my journey, destination unknown
Everyone’s heard of the “six degrees of separation”. But every time I find a new, unexpected connection out there, I get a bit giddy. You’ve been there. Right there on Facebook. A friend of yours comments on another friend’s status. But wait! This isn’t a friend circle. How does that kindie follower in NYC know…
It was a simple party for the new teenager. A few friends (not many are in town right now). Time to swim and play games. Ice cream cake and snacks (some healthy, some not). A few gifts (not necessary, but grateful in any case).
Last spring, Chloe had a notion to start playing flute and join the middle school band. A kid wanting to take up a musical instrument? Great! And one that we already own (even if it is an old school flute from the 80’s)? Doubly great! The problem? Band at the middle school is a full…
While it was not a goal of my current portion of my Happiness Project, it is a lovely side consequence. Though we bought a simple table and chairs to replace my beloved mission table (now living with a friend), we hadn’t eaten at the table much since we moved to Decatur. I didn’t have the…
From Chloe’s blog: Tonight I wasn’t the most charming boy… My kitty sister was annoying me very much, so I acted on it. My peeps nor her really appreciated my barking and growling…
Each and every year, it is always “It’s so hard to believe how old she is!” But sixteen seems to be a special milestone. “Sweet Sixteen” is one of those special ages. I’m a bit self-centered about her aging. Instead of remarking on her growth, I worry about myself. Not about how old I’m getting,…
Chloe had the honor of introducing Tony DiTerlizzi on the Children’s Stage at the Decatur Book Festival this weekend. When we went up to Tony to talk to him beforehand, he asked if we lived nearby. I pointed at the building behind him and said “Yup, in that building right there!” But then went on…
How many times have I said this over the past 10 years? I cannot even count the times… Over the past couple of years, I’ve been working hard to finish up projects, transfer projects, move on. Just to give myself a little bit of breathing room. Find the things that truly are worth my time….
One of the reasons Chloe decided to not continue with gymnastics was to giver her time for other activities. Her first step was to sign up for Girls Rock Camp ATL. While she was at first on the wait list, she quickly moved off of it, and thrilled to be a camper. At the camp,…
From Chloe’s blog: Yesterday my peeps left me for a whole hour! I thought they would never be back. When they got back, I was so excited that I grabbed the towel off the stove. Them my mommy and older sissy took me for a walk. The we went up to the “fifth” floor where…
From Chloe’s blog: My big sis got back from Sweden yesterday! And guess who she brought back? Grandma! Whenever I see grandma, I get lots of bites and treats. Grandpa Texas had come a lot earlier yesterday. Sadly, my Grandparents could only stay the night, but they got up early and left in the late…
Another kid milestone this week… Our last day of gymnastics. For almost eight years now, Chloe has been going to the same gym. She’s progressed from going 1 hour a week to 9 hours a week, from a tumbling class for toddlers, to competitive gymnastics. She grown immensely in her skill, stamina, strength. But next…
Not Camille is interested in the language arts, Chloe is too. A few years back, Chloe decided to enter the LEAF poetry slam. As it was for teens, she was asked to be the “calibration poet”. Since then, she’s gotten more interested in writing poems for poetry slams, and this spring tried out for her…
Camille’s first year of school is almost at a close. While she has faced challenges in moving from homeschooling to public schooling, she’s managed to find her way and learn. Not only has she been successful in her classes, she’s been able to thrive! Last night, she was invited to the SGA Awards Ceremony, where…
This past weekend, I headed off on a rare trip – one on which I did nothing. I made no decisions. I don’t know when I’ve ever had a couple of hours like that, much less a couple of days like that! I flew up to Detroit and met my aunt and uncle who took…
My baby girl turned eleven today! She got home late from kayak camp but insisted on opening up her gifts before bed.
For Chloe’s spring break, we are headed out of town (travelin’, travelin’!). But Phelix the dog doesn’t get to join us, poor duppy. So what to do? We thought about a pet sitter, but he’s such a social dog that be awfully lonely staying home all by himself — except for Gazoo, who won’t give…
What a week fo Phelix! It started out a bit boring at first, but on Thursday, he GRADUATED! He still has a lot of work to do on many of his commands, but he’s come a long, long way. He is getting better and better about not having accidents and “dropping” things that he picks…
This has been a week of ups and downs for Phelix. On Tuesday, Phelix apparently pooped in the lobby while Rob was looking the other way. After a reprimand from the condo manager, I was so embarrassed I could barely bring myself to showing my face downstairs again. But mistakes are made, right? So we…
Slowly but surely, Phelix is learning. He still barks, but he’s barking less. He still pees in the house sometimes, but not quite as much. He did very well at his fourth doggie class, too. This week, Phelix got to go on a long walk to our friends’ house where he played in the fenced…