My private studio and church job fill up 20 hours of my week and then there is volunteering once a week, laundry twice a week, meals to cook, kids' projects to shop for, errands to run, practicing, and workouts to be done. It's a full life.
And while a large chunk of my life is filled up with boring adult/work things, I've been spending significantly more time doing things that fulfill me as a person, not just a mom or teacher. I joined Crossfit. I get a massage once a month. I've been taking time to meet up with friends for coffee or lunch. I started listening to music for pleasure, not research.
The most fun thing in my life right now are Monday nights when I go to tap class. Yep, this old broad is finally learning to dance! I'm really good at walking on beat. My ball-changes are pretty good. My shuffles are coming along, as are my Irish-es (sp?). Surprisingly, I think my cramp rolls are the strongest.
I'm not terribly good and I think that's why I love it so much. I get to spend some time each week being a student, I don't have to be in charge, and I don't necessarily have to be any good. I'm starting to think that everyone needs to have an outlet in their life in which they can just be mediocre.
In the midst of our busy schedules, we took some time to take our annual family pictures. Our friend Laurie took them again; she's been taking them for the past 4 years.
This year, my girl Ruby has come into her own. The second week of kindergarten was tough for her, but ever since she's settled into the new routine and is thriving. Apparently she's really smart. I mean, she's my kid and of course I think she's bright, but her teacher pointed out to me several skills Ruby is cultivating and I guess in the midst of all the tantrums I missed seeing her brilliance. At any rate, my view of this little nugget has changed a bit and I'm excited to see how she continues to grow. She's powerful, this one.
Maia is thriving as well. Second grade has been magical so far. Her teacher loves her students and expects them to be kind and good and they are. It's a wonderful class. Maia continues to be a great helper, willing and eager to help those who need it (unless it's Mom asking her to feed the dog dinner). Maia is still my super reader and reads in bed for a good hour and half each night before going to sleep. She is starting to really enjoy the piano, and often finds her way to the keyboard when she's looking for something to do. She is easy, happy, and quick to smile.
These girls are best friends. They think about each other at school. I often find Ruby has written Maia's name on the back of her school work. Maia will often write about her sister in her school work. There is also lots of bickering and fighting, but they love each other so much.
Aleks continues to be the foundation of our little family. Without him (his humor, flexibility, patience) we'd all just wind ourselves into big balls of stress. He does too much at work and tries to be a superhero at home. When we first got married, it was his patience that was my favorite quality. Now that we've been married 13 years, I still appreciate his patience, but my new favorite quality is that he is always reaching to be a better human.
I should throw him a parade to let him know how much I appreciate him. I mean that sincerely, not in a snarky way, like when he points out that he made the bed and I'm like "ok. do you want me to throw you a parade?" But really, he should have a parade. Maybe I can get the neighborhood kids involved...
It's Nov. 1. We're officially approaching the holiday season. In the midst of all the busyness, I hope you can find some time for yourself and maybe even find something to learn without the pressure of being the best.
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