A Pinch to Grow an Inch

Last night Lion pointed out that Monday is punishment night. It’s also his birthday. Hmmm. That hardly seems fair. The only swats he should get are birthday swats. So, on the fly, I instituted a new rule: if punishment night falls on a federal holiday or birthday, any swats accrued will be meted out on the following night. Phew! Crisis averted. That was a close one!

I can joke about it because I’m not a strict person. Whether punishment is given out on Monday or Tuesday makes little difference to me. There are many reasons why the day may have to change. Mondays are also one of Lion’s PT days. If he comes home dragging his arm behind him because he did a lot of painful exercises, I won’t add to his misery. If we eat too much on a Thursday night and both of us feel bloated and gross, I wouldn’t want to punish him. It would be uncomfortable for both of us. It’s a no-brainer to postpone things till Friday. Of course there’s nothing that says I have to limit punishment to either of those days. If Lion annoys me I can take care of things right then and there or as soon as we get home.

I’m not at all sure how many punishment days are affected by this new rule. Federal holidays are often on Mondays and Fridays as a way to extend weekends. If it becomes an issue, I can always change it back. It’s one of the perks of being in charge. Or I can make a loophole. Lawmakers are fond of loopholes. The rule is what I say it is, except when I say it’s different. There. A loophole.

Lion was all for the rule change. No punishment on his birthday. I don’t think either one of us thought about birthday swats at the time. I didn’t until I wrote it here. They’re different from punishment swats, of course. “Little” love taps. And don’t forget the pinch to grow an inch.