A fraction of an update

So the birthday has passed and was pretty good as those things go.

s thought she'd be able to visit but the gods had other plans. i'm doing my best to roll with it and so is she... commendably in fact. V came over and treated me to coffee and a Starbucks gift card. Does she know me or what?! #1 got me the coolest sweater jacket (complete with cat toys), and M treated me to some major league relaxing. The next day T gave me tix to see The Lion King. Yay musicals! And my sisters sent a really cool sweater (sent from K in MD).

i'm working again - almost more than i had bargained for and it's good. Working retail but having fun and working alongside some cool people. Of course had i known my back and tootsies were going to be this sore i'd've reconsidered... but not much. i needed work and i have work. In MI's economy it's a miraculous blessing. The remainder of the lesson here is that i need to take care of myself in order to make this work out. All in all not a bad thing to learn.

Regarding #1's enlistment and impending departure: i am finding that the strangest things ambush* my heart. Like Thursday night at chant group when we were singing "Everything will be all right". i had to drop out for a few measures and just be comforted by the words until i could sing them again. Half way home from chant group when i looked over and found her fast asleep next to me in the oddest position, mouth open, crooked in a pretzel... my heartstrings couldn't find it in them to laugh. i know how much i will miss those moments.

Musically though, Christmas music is a big culprit on the ambush scale. The Crosby/Bowie duet "Silent Night/Peace on Earth" has already snuck up on me once or twice. And i dread hearing that sappy "Soldier's Silent Night" on the radio this year. Normally it gets to me. This year, when i know so many parents whose children are "boots in the sand", it'll be a total wipe out. And i don't even like the song!!!

Also on the sniff-meter is #2's decision to forego Winter Camp in favor of being around during #1's last weekend home. In his words: "Let's see mom... Going to camp to see people i will see in a few months at Summer Camp, or being with my sister for the last decent time for the next 4 years?! I think my sister wins." Oh, major proud mom sniff. i of course was calm (bonus point) and said, "ok cool". Inside i was doing the mom version of the touchdown dance!!! :)

Life may continue to change, but if this is any measure, i am proud of the choices i have made when it comes to my kids. They're good people.

So that's the skinny (chortle) on just a couple of fronts from here. More... when there's more!

*Oh, and thanks to Deb for the "ambush" term. It's perfect.