Little bit of a stretch

It's been a little bit since I posted I guess!

BB had a great birthday and we just returned from visiting the hubster's parents for his mom's birthday next week. BB had a day off school and we squeezed in a trip picking him up early and missing Friday as well... not the most points for responsible parenting, but I think his mom needed a visit.

She's not doing well mentally because of my father-in-law's Parkinson's and how much it is affecting their lifestyle. Namely, she's in charge of nearly everything and can never leave the house. I don't know how bad it truly is, it's hard to say from hundreds of miles away and a few visits every year, but she's definitely upset. Understandable. 

We've tried to get her out of the house, agreed to pay for a nurse to check on Dad or even have the hubster stay there instead and let her travel ANYWHERE, but Hubs's dad refuses everything we offer to try and help. 

This weekend was a bit of a breakthrough because we got Hubs's dad to agree to try and process some paperwork to get home health care help. That way Mom can get some help with the house and hopefully escape for some retail therapy or something to restore herself. 

It's stressful. The hubs has a sister that lives near their parents, but she wants to move. I'm worried for what the future holds. The hubs cannot handle moving back and I wouldn't want to either, but the thought occurred to me... what if that sister moves? What then? Hubster said himself, big moves can tax elderly people and send them into a downward spiral and financially I don't think moving his folks down here would be feasible. It's just... it's just a what if. And really? I don't think I need to dwell on it. But it's there, and I mentioned it. So that helps a little. 

Anyways. Spring break is coming up and I have a trip planned to go to help out my sister after her surgery in April... but I did just accept an offer of employment to be an office assistant at an insurance claims office. I was SHOCKED when I got the offer call, but I think I'm happy. I mean, after that horrible job I left in December I'm jaded and scarred and a bit scared of any work situation, but I think this will be better than subbing and it helps the Hubs's stress a lot to have a steady stream of income, BUT he says if it isn't feeling good or not working, just quit. So. We shall see. It's a big company with legit HR forces, so I don't suspect I'm going to be faced with another emotionally dangerous narcissistic overlord, but who knows.

Just gotta dip a toe and see what the world is offering me now...

Birthday Incoming & General Update

BB is turning 11 -  E L E V E N ! - this week. It blows my mind. Not just to think how long I've had this blog, but how long it's been since he was born. It doesn't feel like a decade ago. I love the person he is so much. He's sensitive and sweet, smart and insightful but innocent still. He loves reading and art and Minecraft (of course) and LEGO (fun!). 

There are hard things too. He had a breakdown yesterday and has had them before where he gets overwhelmed and can barely speak and cannot enunciate what's wrong. It's difficult, but familiar in a way that I can relate to. His ADHD definitely complicates things sometimes and makes school a lot more challenging. His conference last night was a little sad talking about how hard it is for him to complete his work and turn it in (but his test scores are awesome). The teacher hopes that next year's introduction of letter grades and percentages will help him lock it in and improve those executive functioning skills. After all, you can talk about the future and how things will change and what will need to happen until you're blue in the face and it won't do much until the change is at your doorstop and begins to happen. 

We are having a birthday party at a local fun center where they have games, inflatables, a rink and more. They serve pizza and ice cream to the kids and take care of just about everything, but it still stresses me out trying to keep track of the kiddos for the pizza and for the cake and for the present opening and when their parents come to pick them up... that said, I think it's better for everyone compared to a home birthday. BB went to a party there years ago and it was all over - he has never wanted anything else for his birthday since haha. I'm glad he's happy.

My birthday was two weeks ago and went super well. We had friends (my goddaughter's family) come into town for President's Day weekend and we had some fun adventures and good times. The cake I bought I believe I could've made just as well, so that was a little disappointing, but now I know and it was fun to try a new bakery item out at a local stop. I felt special and grateful. It was a good birthday, and 37 doesn't feel too bad yet.

Three weeks ago I hosted a Galentine's Day party and two people stood us up without any notice or apology. That leaves a little stank on the whole thing, but the party itself was lovely. Everyone really like the bag charm kit and we had fun catching up. These were friends that I met through my last job and while it was a little... bleh talking about my boss and the old job, it was nice to catch up and have some girly social time. 

In other news, I've been doing pretty well since leaving that job I think. I really like being able to help out more around the house, run BB around more, and my stress levels are way down. I do feel a bit bad about not subbing more and bringing in funds. We're not in a tight spot yet, as far as I know, but I have been looking for a steady job as well. I think I'm going to be pretty picky though. I'm already feeling scarred from this last gig, I don't think having another flame out would be good for me.

I've been reading about religions and trying to reorient my own spirituality as we look into a private religious school for BB and the hubster explores on his spiritual journey as well. I'm still in a transitory phase, but at least I'm feeling more.. curious and less desperate. I'm in a transition and I've got to meander through and wait for the journey to unravel. 

Weather in Utah has been warm generally, but we've had some rain lately. Thankfully. Unfortunately the snow has been non-existent to pathetic and sad. The early blooming bulbs are out blooming in the front yard and the tulips and other bulbs are coming up too. It's wild!

Sending good vibes out to y'all.