I'm still standing

I'm still here.

I had an assignment in my English class to write a paper in the format of an article from a magazine. She gave Good Housekeeping and Vogue as suggestions. I'm not much of a Vogue or Good Housekeeping kind of gal. (quit snickering) My favorite magazine is Smithsonian. Smithsonian articles are not simple affairs. I didn't want to do real research to write a factual article. That's too much work. I'd much rather pull something out of my ass, like I usually do. But the Smithsonian was the only magazine that inspired me for this assignment. So I wrote a parody piece. I combined the idea of a snipe hunt with Rodents of Unusual Size (R.O.U.S.es). I wrote an article in which I detail a morning spent with a researcher from the University of Florida on an observation of the Florida snipe. I used photos of capybara (the largest rodent on earth) as my snipe. It was great fun. I haven't received any feedback from the professor, so I'm not sure how it was received. I had a blast writing it, though. 

Capybara or Snipe, depending on one's interpretation

Sproing and I had an appointment with his counselor today. Sproing has been doing so much better recently. Two or three weeks ago we added Zoloft to his medication regimen, and that seems to have made a significant difference. About the same time we bought him a used PSP handheld game console. Between the two, I'm not sure which one made the biggest difference. We talked with his counselor about how much more in control of his emotions and reactions he is. This is good! 

Sproing then left the room so the counselor and I could discuss some other stuff. I told her what the psychiatrist had said, that Sproing needs a lot of structure in his life. The doc indicated that Superman and I needed to get our shit together (she said it a bit nicer than that) and have firm rules, appropriate and consistent consequences, etc. I was intimidated. I got the impression from the doctor that in order to be a good mother to Sproing and Diva, I needed to get over my issues with structure and self discipline to provide that kind of environment for the kids here at home. Ugh. She told me that Sproing's counselor was very good with that sort of thing, and could help us get organized and develop lists of expected behaviors, consequences and rewards and stuff. 

Well, today I discussed that with the counselor. She seems to think that a large part of our success so far is in our (mine and Superman's) ability to be flexible and go with the flow. According to the counselor, we should stick with our strengths and not try to fight against our natural inclinations. Though perhaps a few guidelines about positive and negative consequences for specific behaviors may be helpful, generally let's work with our strengths. I was so relieved! I've been more stressed than I realized about the prospect of changing my entire life around to fit into that whole structured lifestyle. 

And speaking of stress, my mother flies into town Thursday afternoon. The in-laws plan to arrive late Friday morning, and Twitch's graduation exercise is at 2:00 Friday afternoon. There is some expectation of having a fabulous lunch here before the graduation ceremony, then dinner out that evening. I have had enough of preparing meals for the in-laws. I may tell you that story some day, but suffice to say that I ain't gonna put myself out again. Superman and Light have an idea or two, though. Superman will take Friday off from work, thankfully, so he can be here when his parents arrive. I'm trying to think of some urgent errand or emergency or whatever I can come up with to have an acceptable excuse to stay away from home Friday. I'll show up at the graduation, of course. Since my mom will be here, too, I don't think I can pull it off. Aw hell, my mother likes Superman better than she likes me, so why the hell not? 

And it probably won't be as bad as I fear. It often isn't. The times these visits turn bad, though, is enough to make me gun-shy. 

For now, though, I'll just stand my ground.