Kim N Crew N Tony, Too: May 2005

People are strange

You know, if you're looking for some cheap entertainment (and BTW, you get what you pay for), go to a super walmart on a Friday nite. The variety of individuals is absolutely astounding. I asked Tony where all these freaks hid during the day, under a rock, maybe.

I think it might be a requirement if you're a dirt poor, stupid redneck that you are only allowed to take your crumb snatchers out at 10pm in filthy clothes/faces. Before anyone gets pissed off about the redneck comment, not all rednecks are dirt poor and stupid. Some are one or the other and some are just the opposite. But as an old friend put quite simply, soap is cheap...use it.

Anyway, I could barely concentrate in the proximity of some of the people I saw streaming past me. I had to wonder how long it would take the mother of a toddler boy to notice that he had a pantiliner stuck to the back of his shorts. I was so curious that I couldn't stop watching them. I wanted to see what happened if/when she realized what was going on. I never did see her notice (or care) and after ten minutes, they moved on. Sad.

Then there was the stoned looking mom, dressed to the nines, strolling around the dept we were in, pretending her kids werent with her (shopping for herself, of course). One little boy of about 5 or 6 was a particular brat who, as he ran past Tony, slapped him across the back (Tony was bent over) with the elastic used to tie shoes together. Now that may not seem like much, but first, what a freakin shit head and second, that shit can hurt if done right.

Then there was the couple in front of us in line...torn nasty clothes, filthy little girl in a basket full of potted plants that ran them about $150. They got into a truck that didnt run any better than the famous truck on Sanford and Son. I had to wonder if there was at least ONE part they could have bought for that amount that would have helped out the truck. Guess not. At least the strip of yard around their trailer will look coloful for a few weeks.

WHAT A KID!!

You know, there are few moments in the life of a parent of a teenager that make you so happy that you cry. Last night was one of those moments. I swear, sometimes I just don't know what to think of Kayleigh!

Now that summer is here, Tony and I have asked Kayleigh if she could babysit Joey maybe one day a week so that it will save us a little on daycare costs. Not only did she agree, but she added that she would be more than happy to keep him more often than that since she knows money is tight. The more we talked about it, the more proud I became of this great kid of ours. And when we told her how proud and thankful that we were that she was willing to sacrifice so much, her reply?? "No, thank you, Mom. I mean heck, you're the one that raised me this way." Our jaws dropped open and I will honestly admit that Tony and I both teared up.

When in the world did this cute little red head of ours come to be so grown up?? I mean, I've always known that as a whole, she's well rounded, level headed, responsible and mature for her age (well, most of the time!). But this just blew us both away. She even said that we don't have to pay her!!!

Tony and I made a point of telling her how proud we were of her and I made sure that she didn't feel taken for granted, telling her that if she ever needed a "day off" to let us know. Granted, I'll be home every Wednesday to give her a break, but still...home with a 2 year old is enough to make any one crazy!!! And on top of everything else, anytime I call home to check up on them, it's always quiet and calm.

Guess we've done something right after all!

Another day, almost a dollar

Being a grown up is so depressing. I've changed my mind. I wanna go back to being 8. It's frustrating enjoying your job and barely making minimum wage. Especially when you consider that I'm a vet tech for crying out loud!!! I could understand if I was flipping burgers or washing dishes, but gimme a break!!!

Then there's Tony. The guy who doesn't complain about ANYTHING!!! He came into this relationship financially secure and comfortable. Now, he's paying outrageous daycare fees, mortgage payments and cooking dinner every nite for all the kids. How he puts up with us is beyond me. I would've dumped me a long time ago!!

I can't stand being tired after working all day. Who am I to complain about being tired after he's busted his ass all day then come home to be Mr Mom. By the time I get home, dinner is usually on the table or damn close, homework is done and the kids chores are 90% done. I need a little bit of time to wind down from working 10 hour days and driving in our insane traffic, but I feel guilty when Tony puts Joey in the bath and in bed every nite. I've apologized to Tony countless times and his answer is always the same..."It's all right." Everything is always "all right" no matter what.

Ya know, I sat down and figured out that since we only pay daycare cause I work, that after the fees and gas to get to work, I bring home less than half of Tony's weekly pay every MONTH!!! Sometimes I wonder why I bother. But then I realize that the measly amount that I do bring home helps out and I enjoy what I do.

Life can be so frustrating. Can I be 8 again? Just for a little while? Please.