Positive Is As Positive Does

Sun
sunshine
very hot
cool off in the pool
sunset

- Zachary Domanski

That is a poem written by Zach; they did it in class and it’s hanging on the bulletin board in the hall with the poems written by his classmates. When I went to his parent/teacher conference today I was reading it while I waited to speak to his teacher. I loved it so much I had to write it down so I could share it with everyone at home.

His teacher said he’s a pleasure to have in class and that he’s made a great transition into the classroom. He’s helpful, does all of his work, and has made lots of new friends. We need to work on the fluency of his reading, which I’ve told him before. He tends to just read the words without actually comprehending what the words are saying. Usually when he’s reading he’s in a rush to finish and go play. That will have to stop and I’ll have to work with him more on that. Otherwise he’s where he should be for only being in this school for a few weeks. I am very proud of him. Tomorrow is Ty’s conference and I’m sure I’ll be just as proud of him. I’m proud of all of my kids but it’s really heartwarming when their teachers, Dolly’s included, have such nice things to say about them.

Paul brought my van back today. I don’t know if I mentioned it yesterday but he came and took it and left me his truck for the day. He changed my breaks and did a full tune-up on it, among other things. There is a list of things he did but I can’t remember them all. He has to take it back in another couple of weeks because he couldn’t change all of the spark plugs, one oxygen sensor, and a belt without a lift. The parts can’t be reached from anywhere but underneath. He’ll borrow a friend’s garage and get the rest done.

What I don’t like is his truck. He drives a Chevy Blazer. There’s nothing wrong with that other than the fact that the seat doesn’t move up and I’m 2” shy of reaching the pedals. I had to take a cushion from the back of a living room chair to put behind me so I could drive it today. When the sun hit my eyes, even with my sunglasses on, I pulled own the visor to find that the mirror cover fell off and that elastic strap was stretched out and hanging in my face. I worked quickly to clear my view and was fine after that. Maybe next time he takes my van I’ll result to borrowing Kara’s car rather than taking Paul’s truck. That pillow thing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and I can’t drive with the sun blasting me in the face.

It was really nice of him to do all that work, though, and it didn’t cost me anything. It is handy to have a mechanic I know I can trust. Not many mechanics would screw up a vehicle they know their kids ride around in every day. He’s not always the greatest person but he does the right thing when it needs to be done. I have to give credit where credit is due. He deserves it this time.

Tomorrow I’m driving to Medford to buy Dolly some clothing off of Craigslist. She’s desperately in need of everything in her size so I looked and a woman is selling thirty items – all seasons, pants, shirts, skirts, shorts, and jackets – for $15. I can’t wait. Dolly doesn’t know yet but I’m sure she’ll be excited when she sees all her new stuff. The boys are set for a long time. A friend from MO was always giving me clothing for the boys. She had some for Dolly too but not much that would fit her since our daughters aren’t really close in size. The boys, though, have tons to spare. We’ll be weeding through their stuff over the next couple of days. I think I mentioned it last night.

I also realized that, since they’ll be with Paul from Wednesday to Sunday next week, I’ll have plenty of time to bring more boxes in from the garage and get my stuff organized without the kids under foot. Kara and her boys will be going to Jersey for Thanksgiving so I’ll have the entire house to myself. It’ll be the perfect day to get as much done as I can. I can’t wait. Kara will be able to get her car back in the garage again; and I won’t have to go out there every time I need something from a box. Granted, I won’t be able to bring everything in here but I can bring in what I can use on a daily basis. That’s very exciting for me.

The little things excite me, can you tell? Zach’s poem, getting to move my things into the house, getting my van tuned up, buying Dolly clothing…it’s a great feeling when positive things are in motion around me. I can feel the change in the atmosphere and I love it. I wonder what the Universe will be sending my way next. I’m sure it’ll be just as exciting even if it’s a little thing that most others would take for granted. I know it’ll be fabulous, though, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Until next time…peace to all.