Charles – or, Seven Year Old Bravery

For the last six weeks, Charlie has been saying he won’t play in his recital.  I think I made a mistake letting his older sister get out of everything she didn’t feel like doing.  So, I was adamant that he would go through with it.  I bribed him by promising to make him a chocolate cake.  Then homemade mint ice cream.  At first that worked, then he changed his mind again.  I was running out of tools in my tool box.  I gave him my best passionate talk about walking through tough times.  (I did not do this well.  It’s a tough message to put in First Grader terms.)  Last night, after seeing the chocolate cake, he offered me five dollars for a piece if he didn’t have to play in the recital today.  I leaned across the counter to him and said “Charlie, would you feel better about it if I sat next to you while you played?”  He nodded.  ”OK. I will.” I said.  He ran into talk to his dad.  ”I think I might be changing my mind about the recital.” he said.

Today, Charlie was number ten on the program.  All the other kids played by themselves.  I whispered to Charlie that if he had changed his mind and didn’t want me to sit next to him, I wouldn’t.  He looked at me with fear filled eyes.  ”Of course I want you to sit with me,” he said.  So I did.  His tiny little hands were shaking as he reached to play the fifths.  But the Woogie Boogie came off pretty well.  People were amazed that a first grader could play so well.  And I was so proud of him.  I was proud of him not because of how well he played, but because he played. 

don’t call me bitter!

I suspect that calling someone “bitter” is a bit like insulting a relative.  You can say your sister is a fat slob, but I can’t say your sister is a fat slob or you would punch me in the face.  

Tiny Dancer

Check this out:

 

http://www.nerfbat.com/2008/04/11/the-spinning-dancer-stole-my-sanity/

When I first looked at this, I thought “So?”  then, as I read, I starting thinking about how I could make her spin counter-clockwise.  I tried to will her to spin counter-clockwise, which got me just as far as the times I try to will myself to win the lottery.  Then, as if by magic before my eyes… I blinked and she was spinning counter-clockwise!  So, I thought “I have this down!  OK, spin CLOCKWISE!”  She didn’t comply.  For the last hour, she’s been spinning counter-clockwise.

Tell me which way she spins for you.

They say if she spins clockwise, you are creative.  If she spins counter-clockwise, you are analytical.  If you can will her to change directions, you are certifiable.

 

Sissy

I am so proud of my sister.  She’s who I want to be.  Check this out:  http://www.yakimaherald.com/stories/2892 Not just in one race, but consistently over time, she encourages others and shares the gift.  When I called her up and asked her to run my first marathon with me, she didn’t hesitate a second.  She encouraged me to go to Boston and let me share her room.  Without her, I’d probably be propped up in front of the television with a remote in one hand and an ice cream spoon in the other.  I love my sissy. 

ZZzzzzzzz

I just got back from Chicago.  The meeting went well.  Lots of action items (as if that’s a measure of a good meeting).  I suppose I measure a good meeting based on whether or not I am able to stay awake.  I didn’t nod off once during this meeting.  That’s saying something!  There has been a lot of construction since the last time I was in this part of chicagoland.  I kind of almost got lost trying to find Starbucks this morning.  Which is pretty funny if you think about it because most times you trip over them.I’m exhausted.  I’m sure I’ll sleep through tomorrow’s meetings.  But it sure is good to be home.  Tonight as I was sitting in the airport in Chicago, I called home to have the kids each tell me what they got on their report card.   The funny part is, my son was telling me about the “compliments” section and what was written about him.  I thought that slip was an adorable twist of the “comments” section.  Not everyone can get straight compliments.  It must feel good.