That 2021

Every year, I work after school.  I work with small groups of students and we work on whatever they need. Reading, Writing, Math! No big deal, I've been doing it for years.  But of course, this year was very different. I am teaching remotely from my home everyday. My students and I stare at the screen for hours. It felt like torture to even consider staying on a device a moment longer. So initially I said No.  Then I changed my mind and my expectations. I meet with my kiddos for 2 hours on Saturdays.  It's an open door policy, Come if you like. And as long as they come I log on to zoom.  Some days there are 6 kids.  Some days two.  Some days we get tons of work done.  Some days we games. But  each time I finish, I feel a little bit more grateful for the time I get to spend with them.  Even on a Saturday Morning.

I woke up and I didn't see his shoes.  I looked around. No shoes. No jacket. I went to sleep but my hurt heart. I couldn't sleep. 1:00 AM.   I started to panic.  I began a stream of text.  What time are you coming home?   No response.  Where are you?   No response.  I'm worried .  No response.  Check his bed.  I walked over. He was sleeping in his bed the whole time.  I hugged him tightly.  He is my son. 21. Knows everything.  Hangs out late.  Makes me crazy.  But he came home safely. 

We always read Winn Dixie. I love the part when Opal asks the preacher to share 10 things about her Mama because she is 10.  I am 45. 45 is a BIG number.   I was going to share 45 things about myself  but I think I'll  add the digits.  9 is more reasonable.   So here are nine things about me and my life. 1. I am a native New Yorker born and raised in Manhattan.  2. I'm right ✋ handed.  3. I'm a former runner. I ran over 30 races after my 40th birthday.  4. I am a bulldog mom. My baby is Bella. You will hear a lot about Bella.  5. I am a wife,  mom, stepmom and grandmother. 6. I love the outdoors! 7. A perfect date with my husband would be cruising on our electric unicycles through the city.  8. I get to teach some pretty cool kids.  9. I'm an omnivert. I can be the quietest or loudest person in the room. 

Those are my toes.  The blue covers, the not so cute, feet that used to be my friends.  If I wanted to run. I ran.  If I  wanted to jump and they would obediently jump.  But now they sting like lightning when ever they begin to zoom.  So, here I am, sitting, chatting, reminiscing about the feet I used to have.  Hopeful for the feet I might have soon. To be continued...

Your gift is downstairs!  That's what the text said.  He had mentioned this gift a few times.  He was dropping hints for the last few weeks.  But I didn't think too much about it.  He is a great gifter, gift giver, I don't know what it's called.  Anyway, he is my husband and he loves to give. No holiday or special occasion needed.  I went to the lobby. There were no packages on the shelf.  The mailperson was there so asked if he had it.   " Don't remember seeing your name" he said. He walked a box of packages over to the shelf. On the very bottom was the package. I was in a medium sized white box.  I tried to see the label but I left my glasses upstairs.  I squinted really hard.   CLARK! He got me Clarkpads!  I ran to the apartment and video called him.  Clarkpads!   Then I opened the box and they were purple.   These might not mean anything to the average person. But this is ...