It’s the day after Christmas and I was reminded yesterday that I needed to post an update to let ya’ll know what’s been going on here a casa Johnson.  Let’s see…the Christmas decorations are history, mom had them down and packed before I even stumbled out of bed today.  A testimonial to how ambivalent we have been toward the holiday season this year at the casa.  It’s just the three of us so we tend to purchase everything we want during the year which leaves nothing on the gift list left to get.  So our holiday focus seems to be more on what we are going to be eating rather than what’s under the tree.

This year we decided to start a new tradition of having homemade pizza for Christmas dinner.  The boy didn’t want the traditional meal of baked coca cola ham, mashed ‘taters and various other accompaniments.  Oh, and pie, can’t forget the pies.  Usually pecan or cherry, but this year..nada.  Anyway, back to the pizza, we went a little overboard on toppings and cheese and we didn’t get the hamburger completely drained but other than that it was great.  The sucker had to have weighed at least 5 lbs., we even bought a new round pan made especially for pizza, its got these nifty holes all around so the crust gets done.  I thought it was good, unfortunately, the other two didn’t agree.  Oh, well, next year it’s back to our good ole stand-bys.

Still unemployed, still broke, still grateful that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table.  Though, I have to confess that I am starting to panic a wee bit about finding a job.  I have applied everywhere and have not heard anything, no email, no letters, no nothing.  I just think that is so rude, at least acknowledge that I applied, even it is to tell me that I am a pathetic loser that you wouldn’t hire on a bet.  Not that I am a pathetic loser, well not usually anyway…lol.

I am definitely looking forward to a new year, hopefully a new city and a new job would be good too.  I’m a demanding bitch I know. I blame it on the snow, we had a heck of a storm blow through on Christmas eve, blizzard like conditions that left us with around 3-4 inches on the ground and more expected in the next couple of days.  It’s gonna take us forever to dig our way out.

end trans (watched Jumping Jack Flash last night…it was a blast, blast, blast!)

Where did the time go?  I swear that it was only yesterday that my son’s newborn face became the most vivid memory of my life, one that will remain framed and mounted on the mantle of my mind.  He was so small, so fragile and yet strong enough to completely change my life.  I remember how his head would rest in the palm of my hand with his feet barely touching the bend of my elbow.  My little man, 6 lb. 19 oz. of pure sweetness.

Now fast forward 15 years…

My not so little man now stands before the bathroom mirror, slathering on shaving cream with determined strokes.  He has managed to get it everywhere; the lobes of his ears, the middle of his forehead and even on the back of his neck.  A brand spanking new razor sits perched on the sink ready to be put to use.  Then, with a deep breath and subtle squaring of his shoulders he picks up his shiny new razor and makes the first stroke with surprising confidence.    Now a long slow exhalation when nothing started to bleed, another stroke more sure this time and another.  Each stroke revealing again that beautiful face, so different but still so much the same.

As I stood in the doorway watching him take another step closer to adulthood I suddenly realized that this little ritual heralded the beginning of his journey into a life that didn’t include “Mommy” in the same way as it has in the past.  And while my heart aches at the thought, I am filled with a sense of rightness, a deep sense of pride at the wonderful young man he has become.

Kat

You appeared from the hazy days of my past
Bringing alive memories of lush pleasure and paralyzing pain
Of strawberry flavored bubble gum dreams that didn’t last
Bitingly sweet almost forgotten emotions
Half buried by the sediment of another life
Reminding me of who I was and who I want to be, Danke schön

Finally!  We have successfully moved to our new digs.  New job, new home, new everything…It has been a roller coaster ride around here.  I will be posting more now that I am connected again so beware!

Kim Harrison’s new book comes out tomorrow!!!!!!  Dang it has been quite the wait on this one…can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait!!!!

For the Family – Jeran started school last week and is doing well.  Mom sends her love. 

In loving memory of Aunt Alta…you were always a light in the darkness, a safe haven for us gypsies to return to time and again, you will be greatly missed.  I cannot express in words how much you meant to me so I will only stand in silent gratitude that I was privileged enough to experience your strength and loving guidance over the years.  Love you.

Okay…I know I shouldn’t whine but dang 2008 is not starting out well for me. The last few days have made me want to crawl into bed and pray that I sleep this year away. First off…my parental unit totaled my car, which was paid for, almost got herself killed in the process and feels so guilty that it makes me feel guilty about being slightly upset about having to buy a new car. I know, I know…bad daughter. I know the only thing that matters is that no one was badly hurt and I am certainly grateful about that, however, now I am in somewhat of a pickle. No car, a whopping $106.00 dollar ticket (yes it was her fault) and a $260.00 tow bill and higher insurance have officially eaten my lunch. (Yeah, yeah! Suck it up…what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger)…<Sigh>I hear ya tiny voice in my head. Oh, damn…now I’m hearing voices…I sooo cannot afford therapy right now. Well tomorrow will be a different day. Blessings to all. I’m off to bed, maybe I’ll see ya’ll next year.