lila N
Lila, there is another Lila in your class this year. You’ve been named “Lila N.” You hate it. You ripped your name tag off your shirt when you got to the van, tore off the N and stuck it to the dash, then slapped it back on. It was so funny. We tried to talk you into being called Delilah at school, but you said if you change your name, you only want to be called Yiya.
Lila, you actually seem happy at school this year. I don’t know what the difference is, but you haven’t refused to go to your classroom even once. I’m so relieved. Your teacher sent home a questionnaire to ask us about you and your personality. You’re really hard to describe. You’re quite complex and are full of contradictions. For example, you’re quiet some of the time, but super loud and demanding and definite the rest of the time. You love to move and be outside, but don’t like sports and games. You’re very independent, yet clingy at the same time. You’re such an interesting person Lila, and I hope you’ll always be true to who you are.
George, you’re really in love with those sport socks. You stretch them up as high as they’ll possibly go. I imagine your little toes all curled up and bound inside your shoes. I think perhaps I’ll look into getting some soccer socks for you. It’ll be a bit easier on your toes.
Jane, you went out for dinner with your friend Donny tonight to celebrate your birthday. You’ve become such a social butterfly. You said you’ve been waiting 16 years to have a social life, and you finally do, and it’s AMAZING…but totally exhausting.
Katie, we went to the orthodontist this afternoon. It’s been exactly 1 year to the day since you got your braces. It doesn’t seem that long at all. They did a really weird thing today and put big blobs of blue “glue” (but it looks like candy or something) on your back teeth to keep your front teeth from touching each other when you bite down. As they explained it to me, I asked how you were supposed to chew if your teeth can’t close down. You’re supposed to use those blobs of whatever-it-is to chew. What? I wasn’t expecting that today. I guess we’ll be eating a lot of soup and mashed potatoes for the next while.
I’ve been listening to a podcast the last few days. I love it. I want to listen to every single episode. I feel inspired by the no-nonsense advice and the idea of thought work and managing my brain. Here’s the link if you’re interested: UnF*ck Your Brain
