Monday Again...

It has been a very busy week. Since writing last I have.... what have I done? Well, I had a very near-death, near-miss car situation on a slippery country road on Wedneday, when a big SUV pulling a trailer swerved into my lane, eventually completing a 180 degree turn while nearly hitting me head-on. The next afternoon, on the same stretch of road, while changing gears, my clutch or gearbox went out of business. I sat on the side of the road, waiting for the 24-hour emergency roadside assistance assholes to pick up their phone, which they didn't. I attempted to push the car myself, but the clutch had to be engaged, as I couldn't put it in neutral, and I only got a few feet...

Eventually I got help, and was home a couple of hours later. But, I still don't have my car, and I miss her.

What else happened? I have worked on my school yearbook, but not touched my quilting project. I haven't taken any great photos, though I do like the one above, as it was funny at the time, and I look thin-ish.

I must plan my 365 photos a bit more, and would love a DSLR.... but right now I will have to keep on wishing, as the car repair will probably be the cost of a decent camera (or well on the way to it).

Anyway, it's Monday. I have survived it, which is a good start to the week.

Feeling Lost (again)

The thing about family is their consistency. I am the eldest of three children, and the only girl. But my brothers are far from babies these days. At the age of 25, they SHOULD be able to remember dates and make small efforts, yet, it seems that they are remaining real 'little brothers' in this regard. And at 35, with our mother dead almost 8 years, I would really appreciate some contact or effort. I realize that everyone is busy. Everyone has their own lives and priorities. But it seems that any tradition or commitment to relationships within the family was swept away with my mom. This really makes me sad. As a family, we had a lot of good times together. Yet today, my dad and each of us kids, are flying solo. I at least have my own little family.
I feel guilty that they are alone, but my efforts to stay in touch seem to only get a luke-warm response. Dad is not bad with email, but my brothers will go months without touching base, and no one has phoned me since I moved to Ireland in 2001.
Does this count as normal these days? Is it the age we are living in, or does this have more to do with us being broken still from my mother's death?
And if we are broken, is there any chance of repairing what is wrong?
I recently took down a notice board I had hanging over my desk, with this bit of newspaper tacked to it-- a little note from my brother, from 2000 or 2001....I think it had been attached to a book he bought me as a belated birthday present when I came to visit. It made me cry on the day, because I honestly adore my brother, and I have the same response now. I miss him, even though he has missed every birthday since.
It's Monday. It's raining here in Ireland. I wonder what my brothers are doing in Atlanta and Korea.....
I just might have to try and track them down. (again)

In with a bang!

Wow! We attended a wedding on New Year's Eve- and there was a bit more celebrating that one needed. I am generally very good at monitoring my drink at these events and pacing myself. I cannot say the same for my hubby, but he tries early in the night. Anyway, the killer are the shots- like this Mickey Finn, which looks like anti-freeze or something. The Baby Guinness's are tough too. So, into the new year, and ready for a week of detox.

Seriously though, along with the creativity goal, I DO hope to get healthier. So, you can quote me on that-- I am going to eat (and drink) better and possibly even stick to some exercise! That is the plan anyway... also continuing my 2007 goal of decluttering and organizing all of my beloved stuff. As an artist, teacher and mother, I always find an excuse to keep a broken toy or torn shirt, or lid to a lost Tupperware bowl-- I see it all as fodder for something else. Well, I have been trying to either DO SOMETHING with this crap, or bin it. So, wish me luck in all my endeavors, and I will return the wish to you!

Happiest of new years to all!