Vulcan, Playing Catch-Up, and general Yapping

Hey, Y'all! It's been more than a week since my last update. Things have gone from hectic to utter chaos! I honestly don't feel I can handle one more thing on my plate. It's an overloaded Thanksgiving feast already, and my mashed potatoes are overflowing out of the plate. Yet, life keeps on saying, "Here, have some more!" This is the last full week of school for Stephen. He goes next Monday and Tuesday, but those are just party days for him. (Remember what that was like as a kid?) Take a brief moment to walk down memory lane and feel that feeling. ....

Ahhh, Now, snap back to reality!

Sunday was a Great day. We made ourselves slow down long enough to visit Birmingham's Vulcan Park. The above picture doesn’t do justice for the view. It’s incredible! Then we went by mom and dad's house for the rest of the afternoon. Mom took a spill down the stairs a few weeks ago. Well, more of a trip, and daddy caught her, but she still managed to further injure her almost-healed slipped disc. :( God bless her. Daddy is having to help her with her baths, etc. and I am helping with chores around the house. My cousin, Sue is a big help to mama and daddy too. Anyway..getting back to my story.. Mama got all teary-eyed yesterday when telling me that daddy almost dropped her while helping her get out of the tub. She said that he looked at her with such pity. Then she told me that she feels like she got "old" too quickly. I didn't go into my speech of, "Well, it's sorta your own fault for smoking 4 packs a day, and not being active enough." Unlike her, I know when to keep my opinions to myself. I learned that from daddy. Probably the most valuable thing I learned from my daddy is tolerance. I'm not kidding, he is Saint material. I've never heard him say one negative thing about anyone. He's a good man and has loved mama with all his heart for most of his life. How many of us have that? ::sigh:: The only thing I'd change if I could, would be for mama to show "him" the gratitude that she talked about yesterday. Too many of us let life go by without telling our most loved ones how much we appreciate them. I let the moment slip away to say, “tell Him" how you feel. I've always been mother's...bucket that she pours all of her emotions into. Good or bad. I feel I probably know her better than anyone. Maybe even more than daddy in some ways. I’m going to stop on that note, for I could go on and on about my problematic relationship with my mother. I’m aware that it could be worse. I’ll choose to be thankful for all that is good about our relationship. Funny, we sometimes tend to dwell more on that which is difficult to understand. Instead, I suppose we should spend that energy on being thankful for the good things. In doing so, who knows? Maybe more and more good things will come of it?

Finally, I made a decision today. After much thought, I’ve decided to work for the (ha,ha..are you ready?) school system. I know, I know. I said I would never do this, but it’s the only career that makes sense for me. All the time that Stephen has been in school, I said that I needed my days away from him and other children because I am a 24/7 caregiver as it is, and I am so tired and exhausted from it. That still stands true. But, If not me…who? Someone who only takes the job because they like the convenient hours, but are not qualified to work in this field? Yes, I have chosen to work (if they’ll have me) at the center for disabled children. I mean, who is more qualified? Other than being a hair dresser for 21 years, it’s all I know. I’m “good” at it. The pay is at poverty level, but the benefits are awesome. Not to mention the personal rewards. I’ll have everyday off that Stephen has off, so I won’t need outside childcare. The state of Alabama has cut out after school day care for disabled children over the age of 12, bc it isn‘t fair to the none disabled children. [don’t get me started]

Finally, a recap of the day: Stephen’s getting quite a tan, playing on the playground at school. He’s got a golfer’s tan. You know what I mean; if he isn't wearing a shirt, from a distance he *looks* like he's wearing a white t-shirt. :P Cute! But we have to balance that out this summer. The child has NEVER had a tan in his life. I always use sunblock #50. Was there any doubt about that? I'm learning to let go a little, and let my baby get a tan this summer. Please remind me to post pictures of last summer in Pensacola, Florida. (You'll see what I mean) Shoot, I might even go so far as giving him some blonde highlights!

I spent the day with Mama, Daddy and Sue. They treated Sue and me to lunch which was nice. I made it home just in time to get Stephen off of the bus. Now, it’s time to cook supper. Well, I wouldn’t call it that, exactly. I’m going to pop a frozen pizza in the oven.

I apologize for the longwinded update, but I guess that’s what happens when I go over a week without updating. I’ll try to do better, but updating takes away from my time visiting all of you, and I’d much rather keep up with you J