December 1

Phys Ed tomorrow! Wheeeee! I really love it

1964

Ah December! It was 14 degrees this morning - but NO SNOW! Rats. I don’t know what I’m going to do about Geometry. That ratfink Mr. V is flunking everybody. Oh, well, I’ll just have to do my work and not let him bother me - not that it’s just me. Everyone in the class feels the same way.

Phys Ed tomorrow! Wheeeee! I really love it - especially tumbling and archery.

Comment 2022

I refuse to hold a grudge against the student teacher we had in Geometry that year. His sin was not being attractive and charming, like the student teacher in the English department. The truth is that I did all my homework in every subject in the study hall closest to the class. I did virtually no homework at home during the week except on Sunday nights.

And yes, Physical Education was one of my favorite subjects, along with Spanish. At my school, we had a seasonal rotation. Archery, field hockey, basketball, tumbling (gymnastics), track and field, and softball, in that order. Was this the year that we had free time during the class and the teacher gave us a book on gymnastics to see what advanced gymnastics looked like? I decided to try my hand at this release, on the parallel bars: from an arm stand, my shoulders resting on one bar and gripping the other with both hands, release my hold. One friend (probably my best buddy Marcia) walked me through the instructions. She said “Just let go!” and I did. It worked! Instead of falling headfirst onto the gym floor, I caught myself by the elbows and spun around, landing on my feet. It was so exhilarating I did it again. Our gym teacher took the book away.

1979

So far, so good. I have finished the HERJ article and the independent study paper. Wonder of wonders. Other things are managing to move along.

1981

Yesterday I got a really good pregnancy exercise book and I hope I can work out a schedule for myself with some fixed points and also some flexibility.

Right now, my morning schedule will be:

6 a.m. up, make lunch, eat breakfast, drive Jim to bus stop

7 a.m. exercise (one routine and one standing exercise)

8:45 leave for school

Between exercise and leaving will be my time to get something done (work, diary, newspaper, whatever)

1986

Kiddo 2 went to the doctor for another check-up today. The check-up confirmed my suspicions - he gained a pound and a half in a week. At this rate, he’ll beat Kiddo 1’s 3-lb gain in the first month easily. He’ll also be out of his newborn clothes in no time, so it’s good we didn’t get many. Another chubby one. Just hope he doesn’t get too big to carry right away!

Dr. M called to talk about Mom, who is - at last - getting better. It’s about time. I think Kiddo 2 helped, in his little way. She was worried that the stress of his illness would hurt us. Now she has something new and exciting to look forward to.

Comment 2023

I hadn’t posted about Mom in a while. At this point, she was still being treated for depression in the (very unpleasant) state mental hospital. Obviously, the call from her doctor was excellent news.

1997

The holiday season has surrounded me. The evenings are dark and there is a definite chill in the air. The “oughts” and “shoulds” are multiplying, waking me up in the middle of the night. But my Christmas shopping is nearly done and I have a good feeling about this holiday

2001

Went contra dancing last night with about 20 American Cultures students. It was great fun - - very enjoyable, and excellent exercise. It would be nice to do more dancing, more often. Maybe I can convince Jim to go with me once and see if he likes it.

Comment 2024

No dice.

2002

The holiday season officially began today with the annual string quartet rehearsal. As usual, one person was earnest and quiet, one was annoyingly on-pitch, and one heard every one of my bad notes and none of his own. But still, playing holiday tunes on the violin is a dream come true. And old dream, by now, but not one I ever want to take for granted.

Weekends are not for writing. Weekends are for cooking and tidying and cleaning and playing with friends. For “Trading Spaces” and walking the dogs. Weekends are for two-hour trips to the library. Origami experiments. Warm fuzzy slippers and old comfy clothes. Not writing.

Comment 2024

What’s a weekend?

2020

As I get busier here at Riderwood, it is vital that I don’t wait any longer to work on the book project. I have an editorial calendar in Trello. It is a draft, not a contract, but ignoring it only makes it harder for me to pick up the project. (A lesson I thought I had already learned, many times!)

Comment 2023

I ditched Trello. Also planning.

Comment 2024

Ditched the book project. Now using Planny. My desire to organize my life is never ending.

2021

I am feeling nose-drippy and throat-itchy. So may skip line dancing class today.

Comment 2023

I quit line dancing.