Sitting outside, waiting for dance class to end.
Category: February 2025
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February 12
It’s been a nice day that has involved no octopuses. If only it also involved no errors in judgment. C’est la vie.
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February 11
What a waste of a day. I ran out of medication and the pharmacy couldn’t refill it, so I ended up on the couch all day. I did manage to stay awake long enough to finish making all those octopuses and play a few rounds of Uno Attack (taking short naps while people dealt the cards). Some days this is all I can manage.
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February 10
The weather was beautiful when I brought Robin to cheer practice. By the time we left, it was like something out of a Stephen King novel. It’s actually cleared up a bit since then. I am so ready for bed.
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February 9
I never bite off more than I can chew. I made 13 of these octopus keychains this weekend for Christina’s class on Valentine’s Day. I still have seven more to make to have enough for everyone in her class. I had the idea to do this months ago. So why did I wait until now to start them? Who doesn’t love a challenge? If there was no last minute, nothing would ever get done.
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February 8
Christina had a dance performance at the Riverside Arts Market on a foggy Saturday morning. I loved getting to watch her. They look so great!
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February 7
Robin went to her middle school dance tonight. We spent days finding just the right outfit and it looked great. One of her classmates showed up in a limo! It’s the first time I’ve seen a limousine in car line. Lucky kid! She had such a great time. Fills my heart with joy.
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February 6
Just an average day today. Did not have a great run this morning… gave up after ten minutes. I have decided that I’d rather enjoy running than hate it, so I’m not pushing myself too much. Some days are definitely easier than others. I did do a total of 20 minutes in splits, so it wasn’t a total loss. The rest of the day was fine. Billy made awesome cheeseburgers for dinner. I took a shower, which is always life altering. Did some crossword puzzles. Nothing special, really, but not a bad day.
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February 5
It’s been 33 years since Dad died. I realized in the car today at some point just how small a part he had in my life. I’ve lived almost three times as long without him as I did with him. And yet he is such a big part of me. I wish I could have known him better. I’d love to meet him in a coffee shop and talk about what he wanted from life and what he misses most about it. For now, I have his drawings hanging over my bed, a ring, and some faded memories left to linger. Dad, wherever you’ve gone or not gone, I love you. As little time as we had together, you remain big inside me. I still use the alarm clock you gave me in sixth grade. I can’t decide if it’s sad or touching that it’s one of my most treasured possessions. Whatever the case, I hope this day finds you at peace, knowing you are remembered, and loved. And thanks for the alarm clock. It still works great.
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February 4
Tuesday is game night, and for the record, Christina is a sore loser. Draw 20 is the Uno No Mercy death knell and she fell into it. That nearly ended the game for everyone. But… Robin and I made it to the last two in the game and we went back and forth for half an hour before I finally defeated her. I think she was glad to lose, honestly, because that meant she could have her phone again. For a few minutes, anyway.
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February 3
Robin is dealing with the heart-wrenching reality of low self esteem paired with other insecure teenagers pressing on it. I wish I could insert some self confidence in her, but it has to come from her. One thing I have had to learn over and over as a mom is that I can’t fix everything. Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is sit with her in silence while she works things out for herself. The good news is that it does seem to help in its own slow but meaningful way. If nothing else, she should always know that I am in her corner no matter what. No one could love her more.
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February 2
The competition didn’t end the way we’d hoped after such a successful first day. This season will come down to teamwork, grit, and the will to win. Some people on the team have a lot to learn that is not just how to do the routine, and that may cost them the season. Everything in life is a life lesson. At 13, we’re known to resist those lessons. Ok, at 45 we’re known to resist them too. It happens to the best of us. Progress, then perfection.
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February 1
Robin’s team did great at today’s cheer competition! They came a long way, even in the last two weeks. We have to keep that energy going into day two! Also, next time, must remember to take off the mascara before going swimming.
Year in Photos 