Time Flies

As I sat at my 5th grader's graduation today, I was reminded of how fast time flies. I remember his little diapered bottom and bare feet running down the nearly empty halls of the elementary school where I taught. I could almost hear the custodians chuckle because he's found his way into the bathroom (where, admittedly, the acoustics are phenomenal) and he's belting out "Little Green Frog".

I watched him walk in the assembly with his classmates- tall, quiet. All those memories, flooding back, are of a much younger, louder, rowdy child. Those days are gone, he has embraced his role as a 'tween-ager, acknowledging us in a cool, aloof manner (in public). My baby is growing up.

Happy, merry graduation, young man. You have made me proud this year. You have stood up for your rights, defended your position, and handled yourself with grace when presented with some difficult situations. It is my hope that you also gleaned some important knowledge about people, reactions, and interactions.

I hope as you mature, you'll remember these few pieces of advice:

• Everybody has a story that shapes their perception of the world. Be mindful of not only your own.
• Stand up for what you believe.
• Remember to temper your words with respect. 
• A filter can make all the difference. 
• Did I mention: A filter can make ALL the difference. ;)

I speak from experience.

I love you.
xoxo

Mom

Warrior Dash and Butterflies: What do they have in common?

warriordash.com

Well, I got myself into this...Connor saw the commercial on FB for the Warrior Dash a few years ago. He looked it up and noticed that he had to be 14 to sign up for the race. Well, guess what? He's 14 now.

I have no fear of running the 5K portion of the race. I'm not even worried about the mud. I like mud...as long as I'm not eating it, but I'm having extreme anxiety about completing all the challenges on the course.


I have thought of a dozen reasons why I shouldn't run:
12. My children were sick this week. Suppose my immune system has been compromised. Do I really want to subject all those runners to illness?
11. I don't have any old tennis shoes, and I don't want my new ones muddy.
10. I might break a bone. I'm awfully good at breaking bones....
9. I don't have any of that awesome blue wode that a real warrior would use to look fierce.
8. I'll have to get up early to drive the 1.75 hours to get to the race.
7. I'll be extremely tired after driving 1.75 hours to get to the race.
6. I've never run a 5K before...Oh, wait...I have, nevermind...moving on...
5. I don't know how to fix my hair like a warrior AND I need to have my hair colored. I know I read there would be pictures taken.
4. It might be hot.
3. I don't know what the obstacles look like. I'm not a big fan of the unknown....What if there are zombies?
2. I forgot to take a vitamin two days ago?
...BUT the REAL reason that I'm nervous about this race...
1. What if I can't do it? What if I embarrass my son?

After I finally got to the root of my worry...I thought about the many, many times I have embarrassed him, and the opportunities will continue to present themselves, right?!?

So, out the door: hair braided, shoes laced, towels and extra clothes packed. I'm ready to get my warrior on. Thanks for the push, C...You don't even know how much you inspire your mama!

RIP, Mr. Sendak.

RIP, Mr. Sendak. 

You have inspired countless roaring of terrible roars, gnashing of terrible teeth, rolling of terrible eyes, and showing of terrible claws. You have indeed mesmerized us with your magic trick of telling stories, and I, along with thousands of Wild Things, treasure your memory. As Max would say, 'Be still.' xoxo



Click on link to see Sendak Slideshow - published by and linked from NY Times