> Was so grateful for some space to breathe this weekend. Easy errands, time to "stop by" a store to get a few things just because I happened to be nearby, and by myself. Time alone to watch a movie Saturday night while Kate and Shawn were at their Father-Daughter dance, and Alex was occupied with Brandon. A leisurely brunch together on Sunday, extra time in the afternoon to meet up with the Girl Scout leader to correct a cookie mix-up... it was so relaxing, even though things got done.
> An auspicious start this morning. Alex's juice exploded all over him! But we were fine -- Kate had had a good morning (slow, but not whiny), so we were in a capable frame of mind and got it cleaned up, he got changed, he had another clean uniform available, I used Spray and Wash to soak it all day, and I still got to work well before anyone else.
> Cookies are all delivered! (On to Round 2...)
> Finally, I figured out what I can "give up for Lent" that's both spiritually enriching and physically challenging. (I know it isn't required, but you know, it's habit. Plus if the kids ask me I need to have an answer for them, especially if I'm going to be so bold as to remind them of what they've given up!) No second helpings at meals. One plate is enough. Think of those who are happy to just have one serving of food. Maybe donate to Food for the Poor.
> Loved last night that the new tune for "Lamb of God" was stuck in both Kate's and my heads. She sang it in her shower. A prayer - like it was being said FOR us, and despite us -- poured into us, over and over. (Last night we didn't have any fussing, so it was as if the prayer had already worked.) Have mercy on us. Grant us peace.
Addendum: Trying like heck to remain open and focused this Monday morning at work. I give myself a little slack - Mondays are hard. A few difficult emails and conversations have already happened, but it's okay. Step back, make a list, do good work. Do not worry over the insignificant details.
Monday, February 22
Friday, February 19
Kate Turned Eight
We had the loveliest long weekend last week, including a visit from the grandparents. :) They arrived on Thursday, while Alex and I were at the Middle School Dance. In fact, their timing was just perfect; I had just walked downstairs to fetch Kate from Aftercare when I got the text saying, "We're here!" So she and I walked up just a little ways and met them outside the dance. By the time we got into the building, the DJ had dismissed the middle-schoolers, and cleanup had just begun. (Thanks for helping with cleanup, Mom and Dad!) Fifteen minutes later, we were done (amazing), and headed to Bahama Breeze to eat our first of many delicious meals together. Then I went to choir. A whirlwind of a day!
On Friday, I went to work and the g'parents babysat. I think they even had a good time. Kate insisted on a trip to Target, and Grandmommy couldn't resist her. Alex and Papa Joe kept busy with grocery runs and books and game systems, I guess. Kate Facetimed me twice while I was at work, which was cute. I like being asked, "Whennnnn are you coming hommmmme?" It makes me feel loved. I did come home, to crock pot Loaded Potato Soup, which is surprisingly delicious even without the bacon (no-meat Lenten Friday). I can't remember what we did that night but it's possible we played Apples to Apples Junior and had a few laughs.
On Saturday, we had to get up early to get the kids to a gymnastics make-up class at 9:00 am. It was kind-of a bummer all the way around (class was chaotic, folding chairs were cold, Mom and I were bored), but we got it on the books and therefore my pre-paid money did not go entirely to waste. And the rest of the day was spent watching Shawn and Papa Joe put together the NEW TRAMPOLINE! Wheeeee! Kate's first birthday present was the biggest, and the biggest hit. Obviously she loves it, and Alex loves it, and I love it, and if it would stop raining, we would be on it every afternoon after school. We, meaning all three of us! On my big brainstorm about things I ENJOY, one of the things I wrote down was 'jumping on a trampoline and doing back handsprings.'
That night's dinner was at Huey Luey's, our new fave Mexican place, with a Valentine's special price for a pitcher of smoooooth top-shelf margaritas. Yes, please! Super fun. I think we watched the horrible GOP debate when we got home, and went to bed pretty much at a decent hour (well, the grown-ups did... the kids' bedtimes are getting increasingly late on the weekends, and this is somewhat bothersome but (usually) not terrible).
On Sunday morning, I was privileged to sing a solo in William Byrd's Teach Me, O Lord. Byrd is one of my all-time favorites, and if I were only allowed to sing his songs for the rest of my life, I wouldn't be sad about it. I love the ancient sound. Despite having had a sore throat from Thursday through Sunday morning, I pulled it off without a hitch and got so many compliments my head blew up like a balloon and exploded. And then we treated ourselves to Dunkin' Doughnuts! ;)
I feel like I'm detailing too much, here, but it was all just so lovely, I want to remember the details. Sunday afternoon entailed more JUMPING outside, even though it was kinda cold, a brief visit from Andy and Peyton, grocery shopping with Mom (an activity we always used to share) and Oh yeah, it was Valentine's Day! Shawn had asked Mom and Dad way ahead of time if they would babysit so we could have dinner out, just the two of us. So sweet! Date night! So they ordered pizza and watched movies, and we went to an Italian place and had dinner at the bar. A+! I love having dinner at the bar, actually. It's cozier, to me. It was perfect. Last week's Downton Abbey on the DVR afterwards was an excellent addition to a delightful evening. So happy!
And then, of course, was Monday (I was so happy to have taken the day off), Kate's birthday. EIGHT. How is this even possible?? My little baby! I keep finding it hard to believe. She was so cute and sweet all day. She loved her presents -- a new purse from Justice, some lip gloss and nail polish, and a hippie sweater, all from Mom. A charm locket necklace from me, and a set of Jersey sheets of her very own. ;) A zebra striped sleeping bag from Gammy (it's SO Kate). We went to Total Wine. Maybe not the right place for kids, but they had fun enough, and us parents sure do like that store. More jumping/playing/watching TV/napping in the afternoon...and her dinner choice was Volcano, the hibachi steakhouse down the street. What fun. She was serenaded with the big Asian drums, ate her favorite, shrimp, and felt like queen of the world, I hope. Cake came afterwards, at home, where again, the pictures tell me she's all grown up but I simply can't fathom! Eight!
On Friday, I went to work and the g'parents babysat. I think they even had a good time. Kate insisted on a trip to Target, and Grandmommy couldn't resist her. Alex and Papa Joe kept busy with grocery runs and books and game systems, I guess. Kate Facetimed me twice while I was at work, which was cute. I like being asked, "Whennnnn are you coming hommmmme?" It makes me feel loved. I did come home, to crock pot Loaded Potato Soup, which is surprisingly delicious even without the bacon (no-meat Lenten Friday). I can't remember what we did that night but it's possible we played Apples to Apples Junior and had a few laughs.
On Saturday, we had to get up early to get the kids to a gymnastics make-up class at 9:00 am. It was kind-of a bummer all the way around (class was chaotic, folding chairs were cold, Mom and I were bored), but we got it on the books and therefore my pre-paid money did not go entirely to waste. And the rest of the day was spent watching Shawn and Papa Joe put together the NEW TRAMPOLINE! Wheeeee! Kate's first birthday present was the biggest, and the biggest hit. Obviously she loves it, and Alex loves it, and I love it, and if it would stop raining, we would be on it every afternoon after school. We, meaning all three of us! On my big brainstorm about things I ENJOY, one of the things I wrote down was 'jumping on a trampoline and doing back handsprings.'
That night's dinner was at Huey Luey's, our new fave Mexican place, with a Valentine's special price for a pitcher of smoooooth top-shelf margaritas. Yes, please! Super fun. I think we watched the horrible GOP debate when we got home, and went to bed pretty much at a decent hour (well, the grown-ups did... the kids' bedtimes are getting increasingly late on the weekends, and this is somewhat bothersome but (usually) not terrible).
On Sunday morning, I was privileged to sing a solo in William Byrd's Teach Me, O Lord. Byrd is one of my all-time favorites, and if I were only allowed to sing his songs for the rest of my life, I wouldn't be sad about it. I love the ancient sound. Despite having had a sore throat from Thursday through Sunday morning, I pulled it off without a hitch and got so many compliments my head blew up like a balloon and exploded. And then we treated ourselves to Dunkin' Doughnuts! ;)
I feel like I'm detailing too much, here, but it was all just so lovely, I want to remember the details. Sunday afternoon entailed more JUMPING outside, even though it was kinda cold, a brief visit from Andy and Peyton, grocery shopping with Mom (an activity we always used to share) and Oh yeah, it was Valentine's Day! Shawn had asked Mom and Dad way ahead of time if they would babysit so we could have dinner out, just the two of us. So sweet! Date night! So they ordered pizza and watched movies, and we went to an Italian place and had dinner at the bar. A+! I love having dinner at the bar, actually. It's cozier, to me. It was perfect. Last week's Downton Abbey on the DVR afterwards was an excellent addition to a delightful evening. So happy!
And then, of course, was Monday (I was so happy to have taken the day off), Kate's birthday. EIGHT. How is this even possible?? My little baby! I keep finding it hard to believe. She was so cute and sweet all day. She loved her presents -- a new purse from Justice, some lip gloss and nail polish, and a hippie sweater, all from Mom. A charm locket necklace from me, and a set of Jersey sheets of her very own. ;) A zebra striped sleeping bag from Gammy (it's SO Kate). We went to Total Wine. Maybe not the right place for kids, but they had fun enough, and us parents sure do like that store. More jumping/playing/watching TV/napping in the afternoon...and her dinner choice was Volcano, the hibachi steakhouse down the street. What fun. She was serenaded with the big Asian drums, ate her favorite, shrimp, and felt like queen of the world, I hope. Cake came afterwards, at home, where again, the pictures tell me she's all grown up but I simply can't fathom! Eight!
Tuesday, February 9
Full, rich life
Several tidbits about what's been going on (nothing major, just the regular stuff!):
Took a brisk 10-minute walk yesterday at 2pm, which helped wake me up. Am trying to do this anyway, as many days as possible, but especially yesterday because I was sleepy. We were all sleepy, actually, due to the Super Bowl festivities Sunday night. It was so great that Peyton Manning won. I mean, even though everyone knows it wasn't HE who won it, but his team's Defense... still, I hope he retires on top and never has a single regret.
Went to Costco yesterday, too, in the 11:00 hour. I still have post-traumatic something, leftover from that year I bought snacks for the school and had to go to Costco at least once a week... which is to say, I do not enjoy Costco, despite its tempting, enormous boxes of granola bars and pretty great prices on Capri Suns. But I've re-upped my $55 membership (to buy stuff for a different school committee, haha!), so I will have to learn to at least tolerate it, in order to justify the card. I have made a note that Monday 11ish is not a bad time to visit (but NEVER on weekends. NEVER AGAIN).
Alex's piano teacher has resigned, so we may not have a lesson this week. It's just as well, and so rare that we get to go straight home and stay there, on a weeknight! We're looking for another teacher. Meanwhile, maybe he'll actually practice his clarinet (Band / school) while he has a bit of a break?? I can hope. The only thing he fully commits to is his digital life. A topic for another day.
Thursday is the next Middle School Dance (saying prayers for Alex's pre-teen self to enjoy, be brave, and be protected from nonsense)... and my parents' next visit to our house! I love having them visit, and this time I even took a Monday off while they're here! We decided on a trampoline for Kate's birthday present. She wanted an American Girl doll at one point, but I have seen her play dolls exactly two times in my life. (I think it's partly due to having a brother and never having girls her age in the neighborhoods to play with her.)
Thursday is also a choir practice I can't skip at 7:00, so it's is going to be go-go-go from wakeup to bedtime.
But that's okay.
I've been thinking about my enjoyment of things lately. I have spent the last couple of (5?) years learning to be grateful for the little things (and the big things), to make sure I know what a good, good life it is. I've tried to pray, to learn the simplest of 5-minute meditation, to appreciate, to "be present." Those things are not always easy, but I try. You should see the number of places I count my blessings, besides here on the blog. In the back of my work "to-do" list notebook I'll write down two or three things; in a separate journal/notebook I got as a gift from a co-worker; on the Happier app...and yet I still manage to not always enjoy my days. I had this revelation recently and wondered WHY??
Partly it's the rush, and the busy culture we live in, where we have to Do, Do, Do and can't just Be. I mean, what would it actually be like to wake up, have coffee and breakfast at whatever leisurely pace I chose, then stand at my window and think, "Hmm, what do I want to do today?" Does anyone have that luxury nowadays? It doesn't feel like it.
One thing I believe is that perfect happiness every day is a myth. People are created to have different moods, after all. I am allowed. You are. Despite pop-psych culture demanding that we "find our bliss" and all that, it's okay to only be "meh" sometimes. Work is work, it isn't meant to be a super-fun partytime hour. "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life...?" I think it's a crock. Work is work.
But I've decided that "be present," which is the advice you find all over the Internet and in the current books, doesn't speak to me. "Be happy" -- even "choose to be happy" -- doesn't quite spur me to action. "Enjoy this" speaks to me. I've been trying to direct myself - to remind myself - to enjoy this, whatever it is that I'm doing. I think this is working the best so far.
Recently I read this, too, and I like it:
"Life is happening right now, in this moment. Today is the only day that matters. Anchor yourself in the now and give it your all. Notice the details and drink in the sweetness. Be present."
Drink in the sweetness. That's a good one.
Took a brisk 10-minute walk yesterday at 2pm, which helped wake me up. Am trying to do this anyway, as many days as possible, but especially yesterday because I was sleepy. We were all sleepy, actually, due to the Super Bowl festivities Sunday night. It was so great that Peyton Manning won. I mean, even though everyone knows it wasn't HE who won it, but his team's Defense... still, I hope he retires on top and never has a single regret.
Went to Costco yesterday, too, in the 11:00 hour. I still have post-traumatic something, leftover from that year I bought snacks for the school and had to go to Costco at least once a week... which is to say, I do not enjoy Costco, despite its tempting, enormous boxes of granola bars and pretty great prices on Capri Suns. But I've re-upped my $55 membership (to buy stuff for a different school committee, haha!), so I will have to learn to at least tolerate it, in order to justify the card. I have made a note that Monday 11ish is not a bad time to visit (but NEVER on weekends. NEVER AGAIN).
Alex's piano teacher has resigned, so we may not have a lesson this week. It's just as well, and so rare that we get to go straight home and stay there, on a weeknight! We're looking for another teacher. Meanwhile, maybe he'll actually practice his clarinet (Band / school) while he has a bit of a break?? I can hope. The only thing he fully commits to is his digital life. A topic for another day.
Thursday is the next Middle School Dance (saying prayers for Alex's pre-teen self to enjoy, be brave, and be protected from nonsense)... and my parents' next visit to our house! I love having them visit, and this time I even took a Monday off while they're here! We decided on a trampoline for Kate's birthday present. She wanted an American Girl doll at one point, but I have seen her play dolls exactly two times in my life. (I think it's partly due to having a brother and never having girls her age in the neighborhoods to play with her.)
Thursday is also a choir practice I can't skip at 7:00, so it's is going to be go-go-go from wakeup to bedtime.
But that's okay.
I've been thinking about my enjoyment of things lately. I have spent the last couple of (5?) years learning to be grateful for the little things (and the big things), to make sure I know what a good, good life it is. I've tried to pray, to learn the simplest of 5-minute meditation, to appreciate, to "be present." Those things are not always easy, but I try. You should see the number of places I count my blessings, besides here on the blog. In the back of my work "to-do" list notebook I'll write down two or three things; in a separate journal/notebook I got as a gift from a co-worker; on the Happier app...and yet I still manage to not always enjoy my days. I had this revelation recently and wondered WHY??
Partly it's the rush, and the busy culture we live in, where we have to Do, Do, Do and can't just Be. I mean, what would it actually be like to wake up, have coffee and breakfast at whatever leisurely pace I chose, then stand at my window and think, "Hmm, what do I want to do today?" Does anyone have that luxury nowadays? It doesn't feel like it.
One thing I believe is that perfect happiness every day is a myth. People are created to have different moods, after all. I am allowed. You are. Despite pop-psych culture demanding that we "find our bliss" and all that, it's okay to only be "meh" sometimes. Work is work, it isn't meant to be a super-fun partytime hour. "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life...?" I think it's a crock. Work is work.
But I've decided that "be present," which is the advice you find all over the Internet and in the current books, doesn't speak to me. "Be happy" -- even "choose to be happy" -- doesn't quite spur me to action. "Enjoy this" speaks to me. I've been trying to direct myself - to remind myself - to enjoy this, whatever it is that I'm doing. I think this is working the best so far.
Recently I read this, too, and I like it:
"Life is happening right now, in this moment. Today is the only day that matters. Anchor yourself in the now and give it your all. Notice the details and drink in the sweetness. Be present."
Drink in the sweetness. That's a good one.
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