On Ice

Before yesterday, I went ice skating exactly once in my life, when I was sixteen.  My boyfriend and I went with another couple, and we had a kissing contest...oh yes, let me get back to the subject at hand.  LOL.  The fifth graders at our elementary school had advertised that they would gather at an open session at the new Town Of Oyster Bay rink.  Son #2, who'd never been on skates, wanted to go too.  My oldest had been skating once when he was little, and Son #3 had never gone...but they all wanted to go so off we went. 

Both older boys, who are rabid about hockey, eagerly chose hockey skates over figure skates when asked.  We found out from a rink guard that the hockey skates are easier for newbies to the ice; all well and good there.  All three kids did pretty well, though we had to go back and retighten the laces around their ankles to make sure they weren't flip flopping all over.  My seven year old began by holding on to the wall as he went around the rink, and then at one point let go to see what would happen.  He began to walk gently on the skates, and that worked for him.  Although he fell a handful of times throughout the session, he really did get the hang of it.  Mom, who does not have such rhythm or coordination, took it slow and sure, and had to work to keep up with him at various points.   

I was pretty impressed with myself, actually.  I only fell once, and that was when I extended my hand to Son #2 after he'd taken a tumble.  I should have been more sensible about that; I can't even lift him on dry ground.  What made me think I could haul a hundred pound kid up from the ice while balancing tenuously on two thin blades myself?  Oh well.  I think we'll be going again soon, when we find out the spring schedule.  The rink is indoors and is supposed to stay open year round.  This should help to pump up my exercise routine, which normally consists of toting the laundry up and down stairs.  I know it's pathetic, but at least I'm honest!

Higher Education Humor

In our village weekly newspaper, the puzzle page has a crossword, a Sudoku, and a cryptoquote with a fairly awful pun.  This week's groaner is reproduced here in honor of some of my coworkers.

When very bitter conflicts develop between physicists and chemists, that may be science friction.

What IS It About March 28?

Hats off to those who were born on March 28.  I have accumulated a large collection of these wonderful people in my life, far more than any other birthday on the calendar.  My father-in-law, our best man, another very dear friend of ours -- Chris -- from the volleyball era, one of Son #3's godparents, my friends Amy and Marlene from high school, a former co worker, and at least one current co worker.  There may be more in my extended circle of acquaintances, whose birthdays are not yet on my calendar.  People who are experts in astrology may be able to offer opinions as to why this is (and why a Libran would surround herself with so many Aries personalities!).

Another Middle School Student Soon...

Son #2 shows off his class t-shirt that they will wear at their graduation ceremony in June.  After fifth grade, he moves up to the middle school.  Sigh, another one out of the gate.

Hope It Comes Back

On Saturday morning, Mom and I went over to the local produce market (where they work miracles; see my January 31, 2009 post).  After I had just finished checking out, our cart stopped behind that of an older lady, who was asking in her very best loud-but-polite voice if she could use somebody's phone to call a taxi.  

So I grabbed my cell phone and handed it to her.  She declined to take it, since she said she wasn't very good at dialing on a small phone, so I offered to dial the number.  She had trouble remembering, and hesitated.  I glanced at my mother.  Then I said, "If it's not too far, we could just take you."  She immediately brightened, and said that it was only a few blocks away.  We went out to Mom's car.  The lady had a handful of plastic grocery bags that had only a few items in each, and we put her walker in the trunk.  It was literally about three blocks from the market, around the corner and down the block.  But it would have taken her a very long time to do it with her walker.  

As we were driving, she confided that some people look at her like she's "a nut" when she offers to pay them to make a cell phone call for her.  What a shame.  We helped her up to the house with the bags and the walker.  I found myself hoping that we run into her again sometime.  She was so grateful for our help.  I can only wish that help will come back around someday when I need it.  

Has Spring Sprung?

Today the local newscaster heralded the arrival of spring.  About an hour after I arrived at my office, I saw fluffy white snowflakes falling from the sky for about ten minutes.   Hmm.  I shall endeavor to keep an open mind about this!

Seasonal Water?

My mother came by this morning and sat down at the table with Son #3 while he was having his waffles.  (This seven year old who weighs 45 pounds always has four waffles for breakfast on Saturday.  Where does he put them?)  He finished his orange juice and was still thirsty, so he went to get the jug of water out of the fridge.  Grandma had a look on her face like she was up to no good, so I waited for it.  She asked him, "All I ever see is spring water.  Where's all the water from the other seasons?"

His brow was furrowed while he briefly considered this.  His response:  "I don't know, but I bet summer water is HOT!"  

Good for you, little buddy.

89 and Counting

My twelve year old called me this afternoon at work to tell me that, in honor of Pi Day later this week, the math club is holding a contest to see who can memorize the most digits of pi.  Well, right then and there he recited 89 digits (and paused in the middle to tell his brother to keep quiet).  He also announced that his personal goal, by the time he goes to sleep tonight, is 100 digits.  And here I thought I was a geek.   Yes, I'm proud, of course...

Anyone Can...

Recall that we often sing show tunes at bedtime.  Last night Son #2 asked for Anyone Can Whistle.  My children are amused by the fact that I can't whistle worth a darn, but sometimes I can get lucky enough to tweet out the ending of Dream a Little Dream (which they also ask for during tuck in).  Anyhow, the first verse of the song is this:

Anyone can whistle

That's what they say

Easy

Anyone can whistle

Any old day

Easy

It's all so simple

Relax, let go, let fly

So someone tell me

Why can't I?

Wouldn't you know it, when I got to "Relax, let go, let fly" my son let go all right...with a mighty trumpet of intestinal gas.  Of course he thought this was hilarious.  When I informed him that we were not changing the title of the tune to "Anyone Can Fart" he nearly fell off the bed laughing.  Normally the tuck in ritual makes them calm down and get sleepy, but this was not one of those nights...

Cognizance, or Coincidence?

Today we visited our friends Sharon and Chris, who have two young daughters.  The 22 month old is very playful, and the 7 month old is very stoic and serious.  Both lovely little girls.  We went for a casual bite at dinner time, and then returned to their place for dessert.  Around 7:15 we started to pack up, because the Three Amigos had to take showers (bedtime is 9:30 on a school night).

I leaned down to the Exersaucer to give the baby a hug and a kiss, and to say bye bye.  Almost immediately she began to fuss.  I picked her up and cuddled her, and she stopped.  She started pumping her arms up and down on my shoulder.  Sharon and I wondered whether she realized that "bye bye" meant that I was leaving, and she didn't want me to go.  How cute would that be?  Anyway, that's our story, and we're sticking to it...   :-)

e. e. cummings quote

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."