104.7 The Fish and Kool-Aid

  "Mom, what are we doing today?"  I have heard these words daily since my kids have been out of school for the summer.  I'm not complaining, I'm just saying. We usually have summer camps, the park, the pool, work, sports or something to keep us busy.
      Since we have downscaled, downgraded, whatever you want to call it, it has been a challenge for myself and for the kids to wade away boredom. On yesterday, I gave myself a reality check.  "Would they really die from boredom." Of course, you know the answer.  So what if they did not go to the park today, play a video game, to a sports function, a friend's house or anywhere?  They will be okay, I realized.
     This morning, I knew it was coming and I was ready for the question of the day. When I got "There's nothing to do outside" I surprised myself when I quickly responded, "Play hide n' go seek, climb a tree, dig for worms, make something with the bamboo sticks, play catch with pine cones, draw a picture, practice your trumpet, play the keyboard, play Uno, make a paper airplane, play with your bow and arrow that you made......
    So, I placed a table outside under a nice shaded tree, made a pitcher of Lemonade and Tropical Punch Kool-Aid to keep them happy, and turned the radio to 104.7 The Fish to keep me sane.

Kid Coaches

     Running with The Kids on the first day of  lent helped me decide what I would give up for the season.  My ego, my pride and ice cream.  I endured their jokes and watched them skip up hills as I trudged behind trying to keep up.  This is the only time that I will allow them to say things like "C'mon mom, is that all you've got?" and "You're as slow as molasses."  So, as I passed up the opportunity to jump in the car with my husband as he passed by, I heeded to my daughter's coaching to sprint as fast as I could around the corner and to the front door.

My New Balance Running Shoes. 2004-Present.