Went with Lauren and Monica to see Wicked on opening night. I was extremely disappointed to find at the end that it is a two-part movie. I don’t appreciate finding that out after I’ve spent the money and time on the film. I thought it was good, though. It’s sticking with me. It was visually beautiful and I enjoyed the music, but I thought it was too long. Still, it was fun!
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November 21
I spent an hour knitting and only finished two rows. I spent more time undoing what I’d done than actually doing anything. I have so little time to work on this; it’s so frustrating when I have stupid setbacks like this. At least I got something done, anyway!
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November 20
The kids looked through some of the jewelry Mom made and picked out a few things to keep tonight. I wish Mom had been the one to give it to them herself. I think it would have made her so happy.
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November 19
I signed up for two 5k races today, which is pretty gutsy because I can’t even run half a k without dying. Also the Thanksgiving race next week starts before 7am, which is absolutely insane. But I think I will feel good about myself for starting the day with a race – my first one in years. Even if I walk 90% of it, I’ll be proud of myself. I’ve got a little over a week to train!
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November 18
Billy got a jury summons today, the first one since moving to Florida almost 14 years ago. I guess we’re not as under the radar as we thought.
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November 17
It was a perfect day for Robin’s Tampa showcase. I forgot how chaotic it is, though. She had a couple drops that left her feeling upset, but Billy reminded her that it’s how you recover from it that matters. That perked her up. I appreciate that he was also in a competitive sport and is a coach because he has a perspective on losing that I don’t have, and it’s a valuable one. Every competitor loses sometimes. He gets how it feels and knows how to show up next time. I want them to connect in that way. I was glad they did. And also there was fried ravioli.
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November 15
I was on a call at work yesterday with someone who is grieving the loss of her husband and having a hard time. I don’t know if prayer shawls really mean anything or if it’s insulting to even imply they could make anything better at all. I still haven’t opened cards people sent me when my mom died over ten years ago because I know not one of those people had any idea what kind of grief I was facing. I was angry that anyone thought a piece of paper could make any kind of difference to me during that time. But as someone on the other side of grief, it feels like I should at least try to be there for her, if not now, then when she’s ready. So I’m making the shawl, probably as much for myself as I am for her. Love waits patiently. All I can do is hope.
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November 14
The kids learned what a VCR is today. It took a few minutes, but they also figured out how to tune my clock radio, which my dad gave me in 1990, to their favorite station. Kids are so entertaining.
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November 13
Today was so exhausting. Back to back meetings all day with all kinds of nonsense, and then all the endless driving that comes on Wednesdays. Bedtime can’t come fast enough.
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November 12
I slept on the couch last night and Billy didn’t even notice. He was making so much noise in his sleep, I couldn’t fall asleep myself, so I went to the office and slept there. I guess I’m so still and quiet when I sleep that it’s just like not being there at all! We had a good laugh about it today.
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November 11
The sky was so much prettier about five minutes before I took this photo, but I was stuck driving and couldn’t get a shot of it. Seems to be the way it goes in the life of a taxi driver.
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November 10
All four of us got haircuts today, and they all look great! For some reason, Christina decided to brush all those beautiful curls out of her hair. She said she wanted to see if they’d stay. Turns out they did not. It was nice while it lasted!
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November 9
We saw Robin’s first cheer performance of the season this morning. The team looks pretty good! We all left in a good mood, but for some reason I don’t know, by the time we got home, we were all grouchy. Believe it or not, I turned my mood around by going food shopping. And then I made a really great, really fancy meal of cider-glazed pork loin with sweet potatoes. It took forever to make, but it was so delicious, and fun to make. Altogether, not a bad day.
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November 8
I was so exhausted all day long. I fell asleep during Christina’s dance class and simply couldn’t stay awake after dinner. I don’t know why I am so tired, but I am going to bed.
Year in Photos 