Fly on the Wall: Tuesday - Nov. 23, 2005
Yesterday was supposed to be a Fly on the Wall post. It wasn't a great day and I was so tired at the end of it that I just went to bed. When I mentioned to my daughter that I need to write a FotW post she said, "do today instead. We are cooking all day today. It will be a better day." It is tempting to skip the less than perfect days but it isn't realistic. So, in the interest of full disclosure, here's our day yesterday.
I crawled out of bed at about 7:30, thanking God that the children weren't awake yet. After starting the coffee pot, I sat down at the computer to check the news and check in on a few blogs. Through the morning haze, my mind recalled that we had dentist appointments at 9:20 so I began waking every up at 8:00. We do two appointments per month, which still has us at the dentist 10 out of 12 months a year. Unfortunately, we have neglected dental care due to lack of insurance and are having to catch up on a few things. It has been interesting that half of the children have had cavities (just one or two each) and the other half haven't. In fact, I know that the ones that haven't had cavities haven't taken better care of their teeth; they have probably taken worse care of their teeth. So, who knows what the secret is. We will begin orthodontic care in January on 1 or 2 of the children and Chris and I have to get started as well which is going to be a financial nightmare. Enough about that.
The dentist appointments took up the entire morning. After a quick trip to the store to pick up a few groceries, we made it back home in time for one chapter of The Magician's Nephew while they folded laundry. Lunch followed. Cheese burritoes and salad and another chapter of Magican's Nephew.
Devotions after lunch and then it seemed the children just scattered. I can't recall that they did anything productive ... mostly just free play, in and out and playing with legos. I can't recall anything that I did. Just piddling ... laundry, Thanksgiving menu planning, looking up recipes, putting BBQ chicken in the oven for dinner. Feeling sort of blue and edgy with everyone. Can't really place my finger on it.
I decided that maybe a walk would help me feel better. Did I tell you that I am walking to Wyoming? Yep, 1764 miles! For some crazy reason, I have decided that I want to climb Devil's Tower.
I have never been mountain climbing or rock climbing. I am not in great shape right now. I know that this will require me to decrease my weight, increase my strength, my endurance and my flexibility. I am beginning my fitness program. Yesterday I made a chart with 1764 little boxes to represent how many miles it is from my house to Devil's Tower. I am crossing off the miles as I walk them on my treadmill. Even if I only walk 2 miles a day, I will get there in 2 years and too be honest, it may take me that long to be really fit enough to do this.
After my walk, I returened a phone call to my brother. I haven't talked to him since June. At times it's an estranged relationship which is too complicated to even write about. I thought that things would change after my Daddy's death but basically it is just the same. He told me that he is entering the ministry and I have a lot of confusing feelings about that and am trying to bring all my thoughts into obedience unto Christ.
While I talked with him, the children did afternoon chores. I finished up dinner and we sat down to meal of BBQ chicken, garlic smashed potatoes, salad and squash. One more chapter of Magicians Nephew and dinner ended perfectly with a hug from my 6 yos saying, "You are my beloved Queen, Mommi" He is SO funny!
After dinner, I headed off for a shower and bath while the kiddos cleaned up from the meal. This is not usual for us. Typically, we all work together. I find that things go smoother that way. However, I was feeling so edgy that I thought maybe a peaceful bath would help. I must have been out of my mind. They weren't focused and I just became aggravated that I couldn't take a bath without interruption. Lots of selfish thoughts bombarding my mind lately. s
So, prematurely out of the shower/bath and I sat down to watch Beatles Anthology episode 2. I was born in 1964 and had two much older brothers. My first memories of music are not children's songs and nursery rhymes but Beatles music. I have a fascination with that time period and what was in place to allow such a shift in culture. When it was over, I was just ready to be in bed. Quick kisses to the children. A stiff hug and kiss for my husband and off to bed. Pulled the covers over my head and tried to figure out why I am in this funk. No answers came but sleep did.
It wasn't a great day. It wasn't a horrible day but it wasn't good. I didn't feel connected to the children and don't feel there was anything considered productive. Oh, I just remembered what I did during the afternoon. I was surfing around at AVKO Dyslexia and Spelling Foundation. I am trying to find resources to help my 13 yos. If you get a chance, go watch the free video they have, To Teach a Dyslexic. Fascinating.
Ok, well that's the day yesterday. We are supposed to be cooking today so I had better go get busy with that.
