Category Archives: life

Random Thoughts on Snow Days and Life

I missed Wordless Wednesday yesterday even though I was totally planning on it.  How does somebody just miss a day? 
Ah, well, it was a SNOW DAY here, our second of the season.  And, hey, guess what?  Today is the 3rd!  I haven’t braved the beautiful white outdoors today, but the weather people tell me the wind chill is -3, which reminds me of the good old days living in Green Bay, WI (and that reminds me of my second favorite quarterback, Brett…)
Since I’m strolling down memory lane, here are a few more random thoughts for the day.
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When we took our kids to hear the symphony’s Holiday Pops last weekend, we couldn’t have predicted that they’d be models of behavior for the six giggling, talking, drinking women sitting in front of us.  These women, who must’ve met for drinks a few hours earlier, were still tipping back a few during the performance.  It was so nice to know that the “tsk, tsking” around us wasn’t because my kids were chewing gum with their lips open.
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I’m very disturbed by this whole Amanda Knox ordeal, much more disturbed than I expected.  When I first heard the reports of the story I figured, along with many Italians apparently, that she was mixed up with some bad dudes, doing drugs, and deserved what she got.  But you know how it is with any story:  the more you hear, the more you wonder.  I see her and my heart breaks on all accounts.  Did she do it?  Could she have?  Or didn’t she?  Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people? What on earth went down two years ago in that tiny village of Perugia, Italy?  This is bothering me, friends.  A lot.
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When I studied abroad it wasn’t in Italy, but in Vienna, Austria.  Since that time, I’ve been a firm believer that if kids have the opportunity to study abroad they should take it.  (Yes, that’s part of my conflict in the aforementioned case.)  When I was in Vienna, many of my friends were from Colby College and Williams College.  Imagine my surprise this week when I opened my e-mail and found a note from two of them.  They’d gotten together to reminisce and found this blog.  It is a small world, isn’t it?
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I had 3 hours set aside to write yesterday.  SNOW DAY.  Didn’t happen.  I have 3 planned this afternoon.  Hmmm.
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This is the time of year that I love the snow.  Right now, looking out my window, everything is blanketed in the soft, white stuff and it’s beautiful.  Even the mailbox and the trash can look prettier.  The kids are laughing and playing and snow days are fun.  Talk to me in March.  It’s a different story then.
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Happy Start of Winter, everyone!

Priorities

This week is one of those where I can’t seem to catch my breath.  And yet, I don’t feel overcommitted.  I just think it’s a phase of the ages and stages we’re in.  Does this seem possible to anyone but me?

I have three boys, only one of whom is playing a sport right now, thank goodness.  At any given time, however, all three of them might be playing something or other.

I have a husband who travels.  Often.

I have my own stuff:  writing, school volunteering and, oh yeah, those pesky tasks like doing laundry and feeding my kids.

In the midst of all this craziness, I frequently leave laundry unfolded to make time to catch up with friends.  I’m so glad I do, because my troubles easily fade away when I enjoy a laugh with the girls.

So please excuse my wrinkle-clothed children, with long hair that’s been due for a trim for a week and a half now.  I’ve been busy with their stuff, my stuff, and a few drinks with friends.

Cheers!