One Stop Boy Shop

Where have I been?  Why haven’t I been blogging?

First off, my company has left the building.

For the past 7 months, I’ve had my best friend, her 2 daughters AND my sister living here with us in my house since June.  My house has been full of activity, voices (and not just in my head) and a bit chaotic but also fun.  I admit, it was lovely having them all here but the silence left behind is also nice.   As a large family we played fun games such as Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit and Rock Band!  Christmas with us all together (including my fabulous, cool-dude nephew, who came to be with his mom (my sister) was especially wonderful.  He blessed us with his charming presence for 2 weeks over the holidays. It was lovely.  I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Another AWESOME thing were all of the wonderful dinners that not only did I not have to plan for, OR shop for, but I didn’t even have to cook (often)! Dinner time for me is a huge albatross hanging from my neck, one that I would’ve gladly given up forever… but alas, the great chef has left me. Carolyn, you REALLY should open your own restaurant!

My sister Jill moved out this past weekend.  We’d lived in separate states for over 15 years and only had occasional visits.  I’ve missed her horribly since I moved away from “home” and came to Texas.  She gave up her desert life and moved to the greener pastures of Hill Country, Texas.  I loved having her here and catching up on many years missed.  She now has a cute (QUIET) apartment near her work, which is still close enough to me that she promises to come over once per week for dinner and American Idol (she’s an ADDICT for Idol I tell ya!).

I had not spent quality time with my best friend Carolyn in years and I was finally able get to know my “Tinkerbell” (her youngest daughter Kaynnah).  But alas, Carolyn (her fabulous cooking) and Kaynnah have moved on to warmer climates and are now in Florida with family.  They left a week ago.  I’m sure this is the perfect way for them to get back on their feet and get back a normal life, plus Carolyn will be close to her father who needs some more family close.  I miss them already but she left behind a constant reminder of her.  She left her oldest daughter Taylor (her 14 year old mini-me) in my care, so that she can finish out the school year here.  I’m thrilled to have Taylor, she’s the daughter I never had.  She’s a complete joy and a pleasure to have around.

Taylor is very active in school;  in drama, choir and more.  She’s looking forward to the school musical which she earned the Lead Part in.  The play is in March and Carolyn and Taylor’s Grandmother will be flying in for it.  So it won’t be long and I’ll get to see my BFF again.

Taylor and my birthday are 2 days apart and were last week.  Back in December I introduced her to the movie and the soundtrack to Phantom of the Opera. She loved it! For our birthday’s I bought us tickets to go and see the live performance of Phantom of the Opera.  We’re psyched!  It’s also in March and we’re going to dress up in cocktail dresses, go have a nice dinner and go and see a wonderful play together.

When my sister Jill moved out, we were able to move Taylor out of my cramped office and into her very own bedroom, which we “Tater-ized”, I call her Tater.    Here are her new digs, complete with wall-to-wall Twilight Edward.

She hid because she has a cold (the house has germies running loose and we’re all a bit under the weather, darn colds!).

So there is Update 1!  There are probably 2 more to come.    Thanks for sticking with me, reading my blog and I hope you’ll forgive my silence in the blogosphere.  I can tell you that I’m now BAAACCCK!  I’m coming to check out your blogs too.  I’ve missed you all!