The Weekend Recap in Five Minutes or Less *

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I probably watched more World Cup soccer than should legally be allowed. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I think I saw part of at least five games, including the one where Italy and the US finished in a draw because the Italians accidentally kicked the ball into their own net and scored America's only goal. I'm rooting for Ghana to score at least two goals for us on Thursday.

I succeeded in cleaning the house. I realize that normal people do this regularly, but it felt like such an accomplishment that it needed mentioning. It's a wondrous feeling when clutter disappears, I mean, really disappears. Instead of huddling in a stack and hiding in a closet (like it usually does), I was actually able to coax the clutter into the recycling bin.

I managed to fit in some cafe reading over the weekend, which helped me get back on target with my book-a-week goal without affecting my coffee intake. I'm currently reading my 22nd book of the year: George MacDonald Fraser's Olive Garden isn't one of them, but since my dad wanted to eat there, we waited. At the end of dinner, he was kind enough not to wrestle me for the bill, which probably had more to do with his sore back than his desire to pay the check. He did try to cover the tip, though, but I flatly refused the offer.

It made me wonder if I'm going to be like my dad when I have a kid. Will I attempt to pay for meals even when I'm the one being treated? I have a feeling I will, but I hope I'll remember to let the kid pay every once in a while, just to give him or her the satisfaction I felt last night of being able to show a little appreciation.

And that, in less than five minutes, was my weekend.