Two circumstances converged yesterday to provide an opportunity for carless transportation. 1: Anne's artwork was selected by her teacher to appear in the annual school-district art show at our local museum, located about four blocks from our home. 2: A young friend (1st grade boy, "C") spent the day with us in order that his mother could attend a class. She's a dear friend who's similarly helped us many times before.
The obvious choice: walk. On opening day, parking at our house might be about the best we could do anyway. Honestly, our walking adventures so consumed us, I have no idea what parking ever ended up looking like.
With kiddos ready to head out before the grown-ups, I asked them to wait outside (they politely looked very board waiting for our shoes to go on). Happy screams announced their snowball fight. Harold and I took as long as possible donning our outdoor gear, watching and listening to their happy spirits.
The moment all four of us hit the sidewalk, "C" began to drag his feet through the snow-covered grass for an entire block. Anne very neatly kept to the shovelled pavers, glancing at him furtively. Harold and I shared a few silent, very wide grins at their contrast.
After restraining themselves for almost a block-and-a-half, good-natured snow-ball-tossing resumed. Anne still kept to dry places, while "C" became braver. In addition to snow, he now stomped in slosh, and jumped in puddles. Happy screams bursting out of them, as snow landed on warm dry skin, accompanied our party the entire rest of the way.
Anne seemed almost bored at her own show, as did "C". Except for the cookie at the end, they both looked impatient to get back into snow the entire time. Maybe it was my imagination, and yet, when we emerged from the museum, the predictable occurred. Until we got to the Fire Station Museum. "C" wanted in, so in we went.
Had we been driving, the opportunity would've remained unnoticed. Once in, we fell into the wanting heart of a retired fireman just waiting to share the story of his brethren. 45 minutes later, and over-heated, we emerged. Happily snow still graced the path home. I found myself pre-emptorally apologizing to strangers at intersections, in case they got hit with stray bits of the cold stuff. They smiled wistfully, seeming to enjoy the kids' playfulness as much as Harold and me.
The rest of the way home Harold and I held hands, and each other's hearts. This was what the good times would maybe look like, had we been able to bring more children into the world. The kids called "COLD!" time-outs, whenever their little fingers needed a break. Love, joy, regret, comingled, and because it all felt so palpably real, I think I'd take that walk again, 100 times over.
The kids made a memory. Strangers smiled. We hopefully helped improve the day of a retired public servant. Anne got her 15 minutes of fame. Our little guest enjoyed himself. Mostly all attributable to our choice to walk. Reflecting back on the whole gratifying experience just makes the entire weekend a deeply more positive, vital experience.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2-22-11 6:50 pm Possibilities for Confusion
I got to school today only to notice a class listed on my calendar. All day, out of the building, substiture required, absense. I sincerely tried to politely reply to moring greetings after a long weekend. Heart pounding, I confirmed my sub (arranged three months ago so I'd forgotten), wrote up lesson plans someone else could follow, improvised for my Book Review Club who meets on Tuesday mornings, and dashed off to class, hoping my moderate speeding would go unnoticed by local law enforcement. Must not speed in school zones.
Upon arrival at class location I noticed: not enough cars in the lot. Quick-scan of all the classrooms confirmed it. Class was rescheduled, and I'd not bothered to erase this listing on my daily calendar. Race back to school, to find out my sub hadn't ever arrived. Walke into my classroom, with my students. An overly busy start to my day. And so many of my coworkers now know what a mixed up, unorganized person I can be. My very kind boss knows. I know.
Replay that scene from a pedestrian perspective. Class today? Bummer! No car. Guess I'll have to make that one up. Oh! Class was rescheduled? Hip, hip, horray! Back to the morning routine. Hello Book Review Club! So simple. If only I'd been able to walk today. Too much going on after school. In fact, this whole week is packed. When, oh when will it feel possible to walk again? I so need it!
Upon arrival at class location I noticed: not enough cars in the lot. Quick-scan of all the classrooms confirmed it. Class was rescheduled, and I'd not bothered to erase this listing on my daily calendar. Race back to school, to find out my sub hadn't ever arrived. Walke into my classroom, with my students. An overly busy start to my day. And so many of my coworkers now know what a mixed up, unorganized person I can be. My very kind boss knows. I know.
Replay that scene from a pedestrian perspective. Class today? Bummer! No car. Guess I'll have to make that one up. Oh! Class was rescheduled? Hip, hip, horray! Back to the morning routine. Hello Book Review Club! So simple. If only I'd been able to walk today. Too much going on after school. In fact, this whole week is packed. When, oh when will it feel possible to walk again? I so need it!
Friday, February 18, 2011
2-18-11 5:12 pm Socializing
I get H.O.A.s. Gated communities, I understand. Predictable living conditions make sense in terms of investments and life-style. For us, living in an old-town, downtown area feels just right. And it's perfectly set up for carless transportation.
Today I met a friend for coffee and a stroll. Honestly, I wanted to stay in sweats at home, lying on the couch reading. Yet socializing provides balance and I enjoy my friend very much. The ambivalence felt like a familiar, easy hurdle, so I went. Bundled in sweats, hair a mess (thank you hat for your cover!), bulky coat on, store fronts reflected a haphazard look as I ambled my way to the coffee shop.
Downtown, I fit right in. Of course my friend got regaled with apologies for my appearance, which she patiently tolerated. Really who cares? On our walk we passed plenty of folks with disheveled hair. And fashion, well, Loveland has a long way to go as compared with, say, Rodeo Drive.
The coffee shop felt a bit haphazard with its mismatched furniture and slightly grimy floor. Some special-needs adults stopped to pet my friend's dog. The apartments, houses and allies felt just on the shabby-side of a comfortably lived-in look. I liked it. I liked walking through it. It felt good that me, in my natural, unmade-up, unplanned outfitted state, slid comfortably along side other people and living conditions also in their natural state. Unpretentiousness, it feels comfortable.
In cars we need to decide where to go. Are we dressed appropriately? Where will we park? Carless transportation renders all those possibilities mute. In the calm wake of walking, despite initial inertia, I truly enjoyed our time together. And we left no carbon footprint. Ahhh....
Today I met a friend for coffee and a stroll. Honestly, I wanted to stay in sweats at home, lying on the couch reading. Yet socializing provides balance and I enjoy my friend very much. The ambivalence felt like a familiar, easy hurdle, so I went. Bundled in sweats, hair a mess (thank you hat for your cover!), bulky coat on, store fronts reflected a haphazard look as I ambled my way to the coffee shop.
Downtown, I fit right in. Of course my friend got regaled with apologies for my appearance, which she patiently tolerated. Really who cares? On our walk we passed plenty of folks with disheveled hair. And fashion, well, Loveland has a long way to go as compared with, say, Rodeo Drive.
The coffee shop felt a bit haphazard with its mismatched furniture and slightly grimy floor. Some special-needs adults stopped to pet my friend's dog. The apartments, houses and allies felt just on the shabby-side of a comfortably lived-in look. I liked it. I liked walking through it. It felt good that me, in my natural, unmade-up, unplanned outfitted state, slid comfortably along side other people and living conditions also in their natural state. Unpretentiousness, it feels comfortable.
In cars we need to decide where to go. Are we dressed appropriately? Where will we park? Carless transportation renders all those possibilities mute. In the calm wake of walking, despite initial inertia, I truly enjoyed our time together. And we left no carbon footprint. Ahhh....
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
2-16-11 9:22 pm Carpooling
I needed to drive today. During conferences we stay at school sometimes until after dark. Harold worries about me walking home at night, and I guess I agree. So I dutifully drove, chanting the whole way to school: "balance. balance. balance." Even though the driving option provides safety on days like today, I still struggle with the choice. And then some magic happened.
One friend needed a ride home, and then another, and by the end, we had a multi-person carpool going. We talked about our day, laughed together, and they even helped me run a very quick errand - more on that later. What really felt wonderful: debriefing about our day with people who instantly identified. Explanations and background knowledge exist with coworkers that otherwise needs building with life partners. Harold sort of understands what conference days require, and he certainly wants to support me. In fact he listens beautifully, and supports me greatly. Even so, having coworkers to air out the day's events feels gratifying.
And now for the errand: Something seems spooky about our church at night, deserted. I needed, however, to pick up some music on my way home for this week's upcoming worship. My friends offered to come in with me: "Now, tell the truth, Jeannie, do you want us to come in?!" Of course I answered "yes", and in they came. The spooky feel led to two wonderful little conversations. One: They complimented our building, which felt validating, and what feels better than complimenting one's house of worship? It felt almost similar to if they complimented my own home. Two: We shared ghost stories, great fun!
Anyway, while it felt tough to drive in, I ended up very happy about my choice. It definately benefitted me and several others too. Maybe we will do it again sometime...
One friend needed a ride home, and then another, and by the end, we had a multi-person carpool going. We talked about our day, laughed together, and they even helped me run a very quick errand - more on that later. What really felt wonderful: debriefing about our day with people who instantly identified. Explanations and background knowledge exist with coworkers that otherwise needs building with life partners. Harold sort of understands what conference days require, and he certainly wants to support me. In fact he listens beautifully, and supports me greatly. Even so, having coworkers to air out the day's events feels gratifying.
And now for the errand: Something seems spooky about our church at night, deserted. I needed, however, to pick up some music on my way home for this week's upcoming worship. My friends offered to come in with me: "Now, tell the truth, Jeannie, do you want us to come in?!" Of course I answered "yes", and in they came. The spooky feel led to two wonderful little conversations. One: They complimented our building, which felt validating, and what feels better than complimenting one's house of worship? It felt almost similar to if they complimented my own home. Two: We shared ghost stories, great fun!
Anyway, while it felt tough to drive in, I ended up very happy about my choice. It definately benefitted me and several others too. Maybe we will do it again sometime...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2-15-11 9:07 pm Light!
The morning dawned as I walked to work this morning. And with it a new eara: Harold walked with me for part of the distance, to meet his own exercise needs. This switch gave me pause for thought. Would I miss time alone? It turned out his company felt delightful. And he found the camping supplies, thus a whistle. So, husband in tow, prepared with a whistle, I began a vigorous day with an energizing walk.
The biggest thing I've missed over the past several days of driving I discovered: smiling at on-coming cars. Smiling releases my own endorphines, so that's a plus, and I like to fanticize how it lifts the spirits of any driver who sees my "happy face".
"Yeah, I was driving to work today, and I saw this woman walking. She smiled at me, and it got my day off to a brighter start." - That sort of thing. Of course solo walking also gave me time to think.
Anne will attend middle school next year, and by virtue of pure numbers, she's limited to attend our neighborhood option. It's a good school, that falls a bit short of meeting her musical needs. We'd struggled to find a solution, and this morning it came to me: just skip the music for now. She's showing an interest in drawing anyway, so skip the music this year in favor of art and language classes.
Previously I felt trapped into making the school decision based on music programs. Instead, after a good long walk, the choice seems clear: take advantage of the best that school has to offer, and continue to support her musical life outside of school. Anyway, what would we rather do, continue to pay for her music lessons, or add art and language tutoring expenses on top of that. Let the schools do what they do best, and we'll continue to care for her in the ways we've previously done. Middle School, here we come!
The biggest thing I've missed over the past several days of driving I discovered: smiling at on-coming cars. Smiling releases my own endorphines, so that's a plus, and I like to fanticize how it lifts the spirits of any driver who sees my "happy face".
"Yeah, I was driving to work today, and I saw this woman walking. She smiled at me, and it got my day off to a brighter start." - That sort of thing. Of course solo walking also gave me time to think.
Anne will attend middle school next year, and by virtue of pure numbers, she's limited to attend our neighborhood option. It's a good school, that falls a bit short of meeting her musical needs. We'd struggled to find a solution, and this morning it came to me: just skip the music for now. She's showing an interest in drawing anyway, so skip the music this year in favor of art and language classes.
Previously I felt trapped into making the school decision based on music programs. Instead, after a good long walk, the choice seems clear: take advantage of the best that school has to offer, and continue to support her musical life outside of school. Anyway, what would we rather do, continue to pay for her music lessons, or add art and language tutoring expenses on top of that. Let the schools do what they do best, and we'll continue to care for her in the ways we've previously done. Middle School, here we come!
Monday, February 14, 2011
2-14-11 8:51 pm Tomorrow!
Tomorrow we walk. The first commitment occurs at 7:30, easily accomodated by my walking schedule - I usually arrive by 7 a.m. After school, the schedule looks empty. Anne and I can have some magical discussion, only accessible during a walk on our way home. And I so need the exercise. So much to which to look forward.
Harold also recently decided he needs some exercise, and so he'll walk with me for the first 15 minutes. His return trip gives him a total of 30 minutes of light exercise. Just right to start his physically demanding day.
And the preparations! A light lunch I can carry that will remain spill-free. Empty containers for drinking water throughout the day. The hair dryer so my hair looks nice at school. Supportive shoes for the walk, and carrying work shoes for my day at school.
All this makes up a sort of anticipatory celebration - like Christmas. It's fun to shop, decorate, bake, and otherwise ready ourselves for the big day. I feel this way about walking tomorrow. Some of my best thinking occurs during these longer walks, and I look forward to the thoughts that hopefully step to the forefront of my conscious mind. We shall see.
Harold also recently decided he needs some exercise, and so he'll walk with me for the first 15 minutes. His return trip gives him a total of 30 minutes of light exercise. Just right to start his physically demanding day.
And the preparations! A light lunch I can carry that will remain spill-free. Empty containers for drinking water throughout the day. The hair dryer so my hair looks nice at school. Supportive shoes for the walk, and carrying work shoes for my day at school.
All this makes up a sort of anticipatory celebration - like Christmas. It's fun to shop, decorate, bake, and otherwise ready ourselves for the big day. I feel this way about walking tomorrow. Some of my best thinking occurs during these longer walks, and I look forward to the thoughts that hopefully step to the forefront of my conscious mind. We shall see.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
2-10-11 8:40 pm One More Day
Tomorrow, once more, driving. The snow continually melts, and still, sidewalks feel slick. By Monday, dry pavement. I guess the fear of falling deters me from driving. And, I feel OK with it. Still, I look forward to a good long walk!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
2-9-11 8:56 pm On Balance
On balance, walking in general seems like a good idea. On balance, ice and snow-packed sidewalks seem dangerous. On balance, I feel a need to get outdoors. On balance, three miles seems a lot to ask a growing 11 year-old to trek after a long day at school, on a daily basis. On balance, it seems, tomorrow we drive. Please, snow, melt....
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
2-8-11 6:20 pm Driving
So, I had to drive again today. This feels ridiculous. Drive. Drive. Drive. So much for carless transportation!
There.
Now that I vented, I feel, well, it still irks me that our schedule sometimes requires driving. And then again, we felt so much warmer in the car. Slipping and falling, possibly breaking a bone, none of that occurred safe in our two-tons of metal.
As my expectations shift, making room for weather and schedule allowances, I wonder: why is "carless transportation" so important to me? Relentless eco-awareness? Guilt? Longing for simpler times, or a simpler life? Exercise? Quality walking time with Anne?
Maybe I just want to avoid driving. Maybe I worry about crashing, or that my lack of depth perception will wind up getting someone else injured. I know this: when I walk rather than drive, I enjoy my life to a fuller extent.
Ah. That perspective feels so much better: thinking about the joy of walking rather than the complex issues driving presents. This idea needs more time to evolve.
There.
Now that I vented, I feel, well, it still irks me that our schedule sometimes requires driving. And then again, we felt so much warmer in the car. Slipping and falling, possibly breaking a bone, none of that occurred safe in our two-tons of metal.
As my expectations shift, making room for weather and schedule allowances, I wonder: why is "carless transportation" so important to me? Relentless eco-awareness? Guilt? Longing for simpler times, or a simpler life? Exercise? Quality walking time with Anne?
Maybe I just want to avoid driving. Maybe I worry about crashing, or that my lack of depth perception will wind up getting someone else injured. I know this: when I walk rather than drive, I enjoy my life to a fuller extent.
Ah. That perspective feels so much better: thinking about the joy of walking rather than the complex issues driving presents. This idea needs more time to evolve.
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