Gradually

I am a dinosaur when it comes to technology. I'm not like my parents in that I am unable to attach pictures to emails or only send text messages in all caps because I can't figure out how to change the setting on my cell phone. But I do seem to only update the few pieces of technology I own when it is absolutely necessary. The computer I am typing on right now I received as a high school graduation gift over four years ago. It survived several viruses and a bath in a bottle of coca cola. My cell phone is a $30 replacement for my old phone which died on me almost two years ago. It's a black flip phone. 'Nuf said when all my friends have iPhones. I have an iTouch which was my last update of technology because the iPod that I also got as a high school graduation gift was replaced 6 times under a Best Buy warranty that finally expired. 

I like to think of myself as adaptable and open to new adventures. But clearly, I don't adapt unless I have to. That's why after posting one tweet I never visited Twitter again because it was too confusing and not like Facebook. 

When I love something I wear it out quickly. Whether it's a favorite song, book, or sweater, I listen, read, or wear it everyday until I find something new to obsess over. Lately it's been "Only with Laughter Can You Win" by Rosie Thomas, Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, and a grey sweater jacket I stole from Kristin's closet. These things give me comfort and simple pleasure, like the tree with yellow leaves in the school parking lot across the street. It's beautiful and will change but I will enjoy it until then. 

I've also found enjoyment in little things while at work with the kiddos, mostly all the silly things they say. Some days I get stressed and feel like I have a long list of household chores to do that I forget to just have fun with Hank, Drew, and Claire. Usually by Friday I am burnt out and ready for the weekend. But last night, instead of cleaning up the kitchen right away, I watched Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins with them and prayed with Claire before bed that she wouldn't have nightmares. They helped me pick out a Halloween costume when I couldn't decide between a flapper girl (which they had no idea what that was), Harry Potter, and a disco ball. Claire voted Harry Potter because I could be a boy even though I'm really a girl. Hank voted disco ball because he doesn't like Harry Potter. And Drew voted disco ball because she wanted to help me make a silvery sequined dress. They told me they really wanted me to be Michael Jackson, since I'm related to him ("Having the same last name means you're related, Julie. I'm only 6 and I already know that," Drew) but a disco ball would be a close second. Earlier this week, Drew told me she wished you could throw away conversations, "If I could throw one conversation in the trash it would be Michael Jackson. I wouldn't even put it in the recycling!" 

When I was young
I did it my way
I did it my way and I still do
Held my head up high
Asking God for answers and begging him to tell me what to do

(Play Music by Rosie Thomas)