Think it will snow?

Well! I finished Eyre Affair, and it was a good time. Grant got his tooth fixed, and come to find out, his 6-year molar is coming in right next to it, which may have contributed to the filling coming out. Abbie had fun on her actual birthday, with pork ramen with egg and kielbasa for dinner, and now is happily awaiting her Birthday Tea Party. She actually calls it her Halloween Birthday sometimes.

Grant had a really bad few days, but I think yesterday took care of a lot of it. Grant is more independent than Abbie, in a physical sense. He doesn't crawl into my lab the way she does. Usually, since it was his idea to be that way, he doesn't mind. Lately, though, it has occurred to him that because of this, she gets more hugs. So he was angry at her. But I think now that we all know what is going on, we can get back to only fighting about things that are happening, not ones that have happened. It's a distasteful part of parenting, but fights will and do happen. No sense planning your day without them. Well, I guess you can if you only have one child. But two? Forget it.

My dad had his surgery yesterday. As for that part, all went well. Mom called before she was admitted to see him, so I guess I can assume by her silence that things are still going on schedule. His dad had some issues with anesthesia, so I was sort of expecting to hear that he had a little bit of weirdness, but if he did, Mom sure didn't let me know. I expect to hear again from them late in the afternoon today, when Dad arrives back home.

When we were at the dentist's office, a cute little old couple came to smile at the kids while I read to them. Why is it that people have become so creeped out by other people, that only the appearance of small children can allow them to be friendly to each other without suspicion? It's sad. I still, on occasion, have the impulse to randomly compliment someone, but....

Josh met with the St. Louis County police department yesterday morning. He filled his application out wrong. I thought that this first impression of, "Woops! Not so great at following directions, am I?" would be a problem, and was already mentally scratching this scenario off my list, but when I came home from taiko, Josh was awake and told me more. They told him they would try to get him hired, and then pay him while he was at the academy. Hmm. This is quite different. If it is true, and if it actually happens, I could live with that. No more weekend job - just strenuous training and probably homework for the 6 months of training, then a job that is waiting. You know....if it happens. But then, he would be a cop in St. Louis County. It's a long commute, and it's probably one of the least safe parts of the state for police work. Damn it! Why did I have to go and like him so much? But at least he'd be a good guy. I always prefer the good guys. Like I said, I could live with that. The other? Not sure. I told him we'd have to do some serious talking if this didn't work out.

My house smells like ham cooking. Pretty not bad, if you ask me. And if we get snowed in, we won't starve. Yay!

I should have taken Motrin before bed, but I didn't. I'm very sore. My back started to go before practice was over, but it was the tired and sore "go" not the one that involves muscle spasms and 3 days of recovery. Really, I am very lucky and doing well. Kinda. I feel like I got hit by a bus today. I would love to go back to bed. What do you suppose the odds are that the kids would be okay with that? After all, they've had their peanut butter and jelly. Who am I kidding?

WHOA! I almost forgot that Miss Penny is going to be here tomorrow to do some assessments on Abbie. See how far I've come from being all worried about what she has to say? Hee! Abbie is a tough case. Willful, insistent, violently affectionate, dangerously appealing with the whole dimple smile thing, stubborn, intelligent, secretive..... Well, and loyal, but vindictive. Whether she cooperates on this little test or not is not going to be up to me or Penny. But somehow, I am starting to be confident that in the year of Grant's kindergarten I will somehow be able to nurture Abbie's finer points (of which she has many, I assure you) and perhaps subdue and eradicate some of her less pleasant ones.

Have I ever mentioned that I am fond of all the taiko members? Pretty great, for such a large number of people! It's true, some are not designed for closeness, but I since I don't require it, there isn't really a problem. I have some degree of affection for all of them. With one exception. I don't even include him, mentally, in the group at all. Sadly, it is no secret that I find his company distasteful. If I thought he would be around so much, I never would have mentioned my dislike. But how can such a person make himself liked, really? He is egotistical. He may smile while he says it, and frame his statements as if he were merely a friendly guy, offering constructive criticism in an environment of camaraderie, but in his mind he is convinced of his own superiority, and he little considers the feelings of others when he attacks them behind their backs to their own friends. And he expects so much as due to him, I have to wonder at his economic background. Well, he is not around this week, and I am not lamenting his absence.

Here is what made me think of him, though. Someone mentioned not much enjoying the company of another person who I have met. It was easy to understand. This man is very intelligent, but somehow never quite understands other people when talking, and frequently takes things the wrong way. Often he begins arguing with people who don't really even disagree with him. He claims to have a sarcastic sense of humor, but doesn't catch anyone else's sarcasm, and looks down on people who don't understand his. But I find that if you go into a conversation knowing that you will have to be very clear and careful in your choice of words, he is not impossible even to entertain. His girlfriend has eyes for none but he, and in such situations it is wise to have a workable relationship with both parties if you want to keep the one you originally had.

So, I was wondering to myself why it is that I tolerate one of these men easily and one of them reluctantly. I value considerate people, but really neither can fit into the category. Neither is more evil than the other. Both cause discomfort. Both have their difficulties and annoy by negligence but not intent (I think). I still can look at the descriptions and have the same preference....but why? Is it about me that can't bear the egotism? And why, then, do I not have anything against Andrew, who also is egotistical? (Checking.......Nope. Like him fine.) It must relate, I think, to gratitude. The man I don't like is so above everyone that he sees no need for gratitude. The man I can bear does have that quality. Mostly, he's grateful for his girlfriend, but it's there. That will have to do as an explanation until I come up with something else.

Do you find it weird that I was an active member of an Anime club? (And Tylar, I already know your answer, but you can give it anyway, if you want.) Of course I am bringing it up because I have, once again, shocked someone. True, I don't exactly fit the usual description.....but do I need to? Just because I still have other pursuits and don't like to dress up like a giant Mokona on weekends doesn't mean I don't enjoy a little Escaflowne now and then. Lately, Josh and I have been watching Code Geass, and I don't notice anything having contaminated our appearances yet.

I've ordered a pair of bacci. I feel like such a big kid!

I'm getting sore sitting here, so I am going to hunt up some painkillers. Hope you have a happy day today. If you are around here, hope your pantries are stocked up in case we really do get some snow.

Happy Wednesday, all!