bits & pieces
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 08:53PM Bits & pieces of the half-hatched thoughts I'm too tired to explore -
My mom teaches English. I used to teach English. Sometimes in my at-home-house-mess-children-crazed status I am jealous of her present that was my past. Today I came in to help introduce Hiroshima and Japanese poetry. The full day of work had an effect opposite of what I anticipated. Jim admitted the same. He expected me to come home to him with some wild scheme of going back to work part-time (at least). Instead I craved my boys. A good lesson. Thank you, Cyndee for helping me remember how blessed I am to be with them always. More charm than Japanese poetry. Who would have guessed.
Last Friday I bought War and Peace for $2.12 at Half-Price Books. While I love large leather-bound keepsakes, stained paperback versions do have a charm all their own. $2.12 for weeks of entertainment and a lifetime of thought (I'm hoping). Crazy.
Bought a copy of The New Yorker today. How could I forget how much I love this magazine?
Weekend at the Dunes: riding into camp on a quad, too many eyes staring, forgetting how to break, plowing into tables & chairs, nearly knocking down Jared & Shanon's awning (or my head). How is it in my "blank mind state", I managed to duck to save my head but couldn't figure out how to stop before that was even necessary? Great time to commit to Pause. Perhaps I'll stick to the Arctic Cat. Here's to hoping that Jim will be my forever chaueffer.
Disneyland in 7 days! But I'm feeling twinges of guilt for leaving Davyn behind. I can't imagine four days without his tiny kisses. Please confirm to me that Aidan alone is the best choice for the trip.
And then there's missing Jim...perhaps I could plot for him to come too. Ughh..My friend Becca once gave me a quote: My mind is not a bed to be made and remade. How I wish this were true. She must have known I needed encouraging to the Steady. So often ruled by vacillation.
Reader Comments (13)
Sweet to know your boys have enticing power more pulling than Japanese poetry. Do you still have that Festival In My Heart book? I love that book. I let Brynlee look at it on occasion. Maybe I shall post about it someday.
The New Yorker! I haven't read that in so long. It was a staple in #222.
Oh, your near crash at the Dunes -- scary! I think you should stick to Chauffeur Jim. That is totally something I would do -- not stick to Jim, but nearly run people down. :)
You will have fun with just Aidy. Read Barb's post today. One on one time is rare and special. I love that quote from Becca.
Glad you are back. Can you blog from Disney?
That dunes story so doesn't surprise me! I can just imagine it! So . . . Amy. How funny -- and how nice that nobody was hurt. I'm sure the boys thought their mom was so crazy and cool - what a good "boy mom"! For the safety of all the Duners, I think Jim will have to drive you around from now on.
Don't even THINK about taking D. It would be miserable. No matter how cute those chubby cheeks are, they won't be cute at Disneyland when he's tired and can't ride on any rides b/c he's too little. Besides, it'll be good bonding time with A.
As for Jim, the reunion afterwards will be that much sweeter since you two NEVER go anywhere without each other. Who knows, it might spice up your life (the reunion, not being away from Jim). . . Anyway, it's late and I'm commenting too much. Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow!
You've experienced the sweet lesson of there is a "time and season" for all things. You can use these years at home to continue preparing for the years to come in the classroom by reading and studying and discussing great books with your friends.
You can create notes and lesson plans for the future. You can catagorize them as to the type of literature they are. You can extract the great quotes and create reading guides for future students. There are so many things you can do to blend the best of these two worlds you love, and in the process you can make scholars of your little guys as well as continually increasing your own scholarship.
You are such an accomplished teacher already, I'd be sad to think you will never do it again, so hold it on a back burner and everything you read will add to your arsenal of knowledge.
Also these years are adding to your storehouse of experience in life, love, parenting, human nature, and so many other things which will make you an even more effective teacher when you choose to return.
I agree with Mandi; leave the little guy at home. Believe me, he's too little to fuly appreciate the experience and he will hamper your fun with Aiden. There's no reason to feel guilty on this.
I'm so excited that you are going to Disneyland. I have always wanted to go.
Disneyland with a very tiny person is hard. Perhap next year will be a better year for him? Reunions with your husband and babe will be sweet!
have a GREAT time on your disney trip. I cherish one-on-one time with my girls so I hope you will feel good about your decision. For me it is the thought of leaving. Once I get there I am fine. Besides, maybe it is just me but I think the "wish you were here" factor is important on a trip. I will be posting about that thought once I can get myself together after being away for a few days.
can't wait to hear about your trip!
I can relate to the last quote. Sometimes I wish I could undo my decisions as well.
We have yet to take Alexis to disney anything, but I refused to do so before she was napless. Who wants to lug around a heavy toddler who can't walk or enjoy most of the expensive day? Go for the one-on-one.
I absolutely love War and Peace, I hope you enjoy your week's entertainment and a lifetime of thought.
I faithfully read the New Yorker every week, it's my all time favorite literary magazine. Enjoy that as well.
Have a blast in Disneyland-- I am a little jealous!