Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2016-12-20 06:32:44 (UTC)

Coming To A Crescendo

If I had fallen asleep 3 minutes ago, I would have gotten 8 whole hours of sleep, but that didn't happen and going to bed early isn't in the cards. I have to wait up for Snookums to get home so we can work out what I need to buy the kids for Christmas (all of which I need to get done by tomorrow). Despite the fact that I'm chronically sleep deprived these days, I actually don't feel too bad. Not as bad as I have felt previous years. It's a tough time of year, but I'm managing okay.

It isn't lack of sleep that's getting me down the most, it's my knee. The one I hurt back in July while hiking Gold Mountain. I did more than just gash it, I most definitely did some structural damage that's coming to a crescendo. Two solid days of a stiff, swollen, sore knee. Home care isn't helping much. It looks like I'm going to have to get it checked out. Even though I really don't want to. I've gone a good two years without needing a doctor. But I also don't want to do irreparable damage and risk not being able to hike. My best guess it's a Baker's cyst. The last cyst I had required surgical intervention, so I'm not excited about making that appointment. I'll make Snookums do it... and come with me.

The best thing happened at dance tonight! Keenan has been feeling disillusioned lately, but I'd pep-talked him into being a good sport tonight. He was going into it with a good attitude, and I was so proud of him for that. And then something great happened; nobody else showed up for class! Tonight was a make-up class, and since Keenan has missed two days this quarter, I figured he should go. Since no one else showed up, he got to have a private lesson with his teacher (Ms. Sara) and it was exactly what he needed to feel reengaged and enthusiastic again. She helped him work on his positions, foot work, agility, strength, all sorts of things. He was so happy to be getting the one on one attention, with no girls around. She also showed me how to fix his shoes so the elastics don't dig into his heels, and we talked about some of the advancements she's looking to bring to the center for the other 4 boys studying ballet. Keenan is 1 of 5 and all of them are in classes by themselves with all girls. And all 5 of them have gone through a bit of disenfranchisement about it. She believes he has incredible potential. She praised his focus and determination. He's doing great, and I'm very proud of him. And I'm thankful for this fortuitous turn of events that has renewed Keeny's love for ballet. I knew it hadn't truly gone away.

After dance I took the kids to Target to do their Christmas shopping. This is the first year they've insisted on buying presents for each other and the rest of the family. It's sweet, although I had to remind them that the more they spend on us, the less we have to spend on them (since I was paying for it all). They kept it under $100 and had the best time wrapping their gifts and putting them under the tree. And really, that's what matters. What makes them happy. Not so much what or how much I give them. But that joy that comes from giving. I know it's my favorite part of Christmas. Watching them open what I've given them. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them happy.




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