I mentioned yesterday that the day didn't go as planned.

I mentioned yesterday that the day didn't go as planned.  It really didn't and I didn't do everything I wanted to, but the important stuff got done.

Since I'm still adjusting to medication and the work schedule and all of that, I have been pretty serious about resting on the weekends, even if that means sleeping until I naturally wake up.  But Shaun forgot his work badge and woke me up close to 9.  I think he caught me in a deep sleep cycle or something, because I was a mess all day - even after taking my ADHD meds.  For whatever reason, I never fully shifted out of Goblin Mode, and started to get a headache around 3.  I had a list of things I wanted to do, but ended up napping from around 4-6, then going to bed at 8:30.  Thankfully, I woke up naturally today and feel fine.  Brain-wise, anyway.

Yesterday, one of my important tasks was doing some mechanic-ing on the Hyundai because Shadow had some things to do and we needed it running.  Something happened behind the glove box so it wouldn't shut fully, and that meant that the glove box light stayed on and the battery died.  It would run if we jumped it, but no longer hold a charge and wouldn't re-crank.  The car is a 2011 and that was the original battery, I'm pretty sure, so we weren't upset at having to replace it.

This is normally the kind of task I'd leave to Shaun (due to sensory issues or due to me feeling overwhelmed; not because I'm incapable), but he was working and Shadow needed the car that day and since I am now able to take better care of myself and don't exist in a constant state of overwhelm, I did the damn thing.

Shadow helped me, which was great.  First of all, the Hyundai doesn't have the stick that props the hood open; it has some sort of hydraulic thing that no longer works, so someone had to hold the hood open.  Secondly, it was just really nice to spend time with him.  Thirdly, he had a great idea that kept the task of removing the dead battery from taking wayyy longer than necessary (and wayyy longer than it already had).

I'm sure that people who work on cars already know this, but it's cramped as hell in there.  My hands and arms are bruised and sore from trying to get in there to unscrew the thing that holds the battery down.  Also, we needed a 12mm thing to unscrew it, which we did not have, so I was trying to maneuver an adjustable wrench and failing pretty hard.  Shadow asked if we could just unscrew and move the major thing that was in the way, and at first I was scared to, but then I was like, "I think we have to."  So we did.  And that was great.

Then we took the battery to Auto Zone and bought a replacement, went home and got it installed, and BOOM - the car is fine.

Shaun texted at some point and asked if they installed the battery.  I was like "Who?"  And he replied "Auto Zone."  And I was like, "No, me and Shadow did."  And he said if we'd driven the car there that they would have installed it, but that would have meant jumping the car (which me and Shadow both didn't want to do).  So apparently, there was a much easier way to accomplish our task, but I was actually having fun despite touching metal tools and getting dirty.  😆

I'm not going to pretend that the struggle wasn't real, because it was.  Like I said, I never fully exited Goblin Mode yesterday.  But despite the challenges, we got it done, me and Shadow did teamwork on that bitch, and all is well.  He made it safely to his destination and back home yesterday, so I couldn't really ask for more than that.

The only other thing I did was meet up with a friend to do a plant swap.  Once again, Colleen hooked me up and I left feeling like I came out on the better end, but I do have some bulbs and plant hangers and a cactus to give her when my brain is having a better day.  And we've discussed swapping pollen and making cactus babies together, so I'm like, dying inside of excitement about that.  I have been interested in trying to grow them from seed for a while, but sometimes it's easier to do things with a friend.

So today, I have some tasks to catch up on because I didn't get to them yesterday, but that's ok.  I have a list.  Aside from sore hands, I'm good.  I'm about to get started and see how it goes.

I hope you all are having a nice day.  With how everything is for me right now, I'm really busy and really tired by the time I make it home every day, but I do believe that things will ease up, especially once work from home becomes an option.  So if I'm not liking or responding or posting during the week, it's just because I'm exhausted and have been (and been able to!) prioritize chores and rest, rather than screaming into the void hoping to find a solution to a strained existence.

I love you all!  Be well!

It's been an eventful week.

It's been an eventful week.

To go from resting and doing housework and teaching part-time and working on my app when I feel like it, to having expectations of being a place, looking decent, and doing things 5-days a week, plus still teaching is a big change.  I've been EXHAUSTED.

On top of that, I got myself stranded on Wednesday.  My little EV ran out of energy.  I don't know if I was just goofy and didn't shut the door all the way or it didn't charge fully then night before or what, but by lunch time I thought I was probably in trouble.  I did make it to a charging station, but one that didn't work with my car.  I had to get towed.  But, I made a friend!  The super nice guy who towed me home let me ride home in the truck with him.  He was really chill and we just chatted the whole way.  It was nice.  Probably one of the best "I'm stranded" experiences I've ever had, and that's saying something because I've had A LOT.  🫠

Last night, the kids packed the freezer too full and it couldn't circulate air, so a bunch of the food melted and had to be tossed.  It was an accident and I don't think they'll do it again.  The freezer needed a good cleaning out, anyway, but it sucks that they lost some food they had just bought.

Also, our modem or something died last night, so I have a hotspot on so I can be on my laptop momentarily.  I don't really know what's going on, but I'm too tired to care.  😅  I am REALLY grateful for the long weekend because I need it.  Gotta catch up on my rest to be ready for another week.  Plus, I need to try out the ADHD meds and see if they help me or make me weird or what.

Goodnight, y'all.  I am D.O.N.E.

Last night was a bit rough.

Last night was a bit rough.

Scar had diarrhea just about every hour last night, so I was up cleaning after him every hour.  At one point, (TMI), I did, too.  I'd eaten something spicy earlier and I guess it needed a speedy exit.  But at least we had diarrhea together.  He would go and then I'd be like "Me, too, buddy.  At least yours isn't spicy."  😆

Everyone loved on him today.  He ate so many treats.  He sat in my lap like the most important cat (alone, without having to fight for his seat).  I've probably mentioned this before, but I'm gonna tell it again:  He was so possessive of me that  if another cat sat in my lap, he would ALWAYS get closer to my body and squeeze in between us until he'd wedged the other cat further away, or they would just get aggravated with his attempt to squeeze in and leave.  😆  He was such a character.

Today, Shadow went with us to see Scar off.  It is the first euthanasia he's ever attended.  I don't know why he chose this one.  He loved Scar, but he also loved all of the previous pets we've lost, too.  Maybe he's just matured to where it didn't seem scary anymore.  He took it well and said it was the best death he's been aware of.  We've spent the last 20 years surrounded by animals, so he's seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I'm glad that it wasn't traumatizing for him.  He petted Scar and rubbed my shoulder and has his own tears, too.  Then we picked up some lunch and ate together at home.

Speaking of Shadow, last night I was super hungry after I laid down so I got up and came back downstairs to find something to eat.  Shadow heard me come down and followed to see if everything was ok.

I feel like I'm more of a scavenger than anything, so I was about to heat up a baked sweet potato that Shaun had baked for me a few days prior.  Shadow was like "Are you really trying to eat that potato that has been sitting there for two days?"  And I was like, "Yeah.  It's not even open.  It should be fine."  And he was like "Please don't.  I don't need you sick tomorrow."  And I was like "True."  So I tossed it and microwaved a new one; which he was sure to tell me to poke holes in so that it doesn't explode.

Shadow and Kira are all about food safety, and me and Shaun are much less so.  But I got parented by my own son about it last night.  He was like "Get your shit together, Mom!"  (Jokingly, of course.)  It was pretty funny.  These kids are the best.  ❤

Shadow gave me a snack for school this morning.

Shadow gave me a snack for school this morning. I have the sweetest kid. ❤️❤️❤️

I love seeing these kids when they come out at night.

I love seeing these kids when they come out at night.

I was just talking to Shadow in the kitchen and he was standing there with his hair all picked out and his arms crossed. He's been working out and is putting on some good muscle. But the way he was standing there made me think he looked like he was about to go Super Saiyan on someone. 😂

It's crazy how much he's changed just since last year. He's definitely putting in the work, so I'm proud of him.

Today is Shadow's 25th birthday.

Today is Shadow's 25th birthday. It's crazy to realize that he's ¼ of a century old. 😂

He's not celebrating today because he's gotta work. We'll be getting some tasty dinner together as soon as he's off. He's out here being responsible, so I'm proud of him.

I just didn't want to let the day pass without mentioning my Man-Cub. 💜💜💜

Shadow got a job...

Shadow got a job at the local Wal-Mart Market. He's working at night stocking and his first day (last night/this morning) seemed to go well. He talked like he enjoyed the work and the people.

He chose nights because that's when he's been awake for the last few years anyway, but also so he doesn't have to deal with crowds of customers. He still masks because none of us like getting sick and no one gave him shit about it AND he wasn't even the only one, so that is cool.

It honestly sounds like a really chill first job and I'm proud of him for just going out there and snagging it. I feel like he put a lot of thought into what he'd feel safe doing, when it would work best in his schedule, which store was best, and all of the other ins and outs.

I think the worst part of his first day was that he bought a banana for lunch, and he couldn't tell that it was still green since he is color-blind and it was gross. 😬 I think he's gonna steer clear of produce unless someone is around to help him not eat un-ripe or over-ripe food.

But anyway, I am super proud of him and I'm happy that he is enjoying the work so far.

Last night, me and Shaun had a date at Namaste.

Last night, me and Shaun had a date at Namaste. I tried a few new foods:  Lentil Crackers, Vegetable Samosa, and some kind of Yogurt/Mango drink. I also had Chicken Vindaloo spiced to the max. It was all so delicious.

I woke up this morning with my stomach rumbling. I don't normally have issues with spice, so I'm thinking I went too hard on new foods last night. But 10/10, I'd eat them all again. 😂

Today, I spent some time watering my plants. I snuggled Cub for a nap. I had tasty food today with Shaun, Shadow, Kira, my friend Caitlin, and her husband Joe. It was nice to have everyone together.

Shaun got a lamp for me to do my nails. I'm usually on the dark side of the room, so it's nice to have a light. I just finished filling in/rebalancing my structure gel while using it, and it's really nice to be able to see. He also got me some plant hangers for the greenhouse. The kids got me tasty snacks.

It was a really nice day. I've been getting messages all day, but I haven't had a chance to respond yet. I'm about to chill and check my notifications.

I hope you all have had a lovely weekend. I know I sure did. ❤️

Look at this gorgeous photo of my Gramson, Leon.

Look at this gorgeous photo of my Gramson, Leon. Shadow took it.

He looks like a model.

I don't think last night was what any of us were expecting. 😂

I don't think last night was what any of us were expecting. 😂

When we were eating dinner, the wind kicked up pretty hard (not unusual for here), but it also started raining hard.

I ran outside and started moving my plants into the greenhouse because I really hate for them to be watered from the top. If water remains on them, it can cause rot and the leaves can also get burn spots if the water is still there when the sun comes back out.

The roof and walls of the greenhouse are up, but the floor isn't done, my shelves aren't in, and in general, moving plants quickly in the dark and the rain is not ideal. Not to mention that I really, really wanted to clean the dust, bird poop, and any possible pests off of them before putting them in there, but at this point I'm just glad I had somewhere dry to put them.

Shaun came out to help me and about the same time we were done moving them, the rain had passed. Of course. 😒 What I didn't know was that there was more on the way. By the time I went to bed, it was raining again. It rained for a long time. I fell asleep listening to it.

I woke up this morning to two funny messages from Shadow. One:  We have a little roof leak in the stairwell. He put a cup underneath to catch it. (This one's only funny because it won't rot my house like it would've in Alabama. It'll dry fast here. We'll get it checked out/repaired and it'll be fine.)

The second message, well, see the image. 😂

This is funny because we ordered a microwave from Best Buy several weeks ago, but it never came, so Shaun called customer service and they sent out another one. We got the second one according to the tracking numbers. But just the other day, the one we ordered first showed up after being lost in the mail for weeks. We assumed it had been stolen. But anyway, it's been sitting in the living room, new in the box, because we didn't know what to do with it. I guess that sorted itself out. 😂

I haven't been awake for long. It's cool and cloudy, so very tempting to stay in bed with my weighted blanket and the cats. But I guess I need to get up, see if we can finish the greenhouse, and check on my plants.

Happy Saturday, y'all. ❤️

Apparently, it's not a deal-breaker...

Apparently, it's not a deal-breaker for Shaun if I drink rotten milk in his car.

I'm not saying that's what I'm doing... But he seems to think it is.

One of us has a messed up sniffer and I don't know who. 😂😂😂

Edited to Add:

Shadow was the tie-breaker. My milk isn't bad. I knew it. 😂

I went out of town for a few days...

I went out of town for a few days to see some friends and pick up my snephew. He'll be staying with us indefinitely. We can't wait to introduce you all to him.

Shadow made the trip with me and it was fun to have him to myself for a bit. I love our family, but the days of just me and my Shadow will always be special. We talked so much during the first day on the road that my throat hurt by the time we got to the hotel. He's an excellent travel partner.

When we made it to Jajuan and Janet's house, we were greeted with hugs and tears from Janet and the super adorable 5-year-old Momo inviting us in. I haven't seen Janet (or Jajuan) in probably at least 10 years and she's one of my very best friends. She and I sat up until 4 in the morning just talking, even though we've phone and video chatted over the years. It's just never the same as being together in person.

I had a great time being with them and my heart feels happy. I'm so proud of what they've accomplished and I adore their daughter. It's funny because she's about the same age Shadow was when he first met Janet.

The drive there and back was pretty uneventful, except for the one car who decided to "thread the needle" between me and another car at a stoplight. They hit my driver's side mirror and knocked it out (and kept driving), but thankfully it didn't break. It was dangling by it's electric wires and I clipped it back in. We got them on camera, but there's not even a scratch, so probably nothing to be done. I'm choosing to believe that was their way of avoiding a rear-end collision and not them just being douchebags, but you never know.

Not relevant to anything at all; I just thought it was neat:  At 1:58 pm we had 1 hour and 58 minutes left of our trip home.

I'm all settled in and it's time to go to bed and sleep with a cat on my head. I've missed my bad little Scar. I missed everyone. Cub made it known that he missed me, too. He's a sweetheart. Shaun sent video of Bear seeming to look for me and spending time in my chair while I was gone, but he wasn't excited when I got back. I got kisses and deeply sniffed and that was it. 😂 My weird child.

Anyway, goodnight. 😊❤️

I don't know how much y'all or your kids cook, but...

I don't know how much y'all or your kids cook, but I am not a cook. Frozen chicken and canned sides is about as close as I got to cooking when Shadow was growing up. I've never prepared raw meat that wasn't pre-cut and frozen. I am not into touching dead animals like that and it's even harder to eat them if I have to witness them being prepared. Judge me if you wish. There are lots of great things about me, but my cooking has never been one of them.

Shadow has been working out a lot and has put on a good bit of muscle. I'm proud of him for taking care of his body. I guess part of that is making nutritious meals because tonight he made chicken. It was raw and looked really gross, but he cut it up and cooked it in the InstantPot with only a question about how to release the steam since it was his first time using it. I also confirmed for him that it was cooked through since he is colorblind. (We do have a meat thermometer, but I don't think it was meant for small pieces of chicken like this).

He also did really great about not contaminating other surfaces with his raw chicken. I think he had a SafeServe class in high school and thankfully it stuck.

I just wanted to say that I'm proud of him for trying something new, especially something he knew I wouldn't be super helpful with. (Not that I didn't want to help, but more that I don't have the experience to help). I think it's super cool that he's branching out beyond me. ❤️

I feel like such a jerk.

I feel like such a jerk. March 15th was Shadow's 24th birthday and I didn't say anything to the internet because he's not even on here. I thought "What's the point if he won't even see my post?" But I keep thinking about it and clearly it's just not sitting well with me that I didn't mention the anniversary of such a life-changing and special day.

I think he had a good day despite my lack of public acknowledgement. He wanted Five Guys as his birthday dinner so we had that. He'd asked for some audio recording equipment and he got it. He also asked me to make him some apple/carrot/spinach juice, but he forgot about it and was pleasantly surprised when I made it for him.

It's crazy how time flies. It's hard to believe that he's 24 already. I guess no matter how old he gets I need to make sure I document the day because even if he won't see it, it's important to me.

Shadow didn't see a difference...

Shadow didn't see a difference in Shaun's teeth before we pointed it out.

Kira saw Shaun's teeth and was like "No offense, but you're teeth were ugly before, like in a unique way. Like a rat." 😂😂😂 Then she said she could tell that they were shorter.

(We value honesty and Shaun's feelings were not hurt and she didn't say that hatefully or anything. Shaun and I both cracked up.)

Before Kira went back upstairs she asked me if I was going to be ok. I didn't answer (not to be a jerk... I think my head was elsewhere at that moment) and she paused and then repeated herself, but as a statement with a stern face looking directly at me. 😂 Yes ma'am. 😂😂😂

I love my little family. 😂❤️

I don't usually share things these days, but...

I don't usually share things these days, but I absolutely agree with this woman.

I purposely bought a house with 4 bedrooms so that at the very least we could always provide Shadow and Kira with a safe space of their own in our home.

I am a hard worker, but even when working 2-3 jobs at a time I never got ahead. It wasn't until after I graduated college in 2020 with a tech-heavy degree that I was able to make enough money to start saving.

We also received a not-insignificant amount of help from my husband's family estate after his parents passed. Despite how hard we've worked our whole lives we absolutely cannot take full credit for finally (possibly?) being what was once considered "middle class" now. If it was that difficult for us, then that doesn't bode well for the younger generations.

I 100% believe it's the wealth hoarders vs. the rest of us.

Eat the rich.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/meganeliscomb/gen-x-mom-rant-tiktok

Watching the eclipse...

We went to Cakes and Pops Paleteria this evening.

We went to Cakes and Pops Paleteria this evening. I got a delicious concoction of strawberries, cream, and pecans, Kira got a tamale and a strawberry pancake platter with crumbled marzipan, and Shadow got DoriNachos which had like, parmesan, corn, cucumbers, and some other stuff served on Dorito's in the bag. Pretty good stuff. We'll definitely be back.

Shaun didn't get anything. He got impatient waiting for the kids to be ready to go and ate coffee ice cream before we left. 😂 I guess we need to leave earlier next time.

Me, Shaun, Kira, and Shadow...

Shadow just came downstairs...

Shadow just came downstairs and said that Kira got in a fight with Leon. 😂😂😂 That child and her child crack me up. How do you get in a fight with a cat!?