Janna and I went to visit my brother last Wednesday, where he was presented his “30 day” sober chip. We didn’t tell him we were coming so it was a total surprise. Janna has been a fantastic friend to my bro over the years. I think it’s pretty safe to say she’s been there through the very best and worst of times. Aside from the getting totally lost minor detours, the visit was just perfect! The meeting was nice, small and interesting. I’m always impressed by his progress and the noticeable differences in his peers. You might not think so, but what a difference a week can make! We stayed and visited until 10 pm. We were happy to have headed up Wednesday anyway, because initially his 30 day presentation was postponed until Saturday. I’m happy we could be there for him to receive it.
Daddy’s new band played at the American Chemical Society’s end of year party at Murray Park on Thursday. Teri (my best friend since the 2nd grade) arranged it. After all of his nervous build up of not being “ready”, they rocked it! It was chilly, but a good time no less. Hard to compare things to seeing my daddy doing one of the things that makes him most happy. It’s visible all over! He’s the best dad, ever. Serious.
Since the onset of fall I’ve been living in 98% isolation. I began thinking about just how much this has been affecting me psychologically, and I came to one conclusion: It has to stop! I’ve been in such a strange hermit transition phase, so unlike me. I haven’t felt myself in ages, and rightfully so. I haven’t been! I made a commitment to first, make it known I still value the neglected relationships of my closest friends. The real friends, they’ll always be there, even when I ignore their calls (nothing personal), ditch out, and neglect them entirely for months at a time. However, that is no excuse to do those things! I am going to be better, I vowed. In a matter of a few short days, I feel that I already have.
Christie and I are sister-friends. The kind you can’t get rid of. She recently had a birthday. 37! She cites this as oldness, while I just roll my eyes. “Last year I was still early thirties… everything was fine. This year, I wake up and I’m forty. Forty and old!” She’s been through some hairy stuff lately, the loud pendulum of the biological clock swinging, losing a real honest love. I’m right there with her, and damnit, I think the woman deserves a drink! Took her out to the Jackalope (our dear friend Sunyin’s newly acquired gem!) and we talked and laughed, and I told my latest most famous story (which I may share…eventually), and laughed some more. I love her. I’d missed her. It was a good night.
Saturday morning I got to sleep in a bit. Stu went out shooting with his pops again, and I got the glorious morning to rest rest rest! There’s nothing that quite satisfies me the way a late-late morning can. Early risers, I see you! Looking down your nose at me. I care not! I’d promised Zoo he’d be worn out by early afternoon because I’d spent so little time with him earlier in the week, so we went on a morning walk. It was nice. Everyone loves his sweet face. Christie and I did lunch, at an old favorite I hadn’t been to in ages, Grove Market. This place has massive sandwiches. Bomb d, I’ll tell you what.
MOTHER’S DAY! It was a goodie. Mama, her fiancé Tim and I started by visiting my (mom’s mom) Grandma Lois. It was a brief visit, but good to see her. She’s got mediocre health, at best, and she looked better than she has in a long time. My cousin Chelsea, in 7th grade is a cute little shit. She’s at that age when you want to let her borrow your eyes for a day, in hopes the snot-itude would dissipate. It was a nice visit. We brunched at Andy’s, a little Greek spot on our way to visit Brother. It’s been a long-time family favorite and has yet to disappoint.
Visit with Bro was refreshingly mellow. We played some horseshoes, and sat and visited for a good three hours. His buddies cut his hair into a mullet! It’s hilarious! Sometimes I feel like I get more out of visiting him than he does. It’s just really nice to see him doing well. He’s my brother again! No longer do I spend my time with him in a constant state of worry and silent prayer. What a blessing!
Upon returning home I took Zoo to Liberty park where we walked and walked. He does so well on a leash, but when you include lots of people and other dogs as a distraction he pulls and pulls. He did better by the end of the walk than he did in the beginning. He’s getting it, but I need to be better about getting him out in heavily populated areas. It’s my job to propel him to be the best dog he can be (THE BEST, I just know it!). I need to remember this on those days I’d rather be in bed with a book and my honey. It’s good for both of us, both mentally and physically.
What are some of your habits that both benefit you and another? Do share!
Daddy’s new band played at the American Chemical Society’s end of year party at Murray Park on Thursday. Teri (my best friend since the 2nd grade) arranged it. After all of his nervous build up of not being “ready”, they rocked it! It was chilly, but a good time no less. Hard to compare things to seeing my daddy doing one of the things that makes him most happy. It’s visible all over! He’s the best dad, ever. Serious.
Since the onset of fall I’ve been living in 98% isolation. I began thinking about just how much this has been affecting me psychologically, and I came to one conclusion: It has to stop! I’ve been in such a strange hermit transition phase, so unlike me. I haven’t felt myself in ages, and rightfully so. I haven’t been! I made a commitment to first, make it known I still value the neglected relationships of my closest friends. The real friends, they’ll always be there, even when I ignore their calls (nothing personal), ditch out, and neglect them entirely for months at a time. However, that is no excuse to do those things! I am going to be better, I vowed. In a matter of a few short days, I feel that I already have.
Christie and I are sister-friends. The kind you can’t get rid of. She recently had a birthday. 37! She cites this as oldness, while I just roll my eyes. “Last year I was still early thirties… everything was fine. This year, I wake up and I’m forty. Forty and old!” She’s been through some hairy stuff lately, the loud pendulum of the biological clock swinging, losing a real honest love. I’m right there with her, and damnit, I think the woman deserves a drink! Took her out to the Jackalope (our dear friend Sunyin’s newly acquired gem!) and we talked and laughed, and I told my latest most famous story (which I may share…eventually), and laughed some more. I love her. I’d missed her. It was a good night.
Saturday morning I got to sleep in a bit. Stu went out shooting with his pops again, and I got the glorious morning to rest rest rest! There’s nothing that quite satisfies me the way a late-late morning can. Early risers, I see you! Looking down your nose at me. I care not! I’d promised Zoo he’d be worn out by early afternoon because I’d spent so little time with him earlier in the week, so we went on a morning walk. It was nice. Everyone loves his sweet face. Christie and I did lunch, at an old favorite I hadn’t been to in ages, Grove Market. This place has massive sandwiches. Bomb d, I’ll tell you what.
MOTHER’S DAY! It was a goodie. Mama, her fiancé Tim and I started by visiting my (mom’s mom) Grandma Lois. It was a brief visit, but good to see her. She’s got mediocre health, at best, and she looked better than she has in a long time. My cousin Chelsea, in 7th grade is a cute little shit. She’s at that age when you want to let her borrow your eyes for a day, in hopes the snot-itude would dissipate. It was a nice visit. We brunched at Andy’s, a little Greek spot on our way to visit Brother. It’s been a long-time family favorite and has yet to disappoint.
Visit with Bro was refreshingly mellow. We played some horseshoes, and sat and visited for a good three hours. His buddies cut his hair into a mullet! It’s hilarious! Sometimes I feel like I get more out of visiting him than he does. It’s just really nice to see him doing well. He’s my brother again! No longer do I spend my time with him in a constant state of worry and silent prayer. What a blessing!
Upon returning home I took Zoo to Liberty park where we walked and walked. He does so well on a leash, but when you include lots of people and other dogs as a distraction he pulls and pulls. He did better by the end of the walk than he did in the beginning. He’s getting it, but I need to be better about getting him out in heavily populated areas. It’s my job to propel him to be the best dog he can be (THE BEST, I just know it!). I need to remember this on those days I’d rather be in bed with a book and my honey. It’s good for both of us, both mentally and physically.
What are some of your habits that both benefit you and another? Do share!
Can I just say that going to that meeting really was beneficial to me? It's really weird how I went there to support Ty, and it ended up with me re-thinking things in my life? I love seeing people change for the better, so any case where I can go and support someone working towards a cause to better themselves, is just as big of a benefit for me as it is for them to have my support. Funny how that works, now isn't it? I love seeing people change for the better.
ReplyDeleteRufus loves when I take him on walks!! I really need to start doing that more often. It gets me out of the house, as well as him getting to experience outside more than just the outside of my apartment. Think about how crazy we would get if our surroundings were the same all of the time! It is our job as mothers to let them be the best they can! I appreciated that insight, it reminds me to take Rufus out and about more often.
at 36, i was just a girl in her thirties. at 37, i'm forty! what?! how did that happen? babies! we need babies!
ReplyDeletei love you, too. i want to see you SOON.