Robin took a tumbling class tonight and added her name to the wall for two more level two skills: back walkover back handspring and roundoff back handspring. She did them all night long and came home happy. I’m so proud of her, and grateful to the coach who quietly and patiently showed her over the course of almost a year that she actually could do it. Now she knows it too.
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February 18
We played Mind the Gap tonight, and Christina cried real, actual tears because she felt incapable of rolling a high number on the die. Had we rolled more fives and sixes instead of ones and twos, we might have had a chance. Billy had to ice it by saying she could have as many cookies as what she could manage to roll. She rolled a two. Girl should never bet on craps, is all I’m going to say.
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February 17
We went to the zoo today for the first time in years. It was a little chilly, but otherwise a beautiful day to walk around outside. A lot of the exhibits have closed since the last time we were there, but they’re building a new manatee exhibit that looks like it will be pretty cool. The food definitely improved. The prices did not.
You know it’s a good day when Robin enjoys it too. I saw her smile. It happened.
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February 16
I had all the intentions of doing something at least somewhat memorable this weekend, but it has not come to pass. I spent most of the day making an ornament for our advent calendar. We did leave the house once to go out for ice cream, but that’s it. We ended up playing Trivial Pursuit, which Billy won with the easiest question in the whole box. It could have been a worse day for sure, but it was still a bit disappointing. Tomorrow should be better.
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February 15
Christina and I got pedicures today. I also bought myself a bikini – the first one I have dared to buy in probably at least 20 years. Robin and Christina said it looks good on me, and they’re usually pretty quick to say when something doesn’t look good on me. We also went food shopping in like 45 minutes from the time we left to the time we put away the last item in the fridge. So it’s been a pretty good day.
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February 14
I had fun with Valentine’s Day this year, which is really a testament to how I’ve been feeling for the last six months or so. I’m not sure which switch flipped or how, but this is probably the first time in my life I have actually felt good for more than a week or two. I celebrated Dad on his birthday and ate a heart-shaped brownie. I bought a dozen overpriced red roses. And we have enough boxed chocolate to last at least through tomorrow. I don’t know how long I’m going to get to ride this wave, but I’m going to do my best to enjoy every minute while it lasts.
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February 13
Sitting outside, waiting for dance class to end.
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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.
Year in Photos 