Dad texted to let me know they were in the parking lot. The plan was to pick me up at work and then head over. While out in Nebraska I picked up a day shift on Spring. Because I have to say no so much, I try to say yes on the rare occasion these days when I actually can. But it was under the condition that I’d be able to leave a tad bit early at 2:45. She said that’d be fine and came down at 2:30 to get report and finish things.

I’ve been a little shocked by these grown-up skills I’ve been learning. Knowing when to say no, having boundaries, being able to negotiate with another person regarding your needs. It feels like a totally different way of life. Any time it “works” I am always like, “huh??” But there is the other aspect too where it’s not all about you and whatever needs that you have. The point of working with others is that both might benefit.

The kids had a meet in Bement. There was something charming about the podunk town that almost seemed too far of a trip to keep on the meet schedule. Their skies opened with a magic rain beforehand that got you wet but didn’t soak you. Their bathrooms were the kind where they gave you a key to a rusty old door in the back. I didn’t know they still had those, just like I didn’t know the surprise joy of these days.