Katy’s Birthday
October 9, 2012
Today is Katy’s 9th birthday.
It is a gloomy, cold first day back to school after a long holiday weekend kind of day. I have to go to my work/study job so there won’t be any cupcakes delivered at lunch time. When it was time to wake her up, Katy’s dad was already at work and her brother was down the the street waiting for the school bus to Middle School.
So it was just me creeping into her room at 6:45 singing “happy birthday”. In one hand, I held first morning coffee, in the other, a partly unwrapped parcel from her grandma and grandpa. She looked happier to see me than she usually is first thing, but I think that’s because she was still in a state of bliss over her newly pierced ears.
I know that in the years to come, hell maybe even by next month, that things won’t be so easy between us. I know that she will begin that process of separating from me by flinging insults at my head and rolling her eyes every time I say anything. I know that doors will be slammed and my name will be whispered like a curse. I know this will all be part of her establishing who she is apart from who I am, and that it might be exceptionally horrid because so far, we have been incredibly close.
So I’m going to write this right now for you, Katy, to read then. Katy, my dear, you are a rock star and a princess. You are magic, and messes, slower than syrup and sweeter than honey. . You deserve a parade and a bouncy castle and the best I can do is spaghetti for dinner and an ice cream cake from Stop and Shop.
I wish for you the best year ever. And know that even when you want to jump on my head, or wipe the smile from my face, or deny that we ever shared a snuggle or a piece of quiche, I’m not going anywhere.
Meditations on Bed Time
September 27, 2012
Some nights, after the kids head upstairs for sleep, I am reminded of all the nights I would have to make the journey up the stairs with them. The bedtime stories told tangled in Katy’s pink and purple Dora sheets, the long conversation with Colin in the dark, him and I sprawled side by side in a room that smelled like turtle and damp socks, those days of nightly visits weren’t that long ago.
I still venture upstairs from time totime. Katy likes to show me her latest innovations in closet organization and makes me admire the night light she got at the Ag Fair in Truro. Colin tries to explain something about either basketball, football or video games, and I try to look interested. I’m aware that soon I won’t be welcomed upstairs anymore. I enjoy that I only climb them when I choose to, and that I’m still invited more often than not. I’m happy Katy still has Dora sheets and Colin’s room still smells like socks.
Stix, Current Whereabouts Next to Dear Daisy and Under A Bush
September 26, 2012
This morning I was woken by a bird chirping. Under my bed. I am not a brave woman, I immediately ran up the stairs and woke my son to rescue me from the bird chirping under my bed. (I’m so thankful he is at the age where he can rescue me from stuff.)
The bird was dubbed Stix. Katy’s last diorama was transformed into his a temporary home. Colin went out to dig worms while Katy looked on the computer for information about finches. While they were busy, Stix died.
Services were held at approximately 5:30 in our back yard. We have decided Stix resting place will be next to dear Daisy and under a bush.
The Safest Place to Be
September 26, 2012
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Colin, Katy, Tue and Christian are washing the dog in the back yard. It is was light when they started. It is dark now. Five minutes ago they were at war over who got control of the hose. Since I called them in, they started laughing again and arguing over who is the muddiest.
Momma the cat is in the corner of the dining room. She’s been dying for months. Tonight Katy fed her tidbits of ham for dinner.
I’m here on the computer, writing things down. Sometimes that’s the easiest, driest, safest place to be- in front of the computer, writing things down.”
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Belated Discovery, or Don’t Clean out the Junk Drawer Unless You Are Prepared to Kick Yourself in The Ass
September 24, 2012
I recently returned to college with the hope I might eventually figure out what I want to be when I grow up. In the course of this journey, I’ve studied math, computer science, two subjects out of my comfort zone, but I think I met my nemesis in the form of a course called Anatomy and Physiology, no, it’s actually Applied Anatomy and Physiology, ( does this mean we have do dissect frogs, or are we going to play doctor?)
I have a quiz this week, but I when I sat down to study, I was seized by a very, very unfamiliar urge. I wanted to clean my house.
It was quite a bender. I washed the walls, I took everything out of the refrigerator, wiped the shelves, then re -organized it’s contents. We now have a space put aside for cheese, I’m happy to say. But the highlight of my afternoon was when I tackled the receptacle in my kitchen known as the library box. On the bottom I found, buried under Highlights magazines, National Geographics and takeout menus, a “Mom’s Got It Together Calendar”. On the cover is a picture of a very happy mother, I assume, and a sticker that says “keeps the family in order”. Along the bottom it promises “Stay organized- so you can play!” It is a 24 month calendar good from September 2010 thru August 2012.
I had a golden opportunity, and I blew it.
Tomorrow I will go apologize to the chickens …(who wouldn’t like a sleepover with poultry?)
September 20, 2012
How do you like it?
September 17, 2012
Sophie, the pup, prefers water from the toilet. Bijoux and Mamma, the cats, love to sip from glasses left on the table intended for humans. I’ve never seen Whitey the bird drink, all I know is she likes her H2O clean. (Which explains why that is the one spot in her cage she hasn’t used as a toilet.) Sammy the Turtle uses his water dish as a means of escape, he likes baths more than beverages.
Colin and Katy like their water delivered to them, five minutes past bed time. And it must be cold. Most nights they don’t get it, but they seem to be thriving.
I like to gulp water right from a gallon jug, 20 drinks and I’m done for a while. Sheldon likes cubes so he’s in charge of refilling the trays.
It’s funny. We all get thirsty. And each of us have entirely different ways of quenching that thirst. For the most part (excluding Colin and Katy’s demands, I mean, every single night, 5 minutes after I have tuck them in,) each preference is indulged.
I’m not heading for a metaphor, I’m sleepy. I’m not going to break into song about how lucky I am to be an American. I can’t sing, not much rhymes with water and it wouldn’t go over well with the top 40 demographic.
I just wanted to note- water is important. Scientists say so. So does the school nurse, and the trainers at my gym.
So turn off the tap when you brush, leaving it on isn’t going to clean the sink. Don’t flush just because you went into the bathroom to reapply lipstick. If you have to take a bath, share it with someone you love, or someone who smells so bad it is interfering with your quality of life.
My family and I thank you.
Bliss (Rated G Version)
September 15, 2012
I just realized there is a moment in my life where I consistently achieve a state of bliss. It’s not yoga, I like yoga, but actually zumba and body pump are more my thing. And it’s not time at the park, or hiking the Blue Hills, definitely two of favorite ways to spend time. It’s not hearing just the right song on a spring day, car radio blasting, kids complaining, but the musics too loud for me to hear them- that’s fun too.
My bliss is when I look at the laundry table and realize every single article of clothing in our home is clean, folded, and put away. Where it belongs. No stray socks on the floor, dirty napkins behind the washing machine, dusty leggings under Katy’s bed. It. is. all. where. it should. be. Deep sigh. Yup… Bliss.
Maybe there is an anal retentive neat freak buried deep inside of me. Well, enjoy it, because this only happens once a week. Oh, who am I kidding. Twice a year. During a good year. Bliss.
julierichmond 