Emily's Spelling Bee

     You know those moments from childhood that define you?  Well, I was a good speller.  I made it through many years of school with one spelling error on a test.  The word was "bones" and it was  the second grade.  Mrs. Parisi was my teacher.  I had a dog and I used to feed her the popular treat, "Bonz".  I was confused at the ripe old age of seven and put the wrong spelling on the test.  Think I was scarred a bit?  I remember walking down the huge stairwell with my mother as she expressed quite sternly her disappointment with the error.  After that, I never had another spelling word wrong.  Eight years. One word wrong.  Bonz.  So it was safe to say that I would also be in the school spelling bee each year.  Though a good speller I was quite shy and would eventually choke on my own fear and the wrong letter.  In the eighth grade I made it as co-champion of my whole school and went on to the Bronx districts.  I was doing well until out in the crowd I spotted my own mother.  I heard my word...saw her face...and the whole world went quiet.  It was one of those panicky moments when you don't hear right and things start to look funny.  Adrenaline does something huge to me.  Like, I think I have a problem with it.  Anyway, the word was "alkali".  I only remember the ding of the bell and the sad defeated walk to the stairwell that took me off stage. 

Fast forward to present time and a little fifth grader jumping into the car with excitement in her voice.  She had made the district wide fifth grade spelling bee.  On January, 29th I sat in the metal chairs in front of the stage and watched.  I smiled.  Gave her the thumbs up when needed.  Held my breath between letters.  I also sat there knowing I had broken yet another loop.  She did well and as we hugged afterwards, she thanked me for being there.  She said it made her feel better.  I care much more about THAT than I do about her misspelling a word.  She was one of the finalists so this victory will take us on to another part of the journey.  This time we will prep and practice so that confidence can back her up as much as skill.  When we know better we do better.  Sometimes we even spell better.  Good luck, little girl, and thank you for another life lesson in healing.

Ion

     Another nail polish color.  Mom and daughter needed a little girl time and our nails needed a little fun.  I want the job of coming up with these names!!!

Space Cadets

     This group is always up for the challenge of a new game.  This one made our brains hurt at first but it was fun.  Each participant gets a role and their own little mini game.  These efforts are all joined as the ship makes its way through its various challenges.  It was the first time Hannah joined a game night and I have a feeling it won't be the last! Cadets, take your posts!!!

The Shining on the Big Screen

     If you saw a movie as a kid on the little tv in your living room please give them another try as an adult.  If you can catch it on the big screen even better.  It is a strange feeling to see it on the other side.  I love the revival series at our local community theater and I love the fire it lights within for a world of film I just never knew existed.  I would like to thank Paul, Mark and John for helping me see this light.  We may just have another fanatic on our hands....

Greek Lunch

I've mentioned that Fridays at work mean  a table full of people devouring what was prepared for them.  There is a rotation of cooks.  This week we had GREEK!

     Youvetsi (yoo-VEH-tsee) is a traditional Greek stew that can be made with beef or lamb. The meat is cooked in a rich tomato sauce together with orzo pasta and finished with a heap of grated Kefalotyri cheese on top. This one was made with chicken.

While we ate this yummy dish, JoAnn, shared stories of her teen years and the adventures on a trip to Greece to meet her new extended family.  Leigh Ann also told us the hysterical story of her recent car ride with her father after a pick up from the airport.  We ate Greek, listened to Greek and laughed at the Greek all at once.

RIde with Christina

     The new Christina blasted in my car as this new Christina drove to work. 

Ten Fingers of Gratitude

     I watched a segment on tv in which Brene Brown said something so profound that I repeat it to myself all of the time. 


                                                 " The difference
                        between privileged 
                             and entitled
                                     is
                              gratitude."

     We didn't have the things that children have today back when we were children.  We also are supposed to do better than the generation before.  Yet, somewhere in all of the changes, it seems that people have lost something. I felt like this sentence summed it all up.  We were grateful back then for things that we earned, found, or were given.  Today, it is expected.  This is a tricky place.  So starting today when someone whines or acts ungrateful I pop up ten fingers in their face.  They have to then list ten things they are grateful for.  Maybe this will be the first step in reminding all of us what really counts.  They are good kids but I want them to also be compassionate and caring adults and gratitude will be the key.