So Random It Hurts.

School is well underway and things are going pretty well for both my kids.  The Princess brought home her first term marks and it's clear that she takes after the smarter one of her parents.  When we get figured out which one of us that is, I will let you know.  I'm very proud of her work ethic thus far -- this is absolutely one of the ways in which she doesn't favour her mother.  I was rather a slacker at school.  A good kid who managed good grades; but I procrastinated way too much and often was docked marks on assignments for being late.  *sigh*  So glad that I am totally not like that anymore.    This first month or so of high school has brought a few challenges our way as parents -- as baffled as I was by some of the conduct of kids and families in elementary school... high school makes elementary school seem like a sheltered commune in comparison.  All in all, I am glad that The Princess seems to be making some good decisions thus far; even if some of them had to be strong-armed.  ;)

The Kid is quite enjoying his teacher and classmates and all the enrichment stuff that we didn't always get to include in our daily homeschool grind.  Almost daily I am thankful that we took time to homeschool him; it has really made such a difference in so many ways.  To be honest... I quite miss having my boy around and learning things with him.  We had so many amazing conversations about some fun and deep and interesting topics; read such great literature together, shared some wonderful times... and I miss that a whole lot.  My inner geek LOVED homeschool, LOVED diving into novels and most of all LOVED seeing that look on his face when he "got" something.  An idea, a skill, a thought that resonated deeply... I loved being a part of that.  I sometimes wonder if homeschool is yet something that we'll do again in the future, but for now, it seems very timely for The Kid to be where he is.  He's working through some pretty heavy stuff -- and school actually is creating a great environment to grow and be pushed to move ahead.  I'll maybe post more about this another time.

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My piercing is doing well and I actually really, really love it.  It was a strange thing to first see it on my face.  Even though I wanted it -- and had for some time -- my eyes first saw it as something Foreign/Other and I had a couple days where I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing.  It also took a couple days to not be grossed out by the whole queasy reality of some steel having been driven through your flesh, because I am just such a girl about that kind of thing.  The hardware currently in it is rather large and utilitarian.  It was sized to accommodate swelling -- which I am glad for, as it actually did swell to a degree that the extra post length was needed for a few days -- but now that most of the swelling has subsided, I'm really looking forward to when I can switch things out for something smaller and feminine and sparkly.  

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As much as I admit to missing my homeschool adventures with The Kid, I must also admit to enjoying having a bit more time for my own stuff.  I have finally been able to head back to the gym on a daily basis and, let me tell you, it's not a moment too soon.  Skating has been my only form of exercise for the past couple years; and I just don't get to do it often enough.  I am way plusher than I want to be.  I am also 36 years old and totally realizing that this body doesn't work as efficiently as it did when I was younger.  And seeing as how I like to eat super-yummy food and ALSO seeing as how I don't want to one day be featured on a TLC special involving a forklift to haul my butt outta my house... daily gym time is gonna have to be a way of life.  Having time means I can schedule my clients and housework and errands freely throughout the day and not worry about whether the Kid is staying on track with his work.  And I sheepishly admit to liking the privacy and quiet at times.  Especially when I can fill the quiet with blaring loud music and dance like a freakshow while I do my housework and chores.  

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The countdown is on until I head off to Vegas with Mr. F.  We are joining my sis-in-law and her hubby and another couple of friends for a few days of "Post-Black-Friday" shopping and fun.  And shopping.  And cirque.  And shopping.  (did I mention shopping already?)... and, if I can get over my trepidation, maybe a 5 storey zip line down and across Freemont street.  Let's just hope that won't be another one of my "Flutterby almost passes-out" stories for the blog.  :)

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Derby will not release me.  lol  And truthfully, maybe I'm not entirely ready to let go.  I've been asked to fill a roster spot with a northern SK team for a game mid-November and couldn't help myself... I said yes. I get to play with my derby wife (who was also invited) and that will be a treat.  She was out all season with a torn MCL and we didn't get to play a game together except for the last one of the season.  I've been working hard at strengthening my back and was working at changing up my contact style at the end of this past season.  A lot more hip checks and booty blocking and less shoulder checks... it has actually helped a lot; although I am sad to say that I am far less formidable.  Whether that's just a result of still needing to get used to and master a different style of play, or whether that's just how it will be... at least I get to play a game I love.  My ego will have to take a back-seat.  ;)

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Rocket got some new winter boots... I am actually not dreading driving this winter.  I find as I get older, I hate winter more and more.  I remember when waking up to the first snowfall was a thing of wonder and excitement.  Now I just humbug and crawl deeper under the covers. I have a plan for this winter, though.  Winter tires were just one part of it.  The rest involves a car warmer, proper winter outerwear and a large stash of those hot pocket thingeys that I can stick everywhere under my clothes.  Oh, and lots of coffee and hot chocolate.  And extra gym time to make up for the gallons of hot chocolate.  I feel good about this.  This will work.