Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers March Slice a Day Challenge!
I’m slicing every day this month. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

L and I are in the car, driving to my friend Mardi’s. We’re listening to Lizzo. 

“I do my hair toss
Check my nails
Baby how you feelin’?
Feeling good as hell”

L is borrowing some travel accessories for an upcoming trip. Mardi has a belt wallet, and some international electricity adaptors, and maybe a suitcase. 

“Wait. What are we hoping to get from Mardi?” L asks me.

And in my mind, I laugh, thoughts drifting away from Lizzo for just a moment. 

What are we hoping to get from Mardi?

Wisdom, life lessons, love, an example of how to do almost anything the right way… 

How to be a good mom, the kind who puts her kids first, and sets limits and knows mistakes happen. Who makes the kids do chores, and who also snuggles. 

How to be a good friend, the kind who drops everything to come over when she’s needed  – to talk or walk, or even to help you clean out your basement, and knows how to find good restaurants in New York, and goes to bat for you whenever – but only if you are okay with it. And the kind who laughs at your stupid jokes.

How to be a good teacher, the kind who loves to teach, but loves kids even more, who sets boundaries in her classroom and talks to kids so they always know she respects them and also that she expects them to do the work. The kind of teacher who knows you. 

What are we hoping to get from Mardi?

Encouragement, love, laughter, a smile, advice, you know – just all the things you need. 

“Oh,” I say to L, snapping out of my thoughts, “We are going to get that wallet belt thing – and probably see if she has a suitcase.” 

“I do my hair toss
Check my nails
Baby how you feelin’?
Feeling good as hell”