Christmas Star

No doubt that every parent at tonight’s Christmas concert thought their child was a star—ourselves included. Our radiant child took her role as a senior leader quite seriously: she practiced her songs day and night, and according to one of her teachers, was one of a handful of students who she could count on to help guide some of the younger students through their joint performance.

The treats just kept on coming: after the delightful show, we feasted on holiday desserts, and the kids got to visit with the special visitor.

A sewing machine? Really??

Meowy Christmas

Our festive and felicitous feline prowled the grounds of a pavilion in search of Santa during “Christmas in the Park.” She eventually found the rotund one in—you guessed it—the rotunda, where she asked him for—you guessed it again—a sewing machine.

Shot Heard Round the World

Round number two of child’s flu shot + a highly anxious preschooler whose worry level was heightened by the knowledge that she would have to have to have another shot a month after her first = a loud and laborious undertaking at the pediatrician’s office.

Jingle Fever

Olivia and her dance crew ushered in the holidays with their performance of “Jingle Bell Rock” at the dance recital.

Mother's Day

Today my mom hits one of those milestone birthdays, the kind for which Hallmark maintains a special section. Cracking on her age seems trite, so allow me to go in the direction of heartfelt appreciation.

Dear Mom,

You are one of those people who other people are glad that they know. Do you remember Vinnie Johnson? He of the Detroit Pistons, when they were the Bad Boys? As you know, they called him “the Microwave” because he provided instant offense. Well, I’d go with “the Fireplace” for you, in that your presence both brightens and warms any room you’re in. Your enthusiasm is the stuff of legend. Paul Bunyan may have had the strength of a dozen men, but it’s you who has the energy level of a dozen Paul Bunyans.

A born teacher, you have dedicated much of your life to improving the life of others through education. I know your students are grateful to have had you; I’m lucky in that I never have to leave the classroom. You have taught me so much already, but most importantly, you have taught me to pursue an ethos of kindness and love, the guiding principles by which you lead your own life. I wish you happiness always but especially so on this special day.

Love,

me

Half a Wonderful Birthday

A half past four is the time my work day comes to a close; also, it signifies Olivia’s age in years, for today happens to be her half-birthday. I thought it might be fun to see how much she’s changed since her first half-birthday.

Olivia, circa December 2004

Wishing Wellness

My grandpa, here with me and my dad,
during a visit while I was in college

My grandfather in Japan, a proud man who once wowed the neighborhood kids with his strength—he kept a chin-up bar in his art studio—has recently been incapacitated by the cruel fate of cancer. My grandpa and I have always been separated by distance and language, but neither serve to buffer this pain I feel for him in my heart. As my dad leaves today to be by his side, please keep my grandfather in your thoughts and prayers. Domo arigato.

Facing a Short Fall

I’m not one of those environmentalists who attributes any abnormal weather occurrence to global warming—who am I kidding? I most certainly am that person!—but come on, this is getting ridiculous. I want to ask the deniers of science where our springs and autumns have gone. Tell them I’d like our seasons back, and so would our kids and grandkids.

Below is the view from our front porch this morning, a mere two days after Olivia staged an impromptu celebration for autumn at her preschool’s playground:

I realize that we are just a month away from winter’s official start, but the phenomena of winters and summers starting earlier—an observable result of global climate change—has effectively cheated us and the natural world of full falls and springs. A year without the four seasons is like listening to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” without the spring and fall movements: it deprives us of the full sensory experience.

And so while I can appreciate the beauty that is the first snowfall of the year, it also has me recommitted to the cause for which I care so deeply. So remember: us treehuggers may be self-righteous and annoying as hell, but at least we’re on the side working to stave off global ruination.

Faux Show

Contrary to Olivia’s recipe, we didn’t attempt a tofu-rducken—a dish consisting of Tofurkey® stuffed with a de-boned mock duck, which itself is stuffed with a small soy chicken—this Thanksgiving, but we did prepare the original ersatz “meat” loaf, seen here in full soy and wheat gluten glory.

Once in a Leaftime

The fall, named perhaps for what the leaves do from tree branches, provides those opportunities to gather both leaf piles and memories from our childhood. I can still vividly recall the smells and sounds of crashing into and thrashing about a mound of raked leaves. And it’s nearly as fun now watching my daughter share in the joy of this rite of fall as it was for me when I was that child among the leaves.

Wonder the Weather

Olivia grabbed my tie, belt, and basketball shoes, then made like Willard Scott by giving us the weather forecast and wishing Beatrice Sanders of Rapid City, South Dakota a very happy 100th birthday.

Mocked Turtleneck

Our child's reason for not wanting to wear her newest item of clothing:

"My friends were all staring at my turtleneck with a mean face."