For almost my entire adult life I have been some body's something. Girlfriend, wife, mother. I have never been just me. When I was young(er), I loved being some body's something. I always had a serious boyfriend. Then I got engaged. Then married. Then had kids. Then divorced. Never one to learn a lesson easily, I almost immediately started dating again. And when I say dating again, I mean serious dating. Not dating around. Not sowing any oats, wild or otherwise. I was living with my brother and segued right into living with the guy I was dating. Again, I got engaged. Again I got married. Again I had a baby.
At first I was happy. Proud to be a wife and mother. Little by little things changed. I changed. But as time went on, I began to resent being some body's something. I wanted to be just me. In charge of just me.
I realized thirty years too late that I was never meant to get married. I can't stand things to be the same for too long. Always moving my furniture around. Always coloring my hair a different color. Hell, I can't even keep a car for more than two years. One time I had four different kitchen tables in a time span of two years. I don't know why this is. Why this constant quest for change. But, it's a just that. A constant quest.
I remember as a young girl, my best friend's parents were divorced. I grew up in a time when this wasn't nearly as average as it is now. I distinctly remember thinking, Mrs. So-and-so is so lucky. She gets to do whatever she wants, whenever she wants. She doesn't have to keep anyone else, but her daughter of course, in mind when she makes decisions. "What should we do for dinner tonight?" she would ask us. Ha! That would never have flown with a husband. If she wants to come home from work and slip in to her pajamas at 5:30, she can. If she wants to go out with people from work, she can. She was so much more fun than all the married moms I knew. Much more carefree. And she was a great mom to her daughter, I'm not trying to imply that she didn't take care of her as well as any of the other moms I knew, but she was so much less stressed.
I'm not trying to sound all Mad Men 60's here, like everything had to be okayed by husbands, but when you're married, you have to take your spouse into consideration when making decisions. How will this affect him? Would he rather I didn't do this? He's a meat and potatoes man, he'd never agree to scrambled eggs for dinner. Will he be worried about me if I don't come right home after work? She didn't worry about any of that. I think that's why she was so fun. I think that's why I spent every waking hour at their house.
Why didn't I remember these feelings before I walked down the aisle the first time. Or at the very least, the second time?
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Ch ch cha changes.....
Hello everyone....it's been a while, huh?
Lots going on here.
Tomorrow is a very big day here. Braden graduates from high school. I honestly doubted the day would ever come. But, it's here. Tonight we're decorating his cap. He has no immediate plans to further his education - no surprise since he's hated school since 2nd grade. He plans to move to Florida with a friend. In his mind, he's going to saunter in to Disney and say, "I'm here. Give me a great job" If that doesn't work, he has a back-up plan. He's going to do the same thing at Universal and Sea World. But, it will be good experience for him. I'm proud of him for having the confidence to give it a try. He can't wait to go...and honestly, I can't wait either.
In other news, Keith and I are splitting up. I know you're probably all shocked by this revelation. I've been telling him for a year that that's what I planned to do, once Braden finished school. He's been desperately trying for the past twelve months to get me to change my mind, but I couldn't do it. Now it's finally registered with him, and I think he's actually kind of glad to be getting rid of me too (although I can't imagine why?!). He's even found someone that wants to buy our house. That deal is about 85% a sure thing and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Unfortunately, because of the mortgage disaster of a few years ago, we won't get much money after we pay off our mortgage, but that's just the way it is.
I've been looking around at apartments and houses. Keith's been really good - going with me to look at things, pointing out problems/advantages I wouldn't have even thought to look for, like electrical service, old signs of water damage, etc. I can't afford to spend more than $100 thousand on a house, and still be able to pay the mortgage/taxes/insurance plus all the utilities. Luckily for me, interest rates are really low right now. I've, so far, narrowed my search down to three possibilities. One is a single home in a cute part of town, all bungalows. No work would need to be done. It's three bedrooms and one tiny bath. One of the bedrooms is microscopic, and would best be made into a storage room, or maybe a laundry room. It's got a beautiful fenced in yard and a nice deck. It's fairly updated inside-newer flooring, cabinets and appliances. Option number twois a single home in a neighboring town that's been made into a lower and an upper apartment. I would live in the downstairs, the upstairs is rented out. This house needs a lot of cosmetic work, but the kitchen is decent. The problem with this house is the ceilings are really, really low and the yard is basically non-existent. The upside is the rent the upstairs tenant pays covers the mortgage, so financially, I wouldn't be strapped. But, I really dont' know if once the excitment of being on my own wore off, if living in that cramped apartment would get old really quickly. Plus, I'd be responsible for not only my own place, but the tenant as well.The third option is the cheapest. It's another single house in town with a beautiful back yard, garage and a nice screened in porch. It's two bedrooms, one bath. This one needs a lot of updating. But, it has the most space. It's got original hardwood floor in all the rooms except the kitchen and bathroom. And, speaking of the kitchen - it's an original 1950's kitchen. The cabinets are painted a hideous shade of peacock blue/seafoam green. The coutnertop is peeling formica. The closets would have to be reconfigured. But it has a basement that's semi-finished, complete with a bar right out of the 70's. This house has the most space and probably the greatest resale opportunity down the road. And, I think it might give me something to do this winter...repainting those kitchen cabinets, taking down the paneling in the living room and bedrooms. I don't know....there's a lot of thinking to do. But it's all good thinking. I'm very excited about this next stage in my life.
Lots going on here.
Tomorrow is a very big day here. Braden graduates from high school. I honestly doubted the day would ever come. But, it's here. Tonight we're decorating his cap. He has no immediate plans to further his education - no surprise since he's hated school since 2nd grade. He plans to move to Florida with a friend. In his mind, he's going to saunter in to Disney and say, "I'm here. Give me a great job" If that doesn't work, he has a back-up plan. He's going to do the same thing at Universal and Sea World. But, it will be good experience for him. I'm proud of him for having the confidence to give it a try. He can't wait to go...and honestly, I can't wait either.
In other news, Keith and I are splitting up. I know you're probably all shocked by this revelation. I've been telling him for a year that that's what I planned to do, once Braden finished school. He's been desperately trying for the past twelve months to get me to change my mind, but I couldn't do it. Now it's finally registered with him, and I think he's actually kind of glad to be getting rid of me too (although I can't imagine why?!). He's even found someone that wants to buy our house. That deal is about 85% a sure thing and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Unfortunately, because of the mortgage disaster of a few years ago, we won't get much money after we pay off our mortgage, but that's just the way it is.
I've been looking around at apartments and houses. Keith's been really good - going with me to look at things, pointing out problems/advantages I wouldn't have even thought to look for, like electrical service, old signs of water damage, etc. I can't afford to spend more than $100 thousand on a house, and still be able to pay the mortgage/taxes/insurance plus all the utilities. Luckily for me, interest rates are really low right now. I've, so far, narrowed my search down to three possibilities. One is a single home in a cute part of town, all bungalows. No work would need to be done. It's three bedrooms and one tiny bath. One of the bedrooms is microscopic, and would best be made into a storage room, or maybe a laundry room. It's got a beautiful fenced in yard and a nice deck. It's fairly updated inside-newer flooring, cabinets and appliances. Option number twois a single home in a neighboring town that's been made into a lower and an upper apartment. I would live in the downstairs, the upstairs is rented out. This house needs a lot of cosmetic work, but the kitchen is decent. The problem with this house is the ceilings are really, really low and the yard is basically non-existent. The upside is the rent the upstairs tenant pays covers the mortgage, so financially, I wouldn't be strapped. But, I really dont' know if once the excitment of being on my own wore off, if living in that cramped apartment would get old really quickly. Plus, I'd be responsible for not only my own place, but the tenant as well.The third option is the cheapest. It's another single house in town with a beautiful back yard, garage and a nice screened in porch. It's two bedrooms, one bath. This one needs a lot of updating. But, it has the most space. It's got original hardwood floor in all the rooms except the kitchen and bathroom. And, speaking of the kitchen - it's an original 1950's kitchen. The cabinets are painted a hideous shade of peacock blue/seafoam green. The coutnertop is peeling formica. The closets would have to be reconfigured. But it has a basement that's semi-finished, complete with a bar right out of the 70's. This house has the most space and probably the greatest resale opportunity down the road. And, I think it might give me something to do this winter...repainting those kitchen cabinets, taking down the paneling in the living room and bedrooms. I don't know....there's a lot of thinking to do. But it's all good thinking. I'm very excited about this next stage in my life.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Book Group Weekend Woot Woot
We have our book group weekend this weekend. I'm really looking forward to it.
Usually we go to the beach, but the woman we usually rent the house from has accused us of burning her carpet with an iron. Can you imagine?! We barely even dress this weekend, let alone iron. We spend it in sweats, pjs and bathing suits if it's warm enough. So, this year we're doing something different and going to the Poconos.
We've had about two months of solid rain, and today the sun was out all day. It's actually supposed to be out for the next six days, and get warmer each day. By Saturday, it's supposed to be in the high 70's. It will be great for hanging on the deck, having a drink or two, and just gabbing, and reading and napping. Throw in some great food we all bring, and it's a perfect weekend!
Can't wait!
Usually we go to the beach, but the woman we usually rent the house from has accused us of burning her carpet with an iron. Can you imagine?! We barely even dress this weekend, let alone iron. We spend it in sweats, pjs and bathing suits if it's warm enough. So, this year we're doing something different and going to the Poconos.
We've had about two months of solid rain, and today the sun was out all day. It's actually supposed to be out for the next six days, and get warmer each day. By Saturday, it's supposed to be in the high 70's. It will be great for hanging on the deck, having a drink or two, and just gabbing, and reading and napping. Throw in some great food we all bring, and it's a perfect weekend!
Can't wait!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Work, books, physical
Well, the summer flew by. Staff started back to work today, so now my days won't be so painstakingly boring.
I just read a great book. Two actually. We had to read The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver for bookgroup. Wasn't looking forward to it, but I really liked it. I wanted to meet every character in it!
Then I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Great great great! I didn't want that one to be over.
I've been working out for about two months now. Last week I had to go for my two-year physical for work and the doctor said something to me no regular person, let alone doctor, ever said before...."Do you work out? Your stomach is really hard." I floated home from the appointment.
That's about it. Nothing exciting to report here.
I just read a great book. Two actually. We had to read The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver for bookgroup. Wasn't looking forward to it, but I really liked it. I wanted to meet every character in it!
Then I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Great great great! I didn't want that one to be over.
I've been working out for about two months now. Last week I had to go for my two-year physical for work and the doctor said something to me no regular person, let alone doctor, ever said before...."Do you work out? Your stomach is really hard." I floated home from the appointment.
That's about it. Nothing exciting to report here.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sharks!
Just got back from five days at the Jersey Shore. It was nice. Renee and Brighton went with us, so that kept me really busy. It was so much fun taking Brighton to the beach! Here's a picture of us at the boardwalk:
We have a memory foam mattress at home, we got it about five years ago. And I have to say, that since we've had it, I haven't been able to get a good night's sleep in a hotel.
We have a memory foam mattress at home, we got it about five years ago. And I have to say, that since we've had it, I haven't been able to get a good night's sleep in a hotel.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Alert the media....the crotch protector is missing
So, I did find a bathing suit I really liked. Tried it on, it fit perfectly. Last weekend, I put it on and wore it out at the pool. As soon as it got wet, the top really started to sag....on the sides you could see right in to my boobs. It didn't matter how tight I tied it around my neck, the top was completely saggy. So, I decided to take it back. I know you don't generally take bathing suits back, but there is obviously something wrong with this one.
So, I go back to the store (TJ Maxx) and go up to the counter to return it. I have the receipt and the tags in the bag. The bitchy looking older woman next to the girl who is waiting on me says, "You can't take back a bathing suit that has the tags off." The girl says, "There something wrong with it, it stretched out when it got wet." The woman says, "Call the manager, he'll have to okay it. Is the crotch protector still in the suit?"
Girl: No, she wore it.
Woman: Call the manager. There needs to be a crotch protector.
Girl (over the loud speaker) So-and-so to the front desk
Manager (over loud speaker) I'm in the middle of something, what do you need?
Girl: I have a bathing suit return and the tags are off
Manager: Does she have the receipt?
Girl: Yes
Manager: okay, take it back
Woman: (yelling) Tell him the crotch protector is missing
Girl (looking unsure about saying it into the loud speaker, looks at me. I mouth to her DO NOT SAY CROTCH PROTECTOR) Okay, we can take it back without the tags?
Manager: Sure, I'll sign it later.
Woman: Now we're going to have to zero it out. We can't resell that!
Me: You shouldn't resell it...there's something wrong with it! My god, it was a $30 bathing suit, not the Hope Diamond!
Girl: giggles
So, I go back to the store (TJ Maxx) and go up to the counter to return it. I have the receipt and the tags in the bag. The bitchy looking older woman next to the girl who is waiting on me says, "You can't take back a bathing suit that has the tags off." The girl says, "There something wrong with it, it stretched out when it got wet." The woman says, "Call the manager, he'll have to okay it. Is the crotch protector still in the suit?"
Girl: No, she wore it.
Woman: Call the manager. There needs to be a crotch protector.
Girl (over the loud speaker) So-and-so to the front desk
Manager (over loud speaker) I'm in the middle of something, what do you need?
Girl: I have a bathing suit return and the tags are off
Manager: Does she have the receipt?
Girl: Yes
Manager: okay, take it back
Woman: (yelling) Tell him the crotch protector is missing
Girl (looking unsure about saying it into the loud speaker, looks at me. I mouth to her DO NOT SAY CROTCH PROTECTOR) Okay, we can take it back without the tags?
Manager: Sure, I'll sign it later.
Woman: Now we're going to have to zero it out. We can't resell that!
Me: You shouldn't resell it...there's something wrong with it! My god, it was a $30 bathing suit, not the Hope Diamond!
Girl: giggles
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Felt up
My mom's birthday party went well last weekend. She was thrilled, and a lot of her friends showed up. One of them, a woman with Alzheimers who I saw just a couple of years ago, came. Her daughter brought her and I greeted them at the door. "Mom," the daughter said, "You remember Schelley?" The mom looked puzzled. The daughter continued, "She's Jane's oldest" She looked me over and said, "Schelley? Oh my, you've really shot up!" Like I went from age 5 to age 12. It was cute. But, when they were leaving, she hugged me goodbye, then said she liked the dress I was wearing. She reached out to touch the material, on my shoulder and said, "It's so nice and soft..." as she proceeded to carress the dress, moving her hand down until she was actually rubbing my boob. For a few seconds. Talk about uncomfortable. I said, "Whoa, Gladys, take it easy there. You didn't even kiss me." Her daughter laughed, but I could tell she was embarrassed.
Other than that, it's been a slow week. Today we're having Keith's family over for a cookout, and so far it seems like the weather will be beautiful. Thank goodness.
Other than that, it's been a slow week. Today we're having Keith's family over for a cookout, and so far it seems like the weather will be beautiful. Thank goodness.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Don't be ridiculous
So, last week I had a chat with Keith and told him how I was feeling, and that I didn't think I was going to be sticking around after Braden graduated. Not those words exactly, but that's the spark note version. His response....I'm probably depressed and should go to counseling. OK, whatever.
But, the other day I was coming home from work, and he was standing in the garage, right where I have to pull in. He was by the back wall, and just stood there while my car idled, waiting for him to move so I could park. He finally moved, and I parked. As I was getting out of my car, he said, "I thought I'd stay there in case you wanted to hit me." I said, "What are you talking about?" He said, "Well, that would be one less pain in your ass to deal with, right?" (I hate when he says things just because he wants me to say...no, no I would never want to get rid of you...I don't ever take that bait). So I said, "Don't be ridiculous. If I would have hit you, It wouldn't have been fatal, it probably would have just broken your legs then I'd have to take care of you all damn summer." He just looked at me, defeated, as I went in to the house.
But, the other day I was coming home from work, and he was standing in the garage, right where I have to pull in. He was by the back wall, and just stood there while my car idled, waiting for him to move so I could park. He finally moved, and I parked. As I was getting out of my car, he said, "I thought I'd stay there in case you wanted to hit me." I said, "What are you talking about?" He said, "Well, that would be one less pain in your ass to deal with, right?" (I hate when he says things just because he wants me to say...no, no I would never want to get rid of you...I don't ever take that bait). So I said, "Don't be ridiculous. If I would have hit you, It wouldn't have been fatal, it probably would have just broken your legs then I'd have to take care of you all damn summer." He just looked at me, defeated, as I went in to the house.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Nice try, sport
I heard a little rumor. Apparently Braden told some friends that he was going to say he couldn't get off work to go on vacation with us. And then he was going to have a "house party" while we were away.
Well, today I started my counter strike.
I told him that if he wasnt going, then neither was I. "WHAT?" he said. Incredulous.
I explained that he aaa thecmain reason we go and it he wasn't gong, we'd stay home and save the money!!
A little while later I got a text asking if he could bring a friend. Bwah wah aah!!!
Well, today I started my counter strike.
I told him that if he wasnt going, then neither was I. "WHAT?" he said. Incredulous.
I explained that he aaa thecmain reason we go and it he wasn't gong, we'd stay home and save the money!!
A little while later I got a text asking if he could bring a friend. Bwah wah aah!!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Nothing, buffalo legs, parties, trama and cobblestones.
I don't have much to report, but that's probably a good thing.
Renee and Brighton are here for the weekend...he's such a cutie. And, funny.
My SIL made a workout routine for me this week. I've been doing it faithfully. Still have buffalo legs (Thanks Nag)
We have yet another graduation party to go to today. And it's a double. Till this month is over, we'll probably have put out close to a mortgage payment in graduation cards.
I went bathing suit shopping last night...yuck! I think you should automatically be given flowers and something alcoholic to drink when you try on a bathing suit.
That's about it.
Oh, I'll leave you with this little joke:
Two nuns are riding their bikes through the back streets of Rome. One nun says to the other, "Funny, I've never come this way before." The other nun replies, "I know, it's the cobblestones."
Renee and Brighton are here for the weekend...he's such a cutie. And, funny.
My SIL made a workout routine for me this week. I've been doing it faithfully. Still have buffalo legs (Thanks Nag)
We have yet another graduation party to go to today. And it's a double. Till this month is over, we'll probably have put out close to a mortgage payment in graduation cards.
I went bathing suit shopping last night...yuck! I think you should automatically be given flowers and something alcoholic to drink when you try on a bathing suit.
That's about it.
Oh, I'll leave you with this little joke:
Two nuns are riding their bikes through the back streets of Rome. One nun says to the other, "Funny, I've never come this way before." The other nun replies, "I know, it's the cobblestones."
Friday, June 17, 2011
ganache and legs on fire
I'm hosting bookgroup tonight. We read "Room". I loved the book. Good thing I have off today, because I have lots of cooking/cleaning to do. I'm serving Hot Olive and Artichoke dip, Holiday Bacon appetizers and Empanadas. For dessert, Gooey snickerdoodle cake, and Peanut Butter cake with Salted Chocolate Ganuche. I'm also making assorted flavored popcorns to munch on.
My neighbor and I walk every night. Two miles. But, she's been sick, so I've been going by myself. So, I started running a little. Just a little, it's all I can do for now. My legs feel like they're on fire...and you know what? I like it. I've lost about 15 pounds in the last year....not that I'm trying to, I'm just not eating. But, my limbs (and ass) (especially my ass) are saggy. So, I'm trying to tighten them up. I told my sister-in-law "I'm going to turn miserable-ness into fit-ness"
At least that's my plan for this week.
My neighbor and I walk every night. Two miles. But, she's been sick, so I've been going by myself. So, I started running a little. Just a little, it's all I can do for now. My legs feel like they're on fire...and you know what? I like it. I've lost about 15 pounds in the last year....not that I'm trying to, I'm just not eating. But, my limbs (and ass) (especially my ass) are saggy. So, I'm trying to tighten them up. I told my sister-in-law "I'm going to turn miserable-ness into fit-ness"
At least that's my plan for this week.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Well, school's out for the summer. Braden's last day was today. Teachers in my building had their last day today too. I work all summer, but started my summer hours today (4 ten hour days, Friday's off).
I still don't feel any different than I did last week, when I posted my drunken post, but I can officially start counting down now. 365 days!
Here's a picture of me, Afro and Susan when we were out Saturday night for Susan's birthday. I hate all pictures of me. Why is that?
I still don't feel any different than I did last week, when I posted my drunken post, but I can officially start counting down now. 365 days!
Here's a picture of me, Afro and Susan when we were out Saturday night for Susan's birthday. I hate all pictures of me. Why is that?
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Excuse me
This is my first drunken blog post ever. Can you delete a blog post? What if tomorrow I realize I shouldn't have posted this? Who cares.
I went to my neighbors tonight to go for a walk, but instead we drank a couple beers. I really shouldn't drink beer. I have a good time while I'm drinking them, but then I come home and realize how absolutely, incredibly, positively miserable I am. I hate my life. Not all of my life. Just my home life. I live my job. I have a great time there. Laughing, talking, being happy. Then I come home and it's like the air gets sucked out of my lungs. I'm miserable, don't talk, look for any excuse to leave the house, or have Keith leave the house. I don't know if I can take one more minute of this with out losing my mind. I keep telling myself that I only have one more year. One more year till Braden graduates. Then I can leave. Be on my own. I dont know, honestly, if I can make it. I really don't. That makes me feel guilty. Which pisses me off even more. Vicious cycle. I hate me. I don't know who me is. I want to find me. I want to be me.
I don't know what to do.
I went to my neighbors tonight to go for a walk, but instead we drank a couple beers. I really shouldn't drink beer. I have a good time while I'm drinking them, but then I come home and realize how absolutely, incredibly, positively miserable I am. I hate my life. Not all of my life. Just my home life. I live my job. I have a great time there. Laughing, talking, being happy. Then I come home and it's like the air gets sucked out of my lungs. I'm miserable, don't talk, look for any excuse to leave the house, or have Keith leave the house. I don't know if I can take one more minute of this with out losing my mind. I keep telling myself that I only have one more year. One more year till Braden graduates. Then I can leave. Be on my own. I dont know, honestly, if I can make it. I really don't. That makes me feel guilty. Which pisses me off even more. Vicious cycle. I hate me. I don't know who me is. I want to find me. I want to be me.
I don't know what to do.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Mother of the year, right here.
You all probably know that I'm not much of a drinker. I don't like the feeling of not being in control of myself...or the sneaking suspicion that someone is going to "need" me for something and I won't be able to take care of it. Plus, I'm not a big drinker of any liquid. I get too full. So, I can never seem to drink enough to get drunk. I'm always the one in any group who is "the lightweight" or the "tea-totaler".
Anyway, Friday after work a bunch of us went out. We went to a little bar that's about two miles from my house. Jay was in Philly and Braden was at work at Dorney Park. Keith...well, he was around but going out later. Soooo, we're at the bar for a couple of hours and I had four mugs of beer. Very unusual for me, and I was feeling pretty good. We were having a great time...talking, laughing, etc.
So, anyway, I come home and walk in the door to an empty house. My first thought is I'm going to go right to bed in the quiet. Well, my phone rings, it says it's Braden. "Hello," I say. "Hi, this is Melinda from Dorney Park First Aid" "Yeah?" I say. "We have Braden here. He says he hasn't eaten in 24 hours, and that he's feeling light headed and has chest pains." "Chest pains," I ask? "Anytime there's chest pains involved, we recommend a trip to the hospital. Can you come and pick him up and take him to the ER?" Now, Dorney park is about 45 minutes from here. I reply, "this is going to sound really awful, but I went out after work and had a couple of drinks. I really shouldn't drive to Allentown, and my husband isn't home." In a somewhat critical voice she says, "Ok. We'll call an ambulance." "How is he now? Chest pains, really?" She says he says he feels better but he has to go to the hospital before he can come back to work the next day. "Tell him I'll call my husband and we'll meet him at the hospital."
So I call Keith....at a bar, and tell him to come home so we can go. I feel embarrassed, and like the worst mother ever. But at the same time, I know how Braden is and he can be a bit of an "overstater", so I truly doubt there's anything wrong with him. We get to the hospital to see Braden, in a hospital bed, eating a turkey hoagie, laughing with the nurses and the guy from the park that went with him. I wanted to strangle him. Turns out everything was fine, but I had to admit to someone I wasn't in control enough to drive my son to the hospital, and answer questions about why he didn't eat for 24 hours. (he had dinner the night before....what am I supposed to do follow him to school to make sure he eats his lunch?).
Plus, he really ruined by buzz.
Anyway, Friday after work a bunch of us went out. We went to a little bar that's about two miles from my house. Jay was in Philly and Braden was at work at Dorney Park. Keith...well, he was around but going out later. Soooo, we're at the bar for a couple of hours and I had four mugs of beer. Very unusual for me, and I was feeling pretty good. We were having a great time...talking, laughing, etc.
So, anyway, I come home and walk in the door to an empty house. My first thought is I'm going to go right to bed in the quiet. Well, my phone rings, it says it's Braden. "Hello," I say. "Hi, this is Melinda from Dorney Park First Aid" "Yeah?" I say. "We have Braden here. He says he hasn't eaten in 24 hours, and that he's feeling light headed and has chest pains." "Chest pains," I ask? "Anytime there's chest pains involved, we recommend a trip to the hospital. Can you come and pick him up and take him to the ER?" Now, Dorney park is about 45 minutes from here. I reply, "this is going to sound really awful, but I went out after work and had a couple of drinks. I really shouldn't drive to Allentown, and my husband isn't home." In a somewhat critical voice she says, "Ok. We'll call an ambulance." "How is he now? Chest pains, really?" She says he says he feels better but he has to go to the hospital before he can come back to work the next day. "Tell him I'll call my husband and we'll meet him at the hospital."
So I call Keith....at a bar, and tell him to come home so we can go. I feel embarrassed, and like the worst mother ever. But at the same time, I know how Braden is and he can be a bit of an "overstater", so I truly doubt there's anything wrong with him. We get to the hospital to see Braden, in a hospital bed, eating a turkey hoagie, laughing with the nurses and the guy from the park that went with him. I wanted to strangle him. Turns out everything was fine, but I had to admit to someone I wasn't in control enough to drive my son to the hospital, and answer questions about why he didn't eat for 24 hours. (he had dinner the night before....what am I supposed to do follow him to school to make sure he eats his lunch?).
Plus, he really ruined by buzz.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Rapture = good weekend???
I've just had a great weekend. Braden had prom on Friday night. I had bookgroup. Joe, Renee and Brighton were here for the weekend. Last night I went to the college graduation party for the daughter of one of my bookgroup friends. I took Renee and Brighton with me, and he was so cute, "performing" for all the people there. It was such a nice time, sitting around talking with a bunch of women I have a lot in commonn with (well, except for the fact that they all have wildly successful children, and I have children that are getting by). But, other than the all-these-colleges-are-vying-for-my-children-stories, it was wonderful! Plus I saw a friend that I used to work with that I haven't seen in years, and it was like we hadn't missed a beat. I had a great time!
Today, I'm going grocery shopping, doing laundry and planning on spending some time reading, in the sun of course. Also, I'm going to plant the vegetable garden and weed my periannual garden.
For those of you who asked, here's a picture of my tattoo. It was taken right after I had it done. It's "calmed down" a lot since then.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Prom and Ink
This week has calmed down a little. Nothing new has happened, thank God. Braden's attitude is improving a bit as he slowly realizes he's the one that did something wrong, not me. JJ found someone to buy his car so he can put the money toward his brother's lawyer. No one has heard a word from Gio.
Last night was Afro's daughter's prom. She's only a freshman, but was invited by a junior. Here's a picture of the two of them before the prom:
Oh....I finally did something I've been wanting to do for years. And years. I got a tattoo. It's on the inside of my right wrist and it says "breathe". I love it. For at least ten years I've wanted one, but always chickened out because of the pain involved. Plus, I was never really sure what I wanted, or where I wanted it. But, I finally decided, then all I had to do was overcome the fear part. Braden and a coworker "you won't - ed" me into getting it. Now I have it. I love it! I'm kind of proud of myself.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Duh, Losing
Well, what a great freaking week it's been. (Tons of sarcasm there, if you couldn't tell)
First of all, JJ's brother was arrested for arguing in a WaWa with his girlfriend...then the cops proceeded to beat the living daylights out of him in the paddy wagon...I know it sounds very Rodney King-ish, but it's true. Two broken wrists, stitches in his head. And the cops kept saying to him, "No judge will believe you." Andrew has been here many, many times. He's a good guy. And JJ is a wreck over it.
Next up on my plate of misfortune. Gio's P.O. took away his home visits. Not because of anything he did, but because it's a really bad, crime-ridden area where he's from and she doesn't want him there. This happened three or four weeks ago. Since then, he's become miserable. Stays in his room, hardly talks to us, refuses to do any work at school, etc. Last Saturday, Keith and I ran to the store after dinner and when we came home, my car was gone and so was Gio. He (keep in mind he's 15 and doesn't have a license) took it and drove to Easton. Hung out over night then took a bus to Philly. We recovered my car...minor damage, but not Gio.
Now for the last part of this trifecta of shit....Tuesday night, I caught Braden sitting in his car, in the driveway rolling a joint. This isn't the first time he's been caught smoking. He told me he'd stop. He's knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how I feel about pot. After seeing everything Renee went through, you'd think he'd steer clear. Anyway....I told him that if he was going to continue to smoke, he was going to have to go stay somewhere else. So....the next day I get a call from his principal. He got into a fight at lunch time and was being suspended for five days. But, while the principal was talking to him about the fight, Braden told him that I kicked him out of the house for smoking pot. Wonderful. Let's bring the school into this. So, Braden's been miserable around here....and as you might recall from his youth....when Braden's miserable, everyone's miserable.
I quit.
First of all, JJ's brother was arrested for arguing in a WaWa with his girlfriend...then the cops proceeded to beat the living daylights out of him in the paddy wagon...I know it sounds very Rodney King-ish, but it's true. Two broken wrists, stitches in his head. And the cops kept saying to him, "No judge will believe you." Andrew has been here many, many times. He's a good guy. And JJ is a wreck over it.
Next up on my plate of misfortune. Gio's P.O. took away his home visits. Not because of anything he did, but because it's a really bad, crime-ridden area where he's from and she doesn't want him there. This happened three or four weeks ago. Since then, he's become miserable. Stays in his room, hardly talks to us, refuses to do any work at school, etc. Last Saturday, Keith and I ran to the store after dinner and when we came home, my car was gone and so was Gio. He (keep in mind he's 15 and doesn't have a license) took it and drove to Easton. Hung out over night then took a bus to Philly. We recovered my car...minor damage, but not Gio.
Now for the last part of this trifecta of shit....Tuesday night, I caught Braden sitting in his car, in the driveway rolling a joint. This isn't the first time he's been caught smoking. He told me he'd stop. He's knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how I feel about pot. After seeing everything Renee went through, you'd think he'd steer clear. Anyway....I told him that if he was going to continue to smoke, he was going to have to go stay somewhere else. So....the next day I get a call from his principal. He got into a fight at lunch time and was being suspended for five days. But, while the principal was talking to him about the fight, Braden told him that I kicked him out of the house for smoking pot. Wonderful. Let's bring the school into this. So, Braden's been miserable around here....and as you might recall from his youth....when Braden's miserable, everyone's miserable.
I quit.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Is it just me or.....
So, I kind of have a little crush on my oral surgeon. He's a cutie-patootie. He looks like one of my celebrity crushes, Stanley Tucci. And he's got a great sense of humor. Anyway, when I went for my post-op check up he found a problem and said I had to come back again in two weeks. So, I went back. He checks my mouth and problem is healing nicely. "I think it's healing fine now," he says. "There's no need to make another appointment, I know it's a pain to drive here." "Okay," I reply, while looking dreamily into his eyes. As we're walking out of the exam area, he puts his arm around my shoulder and says, "But, if you think something's not right, or you need anything don't hesitate to call the office. Anything at all, okay?"
In my warped head, this is what I heard.....
Stanley Tucci: "I'm afraid there's no medical reason for you to make another appointment, but I find you absolutely fascinating and would love to have sex with you!"
That's probably what it meant, right? I'm not imagining any of this, am I?
In my warped head, this is what I heard.....
Stanley Tucci: "I'm afraid there's no medical reason for you to make another appointment, but I find you absolutely fascinating and would love to have sex with you!"
That's probably what it meant, right? I'm not imagining any of this, am I?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ta Da!
I love, love, love the tile. It was a lot of work, but we're both alive. You can't tell exactly from the pictures, but it's clear glass, smoked glass, stainless stell, stone, and these tiles that are irredescent (Certainly not spelled right), they look like oil on the driveway. Now we just have to get longer screws to put the outlet covers back on, and we're set.
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