Alison Hodgson

Expert on the etiquette of perilous times.

  • Blog
  • Books
  • Calendar
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Home

Tween Spirit

August 21, 2009 by Alison Hodgson 4 Comments

Long time readers of this blog know that, in the aftermath of an especially exhausting stretch of insomnia/trip of Paul’s/social engagement/etc., I will often pull out the simile “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

Well, Wednesday we celebrated Lydia’s 12th birthday a month early with eleven of her dearest friends from 1-7 pm. In case you aren’t very good at math I’ll underline that we had, including the ECSTATIC birthday girl herself, twelve twelve year old girls here for six hours…good girls, smart girls, yes, but a houseful of tween girls is a houseful of insanity. All I can say about it today is that if there was some way to transfer all that pre-teen spririt into actual energy, I would have been able to treat the entire U.S. (and most of Canada!) to power for the forseeable future.

Paul planned to take a half day to help me run the party, but had to go to Mexico instead. Fortunately he arrived home a few hours after it started, but in the days leading up to it I slept erratically as I often do when he’s gone.

Torey arrived a little before the guests did.  Beyond all the help to me and direction she gave to the girls, I’m so glad she was there to stand witness to the unbelievable hyper-kinesis.  
An aside: my spelling and everything else is shot.  Above, I had to write “12th” because I couldn’t spell it and I’ve already caught several words substitutions.  Please soldier on.
What really undid me, was the water balloon toss.  Christopher and Eden had filled up a billion balloons because Torey recommended some stupid games to help fill the gaps between swimming and the usual birthday rigors.  As the girls ran out to the yard Jackie Boy happily followed.  
I can’t give you the strict ratio of how often he stays with us to the rare times he runs across the road to greet runners on the bike path.  Despite the rarity of the latter, the fact that it’s still a possibility has taught all of the us the wisdom of hooking him up to his lead when he’s out in the yard.  
I did that immediately but the clasp must have pulled off his collar because he was happily scampering around the driveway.  He came as soon as I called, but raced past me to rejoin the throng of girls who all, following Lydia’s frantic lead, began shouting his name.  This auditory adrenaline got Jackie going and he started running around them in circles.  I called him again and he came barreling down the path towards me where I had just attached the lead to the gazebo.
This was where I made my mistake.  With the benefit of hindsight I know that he was probably going to race past me then turn around and come back panting, but I, hepped up from being in the company of – words fail me: I can’t summon an adequate metaphor – a bunch of twelve year old girls for hours and brain addled from all the rest, stepped in front Jack as he charged toward me.
“You didn’t.”  Paul said as we lay in bed the next morning, examining my bruises.
On impact I was thrown into the air, spinning, and landed face down in the opposite direction.
“Those girls really deserve a medal,”  Torey said, when she called to check in later, “people falling is funny stuff and not one of them even giggled.”
“Adults falling is scary, though.”
Lydia confirmed this.  Her friends stood frozen and momentarily speechless, until one asked her, “Is your mom OK?”
I was lying in a pile, the breath knocked out of me, unable to savor the temporary silence.  For a second I considered embarrassment but adrenaline and shock were made for just these occasions.  A wiser or less addled woman would have probably feigned serious injury and remained crumpled.  
I jumped up, grabbed the dog, secured him to the lead, adjusted the towel that was my quasi cover up and walked across the lawn with as much dignity as I could muster to rejoin the balloon toss in which I was even-ing up the numbers.  My partner and I were one of the last teams to drop.
Today my left wrist is throbbing and the bone feels damaged.  Large bruises have formed on my fore and upper arm, covering muscle aches and the area from my shoulder extending all the way up my neck is stiff and feels twisted.   
The rest of the party went smashingly (strictly a metaphor) and the final test for me of greeting the parents arriving to pick up and saying goodbye to all the girls went well too, although I may have laughed somewhat dementedly at one of the dads in a brave shot at welcoming heartiness.
I don’t think I twitched.
That’s all I have the strength to report for now.
I hope everyone is happy and well and don’t take that full range of motion for granted; it’s a gift.

Filed Under: birthdays, blood and gore, insomnia, Jack, Lydia, parties

November 16, 2007 by Alison Hodgson 2 Comments

Last Friday night my sister, Torey, took all three of my kids for a sleep over. It was, in a word, fantastic. Paul took me out for dinner to this place he has been wanting to take me for a long time. We raced over there as soon as Paul came home, like a couple of octogenarians headed for the early bird special, but it was still packed when we arrived. We were given the choice of sittting in the bar or waiting a bit for a table. Paul deferred to me, I thought for a second, and decided to wait for a table.

We chit chatted a little, but mostly sat quietly and began the shift from frenetic thought and movement to stillness and peace. It really wasn’t that long until we were seated. We immediately ordered a shrimp appetizer with, reportedly, ambrosial qualities and a little something to drink.

We hadn’t decided what we wanted for dinner when the shrimp came and, Baby, they were good. There was some sort of coating, frying was involved and then there was a creamy, spicy element. I took a bite and told Paul, who had eaten them before and had brought me here, mainly to try them, “This is what all food wants to taste like.” He popped another one in his mouth and smiled.

Nothing really sounded inviting for dinner, but the appetizers were all appealing. We decided to order several more and call it good, although we were open to dessert, but then I don’t think we have ever been accused of being closed to dessert.

It was great. We ordered more of the shrimp as well as several others and enjoyed them leisurely, though it wasn’t long before I laid my chopsticks down and left the field to Paul. He soldiered on, alone, but eventually surrendered with dignity. There was no question of dessert.

And yet, by the time we had paid the bill, walked to our car and driven a ways, something sweet sounded, not just palatable, but necessary. Paul pulled into a candy store and we made some careful selections. We had already decided to have dinner be our one outing of the night; we had several Netflix awaiting us and a quiet evening at home appealed us both.

It was great. We watched several shows curled up on the floor, with Jack either spooning, or draping himself over one of us and then we went to bed early, (earlier than two of our children, as it turned out) and had a long and peaceful sleep. I have rarely started a Saturday so rested and relaxed.

I would probably still be sleeping, if Paul hadn’t awakened at 7:00 and eventually slipped out of the room. Just a few years into the marriage he developed the stealth and silence of a Ninja trying to never, ever wake me, but he hasn’t figured out a way to simulate his presence. I perceived his absence and awoke soon after he left. I was still rubbing my eyes when he started bugging me to take Jack for his walk. I wanted to lie in bed and read without guilt but Paul was insistent. Reluctantly, I got up and dressed and we took Jack out.

We normally walk him every morning between 6:30 and 7:30 for a couple of miles or so, for 30 minutes or so. We leave the children, lock the house and carry a cell phone for them to call us, with any need. We leave lights on strategically so that if Eden wakes up first she can get to our siblings or to our bed without fear. Many mornings we return to her sitting on our pillows, her hair mussed, her eyes sleepy, but smiling and shouting a cheery, “Welcome home!” And we are welcomed.

This morning, as Paul grabbed the keys, he reached for his phone and hesitated, “Do I need to bring the phone?” We would only be gone for half an hour…The kids were safely at my sister’s…Carrying the phone seemed excessive and paranoid.

“Leave it. We’ll be back in 30 minutes.” I said.

The morning was really beautiful; cold but not bitter, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A trail is being built by our home and we decided to head North, a way we haven’t yet walked. Jack was eager and happy but docile. We walked along and talked about what we wanted to do, admired the scenery and encouraged the dog who was being so good. It was a great walk. However, it was not 30 minutes. All told we were gone almost an hour.

We had barely hung up our coats and still felt that rush of a cold face in a warm room, when the phone rang. I noted, curiously, that it was Torey. She ‘d told me to not even bother calling until 11:00. It was only a little after 9:00.

“Did you get my 18 messages!” Greetings were set aside.

“No, we were out walking. What’s wrong?”

“Your daughter fell down the stairs and knocked her tooth back. Dr. Devon is meeting us at the office. I tried your house, your phone, Paul’s!”

“I’m sorry! We figured we’d just be gone a little bit. Sorry! We’ll meet you there, OK?”

So we kennelled the dog, pulled on our coats and drove over to the dentist’s. We live quite close, so we were the first there. It was strange to be on the periphery of one of our chidren’s medical emergencies, so much that we weren’t sure whose it was.

“I assumed it was Eden, but she said, “Your daughter” so I don’t really know.” I told Paul.

After a few minutes our dentist pulled in and then Torey did. We hustled to the car. Both girls were in the backseat, but it was Eden, still in her pajamas, smelling faintly of sausages who was biting on a folded and wet paper towel. Her pink, winter hat framed her sweet face. The dentist took a quick look, told her to sit tight and then ran into his office. In a moment he was back, adjusted the tooth and said it was good.

“She didn’t, by any chance, knock the dead one?” I asked. A few months ago she had fallen and killed her front tooth, It’s hard to spot, but it’s slightly darker than the other.

“Let me see, ” he said, pulling open Eden’s jaw. “Nope. She got the other.” He smirked at us.

He gave us instructions and then was off. Torey whispered, “Do you want to ask her if she wants to come back to the sleepover?”

“You want her?”

“Well sure.”

My sister is a saint.

Eden wanted to return. At the closest party store Paul kitted her out with popsicles and ice cream per the dentist’s instructions and a danish just because. We stopped at the house to get her dosed with Tylenol and then they were on their way.

On our own Paul made a move to start cleaning up the mess from a window we just had installed. I looked at him. “Are you kidding me? I’m don’t want to spend our “sleepover” cleaning up the deck, AND I haven’t had any COFFEE.”

He saw my point.

We went out for breakfast instead.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2007/11/613/

Filed Under: blood and gore, Eden, marriage, rest

September 5, 2007 by Alison Hodgson Leave a Comment

The Bean got her shot and was very brave.

“This will hurt for just a little bit,” the nurse said, “it’s OK to cry or even shout but you can’t move or it will hurt a lot.”

I appreciated her honesty. Eden didn’t even flinch although her little tears wet my shirt where her face was pressed against my chest. I have had a headache all day and didn’t get enough rest. My nose is still running and yet, when my kids need me, it is so easy to forget myself. Although I wouldn’t have chosen this interlude today, and it certainly took away from things I needed to do, it enhanced the day too. These people call out such tenderness from me. I can be thankful for these opportunities to be with them, Eden in her fear and courage and the older two in their gentleness and sweetness to her.

I am weary, filled with love and thankful.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2007/09/647/

Filed Under: all of them, blood and gore, gratitude, love

Today thus far

September 5, 2007 by Alison Hodgson 1 Comment

Have done:

Awoke to sinus pain at 2 a.m.

Read a book until some time after 5 a.m.

Passed out again

Crawled out of bed at 8 a.m.

Rescued two toads from the love of the Bean

Taught school

Made a run to the pharmacy to get meds for allergies

Commanded everyone to wear shoes whilst in the construction zone

Removed the last of the cedar shakes

Had a long phone call regarding a ministry for which I volunteer

Busted up a brawl between the homeschoolers that broke out while I was on the phone

Gave First Aid to a Bean who slipped off her shoes and sliced her toe in all the excitement.

Negotiated peace between the warring parties

To do:

Take a Bean to the doctor for a tetanus shot

Go to the library

Shop for groceries

Make dinner

Workout

Launder all of our laundry

Pick up the dining room and our bedroom

Walk the dog

Sleep through the stinking night

Filed Under: bitching and moaning, blood and gore, Captain's blog, insomnia, mayhem

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and special notices.

Recent Posts

  • 7 Great Posts to Help You Clean and Declutter Your Home
  • Christmas 2015
  • Survival Diary: The Accident
  • What to do after a Concussion? Not This.
  • How To Figure Out Your Career: Disaster Can Be Your Guidance Counselor

Search

Archive

  • July 2017 (1)
  • December 2015 (1)
  • October 2013 (1)
  • September 2013 (1)
  • August 2013 (1)
  • July 2013 (2)
  • June 2013 (2)
  • April 2013 (3)
  • March 2013 (3)
  • February 2013 (1)
  • January 2013 (1)
  • December 2012 (3)
  • September 2012 (3)
  • July 2012 (4)
  • June 2012 (7)
  • May 2012 (7)
  • April 2012 (7)
  • March 2012 (3)
  • February 2012 (6)
  • January 2012 (10)
  • December 2011 (5)
  • November 2011 (1)
  • October 2011 (1)
  • August 2011 (1)
  • July 2011 (2)
  • June 2011 (4)
  • May 2011 (1)
  • March 2011 (1)
  • February 2011 (1)
  • January 2011 (1)
  • November 2010 (1)
  • September 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (3)
  • July 2010 (5)
  • May 2010 (1)
  • April 2010 (1)
  • February 2010 (1)
  • January 2010 (1)
  • December 2009 (3)
  • November 2009 (1)
  • October 2009 (2)
  • September 2009 (3)
  • August 2009 (4)
  • July 2009 (2)
  • June 2009 (6)
  • May 2009 (3)
  • April 2009 (6)
  • March 2009 (5)
  • February 2009 (1)
  • January 2009 (11)
  • December 2008 (10)
  • November 2008 (8)
  • October 2008 (11)
  • September 2008 (10)
  • August 2008 (8)
  • July 2008 (13)
  • June 2008 (14)
  • May 2008 (17)
  • April 2008 (19)
  • March 2008 (29)
  • February 2008 (27)
  • January 2008 (30)
  • December 2007 (19)
  • November 2007 (14)
  • October 2007 (9)
  • September 2007 (15)
  • August 2007 (18)
  • July 2007 (13)
  • June 2007 (13)
  • May 2007 (23)
  • April 2007 (19)
  • March 2007 (8)
  • February 2007 (7)
  • January 2007 (15)
  • December 2006 (15)
  • November 2006 (26)
  • October 2006 (8)
  • September 2006 (17)
  • August 2006 (20)
  • July 2006 (11)
  • June 2006 (20)
  • May 2006 (17)
  • April 2006 (15)
  • March 2006 (30)
  • February 2006 (13)
  • January 2006 (17)
  • December 2005 (15)
  • November 2005 (30)
  • October 2005 (33)
  • September 2005 (25)
  • August 2005 (19)
  • July 2005 (13)
  • June 2005 (24)
  • May 2005 (6)

Copyright © 2023 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in