And also, Mr. Roger's message for kids isn't really the best thing for grown ass adults...
But I've been so lucky with helpers lately whether it's EM shouldering more of our collaborative work than she needs to, people at work cutting me a whole lot of slack around after-hours responsibilities, all the people reaching out in support, or Nu making the best sandwich I've ever eaten (for my Boss Day today).
Things might not be great right now, but everyone in my life understands and is trying to help. I'm so grateful for that.
The honorary inductions went beautifully. The student EC-led ceremony was perfection and my behind-the scenes-work paid off in a seamless and stress-free way.
That's one big thing off my calendar--after the NWSA convention is done next week, I'll have so much less on my plate from a work standpoint!
I scheduled a ton of meetings after my three classes because I was going to be staying late for the induction anyway (five meetings actually: one social, one committee, one curricular, one NWSA, and one financial). I'm proudest about the financial one. I now know how to file an expense report versus hoping someone from the financial office will rescue me--not even dreading the filing deadline tomorrow, because it's already all done!
I went to work in early morning mists and drove home with a brilliant half moon. At had hung out with Nu while I was at the work thing. So I got to see and hug all four kids when I got home. (I'll never stop wishing this happened every day.) Then I chatted with At as we folded his laundry and I dropped him back to his place in Lansing. Time to relax with a big bowl of biriyani (I made it 24 hours ago for At's Boss Day today) and whatever bad show I can rustle up.
A new-ish thing I've been doing with Scout and Huck--early morning walks. It's just 20 minutes, and it's a multitasking beauty. It lets me make sure that Nu's walk to the school bus stop is a bit safer + see that Nu gets on the bus, I get to see beautifully starry skies, and of course these guys love it! There's so much excitement from the moment I pull on sweats over my pajamas and clip their leashes.
If we pass by the bus stop at the right time, Nu'll say hello to Scout and Huck and they'll get so excited about it because it's IN THE STREET and there are OTHER KIDS!! After the big, yellow school bus takes Nu, we race home. Then... 20-mins later, I'm on the road to work.
But I get to do one fun thing with the babies before the to-do list on my calendar.
Pic: Scout and Huck and their mid-morning snooze. My day didn't look like this... but this is certainly the dream.
At was at a conference, Nu was going to "couples-costume" it with a friend but then they decided not to. I wore one devil's horn at work (half devil, half child in a tongue-in-cheek literary ref).
It was raining this evening on our quiet street and we got NO trick or treaters.
Boo.
(Perking up now close to the witching hour watching [via YouTube] fabulously costumed students doing a funny and spooky concert in the college chapel. Looks like a totally full house over there.)
Lots of obstacles lately, but I'm getting by with lots of help from friends and family.
And also, a bit of my internal Pollyanna and my mantra that things "could be worse."
I'm grateful this weekend to EM who reminded me that the spate of stress in the last few months "is not normal." And to BSL who told me that while my gratitude was great, I shouldn't "minimize what is happening" to me either. Noted. (I am really tired of sounding and seeming like such a downer these days though.)
Big A is hanging in there, fending for himself, and ordering delivery. Still sick.
Pic: BSL and I had to scramble over these fallen trees in Sanford Woods. It seemed metaphorically connected to this post.
The third puppy was an impulse wish, so things may change yet again, but for now--I don't think I'm getting Legolas (Lego). Friends...
