Kids generate a lot of stuff, that is indisputable. It’s a special denomination of stuff called kid clutter, and some children are more attached to it than others. Some kids like to organize and categorize their toys and clothes, some see absolutely no point in such activity.
Two weeks ago I was on a podcast for Slate.com called “How to.” The topic was “How to Let Go of Kid Clutter.” It was a lovely conversation with (the extraordinary) Carvell Wallace and Courtney E Martin, and I think you’ll really enjoy listening to it. It’s one of those podcasts that feels like old friends talking on a couch. And for this episode, that’s pretty much what it was! (40 minutes long)
In other news, the JV girls tennis season was, naturally, a huge highlight of my fall. I don’t have a skillfully crafted story right now. But here are some actual text messages I received from players:
Do we still change [into our uniforms for the meet] even if we’re not in the starting line up?
Hi noni i was wondering if my doubles partner could be switched.
Hi coach Nonni is there any way u could not post that [picture] on the Wilson tennis insta? I was looking down lol
I forgot to get a[n early out] slip from [head Coach] Medina and my last period teacher scares me what do I do
can I get a ride with you? [Sorry my car is already full.] Put me in the trunk! :)
Jeff and I are enjoying the good parts of having an empty nest. It feels like we are on vacation a lot of the time, like someone took the donut off the bat. My home-alone idea of a good time is not wearing pants and smearing peanut butter on a Brussels cookie from Pepperidge Farm. Because no one urgently needs me any more, I sometimes leave the house without my phone (but not as often as I leave without my wallet! HA!) I like to give that non-stressed-out part of my brain some practice by not looking at or thinking about technology. Mr. Rogers said he’s worried that we don’t appreciate silence.
Every now and then I feel sorry for myself and am a little upset about how quiet the house is now. Then I throw a bunco party, go to tennis practice, or watch The Morning Show on Apple TV. One episode of that show has enough drama for the whole week! Did you watch it? Did you love Cory Ellison? or hate him?
Grocery shopping for only two people is a little jarring and sad. I grabbed the wrong shopping cart in Pavillions about a third of the way through my visit. I started putting my groceries in it. After about two aisles I realized my mistake and had to go back and find my original cart, take out my things and put them in the first cart, then put that second cart back. I was not thinking straight! Luckily no one was keyed into what I was doing. The cart’s owner had given up I guess, because they weren’t around. They probably felt as crazy as I did wondering, Where’d my cart go?!
What would I ever do if I had to live alone? Oh the horror! All I know is that if Jeff ever dies I’m going to have to figure out what the hell an HDMI cable is. And who needs that pain and anguish?
Darla and Zane are fine, fine, fine. What do you expect from two perfect children?!
I hope your fall is lovely and I hope you find some things to laugh about this weekend.
Big love,
Nonni
amazing performance of the Thriller dance on Halloween I <3 NYC!
"All I know is that if Jeff ever dies I’m going to have to figure out what the hell an HDMI cable is. And who needs that pain and anguish?" I feel so seen by this haha
Congrats on the podcast interview! You're doing amazing things, mama