Friday, October 3, 2008

Kittens and Horses

One might wonder why, with all the responsibilities that I have at home, I would lobby so hard to get two kittens, in the face of such opposition, and the answer is clear to me - for the kids. A&N wanted to have pets so badly, and one of the excuses why we held out was we wanted to wait until we had a house. Either way, being at home all the time, having pets keeps kids more rooted at home, and time at home becomes more enjoyable. Like Kate said, pets bring so much joy to everyone's lives, including R, who is a cat lover.

I'm a dog person, but I must admit that I love these cats, and I can't imagine having to deal with the responsibilities of a dog. Not right now, thank you. It's been a wonderful time, even though the cats drive us crazy late at night, they are cute and infinitely entertaining. And they are nice and love the kids, very patient. It's been good.

We went riding yesterday and N for the first time showed an interest in riding, pointing out the horse that he'd like to ride IF he did in fact ride. A good first step, and we'll see if he comes around. A had a great day riding, DJ heaped on the praise on how quickly she's learning, and A was beaming. I think she's a natural, at least that's what I'd like to think. Whatever be the case, she's enjoying it, and looks forward to it. That's all we need for now.

As I mentioned, we went to see the play two days ago and I sealed my place in the SK hall of shame, but such is life. It was just a reminder that I can't live up to her expectations, and maybe it was just meant to be. I did see some of the UVH moms, J and T, and they were very nice and cordial, and opened the door to returning to the group. Not sure if the kids would be up for it, but there are some classes I think they would like. And the social thing is not a bad thing.

I was also the shameless, insecure writer and fell into the tiresome act of self-promotion, justifying it by wanting to generate more traffic. As if. Anway, I went out of my way to show AM my work, thinking that it would somehow magically transform my life or change the way she sees me (as if I even wanted this). If there was anything to say in my defence, she is an amazingly nosy person, and as I was checking my email she literally stood there and stared at the screen, with absolutely no concept of what she was doing, so I figured if she was going to read my emails, I might as well show her something towards self-promotion. No excuses, shame on me, but she could back off a little. Anyway, I don't get a sense she will ever read my stuff, so maybe no harm, no foul.

The question is, if a blog is never read, does it even exist? Of course it does, for the blogger.

We took GLs car in for an oil change and there was a problem, they couldn't get the filter on and he said it was a problem with the engine casing/mount, and I should have it checked out. He gave me the oil for free, I felt bad, but at least the oil is changed. I'll have to tell GL about it. We also went to Lebabon Pet Store to get a covered litter box, and wouldn't you know it, they were sold out. How could that be? I got a bigger box, either way, and I think it'll work better, and then had the brilliant notion to build our own cover. It could work, you never know.

Had to jump through hoops to get our homeschooling paperwork to the state, and we still don't know if it's all in order, but nonetheless, I think we get credit for turning it in. It's all a learning experience. The people at the office, Karen and Sharon, have been very nice and very helpful, so I'm grateful for that. I've found state workers, at least Vermont state workers, are so much nice and so much more helpful than US government workers. Why is that?

I've been neglecting my writing, at least for the places I like to write, mainly PS. I am beginning to wonder if they hate me for my neglect, but no matter. You do what you gotta do, and I've got issues to confront at home that take precedence over my glorious freelance career. Now begins the long and laborious road to writing queries and seeking out interesting publications. Wish me luck.

I spoke to a good friend of mine, or former friend whom I haven't spoken with in years. We used to be former party buddies, he was one of my best friends in high school, LH. Apparently he's been through some rough times, got divorced and is now scraping by, but he's lived the male porno fantasy for the past several years. I.e., good looking women, multiple partners, and a profusion of cocaine. He's very good looking and very manly, so the women go nuts for him. As he told me his tales of sexual conquests, however, there seemed to be a bit of a sad tone to it all. LH a great guy, decent and true, so even though things seem to be going well on the surface, he's got a bikini model fiance much younger than him, he's rid of his bitch wife, somehow I came away from it a little depressed, and felt his life so distant from mine. Maybe because he's got a family and he's been doing so many drugs. Whatever be the case, I couldn't relate, and can't imagine anything getting between me and my family. I have to count myself lucky in that way.

I never for a moment take that for granted, and that's what helps me keep going, even when I'm down on the ground.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.

2 comments:

BookChook said...

Just wanted to let you know that your blog is read, so it definitely exists! I so admire you for homeschooling (which is how I found you, google alert). Being a writer, too, I hope you resolve your travel with kids blog.

Susan

phredude said...

Hi Susan, I know this is getting to you way late, but thanks for reading and thanks for commenting. It means the world to a neophyte blogger and I hope this response gets to you. Best of luck with the writing. The beauty of the internet is that if you want to be a writer, you can be a writer. Just do it, right? Thanks again and take care.