My niece finally moved out. This makes me both ecstatic and a little bit sad. Ecstatic because I have my house to myself again. I can pee with the door open, move around without wondering if I am disturbing the resident in my basement, and leave my house without worrying if there will be a drug deal or a robbery (or worse) at my house. I have reason to believe she acquired a gun so the potential certainly existed for some shady shenanigans.
However, I really wanted to be the person who turned my niece around. The hero. The person she remembered to have been the only one who believed in her when everybody else abandoned her. The one she thanked, years from now, when she was somewhat successful because of the guidelines I set up for her when she came here.
.........The one that would visit me in the nursing home when I have nobody left...........
Not all bad came of this, though. She did get a job which is a big step. Whether or not she'll keep the job remains to be seen, but at least she is a productive member of society for the time being. She seems to be be free from shooting up (though I think she is using synthetics). The vial of liquid turned out to be........water (though I don't doubt her mom would have lied for her).
And the manner in which she left my house was not confrontational or difficult. It was a mutual decision once she got her job in Cloquet. She can't drive; therefore, getting to and from her job would have proved quite challenging. Plus, I kept the invitation open of visiting me on weekends or whenever.
At any rate, I am happier, considerably less stressed, and am embracing my ability to pee with the door open.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Jesus Gets Another Kitty (and Other Short Stories From Behind the Locked Door)
A few years ago, a coworker with a dark sense of humor retired. Her dream following retirement was to write a short book and title it "Jesus Gets Another Kitty" since so many of the kids we see have maimed so many kittens. Its not uncommon to hear about how a kid nuked a cat in the microwave or have otherwise tortured the poor souls.
When this coworker retired, I had a crazy notion to help her get started on her book, and I had a head full of ideas about some of the illustrations. My problem: I can't draw. Therefore, I enlisted the help of my friend, Amy, to draw the ideas that were circulating in my head. She captured them purrfectly.....uh, perfectly.
Enjoy the visual experience of Jesus Gets Another Kitty (title by Annie, Ideas by me, illustrations by Amy).......
When this coworker retired, I had a crazy notion to help her get started on her book, and I had a head full of ideas about some of the illustrations. My problem: I can't draw. Therefore, I enlisted the help of my friend, Amy, to draw the ideas that were circulating in my head. She captured them purrfectly.....uh, perfectly.
Enjoy the visual experience of Jesus Gets Another Kitty (title by Annie, Ideas by me, illustrations by Amy).......
 |
The Cover. Here we see Jesus with his new unfortunate feline......    |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A Rehash
As we embark on the year 2012, I thought I'd revisit the the same questions I answered last year as a way to reflect on this past year. So Here Goes...
What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
It may seem quite small to most, but in 2011, I tried new food. Mock Duck, Tofu, and Sushi all passed by these lips, over my tongue, and down my throat only to land into my tummy, and well, I think you know the rest. Tofu and Mock Duck were alright, but the Sushi nearly gagged me.
Did You keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't usually make New Years Resolutions, and I didn't exactly make a resolution last New Year either; however, I DID resolve to make healthier changes, which I accomplished! Since June of 2011, I embarked on a healthy quest, and as a result, have lost 20 pounds. I'm very proud of that, and plan to continue on that journey into 2012.
Did anyone close to you die?
Though he wasn't "close" to me, per se, my Uncle Jack did pass away early in 2011. He lived his life in a group home as a result of a tragic car accident that left him brain damaged at the age of 15. At his memorial service, it was clear how many lives Jack touched. One group home staff in particular shared how Jack was instrumental in changing his personal life. From Jack, he learned about having a positive attitude, humor, and appreciating a simple cup of coffee. I'm certain Jack is surrounded by coffee, pancakes and beautiful girls wherever he may be.
Also passing away was my dear friend's mom, Paulette. Paulette was my buddy at all of the Birthday celebrations that my friend Olivia hosted. Since I don't have kids, I was always kind of at a loss to socialize with all the other mothers, so I hung around Paulette who was so good at making me feel welcomed and important.
What countries did you visit?
I'm not much of a world traveler, but I did venture out to Michigan this year in search of pod-like hot springs. Though the pods weren't what we expected, the trip itself exceeded our expectations. The Porcupine Mountains, the cute town of Houghton, and the best trip buddy a person could ask for made for one swell vacation. Perhaps a trip to the Southwest in 2012 is on our agenda?
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience and Tolerance.
What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I was with my friend when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since that is her story, I won't go into details, but when she was diagnosed, it was almost as though I was diagnosed along with her.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Changing my hair style. After having the exact same hair for decades, I updated my tresses. Though it isn't a drastic change, its just more modern. Not sure that an updated hairdo qualifies as an achievement, but it is actually something I have wanted to do for many years so I will count it.
Another big achievement was my healthy lifestyle change and 20 pound weight loss. No small feat let me tell ya!
What was your biggest failure?
Not stepping up to the plate more. There were times I could have done more to help out all those who were struggling with their own trials, and I instead avoided a phone call or a request to babysit. To quote Oprah, "When you know better, you do better". Now I know better.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did not, but seems like 2011 was the year of sickness. So many friends and coworkers were sick this past year. Not just flu sick, but like really sick. Then, of course, there was my mom's illness which was a very scary time. Thankfully all of those we were sick are on the road to a much healthier 2012!
What was the best thing you bought?
An IPhone!! Finally I ventured into the Technology Age and got myself an IPhone. The funny story is that I bought myself an IPhone as a gift to a friend. (I would have got the phone anyway, but it made for a fun Christmas gift!) That and new underwear ;)
Whose behavior merited celebration?
So many people.....let's see. A friend and coworker who took in 2 young children to her already large family, a friend who maintained a positive attitude and a sense of humor while undergoing chemotherapy, and a another friend who was the epitome of strength for her family when her mom lost her battle with cancer.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I guess that has to be my niece. Though she is attempting to make a better life for herself, her behavior this past year really was appalling. Drugs, sex, DUI's, unemployed, and unschooled. With the right opportunity, I am hopeful all (or most) of that will change in the upcoming year.
Where did most of your money go?
I shared a lot of money this year. And Saved the rest.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Michigan. Beyond that I AM really really really excited about seeing those I love healthy next year!
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I would have helped my friend more when she was struggling to find a balance between caring for her ill mom and her two young children. Though I did help out, I just wish I had done more.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get?
IPhone!
What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery, but I guess you gotta play in order to win, huh?
What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
It may seem quite small to most, but in 2011, I tried new food. Mock Duck, Tofu, and Sushi all passed by these lips, over my tongue, and down my throat only to land into my tummy, and well, I think you know the rest. Tofu and Mock Duck were alright, but the Sushi nearly gagged me.
Did You keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't usually make New Years Resolutions, and I didn't exactly make a resolution last New Year either; however, I DID resolve to make healthier changes, which I accomplished! Since June of 2011, I embarked on a healthy quest, and as a result, have lost 20 pounds. I'm very proud of that, and plan to continue on that journey into 2012.
Did anyone close to you die?
Though he wasn't "close" to me, per se, my Uncle Jack did pass away early in 2011. He lived his life in a group home as a result of a tragic car accident that left him brain damaged at the age of 15. At his memorial service, it was clear how many lives Jack touched. One group home staff in particular shared how Jack was instrumental in changing his personal life. From Jack, he learned about having a positive attitude, humor, and appreciating a simple cup of coffee. I'm certain Jack is surrounded by coffee, pancakes and beautiful girls wherever he may be.
Also passing away was my dear friend's mom, Paulette. Paulette was my buddy at all of the Birthday celebrations that my friend Olivia hosted. Since I don't have kids, I was always kind of at a loss to socialize with all the other mothers, so I hung around Paulette who was so good at making me feel welcomed and important.
What countries did you visit?
I'm not much of a world traveler, but I did venture out to Michigan this year in search of pod-like hot springs. Though the pods weren't what we expected, the trip itself exceeded our expectations. The Porcupine Mountains, the cute town of Houghton, and the best trip buddy a person could ask for made for one swell vacation. Perhaps a trip to the Southwest in 2012 is on our agenda?
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Patience and Tolerance.
What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I was with my friend when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since that is her story, I won't go into details, but when she was diagnosed, it was almost as though I was diagnosed along with her.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Changing my hair style. After having the exact same hair for decades, I updated my tresses. Though it isn't a drastic change, its just more modern. Not sure that an updated hairdo qualifies as an achievement, but it is actually something I have wanted to do for many years so I will count it.
Another big achievement was my healthy lifestyle change and 20 pound weight loss. No small feat let me tell ya!
What was your biggest failure?
Not stepping up to the plate more. There were times I could have done more to help out all those who were struggling with their own trials, and I instead avoided a phone call or a request to babysit. To quote Oprah, "When you know better, you do better". Now I know better.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did not, but seems like 2011 was the year of sickness. So many friends and coworkers were sick this past year. Not just flu sick, but like really sick. Then, of course, there was my mom's illness which was a very scary time. Thankfully all of those we were sick are on the road to a much healthier 2012!
What was the best thing you bought?
An IPhone!! Finally I ventured into the Technology Age and got myself an IPhone. The funny story is that I bought myself an IPhone as a gift to a friend. (I would have got the phone anyway, but it made for a fun Christmas gift!) That and new underwear ;)
Whose behavior merited celebration?
So many people.....let's see. A friend and coworker who took in 2 young children to her already large family, a friend who maintained a positive attitude and a sense of humor while undergoing chemotherapy, and a another friend who was the epitome of strength for her family when her mom lost her battle with cancer.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I guess that has to be my niece. Though she is attempting to make a better life for herself, her behavior this past year really was appalling. Drugs, sex, DUI's, unemployed, and unschooled. With the right opportunity, I am hopeful all (or most) of that will change in the upcoming year.
Where did most of your money go?
I shared a lot of money this year. And Saved the rest.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Michigan. Beyond that I AM really really really excited about seeing those I love healthy next year!
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I would have helped my friend more when she was struggling to find a balance between caring for her ill mom and her two young children. Though I did help out, I just wish I had done more.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get?
IPhone!
What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery, but I guess you gotta play in order to win, huh?
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