This and That

Not much happening here, but there are a few things I'd like to remember:

***Valentine's Day was moderately successful. Bruce and I took our date early and had dinner together Friday night. I was enjoying a perfectly cooked medium rare beef tenderloin when our sitter called to tell us that Kiki threw up in her bed. Romance over. We came home to wash sheets and Pillow Pets and give Chloe a well-earned paycheck. Kate was aghast that she would be required to go to school on Valentine's. "But...but...it's a HOLIDAY!" she exclaimed. Her attendance was deemed worthwhile after she realized she would be partying all day. We also had Valentine's to deliver to friends in the neighborhood. I told Kate to put them on the doorstep, ring the bell, then run like heck. She looked at me like I was certainly a liar, but did it anyway. Bruce gave me 5 pounds of Hot Tamales, and if you think that is a lame gift, then you have SERIOUSLY underestimated how much I love Hot Tamales. For Bruce's gift, he picked himself out a new phone. The EVO is a welcome addition to the family: Kate told Bruce, "I love your phone. And you."

***The girls have beome obsessed with wallets and purses. Bruce and I gave them new wallets for Valentine's Day, and they immediately put their dollars and cents inside. They carry around the purses (although Kiki's usually has plastic animals, her wallet, and a pair of ballet slippers- just in case!) like real grown-ups. At Walmart yesterday, Kiki wanted Cheetos, and, clutching her wallet close, said, "Don't worry Mom, I've got it."

***Kiki started gymnastics. It's pretty much the cutest. thing. ever.

***I had Parent Teacher Conference for Kate. She is doing great in school. She is reading above the expected level, is doing excellent in math, and (big sigh of relief) is unfailingly polite and kind. Mrs. Hatch has been on a cruise this week, and Kate is seriously bugged by having a substitute. It's nothing wrong with the sub necessarily, it's just that Mrs. Hatch is an amazing teacher, and Kate has actually cried missing her so much.

***My piano recital is coming up. I am combining with my mom so we rented a concert hall. I have 27 students now, which is a lot for me! My last recital was at my house, but there are just way too many people for that now. My students are working hard and I think they are going to do great. I was thinking about playing at the recital, but frankly, I have been plagued lately by some serious insecurities. I don't know what's going on with me.

***I ran my first 9 miler since the great shin-splint debacle of 2010. It felt great, and I have running friends now, so I'm pretty happy.

Life is busy.

And I almost forgot: I bought Kiki a cheeseburger the other day, and she took a bite, then played, then fell asleep, so I threw the cheeseburger away. When she woke up (hours later) she asked about the cheeseburger and I admitted I threw it in the garbage. I then went about my business, but when I came back to the kitchen some time later that little stinker had fished that cheeseburger out of the garbage and had eaten it.