Growing up

My sweet little girl went to a fun night at the high school tonight. A few of her female and male friends were there. She had fun despite the fact I too was there. On the way out to the van afterwards she thanked me for bringing her. I wonder how many other moms or dads were thanked tonight. I am glad I was one of them.

We cut out red dye #40 about a month ago. Not for all of us. Just the family member whose body I suspect converts it to speed. So far I think I see a difference. Maybe. Am I crazy? There is no medical proof the dyd does or does not cause behavior issues. So maybe its a preservative. I just do not know.

New girl

A new girl starts in my daughter's class tomorrow. She is a little bent out of shape. She isn't worried about the girl. Its simply the change in her life. I need to help her deal with change.

Sometimes being kind sucks

Yesterday as a drunken man berated and belittled me in front of his friends I wanted so badly to say "you suck!"

While this may have been honest, it would not have accomplished anything.

American Pride

N8 (while I was washing a muffin tin): "Is that for making American muffins like we had last night?"

Me: "The corn bread muffins?"

N8: "Yes, those are American muffins.  The other pan (the baking sheet I was also cleaning) is for muffins from other countries."

Me: Puzzled as usual and frantically trying to think of what he is thinking so I do not make him feel frustrated. And therefore potentially shutting him down. Furthermore causing him years of self doubt. *pause* Light bulb! "You mean for English muffins?!?!?!"

N8: "Yes.  I like the American muffins. And cupcakes." 

Me: "Me too Buddy. Me too."

 

Sometimes I find myself negatively assuming things others I do not know.  Or don't know well.  Its one of my issues. I struggle with that everyday.  No. I do not want to be judged the same way.  I could blame my mom for this as she was very judgmental.  BUT I am an adult so I am not going to blame her.  I am going to try and rectify that.  I will not jump to a conclusion.  And if I do, I will challenge myself to fine 3 positive assumptions about that person.

Own the results

K "How many more bites do I have to eat" Me: "You want to know?" She nods yes. I get up from the table and find a set of dice and hand them to K. "You want to know, you tell me. Roll the dice." She does and gets a nine. No complaints. She's the one who rolled a nine after all. And nine will nearly clear her plate.