Adventure

I actually found my way into the city yesterday all by my lonesome (with Scott in tow,) and made it to the mall unscathed. Yippee! I bought two shirts at the Motherhood store (because I'm down to only three that fit, and one of those has weird stains on it,) bought us some lunch, and arrived home in one piece. Boo-yah! Today's agenda: getting my driver's license changed, finding a bank (since I have about $1200 in checks I need to pay bills with ad nowhere to cash them,) and calling my car insurance agent to change locations. Oh- and it's also bathroom cleaning/sheets changing day.

Steve continues to struggle at work, and the stress is really getting to him- his sleep patterns are all messed up, and it's driving him crazy. I advised him to stop for a moment and analyze exactly what is getting to him, why, and how he could possibly change things- then advised him to weigh his options, (shift change?) make the necessary adjustments, or start floating his resume- but as of yet, he is unsure of his next step. I support any decision he makes, but I need to know pronto; if he decides R-ton may only be a temporary home, I may home school the kids this year (and I swear God told me Indiana- I just know it!)

And we have been cautiously spreading the news about Seven. Steve's step-daughter, Jess, just found out she is pregnant, and when he told her, she yelled at him (excuse me?) I guess we're due about a month apart (me in January, her in February,) which he and I find hilarious. Are we the only people in the world actually happy about Seven?! Anyway- he also told his parents, (the reaction emotions there were 'shock' and 'disbelief,') which is pretty much the same way they reacted to our engagement. It took them a week to call Steve back and discuss it (our engagement)- cautiously- and I admire their tact and patience. However, he didn't tell them we can't get married yet- not sure how that will go over. Nice way to come into a family, huh?

I must pause a moment here- there is much to be said about Steve's relationship with his parents and such, and I need to get it off my chest. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are of a much different generation than my parents- they were the Bobby Soxer generation (graduating college and getting married in the mid-fifties,) while my parents are Hippies (who came of age in the mid-to-late sixties.) Bill and Bev have been married for over fifty years, as have all their
family and friends (including Steve's first wife's parents.) My parents are divorced (duh!) as are over half of their siblings and most of their friends- and don't forget many of my cousins, as well. While his parents' generation believed in sexual purity, family, and faith, my parents' generation burned their bras, protested the war in Viet Nam (or got drafted, like my dad,) demanded equality, and started co-habitating in record numbers.

Among Mr. and Mrs. Simpson's children (and those of Kari's family, as well,) divorce is almost unheard of of; Steve and Kari are the only ones divorced. From what I understand, the split really devastated both families, and since Steve was the one who chose to walk away, they hold him completely responsible (nothing like wearing the label of black sheep, huh?) His second marriage was a disaster- had disaster written all over it from day one, though he was probably the only one who didn't see it. He lost his family, his house and possessions, his career (and a very promising career it was, believe me!) and nearly his health over that woman. Can I blame his family for being cautious regarding me?

So now Steve and I are in the position of creating our own life together, with or without the blessing of extended family. My main concern is for my kids and their well-being, and I pray for the strength to provide them an emotionally strong, secure home base wherever we end up. I want them to thrive and have truly blessed lives- period.

Sunnier Every Day!

Actually, it hasn't been- it has rained for freaking eternity, and when it isn't raining, it's disgustingly hot and muggy. NOT my favorite kind of weather- and my hair is a bonafide disaster. However, not knowing any stylists in the area, I guess I put up with the frizzy mop for a little while longer (and no, extra conditioner, straightening balm, straightening spray, and my ceramic straightening iron don't do much of anything...)

However there are a few tiny rays of light on my horizon, and I shall share them as follows:

1.) My first prenatal went swimmingly, and I even got to experience a tiny glimpse of Seven when the practitioner couldn't find a heart beat (and I freaked out a little.) All is well, heartbeat and all- kinda looks like a thumb with arm-and-leg buds- I was just 8 1/2 weeks instead of 9 1/2 weeks. Not out of the woods yet, by any means, especially being an 'older mother' this time around. But I did learn that I may get to skate by with a scheduled c-section this time around (due to my previous coochie surgery,) and I also get to look at Seven much more often than my other four since I am so OLD, and OLD mothers are considered high risk.

2.) The kids are with their dad for the next nine days or so, visiting his family in the Carolinas. Well, the youngest three, anyway. JA wheedled his way into staying with his grandparents under the guise of 'helping out' since Gpa Marv is having surgery Thursday. Helping. Yeah. Right. What this really means for him is limited supervision, free access to the computer, cell phone 24/7 (which his dad was supposed to take from him when he failed two more classes this past semester,) and the opportunity to run and play with his friends and girlfriend without any responsibilities or accountability. I was LIVID- and when his dad and I discussed possible ways to handle the situation, Troy COPPED OUT. He didn't want to spend the time or money to bring him back to me (where he would immediately be getting a job, since he swore the reason he had not yet looked was because of his planned 'vacation' out East,) he did not want the trouble of taking him with him out East (since apparently he cannot handle him along with the other three,) and he wussed out by not taking the phone or setting any ground rules when he left him at Gma's because that would've caused more grief between him and his family (who are barely speaking to him now over the whole situation- they can't believe Troy would be so cruel as to make rational decisions regarding his son and his son's potential future, instead of giving him free reign to F**k up his life any further.)

Can you tell I'm honked?

3.) Steve and I picked up Scott yesterday at the airport- fun awaits.

I'll be back.

Glitch- Yet Again

So my first prenatal appointment is Friday at 8:30 in the morning in CMI (now an hour and a half away.) In order to get there in time, I must depart at the ungodly hour of 7 am and leave my three youngest in the care of their older brother, JA, for what promises to be a morning of mishap and mayhem. Not smart, ay? So I decided to call the Ex's health plan to obtain a provider closer to home, not only for myself, but for the kids as well.

Of course, dealing with insurance plans and rules & regulations, this could not POSSIBLY be a simple task, right? I was informed by the not-so-courteous customer service rep on the other end of the line that, in order to obtain new providers in this area, the Ex must have his HR office fax over a copy of the court order stating he must provide said insurance, then we will not be able to have coverage over here until the first of next month.

Freaking wonderful.

So I guess I make my trek Friday. Great. Just what I need.

Bumper Snicker

"If You're Going to Ride My Ass, at Least Pull My Hair!"

Friggin' hilarious!