Congrats on the apartment, Shir!

The school of science here just sent out an email to all the faculty, looking for people who'll judge an undergrad research exhibition. I thought, "I could do that -- it could be fun, and it'll look good on my CV." Then I looked at the date. It's Rosh Hashanah. Seriously, people? Does anybody actually look at that list the university sends out at the beginning of the semester that lists holidays when you shouldn't schedule things?

No comments since this morning? Where is everyone?

I survived the first week of classes. I caught a cold, but that's probably to be expected. I've got way too many students, but so far, they seem to be understanding the material and asking good questions. A few grade-grubbers so far, but at least they've identified themselves early. And all of my classrooms have moveable desks (not the kind bolted to the floor) and a ton of blackboard space, so that's good.

I stayed up too late last night and then I looked at tumblr until I went to therapy.

Where I cried. This seems to be a theme. I did bring up my body image issues and after the appointment I made one for the psychiatrist so we can try going off the Lithium. And I also asked about the nutrionist, trying to figure out of pocket costs. But the office manager said, that the nurse practioner could do that under medical coding and that she's not under my insurance but the practice is working (or fighting really) with the insurance to get her added. The insurance company keeps saying they cant' find the contract.

Which made me feel 1000% better because they are actually advocating for me and that feels huge right now.

And then I had a late lunch/early dinner with Will.

I also called Mom and while I haven't cleaned per se, I did put 5 things in my To Get Rid of Pile and those may go to Goodwill tomorrow.

David, I hope Emmett located well, and that Matilda found that solace.

He did! He loves it there and has tremendous fun. Matilda went up to see him after exactly one week away and left without tears, so...We're learning how the new thing works.

Matilda went up to see him after exactly one week away and left without tears, so...We're learning how the new thing works.

Poor thing--a week? She's lucky he didn't go farther!

I am in the midst of packing. At the moment, there is one load of laundry in the dryer (containing various things I will be bringing, along with other random stuff). All the other things I am bringing are spread across my bed, except a couple things sitting next to me right now that I'll bring upstairs when I get off this computer. ...hoping this all works. Can't figure out what to bring--some forecasts say sunny and 72 (which to me is quite warm), others say raining and 50 (which is very Seattle), but means I can't figure out whether to lean more towards short sleeves and sandals, or long sleeves and boots. I'm going with long sleeves and sandals as the compromise, basically. Because boots weigh too much.

There is also a dog that sounds like it's a couple houses down maybe, that is barking and whining incessantly. I feel bad for it, but it's 12:40AM--there's gotta be people who are cursing that puppy. Not sure if it's a new puppy or newly left at home or what--I (luckily) don't remember hearing it before.

I'm doing a lot more reading than posting. Waving hi!

Things in Otter Lake are calm and peaceful for the most part. I had over 2 years of grime and who knows what to clean up. Some ceiling panels had come down and insulation and whatever to clean. Repaired the hole in the roof where the chimney was removed and lots of chimney pebbles to clean. I have 5 of 7 rooms kinda done. Just the porch and one of the bedrooms to go through. That was a once over lightly. Don't know if a thorough cleaning is in the cards. I'll be here another month so we'll see.

My mom is doing okay. Her heart issues keep her energy level very low. Memory is clearly slipping too, and she gets super pissy if you try and contradict her. She walks in careful baby steps with cane and someone's arm for the most part because she is so afraid of falling. For the most part she is doing okay and enjoying her family.

One dilemma with her has presented itself. My brother fathered a child when he was a teen. He has children with 3 women. His first 2 sons with 2 different women are both named after him (and my father), and his first son also has a son named after him, so we have 5 J.I.M.s in the family. Makes it confusing. My mom was horrified and more than upset with the pregnancy in his teens. He wanted to marry and she refused to sign. She had previously caught the girl in the house and had thrown her out and told her never to come back, and went and told her parents about it. This was completely unacceptable behavior to her.

Well, fast forward 42 years. #1 son is now a happy and successful businessman, married for 16 years, with a 14 year old son. And he wants to know the family he never knew in his youth. He discussed it with his brother with the same name; they have known each other for decades. So he met his cousin and they had a nice visit and he wants to meet the rest of us and of course his 93 yo grandmother. The rest of us have all friended he and his wife on FB and all want to meet. My mother, not so much.

When first approached she said it reminded her of a terrible time in her life and she wasn't up to meeting him. Then she had some curiosity so I showed her pictures of the family. Then she did another reversal and says she never knew about this child, and who was his mother, and why didn't she know this before. Says she needs to get used to the idea of another grandchild, and great grandchild.

My sister and I have 2 theories. One, she has blocked it from her memory in a selective memory kind of fashion. And of course her memory isn't quite what it was. The second theory is that she never told my step-father about this child because of her deep shame about her failure as a mother that her son was so immoral. (she always believes it is her fault when we are depraved) And by 'not knowing' about this before she can tell step-dad about it like we have just sprung this news on her.

Anyway, it is a mess. We can't push her at all about it because her heart issues are really serious and getting her upset is very very bad. And I feel really bad for my nephew because he is so sweet and sincere and just wants to know his family. His wife has said to me that they understand if she doesn't want to meet them, but that just makes me feel worse!

Then nephew says he understands and maybe she doesn't want to meet them because his wife is black. Which has nothing to do with it as my mom hasn't a bigoted notion in her head. Our family is like the united nations. Then I feel bad that he might think that.

So my sister and I are going to go spend time with him anyway and hope that mom comes around. Soon.

Short version... Families!

It's great that you and your sister will get to spend some time with him, Laura.

Just like usual for the first week of the semester, I got a cold, and now I'm coughing too much to do any of the stuff I'd planned to do this weekend.

Ugh seems pretty messy, Laura. Your mother has family around her year 'round, yes? But on the other hand this nephew sounds pretty together. I'm glad you'll get to meet him.

Any birthing~ma you can spare, my friends could use it. Remember when I was asking about baby shower gift ideas a few weeks back (went with Zoo membership, and they love the idea). Well, V has been in labor since about 4pm board time FRIDAY! Oy. Dunno details. But texting with hubby, and it sounds like at least another 4-6 hours! Poor V!

So sad about your mom, but yay new nephew and getting to meet the rest of the family, I guess?