This Reminds Me

Archive for April 5th, 2008

Kids.  They make you do nutty things.  Like when your eight-year-old brings home a school flyer for a 5K “Run for Cover” to raise funds for a playground shade and you say “Sure.”  What was I thinking?! I’d never done a charity run in my life!

But now I have – with Julia and Hannah.  Hannah consented to hang back with me, I suppose to call 911.

I finished.  And I wasn’t last.  I’m taking great pride in that.  And surely I am to be commended for pulling in front of the little girl with leg braces, and the woman huffing with toddler twins in a double stroller.

And they’re off!  The runners went first, followed by joggers, followed by plodders (that would be me.)  There’s Julia in the middle.  She finished first among the first grade girls, running almost all the way.   We did three loops so she periodically waved as she flew by, encouraging me to “come on!”

Medalled Julia and her teacher – (the sainted) Ms. Jones – ran abreast most of the race.  Ms. Jones is, I believe, 12 years old and wears a size 0.  She has perfect skin, gleaming teeth, lovely handwriting and an infectious laugh.  Putting those facts aside – I really like her.

Principal Terri Chidgey with Stone Oak Elementary winners.  Ms. Chidgey has long amazed me with her leadership, organization and compassion.  I think school principals today have more responsibility than the heads of many corporations.  I don’t remember much about my elementary school principal except once she tried to stop me from running in the hall with my hand over my mouth and I – ummm – “decorated” her.

Call me “Yertle,” we finished!  First-place Julia in 34:50; Hannah and me in 1:03:12.

Today was kool.  My Sketchers are komfy.  My 12-year-old was kind (to stay with me)  My youngest can kick anyone’s whatever. And I am krazy.  Yeah Baby – 5K’s.