Man oh man, Allyson is starting 9th grade (three days ago) and she doesn’t know anymore than 5 kids in her HUGE school because she went to Montessori middle school. I switched to an unknown middle and an unknown high school — but at least at high school my mom forced me to join the drill team, so I knew people by the first day. But — her mom didn’t, so her first week has been really hard. Last night I thought she was crying at dinner, but I “accused” her of that and she stormed away. I know — you know, the world knows — it will be better, but explaining that to Allyson is just shouting into a void — no one things their parents know ANYTHING at 14. I sure thought my mom was a FOOL for making me join the drill team, which I stayed in all four years and really cherish the memories of (even marching in wool jackets in August and September in Texas …).

I also have been biking to work — today the whole way to work — because the last bus just is not reliable these days. It helps! I run in the morning and then bike to work and then don’t move again — not even one inch — all day. Except, you know, my partial bike ride home.

Jason and I met with the people who are taking over the neighborhood Halloween party (aka Allyson’s birthday party) last night — and they asked who was the ‘bad’ neighbor or who made it difficult. It’s so easy to complain, and so hard to be grateful, but on this party, which I did for 6 years, NO ONE is the difficult neighbor, and EVERYONE is just so happy to keep the 25 year tradition going. I have LOTS of complaints about ALL my neighbors, in general, but this party has just been a gift. But this year Allyson has not only outgrown it — we are going to be in NC for her beloved cousin Casey’s wedding to beloved Jordan! So, onward.

Sorry for rambling post; just important to write every day!