My dad is semi retired. He has a part time job that usually keeps him busy closer to full time depending on the season. I have three kids and a full time job. Let’s just say we don’t necessarily run in the same circles. I’m a homebody with my party of five and he’s the social butterfly I was in my 20’s and early 30’s. I couldn’t keep up if I tried. We don’t get to see each other as often as I would like.

Today I am borrowing this writing format from Tammy’s Reading Life who borrowed from someone else. The best ideas are almost always inspired by someone else.

4-4-4: choose 4 things within 4 feet and write for 4 minutes. 

On not school nights we have a few family traditions I wouldn’t change for the world. We try to have an early dinner. Then we quickly clean up and get into PJs. That’s when we settle in.

Today was the day I had been dreading. The weather captured the mood perfectly. Rainy. Cold. Windy. Random hail. Peek-a-boo sun. It was as confused as we all were.

It’s become sort of a tradition with McKenna and I. At some point during the day when neither of us is losing our minds with the loudness of the boys, we work on the daily Wordle. As a friend recently said—it’s just enough. It’s not an endless time suck like TikTok or Instagram. It’s not a toxic tragedy like Facebook. All of which I enjoy. It’s just…enough.

In May 2007, my mom, sister, and not yet year old nephew snuck away to Florida for a long weekend. I called in sick to a job I was leaving at the end of the year and we just enjoyed some time in the sun. It was so great to play hooky.

I promise. I’ve been lurking in the back grounds of your slices. I’ve read about your friend get togethers and children. I’ve read about classrooms and students and administrators. I’ve read about your favorite cheese and even a coffee cake.

I have a secret. I’m embarrassed to admit it. It sometimes makes me feel like a shitty mom to reveal this secret. You might have the same secret. Maybe it makes you feel weird, too. Maybe you don’t care.