I don't think I'll run the Marathon this year

I seriously considered it, but the amount of training time required would make big dents in my work schedule, because the long runs are Saturday morning, and it would take so much psychic and physical energy that I wouldn't have time for something else I'd rather do.



What is it? Well, I'd like to write a book.



Note I didn't say publish a book.



After all, I've got plenty of material.
To wit:
picking up the girls at afterschool care (not their Chinese afterschool care, but Holy Name)
Tired but hanging on to sanity caregiver: How old is your daughter? (Leilei)
Me: five.
Tired, barely sane lady: What grade is she in?
Me: kindergarten.
Her: oh . . . (like well, that kind of explains it)
Me: Why?
Her: Oh well, she just doesn't listen sometimes . . .
Me: She's only been in the country about a year and a half, she's still learning English . . . (trailing off apologetically, imagining what shenanigans the little one has been up to)
Her: Oh! You adopted??
Me: Yes.
Her: Are the girls sisters?
Me: YES.

I didn't add DUH.
As tired caregiver called the obligatory "They're so cute!" I staggered away, Leilei "surfing" the gym floor on her stomach behind me, while Libby walked decorously by my side.

Ok, here's the difference between parochial school afterschool care and Chinese school afterschool care:
At parochial school the children run around in frenzied "free play."
At Chinese school the children study Mandarin.
At parochial school I pay 15.00 an hour per child.
At Chinese school I pay, like, 25.00 a week. Plus they give all the kids free winter coats!