Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine
My darlings were home for Valentines. I love having them near me. It is comforting. I get the whole animal thing now, more than before. I feel like they are back in the nest. I find myself hovering and protecting more than ever. I growl when people are harming them - literally growling. It is sort of embarrassing for them - but it is my job after all. BACK OFF!
They are both trying to find their way and it is lovely and precious to watch. It is also painful and terrifying. Of course I know the path they are on and I know most of the twists and turns that are coming up for them - but when I try to describe that to them, to warn them, and ease their burden, they don't hear me. It's just the way it is. We all have to find our own way. Sometimes I just want to yell, "HEY - YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO THAT WAY! THERE IS AN EASIER ROUTE!"
I'm sure my parents tried to help me too, but those years between 18 and 25 or so, you're really on your own. You can't hear much advice even though you ask for it and want it. You are on your own. Forging you own path.
They will be okay because they are smart and strong. It's just hard to watch them go through the brambles and swamp waters. It's hard to see my children hurt.
I'll get more popsicles.
They are both trying to find their way and it is lovely and precious to watch. It is also painful and terrifying. Of course I know the path they are on and I know most of the twists and turns that are coming up for them - but when I try to describe that to them, to warn them, and ease their burden, they don't hear me. It's just the way it is. We all have to find our own way. Sometimes I just want to yell, "HEY - YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO THAT WAY! THERE IS AN EASIER ROUTE!"
I'm sure my parents tried to help me too, but those years between 18 and 25 or so, you're really on your own. You can't hear much advice even though you ask for it and want it. You are on your own. Forging you own path.
They will be okay because they are smart and strong. It's just hard to watch them go through the brambles and swamp waters. It's hard to see my children hurt.
I'll get more popsicles.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
These Are The Days
The sun is shining and it is warm but please don't be stupid about it. I mean, really, don't start saying things like, "Yeah, we're heading into spring." Or, "We probably won't have any more below zero days." It's talk like that that brings us all into a deep depression when it hits -5 at the end of February. Just keep the mouths shut about the temperatures. Be good Minnesotans and act like you actually enjoy the winter.
Each year I privately ask myself, when is it safe to say we won't have any more super cold days and we won't slip on the ice or have to get ticked off when digging for our keys in our pockets with gloves on? I believe, here in Minnesota, the safest date is May 1. I know - even that is risky. But April - that's all in your face about spring time and Target pastel crap, but it snows and it's freezing cold in the mornings. So - forget about April. It's May and keep in mind that's a real long time from now. Keep the long underwear on. Don't be shy about layering well into March in April. Believe me, I've been there.
The great thing about winter is that it is similar to childbirth in the fact that we forget about it once we see and feel the beautiful face of spring.
Please keep your weather comments to yourself.
Each year I privately ask myself, when is it safe to say we won't have any more super cold days and we won't slip on the ice or have to get ticked off when digging for our keys in our pockets with gloves on? I believe, here in Minnesota, the safest date is May 1. I know - even that is risky. But April - that's all in your face about spring time and Target pastel crap, but it snows and it's freezing cold in the mornings. So - forget about April. It's May and keep in mind that's a real long time from now. Keep the long underwear on. Don't be shy about layering well into March in April. Believe me, I've been there.
The great thing about winter is that it is similar to childbirth in the fact that we forget about it once we see and feel the beautiful face of spring.
Please keep your weather comments to yourself.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February in Minnesota
There are days when I feel my head filled with creativity. Stories for my blog! A creation waiting to be formed. And there are days like today when I feel my head crammed with ideas and general stress - but no clear thoughts. Just all jumbled up. So - it is times like these when I make lists.
Things that bother me:
1) Running into people because they don't follow the unspoken rule of "stay to the right".
2) Running out of napkins.
3) Having to figure out grown-up stuff like taxes and insurance.
4) Not having flying cars by now.
5) Cake with nuts or fruit.
6) Cookies with raisins, nuts, or fruit mixed in.
Things I find hilarious:
1) Lisps on the radio.
2) People trying to be serious about things that don't matter - like taxes and insurance.
3) Witty jokes that are left unexplained.
4) Middle school students.
Things that matter:
1) Relationships
2) Finding ways to be kind
3) Being kind
Things that don't matter
1) Everything else
Things that bother me:
1) Running into people because they don't follow the unspoken rule of "stay to the right".
2) Running out of napkins.
3) Having to figure out grown-up stuff like taxes and insurance.
4) Not having flying cars by now.
5) Cake with nuts or fruit.
6) Cookies with raisins, nuts, or fruit mixed in.
Things I find hilarious:
1) Lisps on the radio.
2) People trying to be serious about things that don't matter - like taxes and insurance.
3) Witty jokes that are left unexplained.
4) Middle school students.
Things that matter:
1) Relationships
2) Finding ways to be kind
3) Being kind
Things that don't matter
1) Everything else
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