Jimmy P

Me:  "James, what is all that doing in your bedroom?"
Jims:  "I don't know.  It seemed like fun."
Me:  "It's not gatorade though, is it?"
Jims:  "Nope.  I don't think you should drink it.  Or anybody really.  Except maybe Isaac."
Me:  "That's mean.  Get rid of it."
Jims:  "What?!  But that was a lot of hard work!  Besides, it's convenient since the bathroom is all the way across the hall from my bedroom."
Me:  "That's about 6 feet.  I don't feel sorry for you.  It's also a health hazard so please get rid of it."
Jims:  "Okay."  [mumbles when he thinks I can't hear: "Sheesh!  This is a waste!"]
...Ironic.

Sabbath

The following is The Scotsman's report on the 1924 Olympic 400m final, which Eric Liddell opted to run after discovering that the qualifying heats for his race, the 100m, were to be held on a Sunday.  Nobody was able to persuade him to race.  Instead he chose to run a distance he had never run before with very little time to train:  "The Union Jack flew in proud majesty over the Colombes Stadium today, for the only Final down for decision, the 400 Metres, which resulted in a great victory for Great Britain.  The brilliant running of E. H. Liddell, the Edinburgh University sprinter, was responsible.  There was a gasp of astonishment when Eric Liddell, one of the most popular athletes at Colombes, was seen to be a clear three yards of the field at half distance.  Nearing the tape Fitch and Butler strained every nerve and muscle to overtake him, but could make absolutely no impression on the inspired Scot.  With 20 yards to go, Fitch seemed to gain a fraction, but Liddell appeared to sense the American, and with his head back and chin thrust out in his usual style, he flashed past the tape to gain what was probably the greatest victory of the meeting so far.  Certainly there has not been a more popular win.  The crowd went into a frenzy of enthusiasm, which was renewed when the loud speaker announced that once again the world record had gone by the board.  This remarkable achievement confirms the view that the quarter mile is Liddell's best distance."

Twenty years later in an interview with Frank Wright of the Aberdeen Press & Journal, Liddell was asked how he had managed to keep his fantastic pace with such a curious style:  "The secret of my success over the 400 metres is that I run the first 200 metres as hard as I can.  Then, for the second 200 metres, with God's help, I run harder."

Psychological Warfare

I'm fast asleep in my bed in the cool early hours of dawn...

Gradually from the recesses of my mind I begin to hear something...

I can't quite make it out, but I know I've heard it before...

I begin to wander into consciousness as I try to understand what it is...

No, I don't want to know what it is, it's too early and I want to sleep...

But my mind has been stirred, and it won't let me go back, besides...

I am still hearing that familiar sound.  I feel inexplicably irritated, but why?...

I begin to recognize that it's my husband's voice, softly whispering something to me...

What is he saying?  I feel even more annoyed but am confused by my feelings...

I snap into consciousness and I realize what he's murmuring into my ear:

"Mele kalikimaka.  Mele kalikimaka.  Mele kalikimaka..."

"Honey," I say as sweetly as I can, "why are you saying that to me?"

A wide grin breaks across his face and he finishes tying his second shoe.  "Oh, I just thought it would be funny to get that stuck in your head today."

Irritation.  Then brilliance!  I'm going to plunge that song right down into his brain!  I break into song!

"Mele kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.
That's the island greeting that we send to you from a land where palm trees sway.
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright,
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night.
Mele kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say merry Christmas to you!"

     Repeat!

"That'll show him!" I think.

I've been singing it all day.  Gah!!

Joseph Soren

Can't get enough of this little critter.

And speaking of critters, a congratulatory email from my younger sister Bethany included this picture with the note, "Just reminded me of Mama Allen."  Yep, it's how I feel and I wouldn't change it for anything!  And now I need a nap.

Journal Entry

My journal entry from 17 April 2015 says something like this:

I'm 6 days overdue.  Go figure.  They always tell me I'll go into labor earlier this time.  I never do.  Being induced at noon.  Guess I'd better get Clara to take a picture of 41 weeks before I go.

Journal entry from 18 April 2015:

In shock.  Yes, complete shock.  Just had a 10 lb, 22 inch toddler!  I would be hating life at this exact moment if it weren't for the most beautiful--or at least I think he will be soon--little boy sleeping next to me.  It never gets old.  Even by #8 it is still just as exciting and wonderful.  How in the world did I get so lucky?

Introducing Joseph Soren Allen, reigning champion of the siblings, commanding respect from the first moment he breathed and striking fear into the hearts of all would-be challengers!  When he's not snuggling with his momma.

Garbage

"Hey William, I need to you to gather and take out all the garbage for me."  Two shakes later I'm about to call him again when he appears saying he's ready.

A week later...
"Hey Audrey, I need you to grab this garbage for me and take it out."  Two shakes later, I'm about to call her again when I turn around and involuntarily scream.  She says she's ready.

And I'm left wondering:  Is there something wrong with our garbage or our children?

Stowaway

MJ and I went on a date.  You know, dinner, a movie, a run to the grocery store to get stuff for the next morning's Sunday breakfast.  We come home, tidy up, check on sleeping kids and animals and head up for bed.  In the bathroom I turn on the hot water to wash my grimy face, put my hair in a pony, and lo and behold!

 What's this tucked into my sweater?

Come to think of it, I had been playing hide and seek with Penelope and her little toy before we left, and she had been reaching for me and fussing when I walked out the door, and I had felt just a little uncomfortable sitting against that theater chair back for those two hours...

 

Gentle Readers, what is wrong with me?  I'm thinking if I dig around in the toy box enough I just might find my brain.

Ballet

Somebody I know just started point.