Day 40 in 2023

When I signed up and trained to mentor the robotics team I had no idea how time consuming it would. I had no idea how many places and ways they needed help. I had no idea how much of an asset I could actually be. I had no idea much appreciation the kids (and many of the other adults) would express. What I did know, and what I got to see in full bloom tonight when they took a bot to the local upper elementary school to share with the younger grades in their district, was how talented and dedicated these kids are to their club and this crazy love of theirs that is robotics.

Day 28 in 2023

MSBOA Solo & Ensemble time. This is the first in-person S&E since February 2020, and therefore Calvin's first in-person high school S&E. It's a sressful experience, playing for a judge with all the noise of the chaotic hallway as a background, but he nailed it. Blue ribbons (I ratings) in both his unaccompanied solo and in his trio.

Day 23 in 2023

Things are starting to get real...

Day 18 in 2023

It's been a long time since I was in a school so late at night that it was nearly empty and totally hushed. Likely it was all the way back to my theater days in high school when it was a fairly common occurrence for me. Back then my parents worried that I wouldn't have enough time for my homework, or that I'd wear myself out with the late nights and early mornings. And my mom, ever the loving caregiver and worrier, brought full homemade dinners not just for me but for the whole set crew several times. I have alwasy remembered that not only with fondness but with gratitude. So when I found myself mentoring the robotics team's drive team practice until 8:30 on Wednesday nights I saw the opportunity to do the same for Calvin and I jumped at it. I made my first delivery last night—BBC (broccoli, bacon, and cheddar) mac, clementines, and coconut macaroons. All lovingly homemade, all rapidly devoured. And it made my heart so happy.

Day 16 in 2022

The Robotics season begins in earnest