Something Just Like This

Not in my apartment, but in my state. Permanently. She and my step-dad arrived on Monday. They didn't bring all their stuff out yet, just the kitchen stuff, some comfy chairs a bed and a card table and chairs. My step-dad will be completely remodeling the first floor, knocking down walls, adding a bathroom, etc.

Their house is an hour north of me in Gloucester, MA. Yesterday I went up to spend the day with them. We had lunch and then my mom and I walked through the cemetery behind the house, through some woods, to the ocean. There are large rocks leading down to the water. We sat on the rocks for a bit before heading back. Then we drove into Rockport, the next town over from them. We found a place to park and walked around the touristy area. I got some Raspberry Lemonade taffy at a candy store. My asked me to stay for dinner too, so I did.

It was a nice day. It'll be interesting living in the same state. I've been out here for 15 years and while part of me is still a little nervous about us being so close, at least she's an hour away. My mom and I get along better when we don't see each other all the time. At least that used to be true.

( Photos )

I can't decide what to do today. I officially need to go buy new jeans because my old ones finally died at the inner thighs. But I also need to make cookies (or something) with my dead bananas because they're stinky. But I also need to clean my apartment because my mom is staying with me Wednesday night while she is leading a tour and the group is staying in a hotel a few blocks from me. (I'm going to join the tour next weekend when they go up to Maine and go to the Portland Art Museum where we'll tour Winslow Homer's home. Except I'll be driving myself 3 hours up there since they're going from New Hampshire and I'll be going from home.) My calves hurt from walking up and down hills yesterday, so I don't want to walk around shopping, so that probably isn't going to happen. So cleaning and baking it will be. Even if it is really sunny out today.

My mom is going to drive me nuts. She emailed me with the subject line, "I know, I know..." so I knew it was going to be a guilt trip thing. She wants me to come home for her 10th anniversary party on August 6th. She says:

1. Would you come in for our Anniversary if I pay for the airline ticket?
2. Now for a harder question: Could you take Monday off?
3. Now for an even harder question: Would you mind very much getting home late on Monday?

1. I've said that I can't afford to pay for a plane ticket, but would consider coming if she paid for it.
2. No, I won't take Monday off. I'll be out for 3 days the previous week for WriterCon and I will not ask to take off a day a week later. It's not fair to my clients or my co-workers who have to cover for me. I've told her this before. I will not do it.
3. Moot point since I refuse to take Monday off.

Apparently it's only $215, but I'd have to a) leave Monday and b) get in at 10:46pm. It'd be hundreds of dollars more to fly back Sunday. I don't care if I have the vacation time, I do not want to ask for even a day off so soon after being away. Granted my boss would probably say yes, but I do not want to ask.

I am back home safe and sound. My dad was thoroughly surprised to find me and my brother standing in the entrance to the restaurant Saturday night. He said it was the best 60th birthday ever. I hadn't been home in almost a year, so it was especially great being there. It always shocks me how much the city changes each time I visit.



When I got home tonight I saw that the winners for the Bodice Ripper Awards has just been announced. Loss and Love won for Best Het Pairing Fic! It was the ONLY Willow/Giles fic to place. Squeee!!!!