Time

Superlatives and Prophecies

Jeanna G4 Comments

At my high school, each graduating class would vote on who should receive the superlative titles of Class Clown, Most Talkative, and Best All Around, among others. I didn’t receive any superlative distinctions by my class. I should’ve been voted “Most Sure of Myself,” because I knew who I was and what I wanted in life. Even so, I was curious about what they (I assume the yearbook committee members were our prophets?) predicted for my future. I really just needed to make sure I’d been heard. And I had been. My Senior Prophecy was that I ‘will never pay off my chiropractor bills.’ It was a funny nod to the assumption that I would become a chiropractor – my career goal at that age – and would have a mountain of loans to pay off. What’s ironic is that I’m not a chiropractor, but I’m still paying bills for all of the chiropractic treatments I continue to receive, thanks to my exhausting life. I might now be superlative as “Most in Need of an Adjustment.” Somehow my Plan A disappeared, along with B and C, and now I’m on Plan D, which wasn’t a plan until about 6 years ago.

As the Yiddish proverb advises, “When you make plans, God laughs.”

As a kid, I had a grand plan. I knew what I wanted. I knew what was going to happen. I knew how old I’d be when I married and started a family, how many kids I’d have, what my career would be, even what my house would look like.

I wasn’t right about any of it. I’m now superlative at being “Most Gobsmacked.”

This revelation begs acceptance of what is, closely followed by a proposal to quit planning.

At church on epiphany Sunday, we all close our eyes and select a star from a basket. Each star has a word on it that we can contemplate for some time. My daughter chose “prophecy.” I chose “eagerness.” I nudged her in the pew and told her to hurry up and tell me what was coming my way. I couldn’t decipher her look; was she annoyed, or was she just thinking it best not to break the news?

I guess I’ll just have to be superlative as “Most Patient” and “Most Observant” for what is heading my way. I hope I don’t miss it while I’m busy making Plan E.

Time Capsule

Jeanna G2 Comments

My sixth grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Maino, had each of his classes create a time capsule every year. In 12th grade, we returned to his classroom to open the capsule. It was a tradition that went on for years. He could have published a history book by recording the contents year after year. We put in newspaper clippings, photographs, popular toys, album and movie covers, fashion trends, and favorite food wrappers. I’m sure each class had their own variations and opinions on what should be remembered. Mr. Maino was onto something with that project. I think there’s value in considering the trends of the times, and being aware of what comes and goes. What would you want to preserve from this year?

On the other hand, my daughter and her friends plan to write what they want to leave behind from this year on paper, and then burn it at midnight. I’m glad she’s ringing in the new year at her friend’s house!

Whether you had a year worth remembering or forgetting, I wish you a happier new year!

Halcyon Days of Spring

Jeanna G1 Comment 
Kites fly up 
Helicopters spin down 
Wind chimes ring
To signal spring 

I spy a four leaf clover
The early bird got the worm
Picnics in the sunshine
Relaxed and warm

Buttercups give your chin a tickle
Do you see the glow? 
Rain starts to sprinkle
Look for the rainbow

Clip a bunch of lilacs for the table vase
Egg hunting time…it’s a race!
Let’s go camping for spring break 
Practice skipping stones across the lake

The school year is coming to an end
Field day…time to play!

Spring forward!

High school prom is in May 
Decorations, corsages, anticipation 
Can you believe what’s next?
Our high school graduation!

Blow the dandelion seeds into the wind 
What is my wish?
For Father Time to go to bed 
And let time stand still instead