The Complexity of Kids

You know the school year is drawing to a close when they schedule the open talent show...

This afternoon a dozen brave middle schoolers sang, tumbled, danced, and played their way through their acts in front of a hundred or so of their peers. While I always admire their courage, this year I really wondered what in the world they were thinking for most of the performances.

Along with a pretty good Riptide ukulele number and some interesting contemporary dance, there were stunningly awful renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, If I Was Your Man, and My Fight Song. Middle school kids are not known for their empathy, and despite a direct reminder to be kind and respectful, my stomach churned a bit in the dark with the crack of each flat note as I noticed the growing restlessness of the crowd.

I needn't have worried though. What started as an ironic show of support-- shining phones held aloft in waving arms by snickering kids, turned into a real rescue when the audience picked up the melody and sang along, elevating the performance itself with their voices.

And the applause at the end of every number was genuine.

Things I Learned in School Today

Penmanship
Cup-stacking
Blobfish
The Threat of Plastics
Wiffle Ball
Silly Math
The History of Dueling

I love you, Teacher for a Day!

Nothing Yet

There was a tiny slip of folded paper on my doorstep this morning when I returned from walking the dog. Its presence seemed quite intentional, and I plucked it up and unfolded it on my way in. It was the fortune from a cookie, which read: You have an unusual magnetic personality. Just be aware of your polarity.

I'm still waiting for the Universe to send the rest of the message.

That Old Familiar Feeling

I've been hitting the gym a little more frequently lately, and so I needed a few extra gym clothes. In the interest of time and convenience, I ordered a couple of things online over the weekend. When they arrived last evening, I tried everything on separately and then tossed a pair of shorts and complimentary t-shirt into my gym bag.

I got my first look at the ensemble this afternoon in the locker room. After changing and stowing my work clothes in a locker, I turned the corner and catching sight of myself in the mirror, gasped. The navy shorts and stripy heather shirt fit just fine, but it looked for all the world as if I was wearing my middle school gym suit!

Let's not break anything, I implored the Universe, and then knocking on the wooden bench, continued out to the floor.

Eviction Notice

The little dove in the nest we accidentally let its parents build in the eaves of our deck finally fledged on Friday. It was nerve-wracking and exciting to see it take its first tentative flight, first to the railing and then to the crab apple tree beyond. Despite its stubby tail feathers and downy wings the chick seemed sturdy and as confident as any mourning dove can be. The parents perched nearby, flitting from one branch to another, but it wasn't long before we were all confident that the little bird would be okay.

And then we knocked that nest right down.

Taking the Average

Despite the no cooking restriction, yesterday was a pretty good eating day. After clear liquids and fasting the day before, I figured I could eat double the usual with a few extra treats.

It seems only fair.

Advice and Consent

When my procedure was over, the nurse read the discharge instructions:

No driving.
Sure.
No making important decisions--
avoid signing anything.
Okay.
No drinking.
Mmmm...
No cooking.
Now that's just crazy talk!