Happy New Year

Greetings y'all , 

* Warning - this will be one of those stream of consciousness , rambling , meandering posts. You are urged to grab a large cup of coffee. It's ok I can wait.  (sings/whistles Andy Griffith theme song while waiting ) Welcome back my friends, let us begin .

Yesterday was the Jewish new year . So happy new year everyone. For us it seems like it came right on time. Junior Mint and I celebrated a new month and now a new year. September has been a month of hope and promise thus far. I am trying very hard to remember to savor each moment. By not dwelling in the past, by staying present and not stressing over the road yet to come I've noticed several doors opening up. 

Yogi Berra once said " when you come to a fork in the road  , take it " and I warned you this post will meander so.....

Team Junior Mint is still rocking . The only one not pulling his weight is Ace himself. He's got a new set of incentives. September will be the hardest month for him as he grows and discovers himself. His team will keep working with him. I told him that this month I will be very strict with him but that eases as he exhibits better independent decision making. The difference this year is that I have my tribe behind me and I stand firmly behind his teacher. One set of expectations across the board. One strong team and one amazing boy, a veritable recipe for success. 

Wednesday night we helped part of our tribe move. Fortunately they stayed within our building but still, he was reminded how many people love him. He also saw his father show his strength by acquiescing power. We talk about being the one in control means we have the power and ability to let others lead. He saw me have the confidence to step back, he saw the rewards of me doing that. 

It's quite possible my introverted tendencies have kept us from many social occasions . I feel socially awkward and get nervous. Suddenly though I seem to have a network and a tribe that is an extension of us.  I suppose a single dad who lacks social graces and is introverted and an only child who lacks social graces but is an extrovert could use a strong understanding tribe. Our blood family would help if we were closer. Our blood family is a few hours away but now he, or we, have family here. The onus is on me to rise up to their level of support and show my progeny the proper way to interact . To accept others by giving more than we receive .  Perhaps I stumbled on a previous issue. I have always felt I had little to offer and wasn't worthy of others. I did not want help because I had nothing to offer in return.  

Ok time to refill my mug o' joe .....

I'm back my friends . Since we were off yesterday and the previous night was filled with limited sleep and the weekend was filled with play and jocularity that meant housework beckoned. We made our infamous homemade bread and soup , we did laundry and I put on Pandora Radio to get us moving. It worked except moving meant almost four hours playing guitar and singing and dancing . Although to Junior Mint's credit he did read for close to six hours yesterday. He also helped me tutor a wonderful young scholar. So even though I dragged my tail-fin and neglected housework it was a day of growth . 

We can push through today . And get to the weekend. I think we'll be ok. 

FYI - you successfully navigated my meander mental maze and reached the conclusion. Reach way up high and pat yourself on the back. 

Thanks again for reading today folks. Remember it doesn't matter where you've been and you never really know where you're headed so stay in the present.