File Under: The Sacrifices We Make For Our Kids

Tonight, I have my first paying gig. No, I'm not playing tambourine in a band, although, I used to wish I was Tracey Partridge, because she got to play tambourine in the family band, but, that is neither here, nor there.

My paying gig is as a photographer.

That's right; I have sold out.

I said I would never do it, but, mama's got bills to pay.

And, by bills, I mean that I am saving for a trip to Hawaii next Spring Break, because; the Man-Cub has it in his head that he wants to go to college in Hawaii, to study to be a marine biologist. Yes, my totally land-locked, mountain-loving, skiing freak of a son wants to make a career out of the ocean.

Insert shocked face emoji, here.

Anyhoo, I am totally supportive of my child and, I want him to have a chance to visit the college that he hopes to eventually attend (after two years in-state to get his general requirements done, because, while he has a dream, he is also a planner and he realizes that this is the most cost-effective way to get the job done. What can I say? I have raised a couple of really intelligent kids, despite myself), so; I am prostituting my photographic skills for the next year or so to pay for a trip.

Tonight: 8th grade continuation.

Tomorrow? Senior pictures, family pictures, you-name-it, I guess I'm doing it.

I know he'll appreciate it, because I also somehow managed to raise kind and grateful kids, and, you can't put a price on that.

Today I Am Going to Talk About Boobs and Birds. As One Does

I had my annual mammogram today, and, I have to say; I was a little bit miffed when the radiologist failed to recognize me. I mean, I'm there every year, how could she forget me? And, ok, she probably does at least eight mammograms a day, possibly more, but, still, I recognized her.

Hmmph.

Next year, I am going to put a temporary tattoo of something that won't be easily forgotten right across my boobs. I'm leaning toward Hilary on the left and The Donald on the right. Let's see her try to get that image out of her mind. Bet she remembers me in 2018.

Now, about those birds...

Harper Lee might want to step it up with the regurgitated worms; her babies are crying. Also, those are faces that only a mother could love. I hope they grow out of their awkward adolescence and into beautiful young birds, because right now, ewww.

We Have Babies!

Allow me to introduce the newest residents of the porch:

Scout, Jem, Dill, and Boo Radley.

All four appear to be in good health, although, I was very careful not to get close enough to contaminate them with my humanity, so, I suppose there could be a runt in the litter. I haven't discovered a body outside of the nest, so, I think it's all good.

I'm a little bummed that I missed the actual hatching, but, I'll recover. Now, I am breathlessly awaiting the young-uns flying the nest, which, in bird-time, could happen any day now.

They grow up so fast.

So, This Happened

Hugh and I spent the night in a Walmart parking lot in our RV. I can now scratch that item off my Redneck Bucket List, because, it's never happening again. I mean, is it great that it's free and available to people who might find themselves with nowhere else to park their giant home on wheels when they are making a long trip? Absolutely. Is it comfortable? No. Quiet? Hell, no. Is there a possibility that you may wake up surrounded by migrant workers who use the parking lot to meet in at dark 0'thirty in the morning? Apparently, so.

Anyhoodle. Been there, done that, would have bought the t-shirt, if it existed.

Anyway, the overnight was not the highlight of the trip. That would be a toss-up between dinner and a movie prior to retiring for the night (Outback Steakhouse and Mother's Day, the movie, in a theater that featured the most amazing reclining seats), the baseball game the following day, and, the beauty of the ride home. I can't pick between them, so I'll just be grateful that we had the opportunities to experience all three.

The game, while the boys lost, was still a good one. And, now that baseball season is officially over, these kids can relax a bit. Or, you know, start spending every waking minute either in the gym, lifting weights and conditioning for football season, or, attending one of the numerous basketball, football, and baseball camps that they are planning on this summer.

I wish I had half their energy.

Although, if this picture is any indication, even the most energetic kid eventually needs to recharge.

He missed a hell of a picturesque ride home, though.

And, that was the majority of our weekend. Today, I am doing laundry, catching up on the deposits at the store, and, oh, yeah...planting a garden.

Yep.

I caved.

Please say a little prayer that this year's garden actually grows; I don't think my spirit could take another gardening failure.

Friday Favorites: Random, Like, Whoa! Edition

The nest on my porch continues to delight me. Today, I watched (what I am assuming is) the baby daddy (whom I have now named Atticus Finch) bring Harper Lee her lunch; I couldn't tell what it was, but Harper Lee seemed to enjoy it. I hope the eggs don't hatch while we are away this weekend; I would hate to miss the birth(s).

Speaking of birds, the hummers are back for the season. I set out my feeders a couple of weeks ago, and they are finally starting to see some action. I'm thinking about adding a third feeder, but, that would put me dangerously close to Crazy Bird Lady territory, so, I will probably refrain.

On a completely different topic (see above title: random), QB texted yesterday to let me know that she had sailed through her finals and is going to end the semester with great grades. I am so proud of that kid. It's also nice to see her this happy and relaxed, she didn't have that going for her last year.

The weather has been beautiful the past two days, sunny with not a drop of rain. The rains of the past month-and-a-half did, however, do wonders for the apple trees and lilac bushes; I haven't seen so many blooms in years. Plus, this means that the local fruit will be both plentiful and cheap this summer. Win-win.

Also, while I love, love, love lilacs, they tend to not play nice with my allergies. This year, with the way the trees are blooming, I would have expected to be a headachey, sniffling, sneezing, gummy-eyed mess. But! I discovered Flonase this year and I haven't had a single problem. It's been life-altering. Ok, not really, but, it is nice to be able to walk past a lilac bush without losing the ability to breathe.

Flonase for the win.

Another product that I am loving right now is the dry shampoo by Bed Head.

Since I started coloring my hair, it has become less than ideal to wash my hair every day (the salon trips are too expensive to just wash the dye away), so, I am going at least a day between shampoos, if not two days. When I go two days, I still need a little something to freshen my roots and this stuff works great. I also like a dry shampoo in the Not Your Mother's brand line.

As I mentioned last week, I purchased a set of Alex and Ani birthstone bangles for myself for Mother's Day. I love the Alex and Ani line and am looking forward to adding to my collection as special occasions arise.

And, that's about it for Friday Favorites. I am waiting for Hugh to get home so that we can set out for the Front Range in the old RV. Hopefully, this time next week, I'll be able to say that sleeping in the parking lot of the Hellmouth has become a favorite pastime of mine.

I'm kidding.

Sort of.

That Which Does Not Kill Us, Makes Us Stronger, Suposedly

I recently started working out again, and, it's become clear to me that, the older I get, the harder it is to get in shape. And, ok, I've only been working out for a week, but, still; I used to be past the soreness and able to complete a full workout (using proper form, I might add) by now. I guess I'll just have to cut myself some slack.

With the return of exercise has come eating better, which means no sugar or soda. I was doing pretty well on that front, until yesterday, when I got a migraine at work -right in the middle of a supervision meeting with my supervisor-and had to break down and drink a diet soda to rush the caffeine into my brain, along with my sumatriptan. The really sad part of that story is that I had to bum the soda off my supervisor and it was Diet Coke, which tastes like ass.

Once the distortion in my vision had passed, I went to an emergency appointment with a new masseuse, who concentrated on the back of my neck, right at the base of my skull, which, felt like sex. Or, like eating an ice cream cone on a hot day. It was nice, is what I'm saying.

I then booked a full-body massage with my usual masseuse next week, because, if I'm going to be in this much pain from trying to do something good for my health, I might as well indulge in a good rub-down; it's not as comforting and tossing back a handful of M&Ms, but, I guess it will have to do.

Yeah, Still Nervous About the Heat

So, momma bird, whom I have officially christened Harper Lee, seems to have no problem with the bulb positioned directly underneath her nest; she settled in before the lights came on...

...and seemed pretty darn comfy when they did.

So, I'm going to give Harper Lee the benefit of the doubt and trust that the warmth from the bulb won't slowly cook her offspring to death before they can even be born.

I'm sure she appreciates my faith in her.

In news unrelated to Harper Lee, today we received news that the boys did, in fact, earn a seed in the upcoming District tournament. This means that we will be traveling to the Front Range this weekend to cheer the boys on. Hugh has convinced me to make the trip in the RV. I agreed to the idea on the condition that we overnight in a Walmart parking lot; just to be able to say that, once upon a time, we went full-on redneck.

I'm not sure he thinks I'm serious, but, I am.

Oh, yes. I am.