The Ex Factor

Yesterday Osito, Tio, and I went to get the last of my stuff from Manteca's house, which used to be my house, too. He is renovating. Some of it looks really nice, some of it doesn't, and some is just questionable. I went to the bathroom - the one in the master bedroom (which I think is kind of repulsive anyway - who wants a bathroom in their bedroom?) and discovered that he replaced the pocket door (good idea) with a...glass door. There are no treatments on the glass and it looks directly into the bedroom. I guess that answers the question (that I neither asked nor wanted to ask, by the way) about romance between Manteca and his maid girlfriend. Or a fetish I never knew he had (thank the universe for small favors.)

I had left more stuff there than I remembered, including a box of my dolls from childhood. I was looking through them when I got home and Osito asked if I had named any of them. I went through the list: Karen, Ruthie, Raggedy Ann and Andy. "Ruthie?" he said, "that's ghetto!"

All I can say is that I am so grateful not to be there any more. Maid girlfriend mentioned that Manteca and Son still yell at the dogs and go around grumbling. (And Son was still drunk from the night before.) Does he yell at her yet, or is it too soon? I have a sense that she either doesn't have opinions or she keeps them to herself so maybe that doesn't piss him off so much. Imagine - a woman having an opinion and expressing it in his house. Outrageous.

Osito was a knight in shining armor. He was lovely, beautiful, gracious, sweet, kind, and supportive. Tio was fabulous. I'm sorry to have such an ego, but Team Elena is a million times better than Team Manteca. We win the gold.

Turtles

Found on my Sunday afternoon run.

My Dad is Funny

I was sitting in the surgical waiting room with my dad when a big goth girl walked by. My dad looked at her and said, "I wonder what she charges to haunt a house."

Guest Blogger: Mary Katherine

That's What She Said.

Three of My Favorite People - and Right When I Need Them!

First, big ups to Mary Katherine! When I told her I lost my notebook she suggested that maybe I packed it. AND I DID! Found! [Insert happy dance here.] Ok, thanks also to St. Anthony (who, btw, works at the Department of Social Services.)

Osito and I went to The Bruised Apple book store yesterday. I've been feeling a little down, a little unsure. And look what I found!

Robbie visits me everywhere. And speaking of...

St. Anthony wrote a poem and gave me a copy. I can't say that is is about me or for me, but it kinda is. I've reveled and wallowed in it for the last two weeks. And this morning I realized that Pema Chodron would scold me a little. I've only seen this grief through my own eyes. The second time I read the poem I cried, not because I missed Robbie so much (though of course I do), but because I have become accustomed to this new relationship with him. Where, for example, he shows up at the Bruised Apple. Where will I find him next? Don't tell me - I want it to be a surprise!

Identity Crisis

I am registered on Meetup, though I've never gone to an event (I should, though, right?) In today's roundup I was selected to participate in "Black Professionals of Chicago." It sounds like a certain Cardozo grad was asked to write that algorithm.

Dear St. Anthony, May I Remind You That the Pen is Mightier than the Sword?

I lost my notebook. The one where I write my short stories. I am heartbroken. So much good work in there. Please come back, notebook. There is a very remote possibility that I packed it, but I don't think so.

Post Script

Thanks, Google images!

Yesterday I was on the phone with my mom and she asked if the reason I left the other day was because of the baldness and toothlessness (see below.) Of course not!

The Comfort of Being Around Family

At my mom's yesterday their friends J and L came to visit. My mom hates her wig so after a while she pulled it off. J said, "well, since we are all getting comfortable..." and she took out half her teeth. So my dad stood up and said, "Could someone help me take off my leg?"