Fired Up for 2012

Yesterday, the day before the Opening Ceremonies, was called "Super Thursday" and indeed it was super. I still can hardly believe our great fortune -- the Olympic Torch Relay went right below our flat!  We draped an American flag out the window.

And we threw a party!  Lots of our school friends who've not yet jetted off for their summers came, as did our beloved babysitter and the proprietress of our corner pub. It was the perfect kind of party - snacks, great fellowship, and pitchers of Pimms. We transformed our flat to an international celebration. In keeping with the theme, we had friends from Spain, Brazil, Chile, France, Italy, Ireland, England, Portugal, and America.

With the crowds huddled around all the windows, we cheered and waved, danced and sang as the torch and all its fanfare went by!  What a thrill.  It was the chance of a lifetime and I hope the children will remember it always. I think I was celebrating a house full of friends and how much we enjoy our flat as much as the Olympics in London.

Earlier in the week I took the kids and some friends to an exhibit where they got to hold actual London 2012 Olympic torch. For Big Sister and one of her friends it was their second time to hold one. Lucky ducks they all are.

Those lucky little ducks like a party as much as I do. They were super in making these chocolate lolly favors and we're grateful for the free downloads that added to the decor. They are such my people in that 2 of them salvaged Olympic decorations (the paper plate rings and poster board torch) from school to decorate the flat AND that they happily made a favor assembly line.

This morning, like people all across the UK, we rang bells to welcome the Olympics. Big Ben rang 40 times. We rung various bells. Big Brother rang the doorbell. Tonight we're going to be treated to a flyover in Hyde Park. It is true that the city is a bit upended and lots of people have taken to saying, "After the Olympics..."as if we're all on pause for a bit, but that's really fine by me. Actually, who am I kidding? It is exciting and great with me. There is no place I'd rather be than in this spectacular front row seat with my best buddies in this wonderful city.

So, let the games begin!

Addendum: Almost forgot to mention that the hostess wore an eye patch.

In a spectacular bit of bad timing, I got a lousy eye 2 days before the party. Strange injuries and maladies know my name. It keeps me humble. This is the same woman used crutches on the sidelines of the Junior Powderpuff Game and more notably, walked down the aisle in a cast. The show must go on.

Of the many, many things to admire about Marie Colvin, is how she made an eye patch (Called an eye shade if you're shopping in a London pharmacy, should you need to know) look amazing. Not to mention that she did so while reporting from war zones. Mine had a few kids miffed that they didn't know it was a "fancy dress" (also known as dress up or costume to Americans) party!  They were all good sports and Baby Sister ended the day by saying softly, "It is okay for you to read me 'Miss Mary Mack' with your patch on your eye" and Big Sister said, "You still look pretty." Love is blind, friends. I could clearly see all the festivities and for that I'm grateful.

Back to The Games.

I Ran So Far Away and Charity Begins at Home

I went running this weekend.  To Buckingham Palace. If you've visited us, I suspect you're saying, "Uh huh. Then where?"  It is admittedly not far, but felt so good to move like that.  Good for the soul.  Also soles.  And solo!  Hooray, all.

The Mister and I ran a marathon together when we were newlyweds.  We ran what's called the "World's Friendliest Marathon" and that was hugely helpful. To be extra sure I'd finish, I told everyone I knew I was doing it.  We loved it.  It was a fantastic shared experience and became our shorthand in delivery rooms years later ("What mile are you on?").  Even though I've bounced between gyms, classes, various workouts, and nothing at all, it has been a long time since I've run.  And just not after a wayward toddler.

I went running because I could and because what started as my 40th birthday knocking softly has turned into a more incessant pound. And have you seen how amazing Elle Macphearson looks at 48? Here I should mention that every single one of my girlfriends and relatives who has already hit that milestone has never looked better.  Tough acts to follow and inspiration from all corners.  Fresh air in my lungs, sun on my face, legs going, mind free, it was great fun.

At first I had to train myself to ignore calls of "Mum!" in the park knowing they weren't for me, to not fret over whether every little errant dog was missing from a worried owner, and steel my eyes ahead so as not to be helpful to others. I wasn't planning the children's liturgy for Mass on Sunday, serving as the homework helpline, my family's ambassador or crossing guard. I fear that sounds terribly nasty and selfish and much worse, ungrateful of my many blessings.  But boy it felt good.  No one saw me.  No one talked to me and that was fine.  It was super.  I was in a cone of silence and invisible to the world.

On the way, I saw a Number 9 bus to Trafalgar Square which is always a treat.  It is one of the routes that still uses the very old style and has become a family favorite. Alone in front of the palace for the first time, I felt myself smiling at my good fortune. Buckingham Palace is a matter of steps from my door!  There's Big Ben popping up over the trees! Over there!  The London Eye!  The guardsmen in their winter greys (even if they do spook me a bit looking so Wizard of Oz-ish)! Look! A newly married couple taking lots of great photos! This is great!

Next I climbed the steps to the Victoria Memorial and was struck by the piece that faces the palace. I've since learned it is called both Charity and Motherhood. (sigh.) Although it is missing a member of my brood to be complete, it really speaks to me. Baby at the breast, one tucked under her free arm, another snuggled in the folds of her skirt.  No wonder her eyes are a bit downcast.  She's dozing. Or trying to catch a glimpse of the Times. (Especially on the weekends when it comes with no fewer than 3 must-read magazines!)  She looks peaceful, content, encircling babes in her arms.  Her heart and mind are probably as full.  She personifies what people often say when they pass me: "Your hands are full" to which even the smalls now join me in responding cheerfully, "happily so!"

On the way back through lovely streets and then the park, I was near tears admiring the nooks and crannies (my favorite thing about London) and feeling a bit overwhelmed by how much more we have to do.  Just in London.  And all over Europe.  Just how impossible it will be to take it all in even if we are here for a lifetime. And devoted ourselves to the study of a tiny corner of the city's beautiful buildings and charming streets.  Even before we'd really dug into restaurants, shows and museums.  A lovely problem to have to be sure.  A blessing of riches indeed.

I was busy thinking of my little people the whole time, and not just in getting moony over the statue. Turning toward home, I was pumping my arms while planning to have a big surprise art afternoon this week and "Alphabet Month" for February.  The running freed me of countless nos and made me think more creatively about our time together and enjoying it all.  As I neared the park, I was only walking and caught the eye of 4 tourists in search of their hotel.  After my time alone, I was grateful to chat with them and tickled to know my new city well enough to set them on their way.

I was tempted to tell them to drag their suitcases a bit further and go see the palace.  They could witness Charity before they'd unpacked.  Unless she'd dashed off for a quick run.