2022-01-19
Kids are Fun

KIDS ARE FUN

Inspired by the new collection of handprint art that was thoughtfully left all across the windows with the magnificent vista of the Ortiz, I got my karate practice in this late afternoon.

I waxed on and waxed off all eight 4x4 double-paned windows, both inside and out, for a total of 16 sets of Mr. Miyagi’s defensive blocking exercises.

I also got a good dose of toxic window cleaner in the process, but after seeing the exquisitely clean view of the sunset, I was happy to have gotten a little exercise for the sake of improving our enchanting and often colorful view of the horizon.

Well knowing how fortunate we are to be able to look out our home upon a magical and majestic mountain view allowed me to take the swath of smudges I had to clean off all in stride.

That said, I did get a little perturbed when I came upon Olivia Luz doing her Marcel Marceau impression for Barker, by pressing her hands and nose upon the freshly cleaned patio door glass. Taking a deep breath, I asked her, practically pleading, “Mija, please don’t press on there, I just cleaned it.”

She immediately conceded and I let it go, knowing she was only having fun, because she’s a kid, and that’s exactly what kids are supposed to do.

Not too much later I found her outside the door this time, playing in the dog’s igloo. Once again, as I observed her playing I felt a tinge of cringe, because I didn’t want her to get dirty. But once again, I let it go.

To dissipate my own irritation or anger, I often will fake a terse call to one of the kids and say “Milo! Why are you behaving like a 9 year old boy?” They often smile in response, and also often stop doing whatever it was they were doing to annoy me.

Tonight, we played poker with the new set of custom playing cards that Dominic made for me for Christmas, and I had a lot of fun, especially because Olivia was on a tear and raked in a lot of chips through most of our play.

I felt that this was important because I wanted to encourage her poker skills, something I’ve done with all four boys who have pretty much each been playing since they were four or so years old.

I also was grateful that we were simply playing a game together and not wasting away in front of a television.

Most nights we either read or play games like poker, dominoes, chess, and the “memory” game, which requires players to remember where matching cards are among 60 or so cards (30 pairs).

As a result, we get to interact together as a family, the kids are developing great strategy, concentration and memory skills, and we’re warding off the zombie apocalypse here at Hacienda Dominguez & Chelenzo Farms (i.e., nobody’s brains are turning to mush or being taken over by big brother).