Labor Day

It’s Labor Day today, and I guess technically I should not be writing, because the blog, while a labor of love, still definitely requires work. These days it’s easier to think of the words than to get them on the page, so I wait for a burst of energy, type what I can and then switch to dictation, even though the sentences never quite come out right. Then there’s more typing to correct all the weirdness. It’s laborious for sure.

When I was gainfully employed in the publishing industry, I knocked out emails like it was the easiest thing in the world. Day and night, using those typing skills I’d first learned in 6th grade computer lab. Now I’m so behind in basic communication that it’s embarrassing. I should have an auto reply on my gmail and text platforms: “Sorry, I am unable to reply to your message in a timely fashion because I used all my energy to put my contact lenses in. And by the way, it didn’t even work; my husband ended up putting them in for me. I’ll try to get back to you at some point this month.” And then some emoticons: a kissy face, a surprised cat, a thumbtack, the Golden Gate Bridge. Just because. Read More>

|Categories: Life, Relationships | Tags: , , | Permalink

The Way Things Are

As a family, our morning routine needs work. Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten, and despite our efforts to arrive early, we did not even manage to arrive on time. Scarlett wears a uniform, I had planned quick and easy breakfast options, Rob was up early to shower. But it didn’t matter, because, not to be dramatic, everything takes us forever.

Today we actually had to wake Scarlett up for school. This child has never had to be woken up for anything, but we were told that kindergarten can be exhausting, and that appears to be a true story. She rolled around for a few minutes before springing out of bed, ready for another day. Oh, to wake up like that. She then proceeded to eat two pieces of toast and a banana as though it were a three course meal that she was reviewing for The New York Times, by which I mean sloooowly. I know we’ll get the hang of this, and I really don’t want to stress her out, but watching someone get ready at a snail’s pace turns out to be one of my least favorite things.

On the plus side, the first day of kindergarten was fantastic. She may have been the last kid in the class, but it was a mellow morning and no one seemed to mind. It was a half day, only three hours long, and Rob and I attended a parent orientation meeting after dropping her off. I spent the rest of the morning sitting outside, getting to know other parents, before it was time for early pickup. Scarlett was disappointed when it was time to leave, which I consider a very good sign.

Chatting with the other moms and dads felt so normal. I really liked everyone and I felt like we were going to be part of a great community. As we left, I was tired but definitely in high spirits. Things are good.

But things are hard, too. Read More>

|Categories: Life, Parenting, Progression, Relationships, Vanity | Tags: , , | Permalink

#whatwouldyougive 2015

My daughter starts Kindergarten on Wednesday. She’ll be at this school for the next nine years of her life. I’ll drop her off on her first day, take her to her classroom, kiss her goodbye. I’ll watch her as she takes this big, brave step, meets new friends, and finds a space for herself. And I’ll think about the day, nine years from now, when she finishes her last year at the school. I’ll think about how I should be there to pick her up that day. How much I want to be there.

This weekend we went to the wine country wedding of our dear friends. I watched my daughter dance, watched her chat comfortably with other guests, watched her insert herself into formal wedding photos with the bride and groom. I watched as she ate a cupcake, and a cookie, and then wandered off to find the donuts she’d been hearing about. I thought about all the big days in her future, how maybe one of them will be a wedding. How much I’d love to be there.

I love watching my daughter. I love to see her learn and grow and do ridiculous things followed by remarkable things. Being there for her, in moments big and small, is all I want in the world.

And it’s why I started the #whatwouldyougive campaign. I can’t adequately express my gratitude to all of the team members who challenged themselves by giving up an ability to raise money for and awareness of this cause. You have no idea what your support has meant to me. All I can say is thank you. And that you are some *seriously* impressive fundraisers.

It’s the last day to donate, and so many of you already have. Thank you. Your generosity wildly exceeded my expectations. Thank you for caring about our lives, and the lives of all the people dealing with ALS. Someday this disease will no longer be allowed to destroy families. Someday, maybe, I’ll see my little girl walk into high school. Someday, maybe, I’ll dance with her again. I hope so.

Donate here.

|Categories: Cure, Drugs, Life, Parenting, Research | Tags: | Permalink