Just updating

I never seem to have a good idea of what to write in this blog, although later when I read what I wrote there's often a reference to something I wrote about that seemed inconsequential at the time but then becomes relevant, so I want to post an update.

I've had a couple of interviews about some good opportunities but not been hired yet. I'm toying with the idea of going back to work for myself but I am not overly enthusiastic about the idea. I've never had good luck keeping good help, and my company is built on quality and reputation. That means I either have to do everything myself or double-check an employee's work constantly, and neither option really appeals to me. I've put out enough proof that I can run my own business that anyone that questions it just amuses me, and I'd really prefer to just get hired on with some big bureaucracy and work for "The Man" from here on. I want to just go do my job, stay out of the way of whatever fate befalls the world around me, and concentrate on my family from here on in.

Mary Ann will be going back out of state to visit family at the end of the week. I'll miss her but she always has such a good time and comes back refreshed and recharged so I am happy she has the chance. She's taken over the home-maker responsibilities since she can no longer work, and has proven to be quite an imaginative cook. I worked kitchens for a decade as a prep cook, line cook, head chef, kitchen manager and whatever other title they wanted to call me plus, I like to cook so I'm no slouch at the stove. However, I mentioned I'd like chili some time to Mary Ann a few days ago and she whipped up some stuff that, to be honest, I think was better than what I make. Claims she had never done it before but found a recipe which she added to. I informed her that had I known she could cook like that I would have assigned the task to her years ago! I'm glad she seems to be getting past the feeling that she is just a burden since becoming disabled and being forced to stop working outside the home. I've put a lot more time and effort into other things that didn't bring me half the joy Mary Ann does even if we do have to shuttle to a number of doctors regularly, but it hit her really hard when she couldn't do anything for Ginger and I and needed to be cared for so heavily. Its nice to see her feeling useful again.

Ginger is sick, so she's staying home a couple of days. She's just got a sore throat and a cold, so she isn't bedridden, but she is plenty uncomfortable. Her attitude has improved hugely as it usually does after she melts down the way she did last week. I just wish one of these days the improvement would stick! I had hoped to get some more "Play" in, because I think that would help to keep her a bit more stable, but with her being sick it isn't likely for a few days. Oh well, maybe next week.

Both the Ladies and I have been slashed yet again by Child. We are informed that instead of the two week visit we had expected at Christmas, Child would prefer to come for a total of four days, arriving in the afternoon day one and leaving early day four. According to Child this is so Child can be with their kids on Christmas. Further, Child would like this to happen on a schedule outside the dates previously agreed to, a schedule that just happens to coincide perfectly with a visit from Mary Ann's sister's kid whom Child enjoys. Child also pointed out that we are always welcome to visit there. Now honestly, in a fit of meanness I seriously considered knocking on their door Christmas day with my bags in one hand and that invite in the other, and saying to them the line we hear so often from them. "Didn't Child tell you we decided this?" but I won't (Probably). Further, I know for a fact the idea was planted, because it was word-for-word the exact same phrase Grandma Satan used years back to guilt trip Ginger. I put a foot down. First of all, we pay for the travel. If you aren't coming to see me I'm not footing the bill. Secondly, I had planned to surprise the Ladies for New Years, and even though I've had to reveal that there are plans I am NOT going to change them. I changed Thanksgiving to accommodate Aunt tree-hugger and Uncle Hollywood already. No more. Child knows I mean what I say and I don't get sweet talked like the Ladies can be sometimes. Child was told it was solely my decision that the accommodation will not be made and the options are stick to the original plan or spend Christmas there and come to us for a month in the spring instead of the agreed to two weeks. Child has gotten into too much trouble at school to be allowed to miss any, so coming prior to spring break is out. Further, we will be going forward with Christmas here on schedule, to include the big family parties with my parents and Mary Anns, which openly and lovingly include Ginger and (prior to this) Child, and if Child misses it we aren't rescheduling. If the extra grandparents choose to get Child gifts I'm not going to interfere, but I know from experience that my mom doesn't usually buy for people that can't make it to the party. She's flat out disgusted with Child to start with, and skipping Christmas will score no points.


Both Ginger and Mary Ann are crushed. We all know it's more stupid immature child than malicious child, but it still hurts yet again. I think it's especially irritating to us because we just popped nearly a grand on a guitar for Child that they refused to buy. We're all feeling pretty unappreciated. Personally, I'm also again flabbergasted that Child would choose them over us. This is actually another excellent example of what I mean. Child is exceptionally musically talented and wants to perform professionally. Child not only sings so well that when we go to karaoke night people hit the dance floor for every performance and even make requests to sing with Child, but Child also plays viola, cello, drums, guitar, and it turns out piano. We only found that out because while I was waiting to pay for the guitar, Child strolled over to the pianos on display and began to play, eventually working out the tune to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" just by ear. Last we knew Child wanted lessons but was refused them based on cost. When I said I'd pay if they would drive, they refused saying it was too far away (It's a ten minute drive). It wasn't only that Child wanted to play, but that the music instructor there and two professionals I checked with here all agreed that knowing how to play the piano helps a person sing better. I don't get it but it seems to be the consensus. A big part of my frustration and anger with them, and actually a big part of my disappointment with Child, is the difference in attitude so clearly demonstrated by them and so completely discounted by Child. If piano lessons would increase Child's skill in what would be a viable career path that Child wants to pursue, then Child NEEDS the opportunity to be provided and it is their responsibility to provide it. Not so long ago when Child resided with us, I didn't base what opportunities were provided based on how much I made, I based how much I had to make (And therefore how much I worked) on what opportunities I needed to provide. I went from a 70 hour week to 85 plus to get that cello. Can Child not see what's going on here? AAAARRRRGGGH!

Concentrate on what I have, right? And one more thing I'm grateful for is that I have this blog. When my head threatens to explode I can scream my fury into the wind here and some caring soul generally points out to me that things aren't so bad. I just wish I could find a way to convince Child to stop self-sabotaging all these dreams I hear touted. It's like watching a train wreck and being unable to help.