tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37207898996953774682011-04-21T17:56:02.567-05:00A liberal living in KSWhat_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-73170886030632209202008-11-05T13:18:00.003-06:002008-11-05T14:12:27.302-06:00

Monday night I was at Walmart when S called me.There was lots of people around, plus I was on my headset so I couldn't hear every single word that she was saying. But instead of saying, "Huh?" every few seconds I was just doing that thing where you say "uh-huh" every once in a while to acknowledge the other party is talking, only half-listening to what they're saying.I was in the milk section

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-12120921108441833412008-11-03T14:19:00.002-06:002008-11-03T14:44:02.701-06:00

Over the weekend I sent an email to E's grandparents telling them long, sad story of E's legal name.I added E to my pre-paid legal service that I have through my work. I called to ask them about E changing his last name, but because he's over 18 they wouldn't talk to me about it. The lady said, "Is there some reason why he can't call for himself?"Yes, because he's 19 and doesn't know

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-79267488447468275422008-11-03T13:46:00.003-06:002008-11-03T14:45:20.028-06:00

I called S on Friday (the 31st). No answer. I called her on Saturday. No answer.Hmmmm. Me thinkest she might be dodging my calls.She went out to dinner with a friend Friday night, and didn't come home. I think she was gone either all or most of the day on Saturday, too. Apparently she showed up on Sunday.CR called me first yesterday. She told me that S intends to move to Abilene... or

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-81625045471500707122008-10-31T17:44:00.004-05:002008-10-31T17:50:01.558-05:00

Words this makes me think of: brat, devil, brat, ornery, thankful (I don't have to raise him)

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-91432376012983711892008-10-31T13:56:00.003-05:002008-10-31T18:04:48.012-05:00

The drama started early at my house today.CR had called mom and she was briefed on the events of yesterday. This is how the conversation began:Mom thought you and I should talk before I go kill my daughter.HA! Take all the mystery out of it, why dontchya?Here's the Reader's Digest version: DR is ready to kick her out, and CR is not far behind. I told her not to kill S. Prison isn't worth

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-86537070153102969622008-10-30T18:02:00.002-05:002008-10-31T13:31:54.337-05:00

What a roller coaster of a day!We have a benefit at my work that allows us to subscribe to pre-paid legal services. I originally signed up because I wanted to have a will drawn up. Anyway, since I'm a member, I can call and talk to an attorney and they will not be trying to get me off the line because I haven't paid a retainer fee.So I got to ask all the questions I wanted about the adoption.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-42238411920146789122008-10-30T12:44:00.002-05:002008-10-30T13:09:49.487-05:00

I have a special talent. (No, not like Steve Martin in "The Jerk") When someone close to me gets sick, or get some sort of medical condition, I get it too. No, I don't really get it, but I produce very real symptoms.It started years ago when my mother got insomnia -- I stopped sleeping. Then, CR had her pap come back bad. Me too! But she wouldn't go back and get another pap, so mine kept

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-46158910210569762832008-10-28T14:49:00.002-05:002008-10-28T14:53:44.559-05:00

Here's my horoscope today:No one can question your commitment, but can you achieve something of lasting value? That remains to be seen. You are more likely to make an impression if you allow your passions to lead you. Do what you enjoy, not what others expect of you.Dear Horoscope People:We Cancers are literal people. I've got a lot of shit going on in my life. I need to know exactly which part

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-54557052946064533172008-10-28T13:36:00.004-05:002008-10-28T14:41:45.175-05:00

When CR and I talked on Saturday, we eventually got around to discussing Big D's sister, who recently announced she's pregnant.Blah, blah, blah, pregnant... blah, blah, blah, babies...So I figured, this is a good a time as any...MeSo ... I need to talk to you about S.CROk.MeWell, she's decided to give the baby up for adoption.CRI kinda figured. She hasn't mentioned it in a while, so I thought

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-13221393925462110502008-10-28T12:44:00.007-05:002008-10-28T14:45:33.130-05:00

E came back on Saturday night / Sunday. (Had to pick him up at the bus depot at 2:45AM, thankyouverymuch!)I think he really wants to go back to TX. It was a good week for him. Even S had to admit that he is a changed person. I could tell from her voice that it hurt her to say that. Oddly, CR's comment on the week was, "We didn't kill each other." Which, to me, is a far cry from all the

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-19979209982633312732008-10-22T12:38:00.001-05:002008-10-22T12:40:16.775-05:00

I had a brainstorm last night.It occurred to me that I have the money I'd need to adopt the little one in my retirement account. But, oh! The taxes on taking any money from that account... but wait! My mother is actually retired! She could take the money out of her account without the big tax hit and I could pay her back when I get my taxes back... ah, yes! I see a plan forming...I talked to

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-66100294498039055952008-10-21T19:42:00.001-05:002008-10-21T19:56:14.384-05:00

Report from C:CE is weird.MeWeird good, tho, right?CYeah. Like today he made S breakfast!MeWow.CAnd, he's been hanging out with DS. And even DS thinks he's being much more mature.MeWell, that's good.CAnd he's even getting along with Big D.MeGood.CBut if this trip is supposed to convince him what its really like here, then its not working.MeWhy?CWell, the first night he was here we had steak.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-9026831646175023012008-10-21T15:36:00.001-05:002008-10-21T16:28:12.028-05:00

Last week, when I talked to CR, she had mentioned that both she and Big D were in hot water at their jobs. Mostly because they had only one vehicle. She couldn't stay as late as her boss wanted, and if she stayed late at all, it made Big D late for work.While E was on the bus, I suppose he was somewhere in Oklahoma, CR called me to say the truck had been repossessed. And while they have 4

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-44931872179263755142008-10-18T12:12:00.002-05:002008-10-18T12:22:11.555-05:00

Just dropped E off at the bus station. He's very nervous about riding the bus, but there's no transfers, so he should be ok. I showed him how to read his itinerary. He should be fine. The good thing about anti-depressants is that they take the edge off the really bad feelings so you can focus and be more objective.The bad thing about anti-depressants is that its almost impossible to cry. (Its

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-34448277956192392572008-10-17T17:23:00.005-05:002008-10-18T12:27:48.594-05:00

After E talked to me yesterday, I think he called everyone he knew and told them he was moving back to TX.He called his sister, S, and she told him not to come.He called his sister, C, and she told him not to come.Big D and CR did not return his calls.My mother tried to talk to him and emphasize how different things would be. Also, how very bad things were before he left. He cut her off and

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-41541726966996030442008-10-16T12:52:00.002-05:002008-10-16T14:01:10.174-05:00

Last Friday E informed me he wanted to go spend a week at his grandparents. I thought, "Great. Another week he's not going to look for a job." But instead of harping about the job, I decided that we needed to work on the "family budget" that night.Over the course of the summer I have exhausted my savings and most of my available credit trying to keep him in meds, counselors, food, etc. So

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-59122344155164134502008-10-14T12:05:00.004-05:002008-10-14T12:27:38.047-05:00

The last 2, or maybe 3 cars I've owned have had 2 trip meters. Generally we use one for the mileage between fillups. But the other I rarely use.E has been changing my oil for a few months now, and he uses that 2nd trip meter to clock the mileage between oil changes.I thought that was a great idea and decided to share it with all of you.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-86040753421165130992008-10-13T19:23:00.003-05:002008-10-13T19:36:39.182-05:00

The little guy started school this year. On his first day, mommy & daddy took him to school. Big D introduced himself to the principal and told him, "I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of each other." Queue foreboding music...Starting the second day of school he was riding the bus. By the second week, he nearly got himself kicked off the bus. Why, you ask? For fighting... WITH A GIRL!

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-73091196508060585382008-10-13T15:57:00.006-05:002008-10-13T18:47:38.842-05:00

Last week my mother called me and opened the conversation thusly, "What is your sister up to?"Wha...? Huh? "What on EARTH are you talking about?"Turns out C had overheard... or, rather oversaw her mother while I was trying to give her an update on her SON, E. Which, my perception of the conversation was that she couldn't have cared less. So C told my mother that the conversation appeared very

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-88480606981549612812008-10-13T13:00:00.006-05:002008-10-13T18:47:24.294-05:00

At least 3 blog-able things have happened recently, but I've been so extraordinarily busy at work I just haven't had time to type them out. So I'm going to make a concerted effort to get you all caught up... before it becomes 4 things.To continue on with my previous post of E taking things... One morning I had promised I'd leave money out for E to go run an errand for me. But of course, I'd

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-1854816443506295582008-09-23T17:16:00.007-05:002008-10-13T18:46:41.474-05:00

When E was little he had a terrible time with taking things that weren't his. On his first day of kindergarten CR told the teacher. Rather condescendingly, the teacher told her not to worry about it; many kids have this problem.On day 2 of kindergarten, CR brought back all the things that E had taken from the teacher's desk the day before. The teacher laughed it off. And then she gave CR a

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-55920066584662883752008-09-15T17:17:00.002-05:002008-09-15T17:18:00.791-05:00

Hey, I forgot to mention, I'm on Facebook now. Look me up!

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-56565894313228653222008-09-15T16:36:00.003-05:002008-09-15T17:07:57.003-05:00

I hope everyone and their property fared well during the recent torrential rains. While I personally didn't have any property issues, I apparently missed the memo that some of the towns between my house and work were built on a flood plain. Getting home was a challenge last Friday night. Here's some pics of the flooding nearby:http://www.kansas.com/static/slides/091208flooding/http://

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-55334736652740387132008-09-06T19:27:00.003-05:002008-09-09T19:22:30.805-05:00

The next night I made a point of swinging my headlights wide as I pulled into the driveway so that I could see the state of the grass. Why I did that I'm not sure, because I talked to E on the phone during the day and he was in the middle of mowing. I blinked several times to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me, but each time I opened them I saw the same thing: the grass STILL wasn't mowed!

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-33536924429966304922008-09-04T11:43:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:25:56.431-06:00

On Tuesday morning E and I went to the DMV to get a temporary permit for the Civic because the 30-day tag had expired. On the way home, I said, "You need to mow the lawn today." He said, "I know." So I left it at that.On Wednesday morning we had to drive to near my work to get the car inspected. As we walked out the door I saw that the lawn was not mowed. (Can't tell when I get home after

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-61982915494896804042008-09-01T12:12:00.005-05:002008-09-03T14:05:02.488-05:00

E and I drove to TX for Labor Day weekend. (That bum didn't drive 1 inch on the way down!) It was a quick weekend for a couple of reasons: 1) I didn't want to pay for an extra night's hotel. 2) I wanted a little time to rest before I had to go back to work.I probably wouldn't have gone at all since I didn't have to go to pick up S, but I knew E was a little homesick & wanted to see his friends

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-203193838010762502008-08-29T13:35:00.005-05:002008-09-02T19:45:35.633-05:00

C called last night to chit chat... school had started, update on color guard... basic stuff.When the conversation rolled around to S, she said, "She's not doing very good."MeReally? How so?CWell, the other day, all she did was cry in her room all day.MeOooo. You're right. Not good.CThen, last night, she came out of her bedroom saying mom needed to take her to the hospital because she was

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-25131998569280193812008-08-27T16:23:00.004-05:002008-09-03T13:09:20.855-05:00

On Monday my mother called me with a bug up her butt:MomDo you know what E is planning when you go to TX?MeI guess not.MomHe thinks he's going to stay down there and work on some job with Billy BobMe[sigh] We talked about this on Friday and I had hoped we put it to bed, but obviously not.MomSo are you going to talk to him?MeOf course.MomYou should also call CR and tell her to talk to Billy BobMe

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-56270032043769132262008-08-26T16:08:00.006-05:002008-08-26T19:29:18.454-05:00

E was still in bed when I woke up on Sunday, so I decided to watch the movie that we rented that I knew he didn't care anything about. I was listening to the commentary on the extras when I fell asleep. Next thing I know E is waking me up. After grumbling and grousing about, I decided that I should go reserve the hotel and van to go pick up S. Their little town in TX has morphed into a "

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-74326874601250824762008-08-25T13:09:00.016-05:002008-08-27T15:16:06.215-05:00

I really didn't want to "plan" anything last weekend. I just feel like I've been running 100mph for so long, that I just wanted a leisurely weekend. But I also realized this would be E & mine's last weekend before S got here and things got even more crazy. So I called a friend of mine that has a go-kart.My mother and I got E a go-kart for his 16th birthday. He loved it. It didn't last a year

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-2655376626998632012008-08-25T12:01:00.005-05:002008-08-26T11:47:57.993-05:00

Still Friday.E called me at work to tell me about a job he'd been offered in TX. Big D's mother's ex-husband, Billy Bob had told E there was "big job" they were working on and some construction work was available. [Ed: his name isn't really Billy Bob, but it will do for the purposes of this entry.]E concluded with, "So we have some things to talk about when you get home." Amazingly, I kept my

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-21792479174480426372008-08-22T18:45:00.013-05:002008-08-26T19:21:08.034-05:00

From earlier in the week, here's some of my creations using the links I posted.E's graduation pic, cartoonized.(BTW, he loves this picture!)An old picture of C used for a 1952 yby photo. With some sort of skin condition.C again, yb-ized to 1962. Looking eerily like my mother.An old pic of the little guy used for the 1952 lady. Same skin condition. Doesn't "she" look surprised?"Hey, does

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-56069126797468439972008-08-22T18:04:00.006-05:002008-08-22T18:36:04.335-05:00

Friday.E and I toured the college in Wichita. I had a little trepidation over doing the tour because E is only partially medicated. (In my defense, he only told me he was out on Wednesday evening. And since one of his meds is regulated, they can't call it in. We have to go pick up the script and take it to the pharmacy. Hope to have that filled this weekend.)But he was in a pretty good mood

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-10059210991388848282008-08-22T17:31:00.002-05:002008-08-22T17:53:06.232-05:00

Thursday.For some reason I decided to call about E's insurance. I'd sent the "legal-looking" paperwork last week and I wanted to make sure they received it.Yes, they received it. And there was also some forms that had been mailed to me. Goodie more forms. The CS lady on the phone kindly read them to me. The first said something to the effect of E's insurance being canceled on Aug. 31. Huh?

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-44343129231207342902008-08-22T16:27:00.012-05:002008-12-10T03:25:58.783-06:00

I actually squeaked by on Monday and Tuesday of this week with little to no frustration. But trust me, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday more than made up for it.On Wednesday, I woke up and had actually remembered my dream from the night before. Depending on how long you've known me, you may remember that I used to have these epic saga-type dreams. Very vivid. And then mini-me happened. (Short

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-43915912368644728172008-08-19T12:11:00.004-05:002008-08-19T17:11:18.649-05:00

I stumbled across a couple of links that are a lot of fun to play with (in case you don't read my gadget news):Turn any picture into an old yearbook photo: http://www.yearbookyourself.comTurn any picture into a cartoon: http://mintywhite.com/tech/freeware/befunky-cartoonizer-turns-your-pictures-into-cartoons/Make your own avatar: http://www.buscarmessenger.com/avatars.swf Animate yourself: http:/

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-6127845891502553132008-08-18T17:28:00.004-05:002008-08-18T19:15:49.305-05:00

My day started with a phone call before my alarms had even started to go off. Even if it had come after the alarms had started to go off, it still wouldn't have been good.CallerWho is this?MeHuh? (Ed: just because I answered the phone, do not be under the illusion that I'm awake.)CallerWho am I speaking to?MeYou called me. Who are you?CallerThis is Brandi's mom.Uh-oh.E has been talking to

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-33737345697910062432008-08-18T17:10:00.007-05:002008-08-18T17:46:20.401-05:00

That's the question E posed to me yesterday. "I don't know," I told him. "I haven't talked to her in about a week." A short while later I get a text message:SWhat day are you coming down here?MeThe earliest I could come is late fri aug 29. we can drive back on the 31st (sunday). Is DS coming or do you know?SHe isn't coming. He won't talk to me but I don't want to talk about it.Alrighty then.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-61906299425429753032008-08-15T14:19:00.004-05:002008-08-19T12:19:05.559-05:00

Having E living with me these past few months has shown me that the fridge I had was a single-person's fridge. There just wasn't room for the my science experiments, plus his science experiments, plus the regular food, plus left-overs. And the freezer... fahgedaboudit.So I bought a 25cu behemoth.E measured the opening, with the old fridge in it at 36.5" So I thought, "Great! The width won't

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-6540064152884973212008-08-14T13:01:00.001-05:002008-08-14T13:07:56.204-05:00

Yesterday, the guy who called the police on E came down and asked E to help him work on his car. Ummmm, awkward!! But E just shrugged it off with, "Sure. Just tell me when."You guys! Doesn't that just about bring a tear to your eye?I told him I was so proud of him and he said, "I don't hold grudges."Today, I texted CR to tell her about the incident. Her response: E's a sucker for that kind

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-56180378440379755852008-08-12T16:43:00.006-05:002008-08-12T17:18:37.494-05:00

Texting with S today, I repeated the rumor I'd heard from E yesterday: that they were broke up again.SYeah. I don't know what his deal is.MeR u still planning on coming to KS over labor day even if he can't come?SYeah maybe it'll make him happy. He told me to go.MeAbsence makes the heart grow fonder...SYeah sure. He said he has to work all the time anyways so I wouldn't ever see him.Yes, I

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-57998936922119773162008-08-12T15:39:00.004-05:002008-08-12T16:01:44.925-05:00

So last Friday E and I tried to go get his driver's license moved to KS. I was kinda hoping we could convince whoever happened to be behind the counter that since my last name matched E's birth certificate, and my address matched E's address that they'd make the leap of faith. They didn't. Dammit.Even if I had CR's paper that she has had stapled to E's birth certificate, it's still not legal..

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-18939486939917884052008-08-11T15:08:00.002-05:002008-08-19T12:18:38.432-05:00

In an effort to help me be more consistent in how I refer to people, I'm putting this page together. As a bonus, it may also help you keep track of who's related to who. I'll try to remember to update this as new characters are added.The kids: E, S, C, D (also referred to as "the little guy")Their mom, my sister: CRCR's current husband, D's dad: DR, or "Big D"DR's mother, D's grandmother:

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-5943242751255882032008-08-11T12:31:00.007-05:002008-11-05T15:26:30.443-06:00

My apologies for the lapse in entries. I'm working on a different project at work, which gives me less time for blogging. Dangit.First and foremost: CR FINALLY SENT THE REFILLS!!! Since his insurance is still in limbo, that saved me from having to buy another month's worth.On a related note: we went to see his med doctor today. Trying to get him off the current stuff and on to something that

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-77661463855272481652008-08-01T17:00:00.002-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.072-06:00

It's a 2001 Honda Civic, with 81,000 miles. I gotta tell ya, it's been a looooong week. More about that in my next post. Here's the car.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-46135419470442870682008-07-28T19:33:00.004-05:002008-08-11T13:57:41.016-05:00

After the ticket on Friday, I did some calling around and a windshield was going to cost at least $300. I feel like I am rebuilding this truck one stupid piece at a time and I'm done.E is in KC this week, so I decided this would be a good time to get that 2nd vehicle. It'll be way cheaper in the long run. Then, when he gets back, we'll have the "job" talk and there won't be any excuses.But

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-50852518900837847032008-07-28T18:54:00.005-05:002008-08-11T13:58:21.195-05:00

I called S last night to see how she was after Friday's conversation. Of course she was better, but I gotta say is was the most frustrating conversation... First, she thinks that I don't get that she's trying to manipulate me. Oh, I get it. But I'm just not going to argue about it til there's something to argue about. For example, CR wants S to get a job. S doesn't want to get a job so she's

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-85614842799108014572008-07-28T17:33:00.004-05:002008-08-11T13:59:10.422-05:00

Yesterday I was talking to C on the phone and she says, "E is being weird." My first thought, "Oh no. What now?"MeWeird? What do you mean?CHe's like... caringMeAnd caring is weird?CYes, for E it is.Back-handed, tho it may be, I'll take that compliment.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-79467346391300787902008-07-27T11:08:00.005-05:002008-08-11T14:01:23.747-05:00

On Friday, after reminding him all week, E was supposed to mow the lawn. (In case you're wondering, yes, we had a "talk" about this. I simply told him that if he wanted to be treated like an adult, then it was time to act like an adult. And making me constantly get on him to mow the lawn was not cutting it, pardon the pun. I guess we'll find out when he gets back if that tactic worked.)Wait.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-78482337375301123422008-07-25T16:25:00.008-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.173-06:00

I know I owe you an update on S. I've been meaning to type this up all week, but the days have quickly slipped away.On last Sunday, I got a text from S that said:You wont have to worry about me going to DS's house cuz im not aloud over thereVery ominous, eh? So I ask, "Did something happen?" And she replied:I was only aloud over on weekends and his dad is always making him do stuff so he

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-4537658123744454572008-07-23T18:00:00.012-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.198-06:00

I hate paperwork. Back when I was able to fill out a 1040-EZ, it would take me at least a couple weeks because every time I'd start reading the instructions my eyes would glaze over. If I filled in one box per night it felt like a major accomplishment.After the $800 bill for E's medications, I knew I had to look at the social security paperwork. E dropped it on the table the first day at my

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-13736704380691002622008-07-21T17:57:00.004-05:002008-08-11T14:24:28.925-05:00

Saturday rolled around this past weekend and I gotta tell ya, I was completely exhausted for some reason. So when E wanted to go to AutoZone, the thought of showering and getting dressed almost overwhelmed me.We had rented some movies the night before and they were due back the next day, so first I talked him into watching a movie. After the movie he was even more ready to go. Me? Eh, not so

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-27405530075857434812008-07-21T14:25:00.004-05:002008-08-11T14:25:33.596-05:00

At this point in the story, E had been without his meds for ... um, 2 days I think. He was running at about 100mph: simultaneously working on the basement, fixing his truck, re-organizing the garage... is there a word stronger than multitasking? If there is, that's what he was doing.One of [the many] symptoms E's meds help him with is impulse control. For example, the first night w/o his meds,

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-64318034952645517022008-07-18T14:14:00.009-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.271-06:00

On Tuesday of this week, I had mentioned to my friend at work, DD, that if my nephew had not mowed the lawn when I got home I was going to have a fit.Guess what? Nope, the lawn wasn't mowed. E was asleep on the couch when I got home. So I kicked my shoes off and changed clothes and counted to 10... a couple of times and then I woke him up.Me: How come the lawn isn't mowed?E: I don't feel good

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-90245149810385184412008-07-17T15:53:00.006-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.650-06:00

On the way home last night I was checking my messages (yes, I know it's a bad habit, but it's a looong drive) and I'd gotten a text message from S (from DS' phone, of course):Im kinda scared right nowScared??? Why? Is someone hurting you? Are you in danger? Why are you texting me and not calling 911???Frantically, I called DS' phone, trying to reach her. No luck. So I left a message for him

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-34000126424289893762008-07-16T19:33:00.002-05:002008-08-19T12:18:53.409-05:00

If you're having a craving, look for Bryer's Chocolate Cookies & Cream. It's heaven on earth!But you need to scope it out in advance. I've only seen it at ONE Dillon's store in my area.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-46342992367419578042008-07-14T19:27:00.026-05:002008-12-10T03:26:01.667-06:00

I just want everyone to know I am substituting this blog for therapy. In case you hadn't figured it out... I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page.This may feel very disjointed, but just try to go with it. I might be catching E's ADHD.C called me today. I think she's only called once since she left KS, so it was good to hear from her. Sometimes when she calls she has nothing to

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-53153366377458060392008-07-13T18:16:00.007-05:002008-08-11T14:35:53.409-05:00

Friday night when I got home, E was in rare form. He'd been without his meds for 3 days and was fluttering around like a bee. He had his truck torn apart in the garage and was just generally pissed off at the world. It's amazing he had that much energy because he'd also been throwing up for three days (withdrawal, I'm guessing), so he'd stopped eating.We were going to go shopping on Saturday

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-65351761115819961532008-07-11T16:00:00.007-05:002008-08-11T14:36:53.750-05:00

I had to go to Walmart the other night because we were out of milk and sugar and pop tarts -- you know, the necessities. And I was over in the medicine section because E was not feeling well. As I'm trolling the aisles, I see the condoms.E has been talking an awful lot lately about meeting girls. One night he announced he was going to look for a church to go to. I'm sure my jaw hit the floor.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-59182112503124810502008-07-08T13:43:00.011-05:002008-08-11T14:40:47.162-05:00

I have the worst headache today. No, I did not make it to the pharmacy in time last night.Today I made E get up early (which he really complained about, "TWO days in a row??!?") so we could go wait in line at the free clinic. He is out of at least 2 of his meds. I texted CR yesterday to inform her of this since she has refills of all his med, and has had them for at least a couple weeks. So I

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-5505019020419398822008-07-07T20:13:00.005-05:002008-08-11T14:41:43.864-05:00

So last night, I get a text from S that says:Next chance you get im ready to leave nowI want you to picture the cartoon character whose face slowly gets red, then blasts steam out both ears. That was me. I was yelling at the screen, "WTF, S???? Didn't we just have this conversation 2 days ago??!?" But of course I just sent a message that calmly reminded her that I didn't have another 3 day

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-53069519588771069002008-07-06T18:04:00.013-05:002008-12-10T03:26:02.611-06:00

All week I had been promising E that we would go shopping for bedroom furniture on Friday. Yes, I realize it was a holiday, but since when do retail chains pay attention to holidays... especially in a sluggish economy?Apparently the rules are different in my po-dunk little neck of the woods. Many of the furniture, and other retail stores were either closed, or closed early. Seriously? Do you

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-8877932452100777292008-07-03T18:57:00.001-05:002008-07-03T18:58:29.355-05:00

There was so much activity today that the battery in my phone actually died.May it rest in peace.

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-19171785289323182852008-07-03T17:03:00.008-05:002008-08-11T14:45:49.163-05:00

When last we left our heroes yesterday, S was heading to KS for nebulous reasons.She finally called me. DS' dad, G's, wife/girlfriend/whatever-the-hell-she-is has decided that she didn't like S being there. So she told G to tell DS to tell S that she had to go. (Didja get all that?)So I get home, and first thing I had a talk with E. Holy cow, talk about Jekyll & Hyde... I don't remember if it

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-82356645978198638712008-07-02T18:04:00.016-05:002008-12-10T03:26:04.058-06:00

E has had a pet turtle for ... gosh, maybe 3 years now. It's a tiny turtle that he keeps in a baking dish. He always brought it with him when they'd come for a visit (it's "carrier" is an old tub of butter).He was over at my friend, J's, over the weekend to help clean out her garage (He's officially for hire if your garage needs some organization!) and somehow the turtle came up in the

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-72575818632582041552008-07-02T17:26:00.006-05:002008-08-11T14:50:43.706-05:00

Last Sunday S called me. Usually I can tell what the tone of the conversation will be by the way she says hello. For example, if it's her little girl voice, then she's buttering me up for something. But the greeting was pretty vanilla, so I had no idea what was coming.Back before DS & S started dating, he was something of a wild child. He was going out and partying all the time. This was

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-6249180802676139682008-06-29T22:44:00.004-05:002008-08-11T14:49:39.942-05:00

A week or so ago, E and I were coming home from the grocery store and we were just chatting. Its taken me this long to process this conversation so that I could write it out here. He referred to himself as a "suicidal maniac." I glanced over at him and decided he was making a joke. So I replied, "Oh, you're not suicidal," thinking I was also making a joke. He paused, I guess deciding if he

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-90762401665061513662008-06-28T00:43:00.009-05:002008-12-10T03:26:04.267-06:00

I have been making E drive everywhere we go just to give him more experience behind the wheel. So E and I are on our way to KC for a funeral. He stays in the lanes much better than the first time I took him driving, so it wasn't quite the white-knuckle experience it once was. He actually did a pretty good job, but he has a tendency to drive way below the speed limit. Which not only pisses

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-85821327524458170062008-06-25T23:19:00.004-05:002008-08-11T14:51:45.340-05:00

Lots to catch up on today, crimestoppers.1. SI guess S and DS made up, at least sort of. They're at least talking anyway. I don't know if he's given her the ring back or not. I did call him and ask if he still intended to come to KS to go to college and he said, "Yeah!" But the underlying tone was "Are you crazy? Of course I'm going to KS for college!" What if he thinks he can still live

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-78746691510783627252008-06-22T14:37:00.005-05:002008-08-11T14:54:54.380-05:00

Today I got a text message from E saying that he would not make it back today because his truck wasn't finished. I friggin' knew it. E called me on Friday to say that he and his dad were working on his brakes and various other things. (It's a 1995, suffice to say there's LOTS of things that can be fixed on it.) I could tell that E was excited. He tried to pretend to be all put out, but I

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-27269293916067868362008-06-18T23:00:00.009-05:002008-12-10T03:26:04.414-06:00

When C was younger, she went through a phase where she would shout, “Potato!” in much the same manner as one might use the word, “dude!” It was her go-to word, used to express a variety of emotions. If she was baffled, “Potato!”; surprised, “Potato!”; amused, “Potato!” Being an aquarius, she mixed it up a bit. Sometimes she said it qietly, sometimes she said it emhatically, sometimes she

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-18671299281469753912008-06-17T13:27:00.006-05:002008-06-17T20:01:24.254-05:00

In the beginning, when the earth was young and... wait. We've already covered that.About a year or more ago I started planting a seed with S that I wanted her to come back to KS to go to college. First she said yes, then no, then yes... you get the picture. As an added incentive for college, I promised all the kids many moons ago (when I used to make a lot more money) that I'd give them a laptop

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720789899695377468.post-41020691049516954092008-06-15T17:31:00.002-05:002008-08-11T13:56:51.985-05:00

Long after the earth had cooled, the mountains had formed, and man began walking upright, my family drama began. Not to imply that my family is the only one with drama, but it is my blog, afterall.I'd love to start the story from the beginning, but that doesn't really fit with the family dynamic, so we'll start mid-chapter with ... oh, say, Friday.My niece, C, and my nephew, E, were staying with

What_Was_I_Thinkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11649692196317303348noreply@blogger.com2