My granddaughter is pregnant!  I am ecstatic about the baby and the special memories we will make.  But you know, a great grandmother?  Doesn’t that make me ancient?

Those were my thoughts as I traveled to be with my granddaughter.  I was on my way to help her pack and prepare for the move to a bigger home, I arrived after midnight, hours later than I my usual bedtime.

The next morning my internal clock missed the memo on sleep deprivation and four hours later my eyes popped opened. Time to get up! Although short on sleep reserves, the day was a lot of fun.

Nightfall, eager for sleep, we fell into bed exhausted.  However, as often happens, the universe had other ideas. At 2:00 AM, my granddaughter’s dog, Joy, started barking.  No amount of cajoling would entice her to sleep. By 3:30 AM frazzled, we relented and let her out into the dark to potty.  She took care of business and came back inside.

 However, around 7:30 AM, she started again, soon joined by her brother, Duke.  Blinking awake, I groggily went to let the dogs out before they woke my granddaughter.  While my motive was sincere, I did not remember that she had reset the alarm.  I soon realized my mistake as a voice came through the speaker on the security box, “Is everything all right?”

Overwhelmed, I responded as quickly as possible with ‘yes’. Then the lady in the box asked my name.  With the alarm blaring, dogs barking and her asking my name, I said, “I’m Jillian’s grandma.”

 Apparently, that was not the correct answer nor was: ‘let me get her’.  Staying calm, I woke my granddaughter.  (So much for letting her sleep in!) Trying to remember the pass code while talking over the barking, blasting alarm and security company I think they were wondering if I were sane.  About 15 minutes later I answered the door to 2 uniformed officers coming to check on us. In my nightgown and white socks (I was trying to get dressed), I assured them we were fine.

I doubt anyone I talked to or met this morning would have any trouble believing I am a great-grandmother. However, I intend to be a great Grand Nana!

Amid the pandemic, the mantra “Just stay home” has become my excuse for cutting back on exercise.  The gyms are closed, so no classes. My long runs have turned into short walks.   

Months ago I won the lottery to run in the New York City marathon. I was training hard and thrilled to get in.

Now I keep reminding myself I need to prepare, while I’m thinking, “it will be cancelled”!    

So recently when friends invited me to join them for a run, I jumped at the opportunity.  We planned to meet before 9AM Saturday, so Friday night I set the alarm for 7AM.  My alarm and my phone went off in synchronized unison.  Half asleep, I fumbled for my glasses to read the message. My friends were on the way to the trail and I was in my pjs!  I replied that I might be a little late.  I got dressed in the dark and rushed to the car.  The run was fun despite the chaotic morning. 

Our Saturday tradition is to run first and meet for breakfast. After our three-mile run, we drove thru a local restaurant. To comply with social distancing, we were in separate cars.  

 The egg burger, breakfast potatoes and vanilla shake I scarfed down, far outweighed the running calories I burned.

With a sense of accomplishment, I headed home, where I discovered that my skirt was on backwards!

Social distancing does have its merits. Nobody notices your clothes are not on properly or that you ate all your calories for the day in one meal!