February 11, 2010
I didn’t tell very many people, but a couple weeks ago I imposed my own deadline to launch this Web site: Tuesday, February 9. By the time I finally pushed the "publish" button—on February 9, I might add—my fingers were literally trembling. There’s still a lot left to do, and tweak, and add, but still, it was a huge deal for me. And, I figured, one worthy of celebration.
So I stopped at Safeway on my way to Bingo last night and bought dozens of baby donuts and a couple kinds of pop for mid-Bingo treats. I told only Gary and Mike the real reason, and we awkwardly high-fived (picture Ryan Seacrest and that blind "American Idol" contestant a while back).
When I handed Dorothy a plate of snacks, she said, "You’re practically adopting us."
"Maybe I should," I told her. "My son’s old enough now that he doesn’t want much to do with me, and I’ve always wanted a girl."
"Me first," she said. "But I don’t do dishes."
At that same moment, I saw from the corner of my eye a speedy Mike scooting toward the front of the room. He had told Wesley, the Bingo caller, that I had paid for the treats. Seconds later, Wesley made an announcement into the Bingo speaker, but the volume was kind of muffled. "The treats tonight are a gift from Miss Sandy. Let’s give her a round of applause." I gave one of those dismissive "Oh, stop" hand waves—and it worked. Not a single person clapped. I looked at Wesley, and we both laughed out loud. And then he clapped for me and said "Yay," which was more appreciation than I could have ever wanted.
There were several new faces at Bingo last night—including three teenage-ish kids who had volunteered to help out. They were wonderfully efficient, polite and refreshing. After I got home, I used them as a shiny example of "productive use of time" for my son. I think he might have heard me. And if he didn't, I have 25 or so potential "adoptees" who seem to appreciate a donut and a smile--as long as they don't have to clap in the middle of a Bingo game.
I didn’t tell very many people, but a couple weeks ago I imposed my own deadline to launch this Web site: Tuesday, February 9. By the time I finally pushed the "publish" button—on February 9, I might add—my fingers were literally trembling. There’s still a lot left to do, and tweak, and add, but still, it was a huge deal for me. And, I figured, one worthy of celebration.
So I stopped at Safeway on my way to Bingo last night and bought dozens of baby donuts and a couple kinds of pop for mid-Bingo treats. I told only Gary and Mike the real reason, and we awkwardly high-fived (picture Ryan Seacrest and that blind "American Idol" contestant a while back).
When I handed Dorothy a plate of snacks, she said, "You’re practically adopting us."
"Maybe I should," I told her. "My son’s old enough now that he doesn’t want much to do with me, and I’ve always wanted a girl."
"Me first," she said. "But I don’t do dishes."
At that same moment, I saw from the corner of my eye a speedy Mike scooting toward the front of the room. He had told Wesley, the Bingo caller, that I had paid for the treats. Seconds later, Wesley made an announcement into the Bingo speaker, but the volume was kind of muffled. "The treats tonight are a gift from Miss Sandy. Let’s give her a round of applause." I gave one of those dismissive "Oh, stop" hand waves—and it worked. Not a single person clapped. I looked at Wesley, and we both laughed out loud. And then he clapped for me and said "Yay," which was more appreciation than I could have ever wanted.
There were several new faces at Bingo last night—including three teenage-ish kids who had volunteered to help out. They were wonderfully efficient, polite and refreshing. After I got home, I used them as a shiny example of "productive use of time" for my son. I think he might have heard me. And if he didn't, I have 25 or so potential "adoptees" who seem to appreciate a donut and a smile--as long as they don't have to clap in the middle of a Bingo game.
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