Today it is gray and wet outside. Today Marisol woke up with a slight fever, headache, runny nose, and zero appetite. Gerry is still coughing. We are all recovering from our wet adventure of yesterday (read here about that and see some pictures here). And so today was a no-brainer. It is a home on the couch in jammies, watching TV, playing computer games, resting, eating soup, applesauce, and crackers kind of day.

But if I were working or Marisol went to school, I know that it would NOT be a "no-brainer" for me. I would agonize and debate about whether we should stay home. I would justify either decision. I would second-guess myself. I would feel guilty. How do I know? Because when I was a student in school and then a teacher that is what I did when I was sick.

Now this is why I called it a "BIGsmall" reason that I love being home. Because this may not seem like a big deal to some people. Or for others this may not be an issue - they may be clearer on when their bodies and spirits really need a day (or more) at home to rest and recover, or even heal. (I'm guessing in our fast-paced, competitive culture that there are plenty of people who push through when they should be resting though.) Of course I appreciate that staying home is not for everyone (read or re-read my disclaimer). But for me today embodies a bigger idea that being home represents to me - FREEDOM. Freedom to listen to our needs. Freedom to follow our own natural rhythms. Freedom to choose what we make of each day. And that to me is priceless.

I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have this luxury. So on days like today, even though we are not 100% healthy, I am thankful. Thankful for the life we are living, thankful for my husband, and thankful for the two small people we learn with and from every day.

I have a lot of ideas for blog-posts but of course practically speaking, limited time. Being a full-time mom with a part time teaching gig on the weekends means that I should not be spending too much time on the computer. (note the "should not" ha!) But I'm hoping that this is a place where I can write semi-regularly (whatever that means!) If only I could be like Doogie Howser and just write a few deep thoughts down every night. I mean how hard can that be?

I've also often wished for a magical pen, a la Harry Potter - remember the "journalist" Rita Skeeter and her awesome pen that wrote everything for her? Unfortunately, there is no such thing. So I will have to be content to get thoughts down when time and inspiration happen to coincide.

And with that said, I will readily admit that I have spent way too much time on this today. But inspiration had struck and the iron was hot! Lucky for me, my kids and I have our prime time together in the late afternoon and evenings, so I still have lots of day to spend with them. Till soon....