Poor Thing Mom Mystery Contest
No stamping today. Just a mystery and a contest with a prize. I had to pick up Poor Thing Son at 4:30 pm today. I gave him "clear" instructions -- stand here in front of Maggie Moos at 4:30 and I'll be there to pick you up. Maggie Moos is an ice cream shop and is in an outdoor "village" of stores, restaurants, book store, library, theaters, etc. Long story short, by 5:00, no Poor Thing Son, but a very worried, very HOT, Poor Thing Mom. After searching for a half hour, I went from annoyed to scared to freaked out. So, I got back in my car to shift the search from foot to vehicle, and as I was driving through the shopping village I spied him. He was . . . So, what was Andy (age 16) doing during the half hour I was having a nervous breakdown? Comment on this post and describe what you think Andy was doing. First person to guess what Andy was doing will win a $35 gift certificate to Paperosity One guess per person. If you live outside of the USA, please check and make sure that Paperosity ships to your home or you are not eligible. I'll announce the winner on Sunday July 1. The fine print: (I didn't go to law school for nuttin') Please leave your name with your entry. At least a first name with an initial for your last name. Anonymous won't work! I will be asking you to contact me through Splitcoaststampers to claim your prize. You will have a week to claim your prize, after that, well, I'll run another contest! Oh, and am I affiliated with Paperosity? No, just love the store!
Okay, so I have a 16 year old son, and he would probably be hanging out with some cute girls from his school and wouldn't want to tell them "MOM is waiting to pick me up", because then he might look like a nerd and his dating career would be over....
ReplyDeleteJudy Tuttle
jtuttle@lps.org
He was playing video games, I bet. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL, he was eating ice cream with some friends. . .
ReplyDeleteKathy scs kathat
He was reading in the bookstore. It's a long shot...I know..
ReplyDeleteI'll bet he met some friends and absentmindedly started strolling the shopping center with them, totally oblivious to the pick up time you had pre-arranged with him, just chatting away. The thought didn't cross his mind that you were waiting there for him, scared to death of the many scenarios that flashed through your mind as you were waiting. I have a 15 year old girl and this is something should would definitely do!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is he was trying to call you on a pay phone because he was so concerned about how scared you would feel and didn't want you to worry...
ReplyDeleteOkay, seriously... I think he was talking to a cute girl. ;)
This is like the board game "Clue"!! Col. Mustard in the library with the candlestick!
ReplyDeleteActually, I think he was in the bookstore, talking to a friend who works there.
Denise R.
Video games would be my first bet. But if that mall has an Apple store, I would guess he was checking out the new IPHONE-which I am lusting after but 500 bucks-I dont think so!
ReplyDeleteHe was hanging out in front of starbucks waiting for you because he didn't remember where is was supposed to go. :)
ReplyDeleteHe was either at Starbucks or at the bookstore!?
ReplyDeleteI think your son was seeing a movie. It sounds hot where you are and the cinema will have been airconditioned ;-). Hope I don't win because it does not look like Paperosity mails to Australia :-(.
ReplyDeleteSam.
I think that he was applying/interviewing for a new job....one that has windows and more excitement....with the view of the outdoors and everchanging selection of adorable girls and friends walking by. Patti
ReplyDeletei think he was INSIDE maggie moos waiting for you ...
ReplyDeleteHe had gone into the bookstore and picked up a stamping magazine for you, and was picking out cards that you could do better.
ReplyDelete(Yeah, I know it is wrong--but my boy is just ten, and I still want to dream.)
~Juliana
Here is my guess:
ReplyDeletesince he works in a cubicle all day (poor thing!) and he works through lunch (OMG) - he was sitting on a bench outside of a food place - eating real food (a 16 yo needs more than ice cream you know!)
Fun contest! Thanks for sharing your mom moment!...
Patti M
(SCS: Indy_Patti)
I would guess he found some kind of scrapbooking or stamping store and was browsing around!
ReplyDeleteAt 16 he was probably entertaining some really cute girls and totally lost track of time or really didn't care what time it was. Been there...done that and so glad it's behind me. We did all survive!
ReplyDeletePat
Joan, oh, the suspense will kill me on this!!
ReplyDeleteWas he skateboarding in his nice Poor Thing work clothes?? Was he exiting the shabby tattoo parlor hidden at the end of the row of shops???
NO! My real guess is he was helping someone (my gut feeling is a little old white haired lady, but I am not gonna be that specific!) change the flat tire on their car in the parking lot. Because I know you have raised a son with a strong sense of responsibility!
(although I do like all the "with a girl" entries! and I laughed at the "calling on a pay phone" entry - do pay phones still exist???)
koopdedoo
I think he was staring at some cool sports car that was in the parking lot. I know this distracts my DH!
ReplyDeleteHanging out in the arcade?
ReplyDeleteHi Joan -
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have a 15.5 DD. I know she is always waiting patiently for me. Maybe he was helping a lost little one find their parent. Let's hope it was something like that. Have a gerat day!
my son is 2 so it's been a while since I've dealt with teenagers but....when I was that age, I'd say he was gettin' some digits (AKA talking to a cute girl to get her phone number). I grew up in NYC, can you tell?
ReplyDeleteI will have to say he was buying you a little present or card. Since you had given him a card. He just lost track of the time.
ReplyDeleteHe was standing outside visiting with a girl.
ReplyDeleteHi! He was probably inside the ice cream shop eating ice cream!
ReplyDeleteCheryl KVD
cak_ie@hotmail.com
Since most obvious things are already being said, I bet that he was playing with a puppy from a pet store.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... seeing as how my son is only 4, I can't claim any wonderful insights. So my guess is that he was browsing the craft section at the book store ;)
ReplyDeletemy first thought was that he was talking to a girl, but that is laready taken so I am going to say he was playing B-Ball with some friends. GREAT contest!
ReplyDeleteI bet he was trying to find a payphone so that he could call you to find out where you were!
ReplyDeleteFlirting with girls!!!! That HAS to be the answer! :)
ReplyDeleteHelping some little old lady with her bags? What?? A mother can dream can't she? ;)
ReplyDeleteSandra_M
getting some chick's phone number!
ReplyDeleteyep, my parents used to walk the board walk and see what my brothers and I were up to... then it would all come out at the dinner table..
who was the girl with the doberman pincher, John?
what did those 2 guys want in the Camaro???
yep.. we were busted!!!! ha!
I'm sure he had met some gorgous young lady and was chatting away!
ReplyDeleteVicky
I have a 16 year old girl, but luckily she is not into boys yet. However, when I was 16 I did like boys. I think that he started talking to some cute girl/s (who probably worked at Maggie Moo's). He then proceeded to continue talking to them when they got off work. They started walking down the strip mall. He, of course, got distracted and didn't realize what time it was. Hence, hysterical Mom!
ReplyDeleteHe was standing in front of the wrong store, talking to a girl, thinking you had forgotten him....???
ReplyDeleteKaren L.
I'm going to have to go with the obvious...talking to a girl.
ReplyDelete~Melissa N
I have a 16yo son. He would have been browsing the different stores and "looking" occasionally to see if I was "there". Then he'd say, "Calm down" to me as I was near hysterics!
ReplyDeletehe was getting a massage. OH wait, that is what I would like to spend a half an hour doing.
ReplyDeleteSo 16 you say. I am going to guess that he was off skateboarding. That is what my brother was always doing at that age.
ReplyDeleteI think he was INSIDE the ice cream store flirting with some girls!!!
ReplyDeleteAs I gaze into my foggy memory bank, I'm thinking he was in a game arcade dancing on one of those light machines that are soooo coool. I've been fascinated watching kids do that and wished I could try it.
ReplyDeleteSuzyQue
suzyq@nctv.com
He was at the Theater, watching auditions or something?
ReplyDeleteJacki J.
Standing near Maggie Moos-- you went to another ice cream place by mistake.
ReplyDeleteHe was looking for you of course!
ReplyDeleteNeat contest...fantastic prize!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win :)
You spotted him from your car, so I think he was outside...
I'm guessing he was laying down in the grassy area in front of the shops, probably asleep.
Wow - Poor Thing Mom! i would have had a heart-attack but then my son is only 3 so we haven't even hit the teen years yet. My guess is he was hanging out in front of the wrong store; i'll say the bookstore, instead of the ice cream store. Glad you found him and all is well. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteBeth B. (mommy to a busy 3 3/4 yr old)
I think he got their early and decided to run into the library. He saw some friends from school and lost track of time.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's not something that simple, but was trying to think of something different!
Allison Teague
ateague@twcny.rr.com
DS was probably with a group of other kids, which is why you didn't notice him at first? Gosh, there are SO many things a 16 yr. old boy could be doing at a shopping village I really can't imagine what the correct answer would be!!!
ReplyDeleteok i'm guessing he was INSIDE maggie moo's having some ice cream
ReplyDeleteMy guess is he was at another store waiting for you?
ReplyDeleteCindy Keery
He showed up at Maggie Moos a few minutes early and utterly exhausted from his busy day. Unfortunately, there were no available seats outside of Maggie Moos and nothing in the shade, so he walked over to a bench in the shade where he could still see Maggie Moos and watch for you. But then, being so doggone tired, he fell asleep and didn't see when you pulled up.
ReplyDelete- Amy V
Since talking to a girl has clearly been taken, I will say he was on his cell, texting a girl and forgot all about ol' mom.
ReplyDelete(I have a soon to be 16 year old too.)
I'd say he was sitting in front of another store, or on the grass waiting for you to pick him up.
ReplyDeleteClaudia F.
I have a 16 yr old step-son & he would probably be talking to a really cute girl. And, he would forget all about where he was supposed to meet up. Thanks for a chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteI am not reading all the other responses until after I post my guess, but I guess he was skateboarding around the center. I guess a 16 year old let loose in a plaza could easily be rolling around and forget time.
ReplyDeleteI bet he was climbing on one of those climbing walls that they put up in one of those villages.
ReplyDeleteCheryl Sims
My guess is he was hanging out with some girls eating ice cream. Just outside your range of vision....LOL!
ReplyDeletePoor Mom I hope you have recovered!
Kelly Sampson
I'm gonna guess he found an arcade somewhere!--amiedanny@msn.com
ReplyDeleteAmie
I'm guessing he was INSIDE Maggie Moos. That's where my son would hae been.
ReplyDeleteCheryl Hinton
ok I think he was reading a book He got from the library, eatting icecream while reading and had just gotton out of the movie :P
ReplyDeleteYa hes 16 so it could be anything!
Oh no, I have a 17 year old son, let's see - he was where he was supposed to be all the time, "You just didn't see me."
ReplyDeleteTroy Louise
I would bet he was in a game store looking at games!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I won't venture to guess since I am the one with the "goods" - however I will leave you with this comment..... buy the boy a cell phone!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow what a great way to have a chance a this sweet yummy candy. He had to have found a stamping store to buy sweet things for his mommy!! Ok for real I would say he had to go to the bathroom. Thaks for a chance. cmeyers@hughes.net
ReplyDeleteOh...Poor Thing Mom. I can totally relate and feel for you. My DS is now 21 and I still have those moments. He just informed me this morning as he was heading out the door to go to work (I told him to drink lots of water as it was going to be another killer hot day)that he was 21 and I didn't need to worry about him. I told him that I didn't care if he was 51, that's what mom's do. Ok..to get back to your question & Poor Thing 1/2 hr, I really don't think he was doing anything too bad (well he wasn't where he was supposed to be) but boys at that age are distracted so easily, a pretty girl, fast car, electronics, friends, food, etc. At 16, he probably didn't have money to buy food, isn't really too interested in talking 1 on 1 with a girl...doesn't like reading...he had to be somewhere listen to music. Diane D. aka doverdi
ReplyDeleteHe was in the library studying for his defense against his 'crime': not being where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be there!
ReplyDeleteeating ice cream!!
ReplyDeleteCathy I (stamper-c on SCS)
He was sitting inside Maggie Moos, dozing, with his Ipod earphones on! at least that's what my kids would be doing!
ReplyDeleteColleen Laux
www.stampingoddess.com
My daughter would say she was looking for me. I have to agree with the other comments that he was probably talking to some cute girls.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would say she was looking for me. I have to agree with the other comments that he was probably talking to some cute girls.
ReplyDeletekissing a new girlfriend????
ReplyDeleteHe was cooling his heels in the fountain?
ReplyDeleteHe was listening to his Ipod on a bench and lost track of time...
ReplyDeleteI think he found some friends and lost track of time. Instead of waiting for you in front of the ice cream store.
ReplyDeleteHe was skateboarding in the parking lot with some friends he ran into.
ReplyDeleteI am going to guess that he was standing in front of the wrong store. HE DIDN'T LISTEN to you when you told him where to meet. Just a hunch!
ReplyDeleteSince talking to girls has already been taken several times...I'll go with: He was outside a different eatery. Irritated that you weren't there yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna go with "Andy was reading a comic book outside the book store" because based on what I've read about Andy, he seems to be the comic book sort. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I have a whole room in my house devoted to my DH's beloved comic books.
ReplyDeleteOf course, with my luck, Andy despises comic books... LOL!
Like how you call your son "Poor Thing". I have a couple nephews who seem to have that mentallity, too.
ReplyDeleteOf course he was early (4:27) and it was hot and he was sure you'd be late, so he ran into the book store for just a minute. Lost track of time and when he realized you'd be waiting, he casually sauntered toward Maggie Moos, because it was still hot and he'd be outside waiting for his "taxi" and he didn't want to perspire on his "Poor Thing" work wardrobe, because his laundry service is a bit overworked now that she has to care for twice as many clothes. So, is he gounded for life since he took years off yours?
I think he was eating ice cream in the shop ... it was too much temptation waiting in front of the ice cream shop without having any ...
ReplyDeleteGlorie A.
FLIRTING!!
ReplyDeleteIf it were my 16 year old...he'd been in the bookstore, sitting on the floor, in a corner with his nose in a book. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI have a 18 year old son, so I'm going to guess either sleeping or just sitting there watching you.
ReplyDeletetalking with girls
ReplyDeleteI say he was hanging out talking to a cute girl he spied. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren (stampin3 - scs)
Since he has been getting up so early for work I am going to guess that he fell asleep on the train and missed his stop.
ReplyDeleteTalking to a girl.
ReplyDelete...just getting out of a friend's car. Friend gave him a ride from work to shopping village. There was some "perfectly good" reason why he didn't make it on time. You searched on foot for 1/2 hour--I figure you looked in Maggie Moos and all the other places. I like the sleeping under a tree idea, though. My son would have thought it too uncool to fall asleep in public. I'll go with getting out of a friend's car. You really are just too, too funny!
ReplyDeleteOMG Joan....I'd kill him!!!! Literally....
ReplyDeleteAnyhow was he standing there talking to a girl!!!! Hanging out with his friends forgetting that he had to meet mom?????
Wandering around window shopping. Such a cute contest.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing spending some of that HARD EARNED MONEY! Since someone already said bookstore and I'm not going to read all 91 responses, I'll take a stab at him checking out some music to maybe listen to while sitting in his no-window cube (looks around - hey I'm in a no-window cube too!).
ReplyDeleteBrowsing in a stamping/scrapping store??
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteLove your blog...I'm new here...but as I'm in the torrid South (just 5 hours down from DC), I suspect that he was inside in the air conditioning. That's where I would have been.
Shawn
AKA Stampingshawn on SCS
You just can't compete with Mother Nature as hard as you might try. Poor Thing Son was talking to a girl (girls if he was having a really great day)! He really didn't have any control over the situation. I raised two boys and know how hard it was to accept that another woman (girl) could so absorb my son's attention that he could temporarily forgot he even had a mother! Much less that she was waiting to pick him up!
ReplyDeleteflwrldy3 on SCS
My guess is that he couldnt remember where you were going to pick him up, so he went and stood outside a scrapbook/stamping store because he knew you would eventually drive past there!
ReplyDeleteMy guess would be that he ended up working late and lost track of time, because even though he was complaining about the commute and the time and lack of windows, I am sure that he would complete a task once he committed to it.
ReplyDeleteOoh, so many good guesses. I was going to say girl or sleeping but those have been taken.
ReplyDeleteSo I am going to say he was coming out of a store where he had been buying a gift for you to say thank you for the card you made for him.
I think he was inside Maggie Moos!!
ReplyDeleteI hope I win!!
no doubt hanging with girls trying to impress them with his knowledge of stamping and card crafting. You're raising a smart boy there! Good job!
ReplyDeleteMaureen Labanowski
moheron@msn.com
Well Joan, I think he was having ice cream. :) I sure am glad that he is okay. Sorry you had to be half scared to death! Kids! Gotta love them ;)
ReplyDeleteMary
My guess is that he was hanging around a coffee shop talking to a girl!
ReplyDeleteStanding under a sprinkler??
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where he is because I have a teenage daughter who does the exact same thing. They were off together playing a video game or just talking and completely forgetting about the time or their mothers. I finally bought her a cell phone so I can keep track of her!
ReplyDelete