Sticking to the Plan

Today is the two-year anniversary of my first blog post. I have enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I wrote more frequently when I first started, but that was during quarantine, so I can’t beat myself up too much about having less time to sit and write these days. Actually, I’ve enjoyed this so much, that I wish I could write for a living. But I digress.

On my blogiversary, I think it’s important to reflect and consider if I’ve been sticking to the original plan. In the beginning, I started the blog as a way to earn digital literacy credits to apply to my teaching license. I could have written about anything, but I figured I should write about something that I know a lot about, and could continue to write about in perpetuity. Well, I know a lot about myself. But I don’t think people want to read about me just for the sake of learning about me. So I asked myself how writing about myself could be beneficial to others. And that is when the plan began to take shape.

Not to brag, but I think I had a pretty great childhood. As a teacher (and a kind, idealistic human being), I think every person deserves to have a great childhood. But not everyone does. And that makes me very sad. So I thought, if I could share how I was able to enjoy my childhood, others could use that information to create the childhood they never had. Picture Phoebe on Friends. She did not have a great childhood, so she spent some time trying to experience what she thought she missed out on, like learning to ride a bike, and taking classes. She got these ideas by listening to others share their experiences.

And if readers also had a great childhood, then maybe they could just read my stories to reminisce and stir up happiness. An unexpected benefit of my blog is that writing has helped me to stir up happiness. Spending time thinking about things that made me happy at one point in my life has helped me to remember what I truly love, and who I really am. It’s surprising to find how far off course we can get in a life filled with detours and roadside attractions.

Either way, I think I’ve been sticking to the plan, and I hope it’s helped someone in some way. I don’t write to have a profound impact or to be the end-all solution to disappointing childhoods, but if I can put a smile on a few faces, then I think it’s worth going on Juvenescent Junkets for another year, and beyond.

Young Love Haikus

Kissing in a tree
K I S S I N G
Will we slip and fall?
Holding hands on skates
I wish there was one more song
Stairway to Heaven
Passing notes in class
Secrets whispered on paper
Hope we don’t get caught
Rode my bike to you
Friends took a hint and got lost
Now what do we do?
Doodle hearts all day
Practice signing new last name
Daydream believer
What’s he thinking now?
Should I ask, or should I know?
Loves me. Loves me not?
Paper Valentines
Heart shaped boxes of chocolates
Love is in the air
Hold hands at recess
Pluck a buttercup for you
Love was so simple
Heart shaped pizza lunch
Roses snuck into locker
Cupid delivers
Palms sweat Blurred vision
Breath check Suddenly clumsy
Sweethearts share first kiss
Hang out do nothing
Call and talk about nothing
Nothing is so much
Date night with my crush
Stargazing on a blanket
Hope it never ends

Snow Day

I’m not from here, but I’ve been here long enough that, when asked, I answer, “Home is North Carolina.” Except when a winter storm is coming. Then my answer is, “I grew up in New England.” It’s like I gain instant street cred (in my head anyway).

Winter Storm Izzy is on her way, and all the Cackalackys are in a tizzy. Buy all the bread and milk that exists! I never really understood the milk part of that equation. If the power goes out, which is to be expected with the amount of predicted ice, who’s going to want to drink sour milk? I’ve got a bottle of wine and a gas grill. All set.

The storm should be arriving Saturday night and continuing through Sunday. Monday is a holiday and Tuesday is a scheduled Teacher Workday, but the kids are still praying for a snow day come Wednesday. Sorry kids, the odds just aren’t in your favor.

And I really am sorry, because the suspense followed by the sweet relief and utter joy that comes with a snow day school cancellation is unparalleled. I vividly remember lying in bed listening to 96.5 TIC*FM, lights off, eyes closed in prayer, practicing my ABCs as I waited for the DJs to make their way through the list of closures. God help your nerves if you tuned in on a letter after your school district! Ok, focus, here we go… Avon, Barkhamsted, Bloomfield, Canton (Yes! Canton is nearby!), Darien, East Granby (Our neighbors! It’s looking good!), East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield (Why so many E’s, God, why??!), Fairfield, Farmington, Glastonbury (G! We’re next!! Please God! Please!), *dramatic pause*… Granby. GRANBY! YESSSSSSS!!!! *Slap* Alarm is off, back to bed. HA! Who am I kidding?! I leap out of bed. Snow pants on. Where are my moon boots?! “Mom! I’ll be back!” And out the door I go. Never has it ever been easier to get out of bed on a weekday morning.

Snow tunnels, snowball fights, igloos, King of the Mountain, catching flakes on our tongues, snowmen, snowmobiles, sledding and tubing. All great, but my personal favorite is lying deep in a snow drift, in the silence only a snowstorm can provide, staring up into the grey, mesmerized by the swirling crystallizations that rosy my cheeks and decorate my eyelashes. All proof that gentle and unique creations can make a world of a difference when they connect.

May the suspension, relief, joy, adventure, and enchantment of a snow day be with you every day.