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Monday, April 22, 2013

Brand new week

This one's got to be better than last week. Happy Earth Day!

Nose zits are so not supposed to happen to a person of maturity.  We need the vacuum fairy.  On the up side, it's gorgeous outside.

How's it going for you?

67 comments:

Liz Miller said...

I had a nose zit last week. Right in the crevice between nostril and cheek. So dignified.

kathy a. said...

I remember being in high school and thinking that once I got to 18, they would just disappear. Nobody told me that zits were even possible in menopause. Harrumph.

Liz Miller said...

Eyebrow pimples are even classier! I've got one RIGHT NOW.

kathy a. said...

Obviously, only the coolest people have zits. We're probably making everyone else jealous.

esperanza said...

AW: my mom told me when I was a teenager that I would never, ever stop getting zits. So discouraging at 13. But truthful.

W: tragic accident involving a 2 year old girl near our town. Severe brain injury. Distraught friends and family, who weren't watching her as close as they could have. Even so, they probably couldn't have prevented it.

W? AW? Yet another school option for Sweet brought to my attention. This may be the best of our options, though. Still thinking.

esperanza said...

Also, small pet peeve. West, Texas is in fact, not in west Texas. It is in central Texas. WestTexas (said all run together like that) is a region unto itself, with its own character, accents, and geography.

Now all pixies are educated in this useless information.

Liz said...

I heard that y'all call it West comma Texas to differentiate the town from the region

kathy a. said...

Oh, Esperanza -- so awful about that small girl. Sending love. xoxo

I think another school option is a yay!

esperanza said...

Liz--it hasn't been note-worthy enough to really need a designation. I've called it West, the place with the kolaches.

Kathy--it's awful. A birthday party, lots of people, no one watching kids closely. Someone found her unconscious on the ground in a horse pen. Immediate suspicion was that the horse kicked her, but injuries not consistent with that. Theory now is that she was climbing the gate, fell, and hit her head on the horse trough. It really doesn't look good, sounds like she went a long time without breathing, therefore a long time of oxygen deprivation, plus the head injury. They are asking for prayers that she live. I'm not certain that's what I would be praying...

Liz said...

On a petty front, I am so glad I am not an employee of the company whose quality assurance training materials are bung-full of typos.

Liz said...

I am so sorry about that little girl. May she recover completely, or if not, recover enough to have a life.

kathy a. said...

esperanza -- it is not a betrayal to hope for a relief of suffering. xoxo

kathy a. said...

Oh, Pixies. On the SIL front -- something happened yesterday that made me boss my beloved into finally calling his mother already. Today, I have been in good touch with my favorite aunt-in-law, the fabulous sister of MIL. The MIL is kinda fireplacingly freaked out.

Baby steps. We are doing baby steps, and I am doing long distance babystep education by getting the fab aunt on board, so she can calm her sister the heck down, so no more badness happens on that front. Because MIL yelling at her severely demented daughter is not gonna get her better, ya know?

Also, it is SIL's birthday today. She's 55; she's had diagnosed dementia for 6 years. My beloved helped her send a card to her son, who turned 13 yesterday, and helped her call him. Beloved is a good man.

esperanza said...

that's just heartbreaking, kathy.

Sue said...

Kathy - yes, Beloved is a good man, and you are the rock that supports him. Superheroes - both of you.

Esperanza I'm so sorry about the little girl. I think this is one of those moments when Anne Lamott would suggest the prayer that says simply "Help". So tragic.

Sympathies for zits on pixies. Must be something in the air - I've got two epic zits on my chin. First ones on ages!

esperanza said...

Sue, I'm admiring your restraint on whining about the weather. Srsly. You deserve a whine or two.

kathy a. said...

i'll second that kudo vote from esperanza. bonus kudos to anyone else currently experiencing snow. i mean, really?

Sue said...

Esperanza I've decided to become one with the FIREPLACING SNOW. Ohhmmmm......

:)

Miranda said...

Prayers of HELP for the little girl and her loved ones.

The only thing worse than zits one one's face are zits on one's back. Trust me. Mine are less severe than my mother's (HUGE AW!!)

I think of the West COMMA Texas families a great deal.

Kathy, you and Beloved are truly superheroes. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I'm not dignifying snow in April with a response, Sue, other than I am glad you are keeping your zen about it. ;)

Found out son of colleague saw the shootout in Boston. His poor mom, you know?

W: I really would like certain people to figure out what they want in life and then also let me know. One needs to quit being so fireplacing fearful. Growth is very messy but it is GOOD.

AW: The children all have surpassed maturity milestones this week. Remind me of this next time I want to run away with the circus, please?

xoxoxoxoxo and leftover wine from my 40 year bash for all.

Sue said...

Miranda - sorry about the back zits. And also about your colleague's son. Some things cannot be erased from the memory bank easily, especially something so traumatic.

I hear you re: people who haven't figured out what they want to do in life. Our 29 year old son is doing another year of undergrad studies because he hasn't decided on a Master's program yet. He's paying his own way (rather, he's stacking up his own loans) so we don't really have a voice in it, but come oooonnnnn.....

He already has the undergrad degree, btw, he's just taking more courses until he becomes enlightened. Sheesh.

Pass the virtual wine...

Sue said...

In the interest of full pixie disclosure - I did not know what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 32.

*blush*

My frustration with Indecisive Son has more to do with my own anxiety than anything. He's still working three part time jobs, which is fine with him, but causes me worry.

When I switched careers, it was just that - careers. My first job provided pension, benfits and a bit of security before I made the wild leap into my present (wonderful) life. I want that quasi-security for him too.

kathy a. said...

Miranda -- with you on people figuring stuff out. But it sounds like things are moving along with the kids.

Sue, we can sing harmony in the parents of adult children anxiety chorus. ;)

kathy a. said...

Fabulous aunts -- everybody needs one. Borrow one if necessary.

I was a little worried that I was too blunt with my aunt-in-law -- like, when she mentioned an idea about driving up with her sister to visit SIL, I shot that right down. I said SIL needs to settle in, we need to keep her calm, which is another way of saying, "please for the love of dog, do not bring my agitated MIL to yell at my demented SIL." But, she's good with that. She's really getting it.

Anonymous said...

Yay for family being able to hear hard truths and, you know, actually get it.

HUGE Antiwhine: I applied for a position as a classroom teacher at the school I currently work at as an assistant. Interview yesterday, and today they invited me to teach a model lesson on Friday. Could use all the good pixie vibes I can get!!!!

:)Neighbor Lady

esperanza said...

oooh, exciting, NL! Good vibes coming your way.

kathy a. said...

Big Pixie Vibes for NL!!! xoxo

Sue said...

I'll add to the pixie vibes NL!

Yay for your aunt-in-law and good for you for maintaining those good boundaries kathy.

esperanza said...

little girl died this morning. So sad.

Anonymous said...

Oh, esperanza, that is heartbreaking.
--NL

kathy a. said...

((( esperanza and everybody )))

Miranda said...

Esperanza, what NL said. May the family find peace and forgiveness. I think it will be hard.

NL, lots of interview vibes.

AW: Young Adult Son said his first day of his new job was very good. He wants to get a car and talk to our friend, the insurance guy, and he seems like he wants to move ahead in his life.

W: This includes me meeting his (wonderful!!!) GF's (not nearly as wonderful) mother. Actually, I think I was summoned to her fireplacing house in the fancy suburb with the fancy mall. Normally I tell folks like that to pound dirt but I like GF plus GF and YAS make an adorable couple. She apparently doesn't like my age or the fact I am single or that my children have different biodadies although Ex has been the only dad YAS has ever known. I'd like to tell her of my accomplishments - which are not all insignificant but all she needs to know is that a) I am no more ready for grandbabies than she is and b) what YAS lacks in ambition (for now) he more than makes up for in kindness, gentleness, and character.

AW: I know the Posse will come out on Sunday if I need it.

Anonymous said...

Posse is all saddled up and ready to ride....

Thanks for all the good vibes everyone.
Will be happy when Friday night is here and interviewing is done.

--Neighbor Lady

Sue said...

(((((Esperanza ))))

So very sad.

Miranda, you know the posse is at the ready!

kathy a. said...

Oh, yeah -- the Posse is ready to ride.

But, this will probably go fine without us, in my opinion. The wonderfulness of her daughter is a good place to start, and you are on that page already. If she was firing your son, you probably wouldn't have an invite; could be that she likes him, too. xoxo

kathy a. said...

Tr: just be your own fabulous self, Miranda. It will be good. Take a hostess gift -- flowers, maybe, or some nice wine -- but don't go overboard. Hold your head high. Relax.

purple_kangaroo said...

Whine/antiwhine: I'm pregnant.

Yes, my youngest is almost 8 now.

No, we weren't planning on having more, primarily because of my health issues and also the variety of now-known-to-be-genetic health issues in my extended family.

Yes, now that the initial shock is beginning to wear off, we're excited.

I am so far much sicker with this pregnancy than I was with any of my others, but at least the kids are old enough to be more self-sufficient and help out quite a bit.

Miranda said...

GF is still in HS. YAS is not. GF's mom does not actually seem to like YAS much but she doesn't want her daughter sneaking around either. I think we agree more than disagree but I am very, very wary about dealing with people's stereotypes. GF and YAS want me to be at my most charming which, admittedly, I am often not when I feel like someone is judging my family.

A small gift sounds like a wonderful idea. I don't think I am staying for dinner but I can always give her something since she tolerates him at dinner most Sunday evenings.

Sue said...

Passing the Pixie crackers and ginger ale PK! Let the children take care of you when you need TLC and be gentle with yourself, as always.

Miranda - just be yourself. If anyone brings Teh Awkward, let it be GF's Mother. You will be bringing along the Class with a Posse waiting in the driveway!

AW: Large Bright Globe in the Sky! Still below zero, but sunny. Progress... :)

kathy a. said...

PK, congrats! also passing the crackers. i recall it getting better in the 2d trimester, so fingers crossed.

bright globe in the sky!

miranda -- the invite sounds like kind of an olive branch. a desire to get to know you a bit; perhaps to overcome stereotypes she might otherwise hold?

Anonymous said...

Congrats, PK!!
:)

((Miranda))--I bet it will go great!

--Neighbor Lady

esperanza said...

PK, congratulations! That's exciting and daunting all at the same time. Rest well, and often, and a lot, and rest some more.

Anonymous said...

whine: am not finding it possible to get more than about a half hour in a row to concentrate on this sample lesson I have to teach first thing Friday morning. tHis is not gonna cut it..
AAArrrrrrrgggggg!
--Neighbor Lady

kathy a. said...

NL -- what would help? babysitter? go to the library? nice brisk walk followed by a solid hour of pounding out your ideas, with the idea of editing some later? i'm a big fan of pounding out the rough thoughts, then honing them some.

kathy a. said...

W: MIL called to yell at me about SIL, then she hung up on me. nope, it did not make a lot of sense. she previously yelled at her sister, and has other phone numbers, too. tonight's gonna be some fun. did miranda mention leftover wine?

esperanza said...

Leftover wine for everybody!

Small whine: just served as a reference for a friend, for a far-away, out-of-state position. I would be sad if she moved, yet I was just telling them how awesome she is. Cognitive dissonance, I think they call this. Or maybe just being a grownup.

Miranda said...

And sparking grape juice for PK. Congrats!

Liz Miller said...

PK, mazel tov. Be gentle with yourself, and remember to stay hydrated.

Liz Miller said...

My diplopia is having a resurgence. It's been a life-long problem, but I've had it under control for decades. I'm either over-tired, or my glasses need adjusting, or I need to start doing eye exercises again. In any case, it's irritating the heck outta me.

It isn't happening while driving or walking, thank goodness.

kathy a. said...

eek, liz. hope you get that worked out -- sounds a little scary. or at least very annoying.

AW: there has been this kind of ugly work albatross making me v. unhappy, and the person who was supposed to help me with it is no longer around -- but i just found out i'm getting someone really wonderful to help! yay!

Miranda said...

AW: I was asked this if I would be interested in a different position that sounded intriguing by people I had no idea knew I existed.

W: I may have to shake my own work albatross in as little as one week if this becomes a reality.

AW: The whole situation is win-win since my current new position is pretty cool, too.

Anonymous said...

((Liz))
Yay, Miranda..

AW/W: I was invited to teach a sample lesson for my dream teaching job. The lesson will be this morning at 8am. Have not been getting much sleep. Went to bed at midnight last night, slept poorly, and woke up this morning at 3AM!!!!! Could not go back to sleep!!! Finally got up at 3:45. Feels like it should be around 6am, but it is only 4:35. Cannot turn my brain off. Will be VERY happy when the lesson is over at 8:43 (at least I hope I will be happy with how it went!).

--Neighbor Lady

kathy a. said...

fingers crossed, miranda and NL!

Liz Miller said...

Me too, Miranda and NL!

Sue said...

Fingers and toes crossed NL and Miranda!

Sorry about the dysplopia Liz. I hope it resolves quickly.

esperanza said...

Me too, Miranda and NL!

And I'm surprised none of you seem to have heard about the Great Waffle Tragedy of 2013. The syrup! The waffles! The horror! (whine courtesy of Mini, for her own unfathomable reasons, likely related to being 3).

kathy a. said...

oh, i think i heard the heartbreak of waffles from here! ;)

having tired of being the human alarm clock, john phillip sousa just roused my young adult. (it's a little embarrassing; this is something my dad would have done.)

Liz Miller said...

Tomorrow, The Surprise Symphony. The next day, The 1812 Overture.
After that, soundtrack from a firefight in a war film.

kathy a. said...

i'ma need better speakers to do this right. 1812 is an excellent suggestion. don't want to scare the neighbors with gunshots, but a musical cannon? perfect.

Anonymous said...

mmm....waffles......

I am so hungry right now!

AW!! Lesson went great! I had a lot of fun, and I think the students did too!! Was very well received by the evaluators, so here's hoping!

TGIF!!!!

--Neighbor Lady

Anonymous said...

Also, a huge thank you to the pixies for all the good vibes! I definitely got them!!!
:)
Neighbor Lady

kathy a. said...

woo-hoo, NL!

esperanza said...

Yay, NL! Hope you come down from the adrenaline so you can get some sleep tonight!

Sue said...

Yay NL!!!

I thought I heard some Waffle Crisis sounds!

My dad used to play the 1812 overture loudly (because it would sound silly on low volume, yes?) to embarrass us in front of our friends.

esperanza said...

AW: local grocery store chain makes Mexican Chocolate ice cream. (that means with some cinnamon and a bit grainier than most milk chocolate). Delicious.

Miranda said...

Off to add some tunes to my fruity portable music device. I, too, am thoroughly tired of being a human alarm clock.

I'm so happy for you, NL! I've been sending good teaching vibes all day.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Miranda!!! :)
--NL

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Miranda!!! :)
--NL