I went to a Seder last night. A friend of mine who's a Quaker, invited me to one at her church. A woman who's a member of her church is a Jew turned Christian and she hosted a Seder as a get to know other religious ceremonies and for more knowledge for Christians about what is now Passover.
In my quest to become Jewish, my friend asked me along because she thought I would think it would be interesting and it was.
We had a chance to sample the ceremonial foods served at a Seder and the presenter explained what they all meant. That was cool. I liked learning what it all means, the whys and whatnots behind it all.
The other thing that I thought was amazing and actually gave me goosebumps was the fact that last night was actually Passover. If we look at our calendars, it says it's today but the start of the Jewish Passover began at sundown last night, like most Jewish holidays. So last night, all over the world, in homes and at tables, all over the world, people were gathered together and shared the same story, the same foods, said the same prayers and sang the same songs. I had chills just thinking of that, of how powerful that is.
It was awe-inspiring to think that people of nations who believe the same thing went through the same ritual. It's not a simple, small thing, but it involves so many steps. I thought that was amazing and moving.
I'd love to have a chance to go to a Seder in someone's home and go through not only the ceremony but then stay for the family meals and celebration that comes after the ceremonial Seder traditions.
It was educational and fun, and powerful.
Maggie
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Trite but true
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consist." ~ whomever
I hate fighting with ITSam.
I hate fighting with ITSam.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Random Sunday thoughts
I've been dreaming of buying new clothes. I even think I finally have achieved a professional look I want to carry on. So now, if I could get some money I'd go shopping. I love trousers and with heels, and blouses with cardigans and either necklaces or scarves.
Mac wants to see Arthur. I hated the first one and just do not like Russel Brand. Has anyone seen it and thinks it's worth taking him to see?
I discovered that if I open my blogger dashboard using Microsoft Explorer as my browser and I write and publish a blog post, there are no spaces where I hit the enter key to signify paragraphs. It makes the post one huge, giant paragraph. Another reason I hate Explorer.
I had a fight with ITSam yesterday- long story- and am considering ending this romance. XRayGIrl said if we were married would it be worth divorcing over and it just might. Anyway, when I get up this morning my computer and my wireless won't work. Is that a sign? I hate signs.
And then Mac came downstairs and before I could even open my mouth to ask him if he knew how to fix the computer, he held up one finger and said, "Mom, hold that thought. I'll fix it after I pee" and he did. Ha- to hell with signs!
I have a headache in the same spot, over and over again. I either have a tumor, lots of stress or need new glasses. The last time I had new glasses was in summer 2008. Might be about time to have the specs checked, eh?
Because we have summer school, I actually don't have the entire summer off like most people who work in education. I do, however, get three weeks to take at my choosing. If I am wise, I can use 13 of those days, the 4th of July holiday, and 8 hours of comp. time and be off from July 1- 24 which will feel pretty good to me. I'm saving 2 of those days to take Mac to college on Aug. 19-20.
I'm not sure I even want to get dressed and leave the house today. I have a good book and I need to do laundry. I want to make some cards with Daddy-O. I have food laid out for dinner. I'm thinking I might just be a worthless layabout for the day.
Speaking of card making, ever since I did the workshop at lunch with the kids at school, I've been making cards at home with Daddy-O. It's tons of fun. I really like it. There's even a card making workshop I want to go to in Northern Civilization. (SisIL you'll be hearing from me on this!)
And finally, please pray for me, send me good luck, go a dance, chant, rub Buddha, whatever you do because I applied for a job at the local prison. One of the Universities in my state has a program so inmates can earn college degrees. They actually staff an office at the prison and it has an opening. The administrative assistant there fills the role of secretary, registrar, financial aid liaison, and admissions reps. While you all know I LOVE working at the library, I need a full time job. With health benefits. I need MONEY. I'm hoping that with my brother's connection (he knows this guy because my Bro works at the prison and Bro told me about the job) and my ability to usually interview well., I'll be made an offer. Please please please.
That's it for the Sunday ramblings.
Maggie
Mac wants to see Arthur. I hated the first one and just do not like Russel Brand. Has anyone seen it and thinks it's worth taking him to see?
I discovered that if I open my blogger dashboard using Microsoft Explorer as my browser and I write and publish a blog post, there are no spaces where I hit the enter key to signify paragraphs. It makes the post one huge, giant paragraph. Another reason I hate Explorer.
I had a fight with ITSam yesterday- long story- and am considering ending this romance. XRayGIrl said if we were married would it be worth divorcing over and it just might. Anyway, when I get up this morning my computer and my wireless won't work. Is that a sign? I hate signs.
And then Mac came downstairs and before I could even open my mouth to ask him if he knew how to fix the computer, he held up one finger and said, "Mom, hold that thought. I'll fix it after I pee" and he did. Ha- to hell with signs!
I have a headache in the same spot, over and over again. I either have a tumor, lots of stress or need new glasses. The last time I had new glasses was in summer 2008. Might be about time to have the specs checked, eh?
Because we have summer school, I actually don't have the entire summer off like most people who work in education. I do, however, get three weeks to take at my choosing. If I am wise, I can use 13 of those days, the 4th of July holiday, and 8 hours of comp. time and be off from July 1- 24 which will feel pretty good to me. I'm saving 2 of those days to take Mac to college on Aug. 19-20.
I'm not sure I even want to get dressed and leave the house today. I have a good book and I need to do laundry. I want to make some cards with Daddy-O. I have food laid out for dinner. I'm thinking I might just be a worthless layabout for the day.
Speaking of card making, ever since I did the workshop at lunch with the kids at school, I've been making cards at home with Daddy-O. It's tons of fun. I really like it. There's even a card making workshop I want to go to in Northern Civilization. (SisIL you'll be hearing from me on this!)
And finally, please pray for me, send me good luck, go a dance, chant, rub Buddha, whatever you do because I applied for a job at the local prison. One of the Universities in my state has a program so inmates can earn college degrees. They actually staff an office at the prison and it has an opening. The administrative assistant there fills the role of secretary, registrar, financial aid liaison, and admissions reps. While you all know I LOVE working at the library, I need a full time job. With health benefits. I need MONEY. I'm hoping that with my brother's connection (he knows this guy because my Bro works at the prison and Bro told me about the job) and my ability to usually interview well., I'll be made an offer. Please please please.
That's it for the Sunday ramblings.
Maggie
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Money Money Money
Monday
I found out that I made a mistake in who gets to claim Mac on taxes this year. Yes, I do realize that Mac's SD should not get to claim him ever, at all, BUT to change this, I would have to hire an attorney and go to court. This costs, up front, a retainer of $3000. If I had $3k I wouldn't need the tax return now, would I? So, my accountant called and said when she submitted my taxes, my return bounced back (my expression, not hers) because someone had already claimed Mac. I was pissed.
So I called the fucktard SD and he wasn't home. I was stranded at work so I just called the clerk's office at the courthouse and got someone I knew. I asked if she would PLEASE read through my divorce decree and see who gets to claim him in even years. Apparently, to make a long story short, when I moved to the Wild West if changed the years and when I moved back it changed the years.
The long and the short of it, 2010 was SD's year to claim Mac so it was my error. The accountant re-did my taxes and re-submitted them.
Did I mention that I thought I would be receiving my tax return THIS WEEK because I thought it was filed weeks ago? It was a "communication" error on why it didn't happen, so this was a shocker to know not only was I not getting my return this week, my taxes weren't even filed yet!
Thursday:
I find out I have to pay the balance on Mac's cap and gown by the end of the month or he won't have one to wear. He told me that today.
I have to pay the balance of his senior trip by the end of the month or he can't go and we loose the deposit. He told me that today.
Did I mention I have to pay for Mac's yearbook by Wednesday or he won't get one? He told me that today.
We also got the financial aid information from another college Mac was considering and they came in $5000 less than the other school. So that one's out! (Even with student loans!)
Friday:
I went to the bank today and had no pay check deposited. None. I was supposed to be paid at 12:01am this morning since I have auto deposit. No cash. I went it and it had not been posted. I called the central office and there was an error with the school's bank and the money didn't get posted to the Federal Reserve in a timely manner so most of the banks won't have out money until tomorrow at the earliest, and Monday at the latest. And if we want money today, the central office would cut a partial check to us but take it out of our pay checks at the END of the month, rather than now.
I have bills coming out of my account tomorrow, auto-withdraws! Thankfully my little state tax return landed there today which will cover that stuff.
Oh, and my accountant called and told me my federal taxes were filed. Because I'm NOT claiming Mac this year, I'm getting back $3300 LESS than the original quote. So much for his college deposit, and paying off all my bills AND getting Mac his Orange MacBook Pro for a graduation gift.
Oh yes, his college deposit is due at the end of the month.
Good grief!
Mags
I found out that I made a mistake in who gets to claim Mac on taxes this year. Yes, I do realize that Mac's SD should not get to claim him ever, at all, BUT to change this, I would have to hire an attorney and go to court. This costs, up front, a retainer of $3000. If I had $3k I wouldn't need the tax return now, would I? So, my accountant called and said when she submitted my taxes, my return bounced back (my expression, not hers) because someone had already claimed Mac. I was pissed.
So I called the fucktard SD and he wasn't home. I was stranded at work so I just called the clerk's office at the courthouse and got someone I knew. I asked if she would PLEASE read through my divorce decree and see who gets to claim him in even years. Apparently, to make a long story short, when I moved to the Wild West if changed the years and when I moved back it changed the years.
The long and the short of it, 2010 was SD's year to claim Mac so it was my error. The accountant re-did my taxes and re-submitted them.
Did I mention that I thought I would be receiving my tax return THIS WEEK because I thought it was filed weeks ago? It was a "communication" error on why it didn't happen, so this was a shocker to know not only was I not getting my return this week, my taxes weren't even filed yet!
Thursday:
I find out I have to pay the balance on Mac's cap and gown by the end of the month or he won't have one to wear. He told me that today.
I have to pay the balance of his senior trip by the end of the month or he can't go and we loose the deposit. He told me that today.
Did I mention I have to pay for Mac's yearbook by Wednesday or he won't get one? He told me that today.
We also got the financial aid information from another college Mac was considering and they came in $5000 less than the other school. So that one's out! (Even with student loans!)
Friday:
I went to the bank today and had no pay check deposited. None. I was supposed to be paid at 12:01am this morning since I have auto deposit. No cash. I went it and it had not been posted. I called the central office and there was an error with the school's bank and the money didn't get posted to the Federal Reserve in a timely manner so most of the banks won't have out money until tomorrow at the earliest, and Monday at the latest. And if we want money today, the central office would cut a partial check to us but take it out of our pay checks at the END of the month, rather than now.
I have bills coming out of my account tomorrow, auto-withdraws! Thankfully my little state tax return landed there today which will cover that stuff.
Oh, and my accountant called and told me my federal taxes were filed. Because I'm NOT claiming Mac this year, I'm getting back $3300 LESS than the original quote. So much for his college deposit, and paying off all my bills AND getting Mac his Orange MacBook Pro for a graduation gift.
Oh yes, his college deposit is due at the end of the month.
Good grief!
Mags
Friday, April 15, 2011
Warrior Princess... she's like the wind
I've never attended a track meet in my life. I don't think I've ever even watched the track and field events on television when the Olympics is on. So, I had no idea what to expect when I attended a track meet yesterday to support Princess.
Princess, before coming to Alcatraz, was a cross country distance runner. Since being here, she played volleyball during cross country season to try something new. And this spring, she's running track. At the meet I went to, she ran the 1600m and the 800m. She also threw the discus.
There's lots happening at the meet, all at the same time. I decided rather than wondering around, I would just sit in the bleachers and watch everything I could see from there. Hence, I could see all the running events, the high jump, and the long jump.
I also want to say I didn't know what I a long jump or high jump was until today. The high jump is when the athlete jumps over a pole (think a much lower to the ground goal post) and lands on a giant inflatable pillow, on their backs. I asked the school secretary with whom I was sitting what event was " the kids jumping over the stick and landing on the giant pillow." after she stopped laughing, I was told it was the high jump.
Now the long jump is when the athletes run and then forward jump into a sand pit. I asked the same secretary what is was when the kids ran and jumped in the sandbox: hence, the long jump. I think it should be called the far jump since we're seeing how far the jumpers can... well, jump.
Anyway...
So Princess ran the 1600m, which is one mile (give or take) and is 4 laps around the track. She placed 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so proud of her and screamed and yelled and jumped around. She fell down and threw up. Guess we all celebrate in different ways.
Then she threw the discus. I didn't know where that event was taking place so I missed seeing her do it, so I have no idea how that went. I do know when she did it last time she was last. She could barely lift the discus, let alone throw it any distance. She nor I have any idea why she's even competing in this event other than I think they need a certain number of kids to do the field stuff. And she can't lift the shot put thingy with one hand (barely with two) so she's on discus. (and because of our limit funding and facility, the only field events our students do are shot put, discus, and long jump). And none of our kids do the javelin. Wonder why....!
Right at the end of the meet she ran the 800m, which is two laps around the track. (I know another reason I might not like track- there's a lot of math in this sport). She placed 3rd. She was tired and drained but she put on a burst at the end and did great. I was proud of her! And she didn't even throw up that time!
There are a few more track meets at local schools where she'll compete and of course I'll go and support her. It was fun to watch her. She has good form and she LIKES to run. She likes the 'good pain' and 'finding your stride' and the 'good burn'. It's probably why she weigh about 100 lbs. dripping wet, and stands at 5'8".
Go Princess!
Maggie
Princess, before coming to Alcatraz, was a cross country distance runner. Since being here, she played volleyball during cross country season to try something new. And this spring, she's running track. At the meet I went to, she ran the 1600m and the 800m. She also threw the discus.
There's lots happening at the meet, all at the same time. I decided rather than wondering around, I would just sit in the bleachers and watch everything I could see from there. Hence, I could see all the running events, the high jump, and the long jump.
I also want to say I didn't know what I a long jump or high jump was until today. The high jump is when the athlete jumps over a pole (think a much lower to the ground goal post) and lands on a giant inflatable pillow, on their backs. I asked the school secretary with whom I was sitting what event was " the kids jumping over the stick and landing on the giant pillow." after she stopped laughing, I was told it was the high jump.
Now the long jump is when the athletes run and then forward jump into a sand pit. I asked the same secretary what is was when the kids ran and jumped in the sandbox: hence, the long jump. I think it should be called the far jump since we're seeing how far the jumpers can... well, jump.
Anyway...
So Princess ran the 1600m, which is one mile (give or take) and is 4 laps around the track. She placed 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so proud of her and screamed and yelled and jumped around. She fell down and threw up. Guess we all celebrate in different ways.
Then she threw the discus. I didn't know where that event was taking place so I missed seeing her do it, so I have no idea how that went. I do know when she did it last time she was last. She could barely lift the discus, let alone throw it any distance. She nor I have any idea why she's even competing in this event other than I think they need a certain number of kids to do the field stuff. And she can't lift the shot put thingy with one hand (barely with two) so she's on discus. (and because of our limit funding and facility, the only field events our students do are shot put, discus, and long jump). And none of our kids do the javelin. Wonder why....!
Right at the end of the meet she ran the 800m, which is two laps around the track. (I know another reason I might not like track- there's a lot of math in this sport). She placed 3rd. She was tired and drained but she put on a burst at the end and did great. I was proud of her! And she didn't even throw up that time!
There are a few more track meets at local schools where she'll compete and of course I'll go and support her. It was fun to watch her. She has good form and she LIKES to run. She likes the 'good pain' and 'finding your stride' and the 'good burn'. It's probably why she weigh about 100 lbs. dripping wet, and stands at 5'8".
Go Princess!
Maggie
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Mac and the lottery tickets
Okay, I know this is three days worth of birthday posts about Mac but I just can't help it.
Mac figured out he can buy lottery tickets, K-2, and a flare gun at the age of 18. Ummm, yeah. I know, I know, he's my son.
One thing I thought would be fun to do is to take him to buy a lottery ticket. I remember when I turned 18 I bought a single lottery ticket.; I won $52. It was a dollar scratch off and I won. I was too excited and thought it was amazing. So, I told Mac I had three bucks and I would buy him 3 scratch off tickets. I even went so far to go to our state lottery webpage to see what $1 tickets still had big pay outs because I really wanted him to win! Mac didn't think it was as a big deal as I did but since he's Mac he indulged me.
So, he and I left the house (just the 2 of us, the Two Musketeers) in search of a place to buy a ticket. We went to a Gas-n- Sip near our house. I gave Mac a dollar but he begged me to go in with him. So I did. He went to the counter. He got carded. He got his ticket (I let him pick out anything he wanted; I didn't care. He got a pink ticket in my honor!) and we went back to the car to scratch it off. I made him use a quarter rather than a penny; it seemed better luck that way. He scratch it off and... lost. He was bummed but laughed.
I told him I have 2 more bucks if he wanted to go back in for another one. He said he would but he wanted to go somewhere else because he didn't want to be "one of those people". (I think he means one of those people determined to play until they win regardless of how desperate they look.) So we drove six blocks to another Gas-n- Sip. He made me go in with him again. This time he wasn't carded; it was the power of his beard, he said. He brought another one of the same pink ticket. He gets to the car, scratched it off and... lost. Again. Now he's laughing. He couldn't believe he didn't even win a dollar back!
Again, I offered him my last single if he wanted to go back in for one more. Of course he wanted to try it again because now he was determined to win. But he couldn't go back in this Gas-n- Sip and be "one of those people" he so obviously was becoming. So we drove to a Marathon station across the street. This time he went in alone. Also, he wasn't carded; again, the power of the beard.
Back to the car he came with his ticket. He entered the car and picks some 'scratching music' on the radio. He gets the quarter again. He scratches each number, one at a time. Then the final two numbers. Then he makes me look. And he...lost. By this time we were hysterical laughter because he lost three times in a row. He couldn't believe it. I offered to count the change in the bottom of my purse and he was game until we started counting pennies. The absurdity of the situation hit us- counting pennies to buy a scratch off lottery ticket in hopes to win something, even just a mere $1. We couldn't stop giggling and laughing. We gave up and went home.
Because, after all, even though the lottery ticket purchasing wasn't a success, he still can get that flare gun.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
Mac figured out he can buy lottery tickets, K-2, and a flare gun at the age of 18. Ummm, yeah. I know, I know, he's my son.
One thing I thought would be fun to do is to take him to buy a lottery ticket. I remember when I turned 18 I bought a single lottery ticket.; I won $52. It was a dollar scratch off and I won. I was too excited and thought it was amazing. So, I told Mac I had three bucks and I would buy him 3 scratch off tickets. I even went so far to go to our state lottery webpage to see what $1 tickets still had big pay outs because I really wanted him to win! Mac didn't think it was as a big deal as I did but since he's Mac he indulged me.
So, he and I left the house (just the 2 of us, the Two Musketeers) in search of a place to buy a ticket. We went to a Gas-n- Sip near our house. I gave Mac a dollar but he begged me to go in with him. So I did. He went to the counter. He got carded. He got his ticket (I let him pick out anything he wanted; I didn't care. He got a pink ticket in my honor!) and we went back to the car to scratch it off. I made him use a quarter rather than a penny; it seemed better luck that way. He scratch it off and... lost. He was bummed but laughed.
I told him I have 2 more bucks if he wanted to go back in for another one. He said he would but he wanted to go somewhere else because he didn't want to be "one of those people". (I think he means one of those people determined to play until they win regardless of how desperate they look.) So we drove six blocks to another Gas-n- Sip. He made me go in with him again. This time he wasn't carded; it was the power of his beard, he said. He brought another one of the same pink ticket. He gets to the car, scratched it off and... lost. Again. Now he's laughing. He couldn't believe he didn't even win a dollar back!
Again, I offered him my last single if he wanted to go back in for one more. Of course he wanted to try it again because now he was determined to win. But he couldn't go back in this Gas-n- Sip and be "one of those people" he so obviously was becoming. So we drove to a Marathon station across the street. This time he went in alone. Also, he wasn't carded; again, the power of the beard.
Back to the car he came with his ticket. He entered the car and picks some 'scratching music' on the radio. He gets the quarter again. He scratches each number, one at a time. Then the final two numbers. Then he makes me look. And he...lost. By this time we were hysterical laughter because he lost three times in a row. He couldn't believe it. I offered to count the change in the bottom of my purse and he was game until we started counting pennies. The absurdity of the situation hit us- counting pennies to buy a scratch off lottery ticket in hopes to win something, even just a mere $1. We couldn't stop giggling and laughing. We gave up and went home.
Because, after all, even though the lottery ticket purchasing wasn't a success, he still can get that flare gun.
Mac's mom,
Maggie
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I feel like I let him down
Whining alert!
Anyone who said "money can't buy happiness" was obviously really rich and had no idea what being poor actually felt like.
Yesterday was Mac's birthday, a milestone birthday- 18th, and we didn't do much, mostly because I just couldn't afford it. I was going to use my tax money to get him a good gift but my return didn't come in time.
And as far as gifts go, Mac would give just about anything for a MacBook-Pro; he really needs a new computer for college and this is what he wants- and is a good choice for his needs. He told everyone he wanted either money to put into an account to buy a MacBook-Pro or he would love it if someone would buy him one!! (If anyone would like to get him a MacBook-Pro it would be greatly appreciated) So the plan was to just give him cash to put toward the computer. (He wishes he had some rich relative that would give it to him for a birthday/ graduation combo gift! Note I said he "wishes"! Yeah, right!)
Then a few days before his birthday, I think he realized he wasn't going to have "fun" stuff right now. I mean, even if he was given money, it wouldn't be enough for a computer now. So he asked for a couple small gifts: a renewal subscription to X-Box live and a pair of Tom's shoes- and he still would take cash, too. And he wanted to stay home from school all day.
Soooooooo, ITSam gave him the subscription and a little cash. Daddy-O gave him cash. And I gave him cash and the shoes. Only I didn't give him the shoes because there's no where near here that sells them. We have to drive 2 hours to our capital to a fancy mall there to get the shoes. So from me he got a picture of the shoes and an iTunes card. (Yeah, I let him stay home, too.)
Really, it's not about the gifts. he's not a spoiled little brat about getting stuff. he's done really well at doing without. He also knows if he got a job he could get more and he's looking for a job now that his play is over. It's just that it's a big deal birthday...
Last year he had a party which flopped so this year, after being burned, he didn't want to do a friend party; he figured no one would show up again. I offered to take him to dinner at any of his favorite spots and he didn't want to; he was just depressed that, in his words, "his childhood is over." I said we could invite family over and he said no because it was too hard with everyone's work schedules and people being sick- he didn't want to inconvenience anyone or make anyone feel obligated.
I did make him his very favorite dinner- chicken parmigiana. Daddy-O and ITSam and I were there for dinner with him. I got him a cheesecake- his request instead of regular birthday cake. He loved that and was very appreciative. He loved what he did get, gift-wise. He also went and hung out with a few of "the guys" which he said was cool. And I took him to buy lottery tickets. (Funny story and a blog post all its own.)
Some of his friends called and texted him happy birthday. My wonderful bloggers sent well wishes. But that was it. No other relatives even called or sent a card--- like his father. I had to speak to his Sperm Donor a few days ago about a tax issue and he was making all sorts of financial excuses as to why he couldn't (ie: WOULDN'T, that selfish bastard) do anything for Mac's birthday. And then that asshat didn't even bother to call and wish him Happy Birthday. Who does that? WTF? I hate that man.
I feel like I need to do everything extra doubly awesome because SD is a pig. MAC does NOT make me feel like this at all. MAC is VERY appreciative of everything and does NOT make me feel bad. This is just me. And I feel like this time I failed.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Anyone who said "money can't buy happiness" was obviously really rich and had no idea what being poor actually felt like.
Yesterday was Mac's birthday, a milestone birthday- 18th, and we didn't do much, mostly because I just couldn't afford it. I was going to use my tax money to get him a good gift but my return didn't come in time.
And as far as gifts go, Mac would give just about anything for a MacBook-Pro; he really needs a new computer for college and this is what he wants- and is a good choice for his needs. He told everyone he wanted either money to put into an account to buy a MacBook-Pro or he would love it if someone would buy him one!! (If anyone would like to get him a MacBook-Pro it would be greatly appreciated) So the plan was to just give him cash to put toward the computer. (He wishes he had some rich relative that would give it to him for a birthday/ graduation combo gift! Note I said he "wishes"! Yeah, right!)
Then a few days before his birthday, I think he realized he wasn't going to have "fun" stuff right now. I mean, even if he was given money, it wouldn't be enough for a computer now. So he asked for a couple small gifts: a renewal subscription to X-Box live and a pair of Tom's shoes- and he still would take cash, too. And he wanted to stay home from school all day.
Soooooooo, ITSam gave him the subscription and a little cash. Daddy-O gave him cash. And I gave him cash and the shoes. Only I didn't give him the shoes because there's no where near here that sells them. We have to drive 2 hours to our capital to a fancy mall there to get the shoes. So from me he got a picture of the shoes and an iTunes card. (Yeah, I let him stay home, too.)
Really, it's not about the gifts. he's not a spoiled little brat about getting stuff. he's done really well at doing without. He also knows if he got a job he could get more and he's looking for a job now that his play is over. It's just that it's a big deal birthday...
Last year he had a party which flopped so this year, after being burned, he didn't want to do a friend party; he figured no one would show up again. I offered to take him to dinner at any of his favorite spots and he didn't want to; he was just depressed that, in his words, "his childhood is over." I said we could invite family over and he said no because it was too hard with everyone's work schedules and people being sick- he didn't want to inconvenience anyone or make anyone feel obligated.
I did make him his very favorite dinner- chicken parmigiana. Daddy-O and ITSam and I were there for dinner with him. I got him a cheesecake- his request instead of regular birthday cake. He loved that and was very appreciative. He loved what he did get, gift-wise. He also went and hung out with a few of "the guys" which he said was cool. And I took him to buy lottery tickets. (Funny story and a blog post all its own.)
Some of his friends called and texted him happy birthday. My wonderful bloggers sent well wishes. But that was it. No other relatives even called or sent a card--- like his father. I had to speak to his Sperm Donor a few days ago about a tax issue and he was making all sorts of financial excuses as to why he couldn't (ie: WOULDN'T, that selfish bastard) do anything for Mac's birthday. And then that asshat didn't even bother to call and wish him Happy Birthday. Who does that? WTF? I hate that man.
I feel like I need to do everything extra doubly awesome because SD is a pig. MAC does NOT make me feel like this at all. MAC is VERY appreciative of everything and does NOT make me feel bad. This is just me. And I feel like this time I failed.
Mac's Mom,
Maggie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)