Alison Hodgson

Expert on the etiquette of perilous times.

A little of this, a smidgeon of that

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Babies, (She said with a Ukrainian accent)

I have been very busy:
Reading American history and watching it unfold.
Cleaning (OK not as busily) and watching that unfold (not dramatically like history but messily like laundry) as well.
Neducating Christopher, helping with the neducation Lydia is getting at school and keeping Eden from becoming the first Kindergarten dropout in our family history – some historical firsts aren’t so grand.
Today it is cold and grey, here in Michigan.  Christopher and I are going to Eden’s school today to celebrate Chinese New Year.  There will be a little bit of singing and then a sort of carnival, although I used that term very carefully because Eden scoffed when she found out there wasn’t going to be any inflated plastic jumping things.  There are going to be little stations where the kids can walk around and do different things to win tickets which can be turned in for little prizes.  Some of the stations are Chinese language related and I was assigned to one of those.  With another parent who is Chinese speaking we will give the kids a chance to name the Chinese characters they know.  Christopher is going to escort Eden to all the different stations.
This is an avoidance of a self-imposed deadline.  I hope everyone is well and coping with the winter the best they can.  
We are happy and well, though some of us are a bit fragile because not all of us are here – if you know what I mean.
I don’t know what I am going to do about January though.  You give a month some loving praise and then it’s right back to its nasty ways.  
I’ll keep you posted.

Celebrations on the horizon

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Chinese New Year party at Eden’s school – Wednesday afternoon

Willa’s first birthday – Thursday

Willa’s party – Friday
Chinese New Year Gala – Saturday night (a local Chinese association puts this on – this will be our second year attending)
Eden’s birthday and brunch – Sunday
Chinese New Year – Monday
Party on.
The picture above was taken at Mom’s.  David had just made a toast.  While the adults were clinking glasses, the Legumes clinked their plates.

An Open Letter to January II

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Dear January,

Well done.  We are in double digits and the sun is shining.  I hope you noted that there were absolutely no complaints from we when it was below zero and sunny, nor when it was grey and snowing.  I am willing to give too.  This is a relationship and we both know this is not Florida; it’s Michigan.  
In review:
Grey and wickedly cold – never
Wavering between snow and rain, i.e. sleet – no good
Nose searing cold, no snow and grey skies – don’t even think about it
Nose searing cold and sunny skies – acceptable
Crisp cold and sunny skies – excellent
Grey skies and a soft and gentle snowfall – perfectly fine
Thank you for your consideration.  I know we exchanged some harsh words whilst working this out – that’s what the professionals call “tough love”.  I am committed to you even when you are stupid and thoughtless and cause me such needless pain.  I’m not giving up on you – you brought me Eden, for which I will be eternally grateful.
As those High School Musical Kids are always singing, “We’re all in this together”.  And by “all” I mean you, me and the rest of Michigan.
Cordially,
Alison

An Open Letter to January

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Dear January,

I don’t really know what to say to you, without swearing, but this is a family show, so I must – for the children.
January, January, January!  Why do you have to be like this?  I don’t mind the snow or the cold – it’s winter – but would it kill you to be a little more sunny?  Who benefits from the grey?
No one.
Tomorrow, if it’s not snowing, it.better.be.sunny.
Or else.
Sincerely,
Alison

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OK, I might be getting oh so slightly nutty…ish regarding the sun or lack there of, here in the great state of Michigan.  This morning I might have run outside in my orthopedic Adidas sandals to catch what I thought was a ray of sun.

False alarm.  It was only a slightly lighter grey, but was exciting still.  Later, while responding to some comments from friends who had tried to soak up sun for me, my head spun around as I caught a hint of brightness in my peripheral.  Again, I charged outside and there, just above the tree line, was the real and true sun shining on me.  I lifted my face and tried to soak it in.  In about the time it would have taken me to pull on a coat and boots it was covered by clouds again.
Moral of the story: sieze the day/sun/whatever, even if people pulling up to the stop sign stare.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2008/01/573/