Where We Stand

This lull in activity that I continue to wait for is apparently still a ways off. I don't know what, in particular, makes me think that it even exists. I keep feeling like we're supposed to get back to some kind of ideal, where everything is mellow, and variance from the norm is rare. Stella Mae even made mention of it the other day. We were talking about how we used to rush home after laundry night, so we could see The Simpsons at 7 pm. (Of course, The Simpsons have been on at 6 pm for years now, to give you an idea of what we're talking about.) She made a comment about how she used to have to shower at 7:30 pm, and now it's more like “Whenever she has time.” That remark caught me a little off guard, as I said “No, you're shower time is 9 pm.” She was talking about a time when she was around 6 years old. She's about to be 15! It's still time to shower about a half hour before our night-time routine. The only real thing that has changed is her bedtime, and the amount of things that can be gotten done before it. In her defense, I will say that now she may shower earlier if she wants, and, on occasion, she may shower in the morning, if it suits the needs of all the parties involved. I found it odd that in my mind, we still have a “routine,” and in her mind she does as she pleases. I'm not sure if that's a symptom of being a teenager, or part of the larger plot seemingly at hand. The plot being that life does not go back. Lull is only accompanied by inactivity, which, as with all things, can only be handled in moderation. Progress is not a symptom of inactivity, it is antithetical to it.

I guess, as I think about it, as I write this, the last statement I made was not entirely true. Sometimes taking a break from something, can offer you a valuable perspective. A perspective you may not have gotten while fully immersed in the situation. Down time is important to our recovery. We need time to reflect, we need time to rejuvenate, we need time to relax! It's part of the Yang. However, I have, at this time, come to the conclusion that this ethereal idea that I have of going back to some imagined “norm” has to be put to bed. We have to push forward, in order to get things done. Things have to keep getting more complex in order for progress to be made, I see that now. But a break would be nice. And, I'm happy to say, one is coming. I mentioned my parents going overboard with the gifts this past Holiday Season. Well, now they've done it. They have invited the 3 of us on a cruise to Alaska. I can hardly believe it. It seems to be exactly what the doctor ordered. A road trip up to San Francisco, then sailing to Glacier Bay for a week or so. Two weeks of nothing but scenery, family, fun, food, games, drinks, and brand new experiences. I can't wait! I'm especially happy for Susan. I've been on a cruise before, I've sailed the world. Stella Mae gets to travel quite a bit, she just got back from Europe! But Susan hasn't ever gotten to do anything like this. I'm so happy to get to share it with her, she is truly an appreciative person. Plus getting to see the glaciers before they, well you know. This will be so cool!

Things look like they're going pretty good. All things considered. As I mentioned last time, my guitar player and I went and checked out a really cool venue. Just to let you know, we ended up getting a gig out of it. April 26^th! I can't wait. It's at the Butcher Brewery in Santee. It is a totally cool place. Great beer, and a big warehouse with picnic tables and mood lighting. Imagine if you were at your friends huge garage, who just also happened to be a Master Brewer. That's where we're playing! Plus, they're getting a food truck. Are you kidding me!? I can't wait, it should be such a good time. On a sadder note, we went to Susan's Grandmother's Funeral last week. I find it fairly off-putting that the word Funeral, with all it stands for, starts off with the word Fun. It certainly wasn't fun. I could not believe how few people were there. Although it was 5 more than I expected. When I first met Susan her Grandfather passed, and even though he was not biologically related to any of them, people came out of the word work to pay him respects. Respects to which they would not give their own Mother. I'm baffled. No one seems to know really what happened, although they all have their own theory. I just can't comprehend a situation more appropriate for setting your differences aside. It has really got me thinking about how important it is for us to be totally honest with each other at all times, so that in the unfortunate circumstance that something does happen, everyone knows where we stand with them.

Daughn