Wow ... I can't believe I'm about to say this ...

Thank the goddesses for the Wrecking Crew.

No, I didn't have too much green beer, really. I didn't have ANY green beer as a matter of fact.

I have an Alien ...

I don't know which is worse - Aliens or Wrecking Crews. Oh wait, I *do* know which is worse.

And I'm pretty sure you know, too.

*****

Because The Alien's power is still out, I offered to let them use my stove for dinner and the use of the bathtub to bathe the babies. That's the extent of what I'll offer as help. Period.

She knows that she's forever screwed her chances of moving back in here. I've told her that myself more than a few times.

Last night while they're here using my stove to cook their dinner - all the while being bitched at for wasting the day when they could have been resolving their electricity issues with her idiot father - the BF has the audacity to ask if they can spend the night here!

Absolutely freaking not!

They cooked dinner, hung around (didn't do their dishes either) and talked to me or Single Son until I had to kick them out because they were way too loud while Grandson was trying to fall asleep. Little boys need their sleep so they can learn important things in Kindergarten.

No sooner had they left and DIL says "Mom, we need to talk". Oh great ... I know that tone. She's pissed off.

I figured it was because they left after Grandson's bedtime. Boy was I wrong!!

"You know Alien asked me on the phone this morning when we're moving out so she, the BF and the babies can move in. I told her there's no way you'd allow that ... and she said 'well, she won't have a choice. She'll have to deal with it'. "

Deal with what?

It's sure not them moving in here, cause even if I had the room, that just ain't gonna happen. No sirree. Although having the excuse that there's no room with the Wrecking Crew here actually works to my advantage right now.

How sad is that?

It gives Alien time to get settled somewhere, anywhere ... and frees me the stress of having to fight over the whole matter. Now for her to get off her arse and start doing something besides making excuses for why she's not contacted her case worker or anyone else that can help for that matter.

*****

I used to resent the fact that I'd soon be old enough for Senior Housing ... now I'm actually thinking four years is too long of a wait until I'm OLD enough to qualify.

Monday Musings ...

Did I say no drama lately? Why do I do this to myself ... you know ... say it's quiet and dull and then all hell breaks loose. Yup. I did it to myself again ... jinxed myself.

So last week the story was that my Mom was all for the Loser ... after all, he hasn't abandoned Alien or the baby. That I need to ease up on him and give him a little credit ... that maybe he'll get a job. After all, I of all people should know how hard it is to find a job 'round here. That he may not financially support his little family but he sure helps her with the house and the baby.

Then there's today ... Mom called Alien about Alien's birthday party coming up next Sunday. Alien tells Mom she's pregnant. Shit hit the fan. Mom spent a good fifteen minutes chewing Alien out. Big time. He's a loser. She's irresponsible. She'll never be anything with that Loser in her life, and two babies to care for. Who's going to support this baby when they can't afford one child, let alone two. Doesn't she worry he'll beat the baby (babies) the way she has been beaten?

Then Mom calls me. Needless to say the party has been cancelled. Mom said she just can't host anything right now, especially where Alien is concerned.

They live on a lake, and I'm sure she'd be pushing bodies into the water. Mine included. Yes, she's furious with me, too, because Alien is pregnant. Ummmmm ... I'm not too thrilled either, but I sure wasn't responsible for her pregnancy. Geesh.

So ... we'll see how the next few months go. Should prove to be interesting, especially with the holidays coming up. My gift list may shrink down to practically nothing at this rate. Well, besides my kids and grandkids anyway.

*****

On a funny note ... DIL ... always a source of entertainment around the house (and in my blog) posted today on facebook that today was a day of laundry and ironing.

Ironing? She knows how to iron??

Wait!! There's NO iron here ... hasn't been an iron in this house for three or four years. Not since the Gremlin *accidentally* melted some type of plastic to the iron, rendering it useless.

But then, we've long known her talents for *spinning a good yarn* or two ...

Out of the Frying Pan ...

... and into the fire?

Gawd, I hope not ... but once again I'm staying out of it.

Fasten your seatbelts, here we go ...

Got a call from Alien just a bit ago. Didn't blog it at first because I'm trying to figure out exactly what the whole conversation was. She was upset but tried to tell me everything that was happening while barely coming up for a breath!

Loser is out of her life. Yay!! As I'm typing this, he's sitting in the jail just up the street from my house. Nice. He's a neighbor, LOL.

The non-LOL part is that he beat the crap out of my Alien last night.

His best friend was over, now former best friend, as he came to Alien's rescue and defended her, freeing her to call the police.

Loser's a repeat offender, so he'll be there for a while. A month at least. Serves him right.

I'm not sure where this part comes in ... before the fight, if it was the fight, or afterwards sometime, but he claims he's signing off all rights to his son, Butterball. Oh, please, let that be the truth. Let him sign off all rights and any future contact with Alien, Butterball and the little one she's pregnant with.

However, the "into the fire" part ... Alien tells me how wonderful this former best friend of the Loser is, and that he's stepping up to take care of her and the baby (and the one on the way). Both of my sons have met this guy and say he's definitely a step up from the Loser.

I've come to realize that she really is co-dependant ... on about anyone who will allow her to be dependant on them. Sad ... but I can't be worrying about it.

She made her bed, and she has to lay in it now.

It took my mother 78 years to learn to say "I can't solve the worlds problems, nor can I solve yours" and step away. I saw the stress it put her through to worry about things she couldn't control. I sure can't be worrying about things I have no control over. Like an adult Alien.

I just pray this guy really is good for her, and Butterball and my future grandchild.

Funny I should say I can't solve the problems of my kids ... we know what I do for my sons already. Sad that I could have been more of a positive part of Aliens life had she not rebelled and fought everything I tried to do for her ... or what crap Bubba made her believe - that I was mean (read strict) and wouldn't grant her every wish (right, Princess wishes take money - something that even if I had in abundance, I wouldn't grant her - she needs to learn financial responsibility among other responsibilities).

Ah well, that's all water under the bridge.

Hopefully this is one positive baby-step in her life.

Fourth of July

Yesterday was the big annual Lake Orion (pronounced OR-ee-un) fireworks. No street fair as in past years, but we had fun all the same.

The evening started with the Chief's picnic. Lots of good food, great conversation with cops and their family and plenty of activities for the kiddies.

Single Son had to work the event. Married Son and Grandson and I got to hang out for the day. DIL met up with us later.

I had to laugh at Grandson. The little flirt. He made friends with a little girl about his age. They were pretty much inseparable - well that is until her Daddy (cop) left with her. Poor Grandson. Nothing left for him to do except flirt with the older girls (ages eight to about thirteen). Oy, poor Married Son is gonna have his hands full with this one once school starts in September. And .... mean ol' grandma here is thinking "better him than me" ... or "paybacks are a bitch". Take your pick.

And of course, her daddy took her away before I could get a picture of them together. Oh, I have plenty of individual pictures of them. Grandson asked me if he could borrow my camera. He then wandered off to the other side of the Chiefs huge yard and between him and his little sweetie, the both snapped off a lot of pics of each other.

Finally it was off to the park for fireworks. I hear from different sources that it's the second biggest fireworks in Michigan outside of the Detroit/Windsor Freedom Festival fireworks. I believe it, too!! And they were great!! I was able to film the finale, with the fireworks reflecting off the lake, it's just beautiful. Not to toot my own horn, lol, but searching youtube for others who had filmed the fireworks, I have to say mine are about the best I've seen. Something about the fireworks being reflected off the water. Ya know?

Great show. And the traffic was surprisingly manageable afterwards. In years past three hours drive time wasn't unusual (normally it only takes us half an hour to make the same drive). This year, with Married Son driving we were home in about 45 minutes.

The Fourth is also my dad's 79th birthday. When I called to wish Dad a happy birthday and find out the day's plans, Mom had answered the phone. She fills me in that she's not talking to Dad today. I'm not sure what he said to tick her off, but I bet it was a doozey of a cut-down. He's a little too good at those these days. My reaction is to counter his comments, but Mom's not as gutsy as I am. She needs to learn how, or lose her sanity for sure. Anyway ... she's pissed off and says that she's cancelled his birthday plans. Good grief. I'm sure I'll get a call tomorrow to meet them at their favorite restaurant for a birthday dinner.

She gives the phone to Dad. I wish him a happy birthday and we talk about stuff in general. He never once indicated he's in the dog house.

Old farts. God bless 'em both. But at the same time it makes me glad that I'm single. I don't think I could handle what Mom does on a daily basis.

In other news, I just tonight found out I'm going to be a gramma yet again. Care to fathom a guess as to who is pregnant? If you guessed Alien you would be right. And after only having a baby seven months ago. Her story is that the birth control pill failed her. Don't know ... could be. Could be she quit taking it. Seems the Idiot has her convinced they want a large family. The number eight keeps coming up in conversation. Eight kids? Good grief. Be real. This day and age ... unless you're Kate Gosselin or Octomom ... or some other publicity hungry momma, you DO NOT NEED to bring eight kids into this world. Especially when the sperm donor can't hold a job because of his criminal past.

So ... back to the 4th. Here's the link for my Lake Orion Fireworks Finale video. It's only seven minutes in length. The finale starts at about the minute and a half marker. It's the highlighted video, can't miss it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LCM1219

Alien Sightings ...

Yes! The Alien has been spotted. Right here in my own home as a matter of fact!

I was working on the computer when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. I said "come in", fully expecting it to be Single Son. Was I wrong! It was Alien!!

She asked if Married Son was home (see footnote, LOL). He wasn't ... so she asked if that idiot boyfriend of hers could come in the house. I told her absolutely not. That she's welcome, but he will never be able to set foot in this house. She was pissed. Oh well. Not only do I not want him in the house, he cannot come in. He's a felony convict out on parole ... I have weapons in the house. His setting foot in my home is a violation of his parole/probation. He'd be arrested. Damn, maybe I *should* have let him in? Then call the cops. Too late for it to really matter ... but it was a thought!!

So ... she came by to ask me if I wanted to see the first photo of my newest grandchild. Swallowing all the negative feelings I have towards the situation I said "I'd love to".
"Mom, you have the ultrasound picture upside down".
"Oops", flipping it over ... "Wow, it still looks like a blob right now. You sure they didn't take the picture upside down"
"Geesh, Mom. Next time I'll ask them to get the baby to smile first"
"Please do."

We talked for a minute. She was in a hurry to go somewhere, but did want me to see the picture.

I'm sure she probably made up being in a rush, for fear I'd cross examine her about "and how do you think you're going to raise this kid" ... but I'm NOT going to lecture. I'm not going to bitch. I'm not going to do anything. It's too late for lectures or bitching. I don't want her to hate me ... nor do I want to hate her either. And I sure won't form negative feelings toward that innocent child that I just saw an ultrasound photo of.

She did stop and turn around before heading out the door ... "Momma, I love you".

So ... I'm feeling a little better. I've heard her say "I love you". I'm hopeful that we'll be able to work through all this, but I stand in my convictions to not get involved in the finances or housing issues that may arise in the future. Yes, I'll be Gramma ... that's a given ... but I will not be "banker", "landlord", or "assistance giver" in any way shape or form.

(footnote- Long story short ... Married Son was given two years probation a year and a half ago because of salvaging items that were on state property. He can't be around anyone with a criminal record while he's on probation or he's in violation and will end up in jail. He's been the ideal probie and has less than six months to go before he's off probation. Why would he screw it up now because of Alien's idiot fiance?)

Finally Heard From Alien ... Sort Of ...

It starts with a text message on AIM from Single Son asking me to sign onto Skype, that Alien is looking for me. Hmmmm ... I haven't changed my home address, phone numbers or messenger IDs. I'm not hard to find ...

[11:02:46 PM] Alien: Hey
[11:03:01 PM] Me: Hi
[11:03:56 PM] Me: So what's up? Your brother says you're looking for me
[11:04:53 PM] Alien: I was going to see if u had 5 bucks I could barrow til tmrw
[11:05:01 PM] Me: Sorry, I'm broke
[11:05:29 PM] Alien: Okay.
[11:05:41 PM] Alien: THats fine.
[11:05:42 PM] Me: sorry ...
[11:05:46 PM] Alien: Its okay.
[11:06:10 PM] Me: you know how it goes with me ... I never have cash, LOL
[11:06:58 PM] Alien: Lol

Being broke isn't exactly true ... but the not having cash on me is true. Besides ... she needs money she can ask that idiot *fiance* of hers!

Notice how much time passes between that last message and the next one ...

[11:13:19 PM] Alien: Does Grandma and Grandpa know about me yet?
[11:13:44 PM] Me: know about you? what? I haven't heard anything from you yet about what's going on
[11:14:00 PM] Alien: I'm pregnant
[11:14:42 PM] Me: Yeah, and I had to find out thru myspace. I'm not too happy that you couldn't talk to me and let me know. hell of a way to find out, you know?
[11:14:55 PM] Alien: I'm sorry.
[11:15:10 PM] Me: Were you afraid I'd blow up?
[11:15:15 PM] Alien: No
[11:15:39 PM] Me: so why didn't you tell me?
[11:15:49 PM] Alien: Idk
[11:16:13 PM] Me: I don't either.
[11:16:43 PM] Alien: So they don't know about me yet?
[11:16:54 PM] Me: nope. not my place to tell them either
[11:17:07 PM] Alien: When should (J) meet them?
[11:17:44 PM] Me: my initial answer ... never ... but i guess they'll have to. you better tell him how he needs to act around them ...

Another pause ...

[11:21:30 PM] Alien: i already have
[11:21:57 PM] Me: good ...
[11:22:30 PM] Alien: how should i tell them this?
[11:22:43 PM] Me: How ever you think best.
[11:22:50 PM] Alien: ok

Ten minutes have passed since our last exchange of messages. I'm not stressing. I'm not upset. I won't let this get to me. She's determined to grow up ... bad choices and all. All we can do is hope that eventually she'll wise up. Yeah ... she's got the commitment of raising this child for the rest of her life ...

I waited 15 minutes from that last message before I posted:
[11:37:18 PM] Lisa: Guess I head on outta here. Love ya. Niters

So ... I've officially been told. Alright, it was through a Skype Instant Message. I just had a feeling it wouldn't be face to face.

I never got a response before I logged off. I think that's what hurts the most ... being avoided and not being told "I love you, Mom" back. I don't hate her ... I'm not happy with her choices lately, but dammit, I don't hate her.

The Good, Bad and Ugly ...

The Good
Just lately realized Married Son's cat was pregnant by Shiloh before he ran away a while back. She gave birth on Friday to two beautiful and healthy kitties. They're precious. I will *not* be keeping one of them, though. Just don't have the time or money at this point in my life to adopt a new furbaby.

Single Son has taken his Lieutenant's exam. His score was 98%. Now all he has to do is go up before the review board for the promotion to happen. I was joking with him, "great now I have to learn how to spell Lieutenant". He said "easy Mom, L T period" Oy vey.

The Bad
Married Son was taken to the E.R. Friday morning in extreme pain. Turns out it's kidney stones. He'll be fine. You know me ... I can't let an opportunity slide for teasing him ... so I've called him Stoney, a stoner ... and stick and stones (in reference to his skiing into a tree years ago). The best one so far was DIL calling him "Pebbles".

The Ugly
Also Friday ... It's been five months since that whole Alien running away incident. I hadn't heard from her in a while so decided to check her myspace to see if there were any updates there. OMG! I am NOT reading the words "Mommy, I'm Pregnant" in her banner headline. Oh yes I am! Shit ... this is not what I wanted to read, but at the same time it doesn't surprise me in the least. That damned sperm donor of hers does not supervise her ... gave her that freaking car (and $50 a week for "allowance") ... doesn't discipline ... allows her to do what she wants when she wants where she wants ... and makes no rules. She's been seeing a 31 year old ... remember she's ONLY 17, and Bubba never took that damned car away! !! I've begged him to take away the car, her phone and her computer ... but no, one excuse after the other on why he wouldn't take things away or forbid her from seeing him and here we are now. I called him at work on Saturday ... I was livid! He knew about it, he had found out earlier in the week when he saw the doctor's physical exam paper that was needed before she could be put on the pill - at the bottom of the paper it said "pregnant". And he didn't bother to call me! Said he assumed she had already told me. HELLO? WTF did we talk about not last month when I told him (and he agreed) "never assume she's told the other parent, we need to open communications. I'd rather hear something twice than not at all". I went to town on his ass! Something I should have done years ago ... but sadly the damage is done. I guess she's due in November. And from the sounds of it she's going to be marrying that asshole who knocked her up in October when she turns 18. And asshole is putting it mildly ... he's a chronic liar (to the point we believe he's given us a false name), refuses to get a job, is a control freak, vulgar, and the "best" ... he's a convicted felon. What his crime was, I don't know - he's told us three different stories on his crime, but he's got to take monthly drug tests and is on probation for a lot of years to come. He is not allowed in my home (part because I won't let him, part because it's a parole/probation violation for him to be around weapons - Son's a cop, we have weapons in the home), and will actually go back to jail for a long time if he tries (oh, let him try, let him TRY to gain entry). And she thinks this moron is desirable WHY? What type of life will she have with this loser? And that poor baby. My god. She'll be responsible for raising it, and working, and taking care of everything his pathetically lazy ass won't. Including driving him everywhere, I don't know why but he's forbidden from having a license while on probation.

So much for the future she dreamed of not a year ago ... she's even dropped out of school from what I'm gathering.

She is my daughter, she messed up big time ... I will be there for her as her mother, but I will NOT financially support in anyway this decision she's made. I will have nothing to do with him. He needs to support his child ... and he better be man enough to do so.

She's pretty much avoiding everyone ... so all I've been able to gather is from either her myspace page, or her friends myspace pages.

I'm past feeling sick to my stomach today. I'm hurt, shocked, devastated, and disappointed. I have no idea how long it will take for her to face up to her actions and contact me. I'm guessing it'll be weeks yet.

I'd really like to go into hiding myself at this point in time. But we know that ain't gonna happen. I face my responsibilities ... I'll hide after the semester ends. Hopefully.

Buried under a pile of books ...

Yup, school's back in session! I'm buried under a pile of books once again. And loving it.

Yesterday was my first day of my interpersonal communications class. Gonna be a fun class, that's for sure. This teacher had a new twist on the introduce yourself *game*. We moved our desks into a huge circle and played a party game ... "We're having an imaginary picnic and you're invited" ... Give your first name and the name of something starting with the first letter of your first name that you're going to bring to our party ... BUT before you do, you have to go down the line, starting with the first person, what they're bringing, and then add your item. There are about thirty in the class ... I sat half way from the starting point. That's a lot of names I'd have to remember, LOL!

I looked at the teacher who was seated next to me and said, "you've got to be kidding. I'm lucky if I remember my own kids names ... and I'm gonna remember 18 names before mine?" He laughed. "Yup, I bet you can do it, but I'll allow notes. You just have to try first without looking at them". Funny thing is, I DID IT!! I didn't have to refer to my notes at all. Of course, there was a room full of *coaches* willing to help everyone that got stuck on names.

After our break it was right down to business. We did a few exercises in communication ... and listened to a power point presentation. Assigned homework. He let the class out early. It's funny, we all sort of lingered in the courtyard and got to know each other better after class. Like I said, this is gonna be a fun class. Close-knit ...

On the Alien front ... Day three of school and all is well on the transportation front. There was no discussion about how she'd get to school. The girls had agreed to meet 45 minutes early at the gas station on the corner for a cup of coffee, then they'd walk to the shuttle bus together.

And yes, I allow  my daughter to have caffeine. She seems to do better in school when her brain is bouncing all over the place. Go figure. Her teachers love her already, she's got a quick mind - and a quick wit. Her history teacher is a comedian wanna-be and just loves that someone catches on to even the subtlest of his jokes. She even correctly answered his questions during discussion time. So far so good ... I just hope her enthusiasm for school (and the shuttle bus) continue.

Me ... well, it's back to homework. I have class from six to ten tonight and still need to finish homework for tomorrow's 9 AM class. I'm sure not coming home late and finishing homework before I try to sleep.

I'll be catching up with everyone's blogs hopefully tomorrow after class.

Photos as promised ...

Finally got photos taken. They're not the best, but they'll do. LOL. I'll ask my Photoshop teacher tomorrow if she can snap a few of me. After all, she's also a professional photographer.. Hehe ...

Enjoy ... LOL!

Valentine's Day ... Part TWO

I'm proud of myself!!! With all the support and love I've recieved today it was easier for me to deal with the day. Thank you all!!! Focused strictly on the good ... anytime a sad thought tried to enter my mind I wouldn't allow it.

So, I did go to get my hair cut. I love it!!!! Alien went with me ... she got hers cut, too. Wow, what a difference.

I didn't stop for candy to bring to class afterwards. Only because Alien's hair cut blew my budget. But that's fine. Her haircut was my Valentine's Gift to her. Good thing I didn't bring candy anyway. Teacher brought enough to put everyone into a diabetic coma!! LOL! I only had one mini twix bar.

So ... I barely walked into the classroom and Teacher blurts out "OMG, I just LOVE your hair!! It makes you look ten years younger." Then she went into a "not that you don't already look young for your age" stammer ... I thanked her, laughing ... telling her she better quit while she was behind. Had a good laugh over that!

Now I'm debating coloring it. The stylist, Alien, Teacher and two fellow classmates all mentioned a good coloring would really knock off a few more years.

So ... here's the new 'do ...

And this is Alien before her haircut ...

And ... Alien after the haircut ...

She'll be dying her hair jet black over the weekend while she's at her Dad's house. She'll add blue or red hair gel to give it some additional color. Can't wait to see how it looks!!!! And yes, I'll be taking pictures!!

I'll be catching up with ya'll tonight and tomorrow ... HUGS!!!!!

Potholes ... Potholes ... Everywhere ...

Michiganders know we have only two seasons - Construction and Pothole. And the potholes started *blooming* early this year!!

I picked Alien up from school so we could run up to the *maul* today (can we tell I absolutely hate shopping). For the first time since she got her learner's license she's *not* wanted to drive. Little did I know she's terrified of potholes!

And potholes we hit!! One hand on the wheel, the other on my incision. And yes, I *did* try to avoid them. The ones I hit were all pretty much road width!!

Once again, I turned it into a learning experience for Alien.

I asked her "what's the first thing you do after hitting a big pothole"?

"Check your rear-view mirror to see if your wheels are laying in the street"?

Not the answer I was looking for. I couldn't help to laugh though. Made prefect sense to me. Especially after the pothole we'd just hit.

Anyway, the answer I was looking for was "let go of the steering wheel. If the car veers left or right then you've got a blown-out tire."

I so wish I'd taken my camera with me. Between the huge snow piles and the potholes there'd have been a million photo opportunities.

Speaking of the *maul*, we went to Alien's favorite store - Hot Topics. She tried to talk me into getting my belly button peirced!! Hello?? I just had hernia surgery there. You think for a minute I'm gonna have some punk looking kid come at me with the peircing tool? Think again!!

Other than that, not much going on. Survived the trip to the maul, survived man-eatting potholes, even survived the doctor's appointment the other day (when he gave me an antibiotic shot - boy did that sucka hurt). May have to go in for a second antibiotic shot if this doesn't start showing signs of improvement and quick. I did notice today, that one of the side effects of one of my meds is the *reduced ability to fight off infection* - great, that's probably what caused this mess in the first place.

Teenagers ... GEESH!!

Parents of young children ... take this as a warning!!!!

I had a banking delemna today. Somehow I'd overlooked entering a small check in my check register. Going online to check my bank statement today I noticed the oversight. Thankfully. I had an outstanding check, but once the check had been deposited by the person I wrote it to, it'd have bounced. I managed to make it to the bank in time with a deposit and save my arse.

Enter Alien ...
I pick her up from school today. She wants to go shopping. I tell her we can't, that I'm broke. I also tend to over exagurate things ... so I told her I scraped up all the spare change I had. Told her I needed to rob my emergency stash of only a nickel. But that I'm officially broke until Friday. LOL.

She looks at me with all the seriousness she can muster and says ... "Tickle your pickle for a nickel." LMAO!!! Could you see me going up to a stranger, asking for his spare change? Hell no ... and probably *not* like that either. Well, if he's real cute ... maybe ...

We're still laughing ...

Aliens, geesh ...

My daughter is on myspace.

So, today she's bored to tears and filing out a multiple question survey thing. You know the ones, we've all filled 'em out.

She gets to a question that she just busts out laughing.

The question was ... "What would you do if you found a dinosaur egg" ...

Her answer??

"Wonder if my mom was pregnant".

BRAT!!

Dinosaur egg ... I'll dinosaur egg her!!