Moments

There are kids who get on my nerves like an ant biting into my skin.

Smart, rude kids. Not because they meant to be (rude), at least I'd like to believe, but probably because they didn't get enough patience from mom and dad.

Goldfish is 6, pretty and bossy. She'd command, instead of ask. I've heard her commanded for her father to "bring my shoe." I'd find myself restraining to sudden intense bloodflow at times when they get too much (smart) for me to handle.

Yesterday was the bowling trip with the Mainspringers. Nothing much except for the usual warnings given out to specific few and loud bursts of "NOBODY MOVES UNLESS YOU'RE TOLD TO OR YOU'LL STAY ON THE BUS." I surprised them (and myself) at how loud I get sometimes.

What almost made my day or melted my ironed heart was when Goldfish handed me her roll of Mentos and told me to "take one". I was thinking, what, like you can't take one yourself? So to give her the benefit of the doubt, I asked, "you want one?" She shook her head. I asked again, "you wanna give me one?" She nodded.

And she's back on my good book.

Then as I was busy handling the 7 year old amateurs, this adorably chubby and smart and gives a little attitude sometimes kid, offered me her chips. I shook my head and said no thank you, she insisted, I persisted, and she stuffed a chip into my mouth. Just like that.

I chuckled at her cool sweetness.

Then as I made my way to the back of the bus to check on the boy who was having gastric, an older kid, who's been *ahem* a fan of mine, gave me a hug. Just for the heck of it. She's always been sweet this girl.

Moments like these made me feel life in a very subtle way.

Been missing the zoo terribly...

Merry Christmas everyone.