Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Between Then and Now

When I think back on the last year, I realize that we were busier than it appears when I slog through yet another day. There is so much I want to update, and so very hard to begin.

Let's begin with James. It was a great and awful year all at the same time. I know that sounds ridiculous but it will make sense (sort of) in a minute. He was gobbled up by the Texas machine, otherwise known as football, last Fall. Along with the trepidation of thinking that each second he will be flattened on the field, is the realization that it was really good for him. James, as is a family trait, has anger "issues". His grief often, at 12, manifests itself as frustration and sometimes unabated mad at the world. In football he can gather up a lot of it and throw it out...leaving it somewhere between the hash marks. As long as he doesn't get hurt and/or we have insurance. Yes it's the over protective mother in me. I can't help it. Because we are both big (Go Packers---except he's a Lions fan) fans of the game, we found a restaurant that plays all NFL games every weekend. The management either fell in love with him and/or felt sorry for his Lions fanness and, most weekends, seat him in his own private section with sound, to watch the game. I am forced to watch the Packer game, without sound, on a side screen.

Nicole spent the winter with us. She's I guess what you would call an anti-college student. Spends the winters off, and works the summers at Cedar Point. As usual, she lands on her feet and was promoted to a supervisory position. I can only hope that one day she will revisit the hallowed halls of an institute for higher education. This year, at least, I talked her into getting health insurance through her job.

Me? I've been working a few hours at the corner store. To get out of the house and meet new people. And what people I have met. In three hours at the store, one can learn that A. most people hire someone else to do their lawns (they all heat up their lunch here), B. A lot of my neighbors enjoy a beer...or 24 every day, and C. There's a reason why many convenience stores only allow employees to use the bathroom.

6 comments:

Rach said...

Welcome back. I've missed you.

Laurie in Ca. said...

I agree with Rach, you have been missed and it is so good to see you back here. Thinking about you often and pray for you too sweetie.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Anonymous said...

This is funny. I want to see a detailed entry about James travails on the gridiron please.

Robert

Sarah said...

This is why I want Eli to play football even though I'm terrified of his getting hurt. I just think it would be good for him to an outlet for his aggressive/emotional impulses, especially in high school when the hormones kick in too.

Kesha said...

I'm glad I have more than one place to see you :hug:

You've been missed.

kesha

Anonymous said...

It is great to see you back. I've thought about you often.