Stuck & Grumpy

I have been stuck about what to post lately. I've had a few ideas, but I'm finding myself a little grumpy and so I didn't want to be such a drag. Sigh....so I'll recap a few tidbits of the past week. Sorry...it might be long or boring. Or both.

21 weeks: Hard to believe we are this far, but we are. And, as excited as I am, I have been miserable too. Sore. Sick. Out of breath. Blah blah blah and see below.

Texas Turd: This is a new phrase in our house. Admittedly, I have plugged the toilet a few times recently. Yes, I'm quite embarrassed to post that. But last night, I flooded the toilet in the master bath. Water ran through the floor to kitchen below. A perplexed Mr. W came to my rescue and grabbed the mop out of my hand just in time for the gag reflex. I reminded him there are 3 of us using my facilities. Then I went to cry.

Lesson in Parenting: A few nights ago number 1 nephew phoned. At 2:30 in the frigging morning. I've mentioned him before. He just started his first post-college broadcasting gig for a news station in an adjacent state. At first I thought he was just shooting the shit with Mr. W (who answered). I was peeved. It was the middle of the night. I know he gets off work late, but the rest of us don't. Then Mr. W passed me the phone. I say hello and nephew says "hey" all chipper, then starts to cry. He is homesick. He hates his new city. Hates his job. Doesn't know what to do. I suggest he could quit and deal with the consequences (he is under contract). He could come home more for visits. (It's a 6 hour drive and he's not making enough for lots of plane tickets yet). I tell him it will get better and give him some suggestions for ways to cope with the change. He calms down a bit, says he wants to come by and visit soon. We hang up and I lay awake all night thinking about this kid. And then I scope out his face.book page the next morning to see what else is up. And herein lies the lesson, although I haven't quite deciphered what it is yet. Nephew called US. Not his dad (Mr. W's brother) or his wacko mom (they're divorced). So how do you keep from fucqing your kids up in the head? There is a reason he didn't call his own parents. I don't want my kids to have that reason.

Politics: I avoid this one in my blog but I am pissed beyond belief. Our state just voted in 2 outrageous tax bills this week. They affect only 3% of the population, but we are snagged in them both. On top of that, the Bush tax cuts expire at the end of this year, and our city put a tax in place last year on people in my profession. By the end of this year, we will have a 10% increase in our income tax. This has made me grumpy. Mr. W wants to move but there is no way we will sell our house. The thing that pisses me off the most is it's not about the money. It's about the way it's being managed, and the way politicians and voters have singled out certain groups of people.

Happy Thoughts: After all of this, I thought it appropriate to end on a happy note. My childhood friend I mentioned awhile back is having her transfer tomorrow. I am so excited and hopeful for her. She has had a smooth cycle and I hope it continues. Happy, sticky thoughts to you, my dear!