & Storm Clouds

After work this evening, I popped into Kroger for a few items that would help pull off a special birthday surprise for one of my most favorite colleagues.

In addition to A LOT of butter and chocolate (I baked Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies tonight—have you ever tried them? If not, please refer here), I purchased balloons to tie to my coworker's chair.

Balloons are problematic.

They're incredibly silly and fun, yet they're very frustrating to transport just about anywhere.

Oh my GOD, I thought, staring out the front windows of the grocery store as huge storm clouds gathered in the distance.

I put the pedal to the metal and rolled my shopping card outside like I was an Olympian competing in the 100 meter sprint.

Lightning streaked across the sky and thunder roared as I finally neared my little Corolla.

I threw my grocery bags into the backseat and then went to untie the balloons from the shopping cart's handle.

Except they wouldn't budge.

THE BALLOONS HAD KNOTTED UP!

Boom, boom! Lightning, lighting!

My stomach felt sick and tears actually welled up in my eyes (seriously) as panic set in. I could not untie those birthday balloons for the life of me, and now I was set to die in a Kroger parking lot via lightning strike.

Finally, I fished my car keys out of my pocket and sliced the strings free.

The plastic clips went flying, one landing beside a nearby car and setting off its alarm.

"GAH! You've got to be kidding me!" I actually shouted aloud (like a crazy person!) before stuffing the boppity balloons in the car and hopping in the front seat.

Thank goodness I made it inside my car when I did...it really poured!

I had to sit in my car for a bit once I arrived home. I took Snapchat photos of myself to remain entertained. I only stopped when a very athletic (and dedicated) runner jogged by, and I felt stupid.

I'm feeling very grateful to be in our cozy house tonight, with Ina brownies baking in the oven, our bedding tumbling about in the washer and dryer (meaning fresh sheets tonight, meaning the best thing ever), and no more balloons dancing in the wind.

Storms are better enjoyed from inside.

Just ask our wet golden retriever.