As most of you know, I don't make resolutions... I do make goals for my business, but that isn't the same. This year, I've taken a very hard look at myself and others (FaceBook can be great for this) and decide that for the New Year, I have wishes for others --
1. Stop comparing yourself, your kids, your life to others'. Your path is your own. Make your life the best one for you and yours that you can. I have a friend who went through a very rough divorce this year. She commented recently something to the effect of "Your life seems so calm..." It is; now. My family went through our own hell for close to 15 years, but we came out of it stronger, closer, and happier than ever. Friends I've made over the last two or three years didn't see all the pain and anguish we all went through, so the fact that I don't have it now doesn't mean I don't know what it's like. I do. I got through it, though, and so will you.
2. Some have made comments about people being "fake" on FB... Whether they are or not, why do you care? For me, specifically, I don't post lies and my life is pretty good; deal with it, or go away. Don't assume some people only posting the good stuff because they're "being fake"; I'm only posting the good stuff because (a) there isn't much bad stuff and (b) life is negative enough; I don't need to add to it.
3. Stop with the "boys/men..." and "girls/women..." memes, comments, assumptions, etc. It's almost 2016, act like it! Being male or being female is not a reason, nor an excuse, to act certain ways. We are raising our daughter to have opinions of her own, think for herself, assert herself when needed, negotiate when required, and not take shit from ANYONE. An assertive woman is not a "bitch", a man who cries about something is not "a wuss/pussy", a guy who is a cheerleader is not "gay" (being an insult), a girl who likes to play football is not "a tomboy" (oh, how I hate that term). Double-standards are NOT ok. Also, almost EVERY SINGLE THING males can do, so can women, including: fixing cars, building things, cooking/baking, enjoying football, shopping, driving, cleaning, taking care of children, standing up for themselves, calling you out on your bullshit, holding doors open, paying for dates, making reproductive decisions for themselves, and SO MUCH MORE!! Do yourselves a favor, and really think about what you say and how you say it... and try to adjust your thoughts & words to be more equal to both sexes (or, even better, all inclusive to all genders). Repeat after me -- colors have no gender, jobs have no gender, toys have no gender, bathrooms have no gender, clothes have no gender, tools have no gender, makeup has no gender... There is no such thing as women's work or man's work. Feminism is not a bad word, it does not mean man-hater, or that women want to be of higher status than a man... all it means is "The social, political, and economic equality of the sexes." Saying you are not a feminist is saying that you don't believe men & women should be treated/paid the same...
4. Speaking of "all genders" (and to go along with #5 on this list), start educating yourself on gender identity issues. (a) Sex and Gender are two different things. (b) There are more than two genders. (c) If you don't know something, ask... but be respectful of the answers. (d) Learn that sometimes, it's none of your business. (e) One of the biggest ones for me right now -- transgender people just want to use the bathroom to relieve themselves. There's a whole movement right now called "I'll Go With You" in response to "We Just Need To Pee"... it's for trans allies to let it be known that they will assist you with matters in which you don't feel safe doing/going by yourself. The biggest one is using the restroom. Please, please, please, for all you hold dear, understand that transgender individuals DO NOT "pretend" to be a different sex so they can spy, "get off", or rape your children; THEY JUST NEED TO PEE!! And, perhaps you can use those instances to not only educate yourself, but also educate your child(ren).
5. This is most important... Stop criticizing others. I see a lot of criticism coming from people about a multitude of things; everything from how others dress (seriously, "slut-shaming" needs to go!), to how others parent, to women breastfeeding in public, to women having the choice to have an abortion, to what people post on their own FaceBook pages, and a thousand other things. I don't care what diety, if any, you believe in (and, STOP criticizing me and my family for being atheists); IT IS NOT YOUR JOB! Now, I know some of you say things like, "I'm not judging, but..." or "That's god's job..." Yes, you are. We all judge. But, keep it to yourself, because you are making assumptions about someone else based on your beliefs, and how you live or want to live; that is not okay. Try this -- if it doesn't directly affect you in a negative/harmful way, shut up. If my daughter wants to wear leggings as pants, shut up. If that guy on the bus has his pants so low, you can see his undies, shut up. If that gay couple is kissing & holding hands, smile and walk by. If a mom is breastfeeding her child in a restaurant, applaud her! If someone says something on the internet you don't like or agree with, scroll past. You are not the morality police; leave people alone, stop being so negative and start seeing the beauty in others.
Actually, I think going back to the general rule of "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" is a good life rule.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Santamas!
The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of working, shopping, wrapping, baking, and more. We don't have a lot of regular traditions (which I see as "things we have to do the same every year"), partly because we were what they call a "blended family" (meaning not all biologically related) and our kids weren't always here for certain holidays. Growing up, I was part of a blended family, as well, so this wasn't anything new to me. It was harder on Ace (in the beginning) than anyone else, but after a couple years, we found our groove... just going with the flow.
One of the things we've done for years, though, is baking goodies, putting them into holiday tins, and delivering them to some local friends. This year was our biggest undertaking, at 15 tins. Not sure if I'm going to continue to do that many, or take it back to five or six and make them a surprise as to who gets one, but we'll figure that out later. I love, though, that we all get involved. With Princess' assistance, Ace bakes two or three of his family favorites, while I do my Dana bars, fudge, and peanut butter KISS cookies. Next year, we may add Princess' peppermint bark to the mix (this year's batch was small, but yummy).
A couple years ago, I also decided to invite friends over to wrap gifts. The idea was that since so many either hate wrapping, wait 'til last minute, etc, we could all make a fun time of it, and do it all together. I'm still working on how to make this one better-attended, but the two times we've done it, I set three hours aside on a Saturday two or three weeks prior to Santamas, have a few sweet treats & something to drink available, turn my DVR to the holiday music channel, and get out all of our wrapping accoutrements. I put an extra leaf in the dining table, remove the tablecloth & placemats, and use only the vinyl cover. A few people have come and wrapped with us, but the option is open for those who want to drop and leave (leave a cash donation &/or your own paper, etc, and we will do it for you). Still trying to work out some kinks with this one, as I'd like more people to come...
In the past, we've also adopted a family; one we know, so we're not going through a church (hard to find a secular local group to donate to, but I'll be doing some more research into this... maybe Toys For Tots or the local food bank) and I love seeing the faces of the friends we give to. This year, however, it seems all my friends are doing really well. So, Princess decided to try her hand at making candles and I decided that we would send them (and another gift or two) to each of my siblings and their significant others (those that have them). The candles went over well; more so since they were hand-made.
Today, Ace went to work, and Princess & I watched holiday movies most of the day... in our jammies. As for this year, the current plan is to open our immediate family's gift tonight when Ace gets home (after dinner), and take the rest down to my in-laws' on Sunday. Not sure, yet, if Squeeks is joining us, but the rest of us will be there. Since we didn't get to celebrate GamerBoy's birthday (his truck broke down the day before we had plans to get together), we will take those gifts with us, as well, and left the choice of what to eat for dinner up to him.
One of the things we've done for years, though, is baking goodies, putting them into holiday tins, and delivering them to some local friends. This year was our biggest undertaking, at 15 tins. Not sure if I'm going to continue to do that many, or take it back to five or six and make them a surprise as to who gets one, but we'll figure that out later. I love, though, that we all get involved. With Princess' assistance, Ace bakes two or three of his family favorites, while I do my Dana bars, fudge, and peanut butter KISS cookies. Next year, we may add Princess' peppermint bark to the mix (this year's batch was small, but yummy).
A couple years ago, I also decided to invite friends over to wrap gifts. The idea was that since so many either hate wrapping, wait 'til last minute, etc, we could all make a fun time of it, and do it all together. I'm still working on how to make this one better-attended, but the two times we've done it, I set three hours aside on a Saturday two or three weeks prior to Santamas, have a few sweet treats & something to drink available, turn my DVR to the holiday music channel, and get out all of our wrapping accoutrements. I put an extra leaf in the dining table, remove the tablecloth & placemats, and use only the vinyl cover. A few people have come and wrapped with us, but the option is open for those who want to drop and leave (leave a cash donation &/or your own paper, etc, and we will do it for you). Still trying to work out some kinks with this one, as I'd like more people to come...
In the past, we've also adopted a family; one we know, so we're not going through a church (hard to find a secular local group to donate to, but I'll be doing some more research into this... maybe Toys For Tots or the local food bank) and I love seeing the faces of the friends we give to. This year, however, it seems all my friends are doing really well. So, Princess decided to try her hand at making candles and I decided that we would send them (and another gift or two) to each of my siblings and their significant others (those that have them). The candles went over well; more so since they were hand-made.
Today, Ace went to work, and Princess & I watched holiday movies most of the day... in our jammies. As for this year, the current plan is to open our immediate family's gift tonight when Ace gets home (after dinner), and take the rest down to my in-laws' on Sunday. Not sure, yet, if Squeeks is joining us, but the rest of us will be there. Since we didn't get to celebrate GamerBoy's birthday (his truck broke down the day before we had plans to get together), we will take those gifts with us, as well, and left the choice of what to eat for dinner up to him.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Belief Systems
I feel like this needs explaining... First, there's a big difference between "Satanists" (although I identify as an Atheist, my belief system is similar to this) and "Satan Worshippers". Before you go spewing uneducated & incorrect information, please do some research. That said, I have been called many things regarding my *lack of religious beliefs*, mostly by so-called "Christians." I use that term loosely because a lot of you insist that your god is about love, but that is NOT what I, an atheist, receive. I get hate, negativity, anger, "you're wrong!", and much worse. Frankly, I'm surprised my house &/or car haven't been vandalized, as that seems to be a common thing among some "Christians", too... (This story out of California, and this one in Texas), as well as theft (this story out of Wisconsin). These incidents, & your support of them (whether by reposting the stories on your own social media with positive comments or by completely ignoring them), makes me question you. If you are so firm in your beliefs, why are you so against other people having ones different than yours? It seems to me that the more you protest against others, the weaker your beliefs actually are.
Then, there are those who don't understand the law, why we have the Constitution, and that whole (pesky, it seems, for some "Christians") separation of Church & State thing... Yes, your child has the right to pray -- in school, in church, at the grocery store, etc. He does NOT have the right to disrupt others by doing so. Teachers (in public school, anyway), coaches, etc do NOT; not because they are being persecuted (please stop using that word; it does not mean what you think it does), but because in doing so, while within their official position of "educator", they can be seen as proselytizing, which is against the law (as well as the Establishment Clause of the Constitution). Traditional nativity scenes are fine in front of churches... they are NOT fine in front of government buildings such as schools and courthouses. And, asking for them to either be removed from public/government buildings/lawns completely or moved to a private location is not (once again) persecution, it's upholding the Establishment Clause. Some "Christians" are up in arms about the Freedom From Religion Foundation's actions... please remember that this is a LEGAL ENTITY. They do not act until & unless there is a complaint.
Which brings me to this lovely time of year -- We call it SANTAMAS! I see a lot of "Jesus is the reason for the season!", "Keep Christ In Christmas!", " and more pro-Christian only messages... Oh, what? You say they're not pro-Christian only? Um... hello? Can you read? EVERY ONE OF THESE sentiments leave out EVERY OTHER FAITH & non-believers. The fact is that there have historically been over 4000 gods/dieties that people have worshipped over the years, all Christian traditions were stolen from other religions &/or seasonal traditions (plus the straight-up lie about your Jesus' birth date...)! If you're interested and want to be educated, look up Yule, Solstice, Saturnalia, Kwanza, Hanakkah, Diwali, and all the other holidays celebrated by other faiths; here & around the world. Look up Humanist, while you're at it... that's me -- Secular Humanist. While you & your Christian family & friends are fighting a non-existent "war on Christmas", the rest of us just want to enjoy our families, friends, gift givings, tree & house decoration, baking, and all the other fun traditions of the winter season. So, back off, and stop pushing YOUR faith down OUR throats.
Then, there are those who don't understand the law, why we have the Constitution, and that whole (pesky, it seems, for some "Christians") separation of Church & State thing... Yes, your child has the right to pray -- in school, in church, at the grocery store, etc. He does NOT have the right to disrupt others by doing so. Teachers (in public school, anyway), coaches, etc do NOT; not because they are being persecuted (please stop using that word; it does not mean what you think it does), but because in doing so, while within their official position of "educator", they can be seen as proselytizing, which is against the law (as well as the Establishment Clause of the Constitution). Traditional nativity scenes are fine in front of churches... they are NOT fine in front of government buildings such as schools and courthouses. And, asking for them to either be removed from public/government buildings/lawns completely or moved to a private location is not (once again) persecution, it's upholding the Establishment Clause. Some "Christians" are up in arms about the Freedom From Religion Foundation's actions... please remember that this is a LEGAL ENTITY. They do not act until & unless there is a complaint.
Which brings me to this lovely time of year -- We call it SANTAMAS! I see a lot of "Jesus is the reason for the season!", "Keep Christ In Christmas!", " and more pro-Christian only messages... Oh, what? You say they're not pro-Christian only? Um... hello? Can you read? EVERY ONE OF THESE sentiments leave out EVERY OTHER FAITH & non-believers. The fact is that there have historically been over 4000 gods/dieties that people have worshipped over the years, all Christian traditions were stolen from other religions &/or seasonal traditions (plus the straight-up lie about your Jesus' birth date...)! If you're interested and want to be educated, look up Yule, Solstice, Saturnalia, Kwanza, Hanakkah, Diwali, and all the other holidays celebrated by other faiths; here & around the world. Look up Humanist, while you're at it... that's me -- Secular Humanist. While you & your Christian family & friends are fighting a non-existent "war on Christmas", the rest of us just want to enjoy our families, friends, gift givings, tree & house decoration, baking, and all the other fun traditions of the winter season. So, back off, and stop pushing YOUR faith down OUR throats.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Time Of Thanks...
As many of you know, my mother hosts a family feast on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The idea is that none of us have to choose between our families; spend Thanksgiving Day however, and with whomever, you wish, then come enjoy a good meal on Friday. When our kids were younger, we had either all of them for Thanksgiving weekend, or none of them. When they were all home, we had traditional family time Thursday, then some or all (it changed year to year who wanted to come) would go to my mom's on Friday, and the weekend was spent putting up Santamas decor, doing chores & homework, and just chillin'.
When the kids were with their bios on the other side, Ace usually worked while I did a little prep & baking for Friday's Feast, and hung out by myself with the dogs. There were a few years that we went to the beach for the weekend, too. Since the older two have been "adulting" (lol), and we've had Princess full time, Ace works on Thursday while Princess & I prep, bake, and hang out in our jammies (as we did this year). We also wrapped gifts for the older two Littles, so T&D can take them home instead of me having to ship them.
Every year, mom invites all her kids, their spouses, their kids, and some friends. The most she's hosted is 12 people... in her old condo... which was 1100sq ft or so. Two years ago, she moved into a progressive retirement condo. This one is roughly half the size of her old one. And, this year, there were 15 people -- mom, Nancy, E&S, D&J, J and her younger son D, three of my own family (Squeeks is in Cali with her bf's family), and T&D and their girls. Ace was supposed to join us but got sick last minute. GamerBoy *did* join us because all of my biological siblings are here and it's been many years since we've all been together (T&D's wedding, to be exact). Mom was super-excited; I was a little concerned... for two reasons. (1) Ace & GB are both not only migraine-prone (stress, scents, and muscle pain are the three main things that can set them off; scent is Ace's big one), but they are also both mildly claustrophic.
So, two weeks ago, I asked mom if there was a conference room or something where we were all going to eat. She said, "Well, we could reserve space at the restaurant downstairs, but then it would be catered..." Um, no. We do our own food, thankyouverymuch! Then, last week, she called me and reminded me that there's the open space right next to her apartment we could spread out to, and her neighbor directly across the hall gave her use of that apartment, too -- ovens, fridge/freezer, dining, and sleeping areas if needed. YAY, we won't be squished!
Monday, Ace & I did our usual grocery shopping and other weekly errands (the only guaranteed "date day" we have), which included picking up the rest of what we needed for Friday's Feast. Wednesday, after I got home from work, we did a bit of Santamas shopping together. Then, Thursday morning, Ace went to work, I slept in 'til 740a, and Princess slept 'til 10a. I spent the morning enjoying the quiet, the dogs, my mocha, and the fire in the stove... then decided to ask (via FB Messenger) if everyone would please not wear anything scented (perfume, soap, cologne, lotion, etc). If Ace or GB go migraine, all four of us will have to leave, food or no food. I was pleasantly surprised that no one said no... and apparently, E&S are both sensitive to that stuff, too.
Friday, we all tried to sleep in, but as usual, Ace & I were up by 7a. We let Princess sleep 'til 9a, and her brother got here at 1130a. The dogs were supposed to go to daycare while Ace & the kids loaded up the 4-Runner, but Ace went full migraine Thursday night. So, the three of us headed out a little after noon. The afternoon was loud, full of food, laughter, and love, and we got sent home with a good amount of leftovers. Lots of pics were taken, and have been posted. I DVR'd the Civil War and stayed off social media so we watched when we got home. HOLY CRAP; awesome game!
GB spent the night and went home yesterday morning. I had a couple clients, plus took care of some Small Business Saturday clients (buying gifts & stocking stuffers), then later, Ace & I had dinner and left Princess home with the dogs while we went to the Pucifer concert. Next up: Muse then Motley Crue!
When the kids were with their bios on the other side, Ace usually worked while I did a little prep & baking for Friday's Feast, and hung out by myself with the dogs. There were a few years that we went to the beach for the weekend, too. Since the older two have been "adulting" (lol), and we've had Princess full time, Ace works on Thursday while Princess & I prep, bake, and hang out in our jammies (as we did this year). We also wrapped gifts for the older two Littles, so T&D can take them home instead of me having to ship them.
Every year, mom invites all her kids, their spouses, their kids, and some friends. The most she's hosted is 12 people... in her old condo... which was 1100sq ft or so. Two years ago, she moved into a progressive retirement condo. This one is roughly half the size of her old one. And, this year, there were 15 people -- mom, Nancy, E&S, D&J, J and her younger son D, three of my own family (Squeeks is in Cali with her bf's family), and T&D and their girls. Ace was supposed to join us but got sick last minute. GamerBoy *did* join us because all of my biological siblings are here and it's been many years since we've all been together (T&D's wedding, to be exact). Mom was super-excited; I was a little concerned... for two reasons. (1) Ace & GB are both not only migraine-prone (stress, scents, and muscle pain are the three main things that can set them off; scent is Ace's big one), but they are also both mildly claustrophic.
So, two weeks ago, I asked mom if there was a conference room or something where we were all going to eat. She said, "Well, we could reserve space at the restaurant downstairs, but then it would be catered..." Um, no. We do our own food, thankyouverymuch! Then, last week, she called me and reminded me that there's the open space right next to her apartment we could spread out to, and her neighbor directly across the hall gave her use of that apartment, too -- ovens, fridge/freezer, dining, and sleeping areas if needed. YAY, we won't be squished!
Monday, Ace & I did our usual grocery shopping and other weekly errands (the only guaranteed "date day" we have), which included picking up the rest of what we needed for Friday's Feast. Wednesday, after I got home from work, we did a bit of Santamas shopping together. Then, Thursday morning, Ace went to work, I slept in 'til 740a, and Princess slept 'til 10a. I spent the morning enjoying the quiet, the dogs, my mocha, and the fire in the stove... then decided to ask (via FB Messenger) if everyone would please not wear anything scented (perfume, soap, cologne, lotion, etc). If Ace or GB go migraine, all four of us will have to leave, food or no food. I was pleasantly surprised that no one said no... and apparently, E&S are both sensitive to that stuff, too.
Friday, we all tried to sleep in, but as usual, Ace & I were up by 7a. We let Princess sleep 'til 9a, and her brother got here at 1130a. The dogs were supposed to go to daycare while Ace & the kids loaded up the 4-Runner, but Ace went full migraine Thursday night. So, the three of us headed out a little after noon. The afternoon was loud, full of food, laughter, and love, and we got sent home with a good amount of leftovers. Lots of pics were taken, and have been posted. I DVR'd the Civil War and stayed off social media so we watched when we got home. HOLY CRAP; awesome game!
GB spent the night and went home yesterday morning. I had a couple clients, plus took care of some Small Business Saturday clients (buying gifts & stocking stuffers), then later, Ace & I had dinner and left Princess home with the dogs while we went to the Pucifer concert. Next up: Muse then Motley Crue!
Friday, November 13, 2015
Feliz Cumpleanos, Mija! (and more)
Actually, let's backtrack a little...
Halloween -- The only trick or treaters we've ever gotten are the three not-so-little neighbor kids when their aunt had custody of them. The aunt has since gotten married and moved, so the kids only come around to visit periodically. However, we do decorate the house & yard just because we love it, and I always have fun sized candy in the house, so if a T&Ter wanted to ring my bell, I'm prepared. About two weeks prior, Princess still hadn't figured out her costume, so we went in search of inspiration & pieces. She decided on her own version of Mickey/Minnie Mouse. She had black leggings, a black tee, and a headband, and bought a black & red plaid skirt and a pair of yellow socks to wear with her black Converse. Her Mickey pumpkin kit came with ears, so we stuck those onto the headband, which she ended up wearing when she and some friends went out T&Ting in Beaverton, but for school on Friday, she had me do two hair buns instead. She got to hang with those friends overnight Saturday, so after Ace got home from work, we just watched a couple of DVR'd shows.
School -- Princess is still enjoying her Drama 2 class and her instructor... and she *did* end up getting not one, but TWO, roles in the Fall play. She worked very hard to make sure she had her lines down (her OCD tendancies kicked in; she made flash cards for each role, and studied any time she had a break/gap in something she was doing). I'm also happy to report that at every show were at least two people who are important to her: Ace & I at one, Mimi, her friend, and Princess' aunt & uncle at one, her squad, other friends and "village" members... she felt truly loved. If you follow me on FB, you'd also know that not only did she get asked to apply for National Honor Society, but she (as well as her whole "fam" - the four close friends that, along with her, make up her "squad") got in! Apparently, not everyone who has honor roll grades got asked to apply and not everyone who applied got accepted; just under 40 students total (mostly Sophomores) were inducted this past Monday. Ace & I are super proud of her! Tuesday after school were auditions for the next school play. It is a musical, so neither Princess nor her bff, KP, wanted to try out, but N.E. (their teacher) asked them to co-stage manage. This is not a glamourous job, but with their awesome ability to work together and their shared OCD tendancies, this should be right up their alley.
Birthday -- Ok, so as most of you know, November 6th is her birthday. She had that day off school, so she came with me to work that morning, and we headed straight down to Woodburn to meet up with my SIL for some lunch and early Santamas shopping. We finished up around 230p and were home before 330p (which was good because she had to have an early dinner and be at the theater by 6p). I'd wrapped her gifts on Wednesday that week, but we hadn't had time to let her open them until she got home from the play on Friday night. Saturday, she didn't do her weekly chores because I told her I'd do them that week (another gift to her), so after I got home from work, we just hung out, caught up on some DVR'd stuff, and watched the Beavers game. I later took her to the school for that night's performance, but her dad picked her up because I was watching the Ducks game. Sunday night, we took her out to dinner at Red Lobster (her decision), and this Wednesday, she got her free ice cream cone at Baskin Robbin. Today she had a brow wax appointment & Saturday, we finish her *Birthday Extravaganza" with a professional massage. She said, and I quote, "Sweet sixteen was one for the books!" as well as "best prezzie EVER" in regards to one of the gifts we got her.
Other Kids -- Gamerboy's living situation hit a snag (construction/remodel halted due to owner's lack of funds) so he has found a new (safer) place nearby and moves in next week. We also got an update with his grades; he was really concerned about two of the four classes he's taking, but just got mid-term grades back... looks like he has a B in one class and an A in the other. Now, if he could either get more hours at his one job or find a second one, he'd be set! Squeeks is "same old, same old" -- still has the same job, same bf, same living situation, same schooling situation. The only newish thing in her life is that she got her settlement from the insurance company and bought a newer car. It's a smaller version of mine, same year.
Ace & I -- Finished a couple of our projects that needed to get done during his sabbatical, including a platform for my gel lamps to sit on at work and the shooting gallery we wanted. The gallery has been taken out and field tested a couple of times; I'm a better shot than he is with all the handguns but he's better with the shotguns. Anyway, he begrudgingly went back to work mid-October so the only project we're working on is getting the weather station up & installed (it's partially there). Next on our to-do list is to get through the holidays.
Holiday Stuff -- I started doing some shopping, I've got a list of some other things to get, I need to send reminders to the older two kids for their wish lists (interesting how those changed when they got out on their own), and I need to prep & bake both for Thanksgiving and Santamas. This year, all of my mother's children and their families will be gathering over Thanksgiving weekend here in town; this will be the first time we've all been together since 2006, at T&D's wedding. There will be roughly 15 people, including my husband & son, who haven't joined us since GB was a bratty teenager. Mom's new place is smaller than her old place, but we also have full use of the apartment across the hall, and the hang out area next to her. Should be fun.
Wildebeest/MG & gf -- Not much to update, except Wildebeest is still obviously pining for MG, while MG & KC continue their relationship. They truly look absolutely happy. I'm debating sending them a Santamas card, with a handwritten note included in which I write something about being glad he finally found whatever it was that was missing in his life... Anyway, I should take bets on when Wildebeest finally admits they're (to quote Taylor Swift) "never, ever, ever... getting back together." HAHAHA!
Halloween -- The only trick or treaters we've ever gotten are the three not-so-little neighbor kids when their aunt had custody of them. The aunt has since gotten married and moved, so the kids only come around to visit periodically. However, we do decorate the house & yard just because we love it, and I always have fun sized candy in the house, so if a T&Ter wanted to ring my bell, I'm prepared. About two weeks prior, Princess still hadn't figured out her costume, so we went in search of inspiration & pieces. She decided on her own version of Mickey/Minnie Mouse. She had black leggings, a black tee, and a headband, and bought a black & red plaid skirt and a pair of yellow socks to wear with her black Converse. Her Mickey pumpkin kit came with ears, so we stuck those onto the headband, which she ended up wearing when she and some friends went out T&Ting in Beaverton, but for school on Friday, she had me do two hair buns instead. She got to hang with those friends overnight Saturday, so after Ace got home from work, we just watched a couple of DVR'd shows.
School -- Princess is still enjoying her Drama 2 class and her instructor... and she *did* end up getting not one, but TWO, roles in the Fall play. She worked very hard to make sure she had her lines down (her OCD tendancies kicked in; she made flash cards for each role, and studied any time she had a break/gap in something she was doing). I'm also happy to report that at every show were at least two people who are important to her: Ace & I at one, Mimi, her friend, and Princess' aunt & uncle at one, her squad, other friends and "village" members... she felt truly loved. If you follow me on FB, you'd also know that not only did she get asked to apply for National Honor Society, but she (as well as her whole "fam" - the four close friends that, along with her, make up her "squad") got in! Apparently, not everyone who has honor roll grades got asked to apply and not everyone who applied got accepted; just under 40 students total (mostly Sophomores) were inducted this past Monday. Ace & I are super proud of her! Tuesday after school were auditions for the next school play. It is a musical, so neither Princess nor her bff, KP, wanted to try out, but N.E. (their teacher) asked them to co-stage manage. This is not a glamourous job, but with their awesome ability to work together and their shared OCD tendancies, this should be right up their alley.
Birthday -- Ok, so as most of you know, November 6th is her birthday. She had that day off school, so she came with me to work that morning, and we headed straight down to Woodburn to meet up with my SIL for some lunch and early Santamas shopping. We finished up around 230p and were home before 330p (which was good because she had to have an early dinner and be at the theater by 6p). I'd wrapped her gifts on Wednesday that week, but we hadn't had time to let her open them until she got home from the play on Friday night. Saturday, she didn't do her weekly chores because I told her I'd do them that week (another gift to her), so after I got home from work, we just hung out, caught up on some DVR'd stuff, and watched the Beavers game. I later took her to the school for that night's performance, but her dad picked her up because I was watching the Ducks game. Sunday night, we took her out to dinner at Red Lobster (her decision), and this Wednesday, she got her free ice cream cone at Baskin Robbin. Today she had a brow wax appointment & Saturday, we finish her *Birthday Extravaganza" with a professional massage. She said, and I quote, "Sweet sixteen was one for the books!" as well as "best prezzie EVER" in regards to one of the gifts we got her.
Other Kids -- Gamerboy's living situation hit a snag (construction/remodel halted due to owner's lack of funds) so he has found a new (safer) place nearby and moves in next week. We also got an update with his grades; he was really concerned about two of the four classes he's taking, but just got mid-term grades back... looks like he has a B in one class and an A in the other. Now, if he could either get more hours at his one job or find a second one, he'd be set! Squeeks is "same old, same old" -- still has the same job, same bf, same living situation, same schooling situation. The only newish thing in her life is that she got her settlement from the insurance company and bought a newer car. It's a smaller version of mine, same year.
Ace & I -- Finished a couple of our projects that needed to get done during his sabbatical, including a platform for my gel lamps to sit on at work and the shooting gallery we wanted. The gallery has been taken out and field tested a couple of times; I'm a better shot than he is with all the handguns but he's better with the shotguns. Anyway, he begrudgingly went back to work mid-October so the only project we're working on is getting the weather station up & installed (it's partially there). Next on our to-do list is to get through the holidays.
Holiday Stuff -- I started doing some shopping, I've got a list of some other things to get, I need to send reminders to the older two kids for their wish lists (interesting how those changed when they got out on their own), and I need to prep & bake both for Thanksgiving and Santamas. This year, all of my mother's children and their families will be gathering over Thanksgiving weekend here in town; this will be the first time we've all been together since 2006, at T&D's wedding. There will be roughly 15 people, including my husband & son, who haven't joined us since GB was a bratty teenager. Mom's new place is smaller than her old place, but we also have full use of the apartment across the hall, and the hang out area next to her. Should be fun.
Wildebeest/MG & gf -- Not much to update, except Wildebeest is still obviously pining for MG, while MG & KC continue their relationship. They truly look absolutely happy. I'm debating sending them a Santamas card, with a handwritten note included in which I write something about being glad he finally found whatever it was that was missing in his life... Anyway, I should take bets on when Wildebeest finally admits they're (to quote Taylor Swift) "never, ever, ever... getting back together." HAHAHA!
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