Friday, December 16, 2005

Freedom

Today, the kids at the school were all performing their carol concert for whichever parents reckoned they could withstand the cacophony of noise that represents the height of the little darling's blossoming musical prowess. Out of tune and out of time, somehow these concerts still manage to be an experience I wouldn’t miss, and today was no exception. Both of mine were near the front, and (whilst I knew I really shouldn't) I had them in hysterics most of the time, although they just about managed to pull it off without upsetting any of the staff or getting one of those looks from the headmaster.

It got me thinking about when S, the younger of the two at eight and a half, was a toddler and first started performing in school plays. He’d always look for me in the audience and wave, but on one occasion he got a little carried away and started blowing me kisses from the stage. He was so involved in what he was doing that he forgot that he was also supposed to be delivering his lines, and instead just carried on, putting his little hand to his mouth and then thrusting it in my direction, completely oblivious to everything going on around him…

Anyway, today he blew me a kiss again as he was filing out, and I realised that he’s still just the same little boy. I know it won’t last forever, but I’m going to enjoy every second of it. And try not to think about his sister blushing when any of the older boys walk past her, or going up to her bedroom before we go out to put on her nail varnish or her body spray (I got her some new ones the other day and you’d think she’d won the lottery) and generally getting… well, older. I remember a quote from Bruce Willis when he was asked by an interviewer how he would cope when his daughter started dating boys. He said “When the first one turns up at the door I’ll just punch him in the mouth and hope that word gets around!” ROFL!!

So, today was also memorable for being my last working day as an employee, and it felt fucking wonderful. I got to the office at around lunchtime, and spent the next couple of hours drinking Guinness in the pub around the corner. I’m not really sure where the afternoon went, but the meetings earlier this week had gone really well, so there was no pressure today at all. And no regrets either… I couldn’t wait to get out of the door this evening.

A good day, then. And now I’m off to catch up on what’s been going on out there, and make up for the few days I’ve been unable to read and comment. Thanks for all your kind words following HNT, and have great weekends.

PS I just noticed that I've been tagged by Annalis, and whilst I don't normally respond I'm going to make an exception this time. It'll have to be tomorrow, though.

19 comments:

Victoria Alt said...

Congrats! - and enjoy all the new ventures that come your way.

Caterpillar said...

The blowing kisses story is so adorable!!! I love this post, you sound content and happy! :)

finally forgiving said...

Congrats!

I agree with catepillar -- I love this post. It just has that overall happy feeling. :-)

Immodesty Blaze said...

Aaaw. Obviously getting in the spirit before Christmas... I am sooo homesick, can't wait to go home. And on that note, just to let you know that it gets a bit tiring when your dad thinks you're still 7 when you're in your late 20s ;o)

kimmyk said...

yeah for your last day!!!!

i hope you have a great weekend!

Zoozan said...

It's all going to be good, I feel it in my waters.

As to O and S getting older, I've said this before, but the joy of your children being grown up,good adults is equal to the joy of when they are little ones.

NML/Natalie said...

Congratulations. Your kids sound delightful by the way. Cheers to a new freedom for you {hug}

WDKY said...

Thanks KD, I aim to!

Cat, kisses gratefully received. And it was a happy post.

UB - that's cool. Happiness is good.

J'sG... are you trying to tell me something?

Kimmy - thanks, and you too!

Zooz, you have said it before, but it's worth repeating.

WDKY said...

NML, they're gorgeous, really. Nice hug :-)

fjl said...

Now That was a good one.

Blueprincesa said...

Freedom, yay! Congratulations.

Blondie... said...

I'm glad you had a low stress last day. I do hope you're able to be very successful and happy in your new business.

My father still treats me like a young 'un too. *SIGH* Dads... I will break down in tears and smiles when my darling baby blows kisses to me in a production.

Truly, what a heartfelt post. Thank you for sharing.

xx

NewYorkMoments said...

Congrats on no longer being a corporate drone!

j said...

aaaaannnnnddd....DONE! enjoy your transition/vacation.

and the kids? so cute. my friends kids do that for me. i think i need to go and get a dose of that loving.

Annalis said...

Your children sound adorable. What a wonderful relationship you have with them.

Congratulations on your last day!

WDKY said...

Blue, yay is about right! It feels even better this mornin :-)

Ruthie - Dads, eh? And thanks/you're welcome.

Sher, J sounds adorable. And i have no idea why my attitude is unusual, but maybe other guys should try it?

NYM... precisely, except that I never was a drone. That's the point.

J, it's great therapy, isn't it?

Anna - thank you very much... yes, I do :-)

Sirreene, I'm sure you and Zooz are both absolutely right.

Anonymous said...

well...me late again.. but cant help it really.. thats a really cool post and u must've felt so happy when he blew u one! flying kisses were my fav.. now im off to read the next post.. see u there..

Anonymous said...

It was lovely, check... I'm a ridiculously proud dad.

Anonymous said...

I bet when he was blowing you kisses, they went straight into your heart and stayed there. Children are the light at the end of most of our tunnels. We're so lucky.