“Plié down! Up! Down! Up! Two more! Down! Pulse!”
PULSE? Ow! Ow, ow, ow… Quick glance at Zoe. I knew it. She’s enjoying this! “Relevé!” What? Pay attention, Amy! “Lift! Lift!” Lift what? Oh! MY HEELS? “Pulse! One, two…” NO MORE PULSING! “Side! Bend! Flex! Point” Ouch! I just kicked that lady! “Sorry! Wrong side!” She does NOT look forgiving! “Other side!” I just kicked the other lady! Dammit! I CAN'T THINK! My thighs are on fire! Curtsey? Did the instructor just say “curtsey”? It’s a…lunge? Now? You’ve got to be kidding. I’m going to kill Zoe.
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“Wow. What an awful few years. How’s your mom doing now?”
“She’s okay. My dad was sick for a long time. She never left his side, and she still misses him. But since her hip replacement, she’s gone back to work. It’s a part-time office job and it’s good for her. I’m even thinking of moving out. She really doesn’t need me anymore. And even though we get along fine, I think we would both appreciate our own space.” He’s going to move? “Would you move far?” “No, I like this neighborhood. I’m comfortable here, and I’d rather not be too far, in case Mom needs me. She doesn’t have anyone else. And since I work from home, it doesn’t matter where I live.” Phew! The ducks are cute. I can still just see them now that the sun’s disappeared. Thomas slaps his thighs. “We’d better get moving! I didn’t mean to tell you my life story.” I have to smile as we both stand up. “You didn’t. But maybe we’ll get there?” “Only if you’ll tell me yours.” “There’s not much to tell.” He’s smiling too. “Somehow, I doubt that. Do you think… Would you like to walk/run to the lake this Saturday? Maybe have lunch together after? Just something casual.” WHAT? YESSSSS! Easy does it, Amy! I nod. Calmly. “That sounds nice.” “Great. Are you ready for a little run now?” I'm too happy to complain, but... “Sure. But I won’t last long.” “I bet you’ll last longer than you think.” More than two blocks, you mean? This morning was so gloomy and this evening, so fab! Winter and spring on the same day!
I wish I could have gotten home a little earlier, but I’ll take what sunshine I can get. It’s perfect weather for a walk. Is that…? Even better! We stop, face to face, both grinning for no apparent reason. “Good evening, Thomas!” “Good evening. I don’t usually see you out at this time of day.” Those blue eyes… He’s so gorgeous! “I couldn’t help myself. This weather is irresistible.” “Is this your me-time? Would you like to walk with me to the duck pond?” “Duck pond? Do you mean the lake?” “You haven’t been to the duck pond? It’s small, but it’s nice and a lot closer than the lake.” “Yeah, sure! I really need to get out more.” I turn to walk beside the man. Eeeek! He’s smiling. “Seems to me you get out plenty. I just don’t know where you…go?” “I, um, well…” He laughs. So do I. Laughing! Together! “I’m sorry she made you sad, Amy.” There’s a little frown between Samira’s big, brown eyes.
“You’re not upset anymore, are you?” Carmen looks up from the pot she’s stirring. “No, I’m not.” She’s looking at me as if trying to see my soul. “Truly, I’m fine. But I don’t even know her name! How can she hate me so much?” “She hates herself, not you.” Carmen starts washing up. “I agree with Carmen. She’s obviously unhappy.” Samira checks the oven. “This is done. Come see how it looks, Amy.” The curried chicken thighs cooked with vegetables in a rich, curry sauce look and smell fantastic. In fact, my kitchen smells so unbelievably delicious that I can hardly believe it’s mine. Even better, I cooked the stew and chicken myself. Carmen and Samira helped a little, but they mostly supervised. Teach a woman to fish and all that… “Her name is Misty Stockbridge.” Carmen dries her hands on a tea towel. “Her husband is Charles. He’s no more pleasant than she is. You can't let people like that bother you." “And you're sure...” A sigh escapes me. I hate sounding needy, but… “You're sure my house doesn't look tacky?" Samira lays a hand on my arm. “Of course not. Everyone loves your house, and we all appreciate how well you take care of it. Don't worry about her rude majesty." Carmen nods. "She'd better hope she doesn’t run into Marge any time soon.” I can't help but laugh. “I have to admit, I never expected to hear Marge use those words.” They laugh, too. And just like that, it's done. Tulips! They look so cute on my front porch. And I love my wreath. That little run to the craft store last night was worth the trip. I went with spring colors. I’m glad I did. So happy and bright!
And, of course, hearts! For February! I love this month! “Good afternoon, Amy, honey!” “Hi, Marge! Hi, Pepper!” The little terrier always seems to be smiling. “Where did you find tulips this time of year? As always, your house looks so pretty and cheerful. Love the wreath!” “Thank...” “Don’t encourage her.” Marge and I both jump. And turn. Angry Neighbor is glaring at us, her big, brown eyes cold as stone. What in the world… Marge glares right back. “Beg pardon?” “Don’t encourage this…” She waves her hand towards my house. “Cheap, tacky shit that brings down the whole neighborhood. One of these days, I’m going to call the HOA.” She sneers. Her face doesn’t look so pretty anymore. “Hearts? Really? Are we five?” Before Marge or I can say a word, she takes off running. I think she’s wearing black biker shorts and a black tank. But I can’t see clearly. “That miserable... Honey, no! Amy, don't you dare cry!” A great and amazing Saturday for Amy Munro! I can hardly believe it!
A pair of bright yellow barrel chairs – $100 for both – perfect for my piano room! I felt almost guilty, but the young couple seemed truly thrilled to get rid of them. And I only had to travel a few streets from my house. Just in time, too! I had to find something. Now, my new piano student won’t think I’m weird. And the day just got better! A COMMUNITY YARD SALE? Who knew? Seriously, timing is everything! My haul: a small nightstand that I will paint and put between my new chairs a lamp – small but better than nothing some glazed ceramic pots for my back patio An unused straw wreath. Good to know I’m not the only one who goes nuts at the craft store! And a box of certificate frames… ten for five dollars. Carmen did say “no junk”, but I have an idea for them. If it looks terrible, I’ll throw them away immediately. No big loss. Bonus: a sweet little bag of used paperbacks! Romance, mystery, suspense -- definitely not junk! Cherry on top: thanks to my cooking lesson with the Patels. I don’t have to worry about dinner. I have a hearty lentil soup ready and waiting. Who knew that something so delicious could cost so little to make? And I still have a huge bag of lentils… Way to stretch that budget! You’ve got this, Amy Munro! “You would’ve thought that I ran down the street naked or something! Carmen and Samira acted as though I committed a heinous crime!”
Whiskers looks concerned. Rightfully so. I fling my scrubs into the dirty clothes hamper. “I know I’m old enough to know better. But it’s not that big a deal. Is it? They’re being dramatic! Starving myself… Do I look like I’m starving myself?” “Meow.” Washed up, favorite sweats… “Okay, that’s not exactly what they said. They accused me – ACCUSED ME – of starving myself nutritionally. Of course, I felt better after eating Carmen’s beef stew. Anyone would. It’s delicious!” Whiskers totally agrees. “Let’s get cozy.” Scooping up my kitty, we head to the living room and settle on my diwan. “Let’s look at my new grocery list. Carmen’s going to show me how to make her stew this weekend. And Samira and Mrs. Patel are going to teach me how to make spicy lentil soup and chicken curry. I looove their chicken curry.” Her eyes close as I stroke her back. “They’re good friends.” Whiskers should know that I’m not really mad. “And possibly the best neighbors in the world.” Snuggling deeper against the cushions, under the fluffy throw blanket that my coworkers gave me for Christmas, I feel warm, relaxed, and happy. My kitten is purring in her sleep. Pretty sure I’m about to do the same. Bone tired. That’s what I am. Why have I been so tired lately?
Home sweet home. Nothing like pulling into my own driveway at the end of a busy day. I feel my smile stretch to my ears. Carmen and Samira are chatting in Carmen’s front yard. “Hi, Amy!” “Good evening! How is everyone?” I smile as I dodge the little kids running around in the yard. “I so wish I had their energy.” “Tell me about it!” Carmen shakes her head. “They don’t slow down until bedtime.” “Lately, I’ve been dragging. Badly. I'm tired all the time.” “Is it work?” Samira’s sweet face is sympathetic. “We’re busy, but I don’t know if it’s that. It’s never bothered me before. But anyway, I’m glad to find you together. I have a question or, more precisely, a request.” They just look at me. “I need recipes.” “What sort of recipes?” Samira asks. Carmen smiles. “Are you having a party?” “No. It’s just… I don’t need anything fancy. Just a few healthy meals that will last me a few days. I’ve been eating like crap. I don’t know what to cook or what to buy. I even had ice cream for dinner this week. T...” Go on, Amy. Say it. These are your friends. They’ll still love you. “Twice.” Their mouths pop open simultaneously. “What are you saying?” Carmen folds her arms. “Amy, are you seriously telling us that you ate ice cream for dinner, nothing else?" “I know it sounds bad, but…” “SOUNDS bad?” She looks at Samira. “What would you do if your kids did that?” “For starters, I would toss the ice cream.” Carmen turns back to me. “And you’re wondering why you’re tired? |
She loves people, books, poetry, baking, and is currently obsessed with her new house!
Unfortunately, she's not so crazy about herself. That has to change. You've Got This, Amy Munro! Archives
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