Ten Years Ago on FITK

Supermom in a Bagel Shop


Los Alamos, New Mexico

After a morning spent enduring the 'atomic optimism' of the Bradbury Museum, we needed an influx of non-nuclear energy. The independently-owned bagel shop was busy, the decor was vibrant and the food delicious. The table nearest us was occupied by a family of five: two adorable tow-headed girls, the father, and the mother, who was nursing her baby. The girls were rambunctious, the father helpful, and the baby was completely blissed out. The mom, however, was super.

It was an unseasonably warm day. The restaurant hadn’t turned on its AC, so the woman was, as they used to say in a more genteel time, “glowing.” But somehow she managed to keep her cool, even when the father left for a few minutes and she was in sole charge of the children. She deftly managed to keep the girls in line, eat her lunch, feed the baby and operate her iPhone.

Despite modern technology, a mother's life never gets any easier.

UPDATE: Critique of this post by ChatGPT 3.5:

It sounds like you're painting a vivid scene of a bustling bagel shop with a charming family at the neighboring table. Let's break down some key elements:

Busy Bagel Shop: The shop is bustling with activity, indicating its popularity among customers. This sets the scene for a lively atmosphere.

Vibrant Decor and Delicious Food: The shop's vibrant decor adds to its appeal, suggesting a welcoming and cheerful environment. The mention of delicious food enhances the overall positive impression of the establishment.

Family Dynamics: The family at the nearby table adds depth to the scene. The description of the two tow-headed girls being rambunctious, the father being helpful, and the baby being blissful paints a picture of a typical family outing.

Mom's Composure: Despite the warmth of the day and the challenges of managing young children, the mother remains composed and capable. She multitasks effortlessly, juggling responsibilities such as keeping the children in line, eating her lunch, tending to the baby, and using her iPhone.

Unseasonably Warm Weather: The mention of unseasonably warm weather adds a touch of realism to the scene, setting the context for the discomfort the mother experiences due to the lack of air conditioning in the restaurant.

Use of Humor: The phrase "glowing" humorously acknowledges the mother's perspiration in a lighthearted and genteel manner, adding a touch of wit to the narrative.

Overall, your description effectively captures the ambiance of the bagel shop and the dynamics of the family, creating a vivid and engaging scene for the reader.

So… at least I’ve got that going for me.