ARCTIC DECEMBER
December greeted us with a chilling cold this morning. In mere hours, temperatures dropped several degrees. It is as if the weather gods heard my pleas for winter and granted me my wish. From last night's temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) to this morning's 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), the change was quite surprising.
The children adjusted quite well, donning their winter coats as we walked to the bus stop. After having a week off from school, they seemed happy to return to the normal schedule and see their friends. During the break, Sage kept asking 'Are we going to school today?'. I had to tell him 'no' but was glad he looked forward to going.
Having once again slept fewer than five hours, I intended to return to bed after seeing the children off on the bus. Instead, I reminded myself of the benefits of consistency and put on my gym clothes and drove to the gym. After my debilitating back injury of the past week, I had to be careful to take it easy lest I risk another injury. We do not realise how much we rely on our backs until problems arise to where we are unable to not only walk but shift from side to side in bed.
Once home, and after a warm shower, I made myself a healthy breakfast. Two sunny side up eggs, baby tomatoes with feta, avocado, green bell peppers, cheese, and the bread I made a few days ago - the one which is near gone. I wonder if I should make another loaf tomorrow or live without bread for the next few days before my trip. Something tells me the children would love some more bread for breakfast. Freshly baked bread is near impossible to turn down.
I had intended to stay home and catch up on some ironing but then thought it could wait another day. I made a trip to Whole Foods for a few items for dinner and a shortened trip to The Domain. Tomorrow requires a return to The Domain as I ran out of time today. I needed to be back at the bus stop by 15:00.
As the children descended the steps of the bus, I asked Seena if she would like to go to swimming. She was reluctant but went anyway. The pool was heated but I would prefer an indoor pool for her lessons. Sage and I waited inside the van as our initial decision to wait by the pool was met with a pole swinging and hitting Sage in the head. It was windy and the mesh screen, held down by poles, became a danger to us both.
Sage took the time in the van to read his book for homework. I asked him what he did today and he went on to explain a game he played with squares and leaves - one requiring a partner, 'two people...not three, only two', he went on to clarify. I realised it was the first time I heard him talk for so long and in depth. I recorded his explanation on my iPhone and he smiled as he watched the video.
As soon as she entered the house, Seena ran upstairs and enjoyed a long hot shower and sang in the meantime. Sage played with some game before turning to a new 500-piece puzzle. He wanted to work on it with me alone - when Seena was at Papa's. However, it appeared he could not wait and I found him with the box open and already sorting the pieces.
Dinner was welcomed by the children tonight. Soft tacos which consisted of flour tortillas, refried black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado. Seena requested a third taco, but ended up eating that one much slower than the first two. I was glad their bellies were full this evening.
Tonight's bedtime story was Sage's choice - How The Grinch Stole Christmas. I'm not yet convinced they understood the true meaning, but they enjoyed it nonetheless. After tucking the children in bed, I had time to Skype with my boyfriend. It was already well past midnight his time, but didn't seem to mind. I'm sure it will be easier when I am there in a few days and we do not have the time difference to contend with.
December started out with a great chill just in time for the holidays. I guess it would be too much to ask for snow in Texas though.
