Such is the nature of errands. They need to be done, you go out and do them. Sure, you have food in the fridge and a vague idea what you're going to make for supper, but there's no real sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this is more a comment on the nature of housework than errands, really. It's difficult not to feel a sense of the futility of it all.
L was in preschool this morning, and was up as usual at 6:30, groaning dramatically that she was starving to death and that she needed help picking out her clothes for the day, stat. She ate some Dino Eggs oatmeal (not as bad as it sounds - only five more grams of sugar than the apple kind. Don't you judge me) and decided on a pink and white sundress with heavy brown tights. I got her to change to thinner white tights and negotiated the addition of a pink cardigan. She's been complaining a lot lately about going to preschool, but once she's there she has a good time. So I muscled her into the car and got her there, where everything is magically ok. Today required slightly less muscle, as she was going to give out party invitations for her 5th birthday. Not to everyone in the class, though - just a select few. Shhhh.
After preschool drop-off were the aforementioned errands, and then I went to the nursing home for a while. I really love volunteering there, but it's also a place that keeps me grounded. There are great people there who are doing well, and there are a lot more people who are not doing well, for one reason or another. Alzheimers, dementia, crippling physical conditions, everything is represented there. I am selfish, because I go there for my own sense of well-being; for the awareness I get of how fortunate I am, and how it makes me feel to know that I've made even a small difference. But those aren't the only reasons, of course. I'm not the sort of person who physically touches others a lot, but when I'm there I touch their arms, I rub their shoulders, I give hugs and affection and smiles. The overwhelming need for kindness and simple human contact amazes me every time, no matter how often I visit. I see the staff doing the same things. It makes it a wonderfully positive place, despite the physical and mental states of some of the residents. It's a good nursing home. But aren't they all, no matter how good, a little heartbreaking?
J was home sick from work today. I have to admit I like it when he's home. I think when he's at work, there is a part of me that is waiting for him to come home. I hate typing that because it makes me sound like faithful Argo. But it's true at the same time. On the days he's not able to come home for lunch, the day seems unusually long. So today he was at home, and even though he was sick, it was nice to have him here. I can't complain about him being sick because I kinda sorta gave him the cold. I infected a total of three people with this cold - go me!
Now I have to go and argue with an almost-five year old that it's the best idea ever to eat all the raw carrots I put on her plate. Does bribery work at this age?
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