Week Seven was not the best week of my life. It certainly had some lovely moments I’m happy to be able to hold on to, but it was a week of failing to fight off a cold, feeling stressed at school, and falling off the healthy habits wagon… And symptoms of my autoimmune disease resurfaced, pestering me for attention.
But my pictures don’t capture any of that. It’s interesting to look back and see only happy moments and things that make the week seem not all that dissimilar to previous ones. No wonder so much of our lives becomes a barely remembered blur. I’m failing to see how this week was unique in any way.
Sure, there was the event with the community center kids—but there have been countless events with them. And while Ben and I ran a session together for Wellness Day, we’ve been partnered several times by the school for activities and presentations. My new Green Day record came, but it’s not life-changing the way previous ones were. And the time spent with my cats? That’s every day.
But maybe that’s the point? (I’m really asking) Maybe the point is that if we don’t slow down and appreciate these moments, we’ll completely forget about them. Perhaps they’re not singularly significant, but they do add up to our lives. So I’ll try to own them—to keep them. Otherwise I might not be left with much.
Sunday
Chris, the OG MUCCster (Midtown Utica Community Center) invited my mom and me to the Utica City FC game with kids from the community center and a few other volunteers. Bank of Utica paid for special box seats at the Aud (Utica Auditorium… recently rechristened The Adirondack Back Center—which will never be what I call it). I drove to Morrisville to pick up Aung and then we enjoyed free food and free juice while watching our team kick Rochester’s butts!
There were several things I enjoyed during this game. I loved that the teams walked onto the field to Outro by M83 (the theme song to the show Versailles). I loved the goal celebrations. I loved that at halftime when they let the local AYSO teams play, the Charlie Brown theme song filled the stadium. And I loved watching with Aung and the rest of the MUCCrew.
Monday
I ran an errand for a friend; Allie needed special hotdogs from Wegman’s in Syracuse. My GPS led the way and took me by this building. I have no idea what this building is used for, but I wish I had more than the length of the red light to consider its art.
Tuesday
My new Green Day album showed up. I was a little nervous to give it a listen. It’s hard to explain why… I guess their music has meant so much to me in the past that I didn’t want to be disappointed. Which doesn’t seem very fair to them. They really have nothing left to prove to anyone and if they want to experiment with new sounds, well, they’re one of the few bands I trust to do so with integrity. I think I was just scarred for life by My Chemical Romance’s final album. But I gave this one a listen and while it’s certainly not my favorite record ever, it’s good. And really—there’s no such thing as enough new Green Day music. So rock on, friends. Rock on.
Wednesday
Dazzlerito (copyright credit: Guidance Counselor extraordinaire, Lu Kapps) was back at it again! Ben was asked to run a Wellness Day session on organization and I was voluntold to assist. I’d like it noted that this is Ben’s room. Ben, organize your desk!
Thursday
I did not take this picture. Brian did. And I so appreciate him for it because the love I have in my heart for these kitties is VERY REAL.
Friday
Someone’s super excited to see me! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to include a picture of this lovely little lady. I’d like to introduce you all to Bailey (also known as Bailey Boo, Poopy, and Who’s-my-sweet-Bailey-Boo-Poopy). My parents belong to her, and here she is greeting me when I stopped over for soup.
Saturday
All. Day. Long. Sam did NOT want me to be alone at all. He also did not relish how much attention I was giving my computer screen when clearly I should only care about petting him, but I can’t pretend I wasn’t grateful for his companionship.