what the hell do you do with beets?

If you haven't already, do not rest until you have watched the pilot episode of Glee. It won't be on until the Fall, but seriously just beautiful. Since Scrubs has completely jumped the shark (and they are threatening to come back for another season. They will ruin this show come hell or high water), this will completely take it's place. 90% hilarious, and 10% poignant. And the pilot ends with them singing Journey, so you know this bitch is loving it.

Warren gives kisses these days, which is pretty much the sweetest thing ever. And then he says "thank you." It makes me giggle every time. Also, he's still obsessed with shoes. Mostly high heels, but in a pinch flip flops will do. He carries them all over the house trying to put every shoe on everyone who'll sit still. Creepy? A little. But what little kid isn't a little creepy?

Cory has himself a girlfriend. We've met her a couple of times. She's cute, seems nice, but she's a... vegetarian. She's not even militant, but whenever I spend time with a veg. I'm just certain I'm being judged. Also, I hate having to limit what I cook for dinner. I have a hard enough time making food that we all enjoy, now I have that limitation too? Well, maybe we just won't invite her for dinner. It's kind of funny watching Cory be a total teenager for once. Yesterday, he was on the phone with her from 3:00 pm until after 8. He's so adult and poised all the time, I forget he's still a teenager. And so I get to play big sister and torture him constantly, making awkward condom remarks whenever he's on the phone. I didn't get to do that with my own little brother (bugger never let on when he was dating anyone), so now I'm visiting this on Cory. I'm a horrible person.

Oh, and I have a question for you? How do you like to prepare fresh beets? I've never cooked with them at all, and my CSA box was full of beets last week. So, any suggestions? Please? I'm at a loss.

Right, I swear I'll get back into a regular posting schedule. I've got a million things to say, I just never find the time and motivation concurrently.

Shuffling Along

So, I have some awesome new work projects that are fun. They also validate that the company owner likes me enough that I'm fairly sure she's not planning on firing me in the near future. So, that feels nice.

Cory seems to be enjoying his Manny gig, and Warren's digging it. Seems like it works for the time being. They really enjoy each other, and I love how Warren's developing these days. I like to think all of Cory's goodness and hilarity are rubbing off on the wee sprite.

Christian seems to enjoy his job. Frankly, I don't know if it's the job he likes, or if he's just so relieved to have one he would never dare think anything bad. But he and Cory get to be buddies, and do their guy stuff together. Friday night they'll be going to the Kings game, and I'll be home drinking liquor and watching horrible tv. A delightful time for all.

Right. Off to bed. Have a lovely day, y'all!

I hate being sick.

Whew, ridiculously whirlwindy weekend. Saturday I tried to tidy up the house a little, then hit the Farmer's Market with sister Jenn (after a brief impromptu visit from Friend Jen), ran a few errands, got home in time to get ready to go to our Cioppino Party! (If you haven't had Cioppino, it's a fish stew that was created by Italian fisherman in San Francisco. Whatever fish and shellfish they didn't sell was all thrown into a pot. Heavenly.)
Sunday we were up early and loaded up to drive around Sacramento all day. The whole family ended up coming too, with the exception of Kat. So, hours of driving around Sacramento and we mainly know where we DON'T want to live. But at least we've gotten a better idea of the neighborhoods and general layout of the area.

And now I'm back at work with maybe 4 hours worth of work to keep me occupied for the next 9 work days. BRUTAL. I hear that my current company is notorious for escorting folks out of the building within a day or two of notice being given. I just keep crossing my fingers and hoping that'll happen for me! Because you know what I could totally be doing with my time? Finding an apartment, packing up the entire house and moving. But just because I'd like for that to happnen means it probably won't and they'll spend the next week and a half torturing me. Sheesh.

Poor HR lady asked for an exit interview. And I also know that for a reference check, all she's legally allowed to say are the dates I worked here. For an actual reference I'll be using my boss, so I really don't have much to lose here. Clearly, I'll keep it professional, but I think I'd like to actual stick it to a few people. We'll see how it comes out. Might be cathartic anyway.

Warren had his first cold this weekend, complete with fever. Poor kiddo couldn't have been feeling very good, but I'll be darned if he showed it. I don't know how I got such a happy, content little baby, but I'm so not about to complain. But, I was totally THAT mom this weekend. You know, the mom who runs around with a pocket full of used tissues? Yeah. Unpleasant. And now, I have the stupid cold. Bah. I do so love being sick. Oh wait, no I don't. I'm a whiny, obnoxious brat everytime I so much as sneeze. Again, Xtian's a lucky man.

Think that's it for now. Oh, let's see... I don't think Cory reads this, so we're safe. Cory's birthday is Monday and I'd like to get him an eye exam and some new glasses. Kid doesn't have insurance, so we're looking at the cheapo methods. I've thought of Lenscrafters and Costco. Anyone else know of any cheap vision places?

Oh, and not to embarrass Cory or anything, but I have to vent about MIL for a moment. Cory was just barely 18 when he came to live with us. He had a pair of glasses he was using to see the TV, computer screen or anything further away than his hands. Then Crazy MIL started calling and demanding her glasses back. Yeah, this broad didn't provide prescription eyewear for her own son to be able to SEE, so he'd snagged hers as he hurriedly packed his things when she kicked him out on Christmas Eve.

As someone who is freaking blind without corrective vision, I think this constitutes child abuse. Being able to SEE is so basic and denying your kid that just proves what a nutjob she is. Even if you can't afford it, there are programs to get your kid some glasses. Schools will pay for it in California. This was just another way of controlling his universe and it makes me unbelievably pissed off.

Here's the thing. As a parent, everyone tries to give their kids the best things they can. And while not everyone can give their children luxuries (like name brand clothing, or even braces to fix crooked teeth), Vision is not a luxury. Food is not a luxury. Seasonally appropriate clothing isn't a luxury. These are necessities. If you can't provide them for your children, there are programs to help you provide them for your children. If you refuse these programs and force your children to go without, you probably shouldn't have children anymore. I know, not everyone likes asking for help. And if it's just you, you're allowed that option. But the second your own pride/selfishness/insanity forces your children to go without those things you have stopped being a good parent, and instead are neglecting your childrens basic needs.

Ok, I think I'm done and I hope I haven't overstepped on Cory's feelings. He's such a neat kid and I'm so glad he's in our home and in our family. I just adore him and I hope he's happy with us.