
For one - I had social events on both Friday and Saturday which involved some of my favorite people. As the only totally sober person there: I have the best memories! :)
Then we had a big family weekend of activities as McGhee and Goose (her daughter/my God-daughter) and The Chicken Lady were all in town for a baby shower.
Part of the Voodoo experience is waiting in the line right next to the hipsters and the homeless people and the teenagers giddy from staying out late and the romantic people all dressed up on dates... far too dressed up to be juxtaposed next to homeless buskers... but still: I'm not sure anything *is* more romantic than a penis donut.... or their family Maple Bacon donut.
It was awesome. Mostly, it's just a blessing to spend the weekend with someone who's known you since you were 6 years old because you've already said and done just about every stupid thing you're ever going to do ... so you don't have to worry about embarrassing yourself.
And of course, we were incredibly popular when we walked in the door with our Pink Boxes... which had been lovingly filled by the nicest girl at Voodoo - who always remembers me because I tip *very* well. I'm a bit of tipper though - I always tip the bartender $5 (even though all I get is water), I always tip the man who pumps my gas $1 (In Oregon it's against the law to pump your own gas.... seriously. lol), I always tip a waitress more than 30%. I figure there are lots of people who don't tip or are just plain rude and I try to do my part to tip the people who are doing something for me. :)
McGhee thinks this is hilarious and .... wrong. lol

sigh.
I got a text from a client saying that they had "left something on my porch" - turns out, The Boy found what as on the porch but because their cousin was over to play, he quickly reported his findings to The Papa who removed the colorful and enticing baskets from the porch and hid them in the office until our cousin went home.
According to The Boy, he said he noticed that each basket had only one name on it - and he, of course, was willing to share his candy with the cousin, he thought that the cousin might feel left out not to have gotten a basket of their own, so he wanted them stashed away.
I'm pretty sure I can file that under: BEST SON IN THE WORLD. :)
big, heart melting sigh..........
While I'm not surprised - because this is who The Boy has always been - I am always so grateful to have a son who is such a kind, compassionate and gentle spirit - who truly does put other people and their feelings first. There they were: two colorful baskets full of chocolates and candy and stuffed toys and and and and.... does there *need* to be any more for most kids to just want to rip through them?
Instead.... The Boy thinks about his wee cousin's feelings first.
again.... big heart melting sighs abound.

The Boy had come running out of the office with them after the cousin went home - and I was so shocked - I thought my client had left something else and I was totally caught off guard by the gesture.
They were both out of their ever-candy-lovin' minds just with all the goodies and then The Boy opened up an egg and a note fell out - he excitedly read it aloud:
"The Boy:
I am a little bunny who had hopped all day,
Delivering baskets for the holiday!
My paws are so tired and my hose - how it itches!
I left you this small, special treat to fulfill all your wishes -
Lots of little Easter bunny hugs and kisses!
Thanks for being such a good little man!"
After reading the last line, The Boy was jumping up and down and screaming about how the Easter Bunny thinks he's a "good little man". He was soooooo excited.... and me? I was almost exploding with happiness that at 8 years old my son still believes in the value of being recognized as a 'good boy' - AND - more shockingly that he still believes in magical things like The Easter Bunny.
Often divorce, or really any kind of major tragedy in a family, can kind be an explosion of emotion that burns out what little magic is still burning for small children they become jaded and far too wise far too young. While I know The Boy is wise, and he has *not* been spared as many of the details of our divorce as I would like.... it was an amazing blessing to see his eyes light up with magic and to know he is still capable of believing in that, at least for now.
I know these days are going to be short lived.... it seems like 8 is going to turn into 16 any day now.. lololol
They were two, very thoughtful Easter baskets.... but I was more grateful for the feeling of validation that The Boy and The Girl got from their "Easter Bunny notes" - than anything else... what a great wee gift to give them.... I really cannot say how lucky I am to have so many amazing people in my life.
Truly. AMAZING. people. There isn't a day that I don't think I'm actually not worthy of most of these people - so I just keep trying to do right, be kind and move in truth so that may be one I will actually be worthy.
sigh.
Then, there was one special box for The Girl - a belated birthday present.... she couldn't believe her eyes: it was the singing Sofia The First doll. Wow... you'll be happy know that Sofia is safely tucked into bed with The Girl tonight who refused to let her go. She's totally in love.
In other news.... I'm not down 53 pounds. Yup.... 53 pounds. :)
boof*ckingyah.
So clearly - the basket of candy eggs and whatnot is off-limits.
Though.... who needs candy when you have a life as sweet as mine? :)