I haven't slept much in the last two weeks.  I'm starting to feel the results of it.  I'm a little more irritable.  I'm a little easier to anger.  I am certain that once school starts (in two freakin' weeks) that I am going to be exhausted.  So why can't I sleep in while I still have a chance?



Last week I wrote an open letter to my mammogram and within 24 hours I got a call back asking if a diagnostic mammogram could be performed on my right breast.  I went today for an even more elaborate mammogram (I'm now a seasoned pro) and was told I would have results prior to leaving.  Once out of my cool cape, I was escorted to a room filled with random images of my boob.  It was ....I don't know.  Weird?  Awkward?  Nerve racking?  The radiologist showed me random flecks of nothing and said that they were calcium deposits but he could not determine if they were cancer or not.  His best guess is no but he suggested that they rescan my breast in six month.  Um...this is not going to help my insomnia.
 

While I am VERY excited to be serving significantly improved student lunches, I am disappointed that the USDA thinks that an entire cup of fruit and/or vegetables is a proper serving for a K-3 student.  This is exceptionally wasteful.  Very few students will eat this entire serving.



Why do you hate me?  Why can't you smoothly transition into my helm?  Why can't you change over passwords in a easy and quick manner?  Why are you not up to date with current students.  Can't we come to a truce?  I didn't want S to leave either.  I wanted her to stay.  So play nice or this year is going to suck for the both of us.

Dear Alokoli,

I miss you.

I miss your poems. I miss your pictures. I miss your comments. Where are you, my friend? Are you still out there reading my words? Are you still out there lurking?

I don't know why you stopped blogging. I don't know why you closed your blogs. I don't know why you didn't say good bye. I want you to know that the presence of your absence lingers. I want you to know that the silence of your words is deafening.

I want you to know that I am praying all is well with you. I want you to know that I miss you. I want you to know that I am not the only one.

If you are still reading my thoughts, please drop me an email. Please let me know you are okay.

Happy Christmas, my friend.

~kisa~

Dear Middle G.

Today you are 10.  Double digits.  It is hard to believe that you will soon be in the fifth grade.  I feel like I am holding the fleeting moments of your childhood in my hands and like sand they are quickly running through my fingers. 

Like I do ever year, I will attempt to offer you some life advice.  Advice that I'm sure will mean little to you until you have a child of your own. 

• Few Friendships last forever.  Lately there has been A LOT of girl drama in your life.  It is hard for me to keep track of who you like and who you don't like.  Who is fighting with who and who is friends with whom.  Friends will come into your life and friends will go.  Only a few will forever remain.  The trick is knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
• School matters.  I know you think that spelling is useless and that math is often difficult, but trust me it is worth the effort.  No matter your age, force yourself to learn something new.  Step out of your comfort zone and try something different.
• Be the friend you want to have.  I think I read this on a fortune cookie once and it makes a lot of sense.  Listen to what your friends are saying.  Offer to help them when you can.  Make them laugh often.  You will be surprised how quickly they will return the favor.
• Screaming and crying never help.  If you get lost, don't cry.  If you are stuck in a bus, don't sit around and scream.  If you can't find your car keys, swearing won't help.  (Okay, that last one was for me.)  What I'm trying to say is life is gonna throw you some curve balls, it is better to swing with your eyes open than to close them and start to cry.
• Figure out your passion.  Everyone has a gift.  Everyone has a purpose.  Figure out what yours is and pursue it.  Some people are lucky enough to get paid for their passion and others have to supplement their income.  But either way, never give up on your passion, be it art, music, teaching or inventing, find a way to incorporate it into your life.

As of today, your future plans include becoming an artist or a rock star and living in Chicago.  I'm sure if I ask you next month these plans could be different.  One thing I know for sure, no matter where life takes you, I will always be your Number #1 fan!  Cheering you on!

Happy 10th Birthday, Middle G.

All my love,

Mom (formerly known as mommy)