It's was Mom's night out. Me, Chloe, Theresa (and unfortunately Roberta and a couple of her friends). I met them there because Philip had to work on Saturday, so I was a little late. I was drinking iced tea--I swear.
We were at a popular place called the Landing, which is a restaurant in another town. It is popular because it has a deck that overlooks the lake. There was a band playing old classics in the corner of the deck and we were at a table out there, having a good time. Then I saw a friend of mine show up with a date, and suddenly I was agreeing to take a shot from a pitcher that two young men had sent over for the table of rowdy women. Big mistake.
I really do not remember much after that, although I am told that I had a good time. I had to be driven home (obviously).
Sunday is pretty much a blur. Philip's parents, sister, husband and extremely loud kids came over for Philip's birthday party. Luckily, I was well prepared for that. Sometimes being organized has its advantages. It was a bit noisy, and I was so thankful when they left and I could finally call Chloe and find out what really happened the night before.
Highlights: She told me that I dropped by Mark's table and ruined his date (he was the friend with the date, and I don't remember doing that). She also informed me that when it was time to leave, I was adamant that I was fit to drive. She enlisted Mark (the cop) to convince me not to drive home. He volunteered to drive the van, and his date followed in her truck. Talk about embarrassing.
I tried my best to avoid running into Mark, and did not see him until today I went to the old age home. I went to visit Frank and Mark was there visiting his grandfather who is--get this--Frank. Small world, isn't it? Frank was not in his room at the time, and as we waited and talked, I made sure that I apologized to Mark, and thanked him for making sure that I got home safe that night.
Regarding Frank, there was something alarming that happened. Frank has been getting a little confused, lately. I saw it before, and today, Frank was nowhere to be found. After a search, we found him in another room on another floor. At first, he didn't know who I was, then later, he thought that I was Mark's wife. I found this very troubling, and I could see the concern in Mark's face. I hope that isn't a sign of things to come.
Well the tree is down and the Christmas decorations are put away. It's January 7th. It's kind of depressing, really.
It seems that every year, I get so caught up in the lead up to Christmas. I baked cookies like a madman. Shopped at the mall for family and friends. Ran here and there, visiting the old age home, etc. I had Derek's picture taken at Sears and had it made into photo cards, then sent them out. Before I knew it, Derek's Christmas concert happened, and Christmas was right around the corner. December seemed to go so fast. Too fast.
So now it's a new year, 2015. Our neighbors are moving away in a month. Derek has to fit as much playtime as he can with his best friend before he moves to their new house in Texas. I'm not looking forward to it, and I have no idea what to expect from a new neighbor. They have not sold the house yet.
Philip, Derek and I went to dinner last night at our next door neighbor's house on the left side, the Girardi's (Roberta is on the other side). they said that they had something to tell us, and since it was a school night, I thought that it was a little out of the ordinary. While we were there, they told us that they are moving to Texas because Bob has been transferred. They will be gone within the month.
I am heartbroken for Derek. The news hit him especially hard because he is friends with their two children, Jackie 10, and Curtis 8. He and Curtis are like two peas in a pod, and Derek plays with him just about every day. He doesn't seem to understand why things like this happen, and both Philip and I spent a lot of time talking to him about it.
I'm not looking forward to that day.
I just inhaled a whole bag of kettle corn. So much for the diet. I really want to lose at least 20 lbs by Christmas. I was doing so well. Tomorrow's the weekend, and I'm making lasagna. Looks like I'm starting the diet on Monday (again).
Now, Halloween is looming. Chloe, I and the kids always go through the neighborhood together. Most of the time, Philip walks with us, although he's been pretty busy at work as an accountant. I really don't like Halloween much, but then again it gives me an excuse to pick through Derek's bag looking for the Reese's. See? That's not helping my diet either. That reminds me, I have to go to the mall and pick up a pilot costume.
