winter storm toby

E’s kindergarden loves the phrase, “March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb.” M must have learned that, too, but it seems so pronounced this time around. I can’t recall learning that during my Southern Californian childhood, though I do remember learning idioms in third grade. We even made a book of idioms.

Since English was not my first language, I was fascinated by these strange sayings like, “I’m all ears,” and, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Even to this day, when folks speak in back-to-back advanced idioms, I feel like a fish out of water (ooh, that’s one right there).

Today, on this first official day of spring, we of NYC, ironically received an announcement from the mayor that all public schools were going to be closed tomorrow as Winter Storm Toby looked like it was going to be more major than weather trackers previously thought. March is definitely not going out like no lamb. RAWR!

Ellis asked to celebrate the first day of spring by going to the ice cream truck – sorry, that’s summer, but I like how he asked with so much hope and excitement in his soft brown eyes.

As tough as this East Coast weather continues to be for this California gal, even after 12+ years here, I have to admit that it is never dull as we await snow day declarations every other week. I also love learning storm names though I know there will never be a Jihee. Surely a Kevin and one of my kids’ names but never mine.

New season = new hopes and opportunities.

I hope that this new season brings about the official end to Olive’s first fever. I hope that I can find more balance as I seem to be in a juggling and waiting to exhale mode with what feels like is only working or parenting or family-ing, as blessed as those things are.

I miss laughing with my face contorted and tears rolling down my face. I miss the sun. I miss being outdoors. I miss just being able to step outside without all the winter gear, including a hat I dropped on the way back from school, which was kindly placed on a bush so that I could reunite with it. I miss being able to get lost in a book without having To Do lists take over my mind, and then it’s time to go protect my sleep and rest like a responsible adult and parent. I’m sure Kevin misses my being able to watch a TV show before I think of other To Do lists aloud.

I want more uninterrupted sleep which I’ve lacked the past couple months as Olive started to wake up at least a couple times through the night. I want to meet up with girlfriends more than once in a blue moon so we can get our talk and laugh on. Crucial for a more balanced and healthy me though everyone seems booked solid, including myself. (That is what’s challenging about having three kids – even less time and energy after pouring out to three.)

I want to carve out time for more life-giving things like writing, reading, and just plain quiet so I can hear myself think without my beloved family in tow. Some time where I am not crossing off the darn to do lists. Untasked time.

It’s now past midnight so I better go to sleep. Why stay up after complaining about such interrupted sleep? Not writing has also made me feel imbalanced so I chose to crank this out before heading to the bedroom we share with our little Olive Tree. Actually I’mma sleep on the couch so I can sneeze and cough freely.

Goodnight!