Disappointing...

Friday was just a suckie day all over the place.

My party only had two of the girls from the Nashville trip - albeit my favs girls but still....  I had a whole theme with food and decor.  I took a day off to prep.  Chris told me flat out - why are you bothering???  He was right - as always...   The punch was awesome good...

And it was senior night and one of the kids that I thought I had  good relationship with picked someone else to honor as his fav...  Definitely not why I do what I do - but just disappointing...

Pity party over.

Nice weather....

Weather is mean sometimes.  Yesterday - gorgeous - same today.  I know dang well that Spring is NOT here yet.  Winter is just a giant tease.

Regardless, I felt inclined to clean windows.  I only did the first floor.  Certainly don't want to go all crazy and spring clean everywhere!

I even pooper scooped.  I might be weird - but I really don't mind it.  It is truly a brainless job.  I can let my mind wander about the craziest things and no one even notices.  People really don't sit around and watch other people pooper scoop.  It is not that entertaining.  So.  I even talk outloud to myself.  I rehearse things I might want to say to people - you know, wise wisdom.

Today I thought about my party on Friday night.  I am having the 40 birthday bash girls over.

Jen is turning 40.  So in some drunken event a couple of months ago, we thought we should go to Vegas.  Then, we saw how much it would cost!  Now, we are doing the Nashville thing.  We have a super fun house rented.  One of the girls is super splurging and hiring a chef to cook for us one night even.  I can't wait.  But - this is not happening until October.  Needless to say, we are all going to be absolutely crazy in anticipation.  We have a little message board going.  Sometimes it is about the trip but most of the time it is about completely inappropriate topics.  This is why I love these girls.

Back to Friday.  Two of the girls can't come - bummer.  I wanted to do a Tennessee theme.  Cowboy boots and bourbon.  So we shall see how that turns out.  I found a great punch that will mess us up royally.  No worries - we have drivers!!

Parenting

My parents passed at a very young age in my opinion. 50's.  So I really have little to base my 'older' age parenting skills on...

I am amazed at each of my kids.  How are all of these kids so very different?  Same mom - how did this happen???

My poor little Kiel seems miserable.  I try very hard not to interfere - let him be an adult.  All I want to do is bring him home and hug him.  Can't do it.  He has to grow and be his own person.  Sucks

Alyx worked forever on homework tonight.  Crazy.  She is such an over achiever.  Love it.  She tries so hard to do her best - and she is awesome.

My little Riley is the most mellow and so pleasant.  She shows some signs of independence - which is fascinating.  She is really coming into her own.

AJ - the one kid that has always been there for me.  So hard to be to release him to his own life.   I miss him...

And who knew Mellisa would be such a good mom??  NEVER expected that!!!

Busy Weekend

Anytime I am upset - I clean.

First, I read my book for book club - The Art of Racing in the Rain.  Very sweet story.  Cried at the end - not a boohoo cry - just a teary, content cry.  The story is told by the dog.  Interesting perspective.    I have another book on request at the library as it is checked out - A Head Full of Ghosts.  Night and day - but that's how I roll.

Photo shelf has been dusted and rearranged.  Mellisa inspired me.  She cleaned the small one for me while she was here.  Sometimes I love it when she helps - this time caused a giant guilt trip.  I took the plunge.  It looks WAAAAYYY better and I am glad she made me do it!

Cleaning....  Makes me sweat and I can't think while doing it.  Every ceiling has been de-cob webbed.  Dog slobber is off the walls.  Alyx helped me with the big project - cleaning the grease off the tops of the kitchen cabinets.  Yikes.  Chris thinks it has been three years since the last time which is probably 2 1/2 years too late!  We put waxed paper down this time.  Saw that on Pinterest.  Should help with the biceps next time!

Mental Health Day

A Friday off on top of a three day weekend is fabulous!  My plan was to sleep in - I made it until 8.  Not bad.  I was going to read our new book club book but doing laundry, dishes and have to run an errand for Riley at 11.  Maybe I can read this afternoon.

Our book for this month is The Art of Racing in the Rain.  Tera says it is going to make my cry like a baby.  Can't wait....

Friends...

One of my friends had about as great a week as I did.  So, when times get tough, the girls drink.  What a great night.  Laughter, tears, gossip...   I feel so much better...  I hope they do as well.

One thing I observed.  We put our purses on the table.  Now, if we went to dinner, purses would have been on the floor.  Or if we were in a booth, purses next to us or in the corner of one of the booths.  But at a bar, purses on a table.  No one says - put your purse on the table.  There is no instruction manual for where the purse goes in certain situations.  I find that interesting...

Well, shit

I came home today.  Early.  Got the call that Aunt Janet has passed...

Yes, I did leave completely unprofessionally and very quickly.  So - what did I do?  I pooper scooped.    There is something very humbling about picking up giant piles of dog doo.  I cried; I cursed.  I am sure the neighbors thought I was crazy but whatever.  The yard looks much better.  I look like hell.

The grand kiddos are on their way here.  I need some laughter and hugs.

It sounds like Uncle Marty might be planning an event to celebrate her life around the Derby.  Wow, she would love that!  Bourbon, a party and hats.  Yep.  She will be there - she wouldn't miss it for anything...