I love my mother. I ‘clare I do.

But….sometimes….when planning is involved….

….that’s when I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that…I…am….adopted. LOL

So….my mom calls me about a week ago to say that she’s catching the train to visit my cousin. Ok.

Now, for you that just might be “informational”. For me, it’s a “requirement”, meaning she needs me to pick her up and drop her at said train station. Hmmmm…..I take a quick look at my calendar, see that I have plans and gently “suggest” that she ask someone else.

Now, I know my Mom so, I know that she is ONLY going to ask someone else at the very last minute. Part of it is that whole thing about not asking folk to do things for you (unless it’s your single, childless daughter cause what else could she possibly have to do, right? *SIGH* Yes, therapy. I know. I’m on it.) Part of it is not being able to offer folk money for doing this favor.

Anywho, I rearrange my schedule SLIGHTLY. She tells me that her train leaves at 11am Saturday & she needs to be there at 10am. Cool.

Thursday evening, my mom calls to ask me what time I’m going to get there to pick her up Saturday AM. Not being smartalecky but not really getting the question, I respond thusly, “What difference do it make? Just be ready.” I remind myself to breathe.

OK. Saturday I’m pushing to get the door - it’s an hour drive under “good” traffic conditions and I want to allow myself some leeway. Tossing things in my bag for my weekend trip and heading for the front door. The phone rings? Who da heck?!

My mom. (I remind myself once again to BREATHE.)

She can’t find the reservation information she had. She wants me to call the train station and verify what time her train leaves.

*CRICKETS.*

I assure her that she’s getting on A train at 11am. WTH? (I slap myself out of my almost-out-loud “WTH” comment…and BREATHE.)

I get in the car, stop for gas, fill the CD player with some of my favorite music and hit the road, breathing slowly, rhythmically.

Ok….why…why….WHY in the name of all that’s travel-related….

WHY DOES MY MOTHER ANSWER THE DOOR STILL IN HER NIGHTGOWN/ROBE WITH CURLERS IN HER HAIR AND STUFF I KNOW SHE PLANS TO TAKE WITH HER STILL ON THE TABLE?!?!?!?!

**Jesus be a fence and a sense of timing!! **

I.Have.NO.Words.

None.

I walk down the hall, go to the restroom then back to the car to clean out some stuff. (It should be noted that by this time, I am BREATHING heavily…and it’s not deep, cleansing breaths either!!)

While I wait, D wonders into the kitchen, asks me to look over some papers and then my mom starts chatting like we don’t have anywhere to be. Then she starts giving him a list of things to do, yada yada yada, blah blah blah…talking about a few things she needs to do before she leaves, yada yada, blah blah.

I look at the clock. Look at my mother. Watch my mother look at the clock. (I’m tryna BREEVE ya’ll, I really am.)

I ask this question, “What time do you have to be at the train station?” (I breathe)

She says, “10.”

I ask, “And what time is it now?” (I breathe)

She says, “Oh.”

*SIGH*

I would LOVE to say that this is a rare occurrence. I’d LOVE to say that but that my lovelies, would constitute a lie on my behalf.

It happens every single time I go to pick my mom up for whatever the occasion might be. Why? I’on even have a clue cause ya’ll know she’s up at the durn crack of dawn. Heck, she wakes up the frigging roosters! LOL

Family. Gotta love ‘em.

So thankful my DNA marker is heavily laced with a sense of humor,
*~* MsJayy *~*

So, last Thursday my niece, “Princess So Fabulous” graduated from elementary school. Because I had such a heavy driving weekend ahead of me, I *almost* didn’t go. ALMOST.

But then…it WAS “Princess So Fabulous” who just *happens* to be one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. (How diplomatic is THAT statement for a woman with 14+ nieces/nephews? LOL)

I left early enough to get to her house, hang out with her and my other niece/nephew but…would you believe…I got lost? As many times as I’ve traveled that route? It wasn’t my fault. For real. See, what had happened was…there was a car in front of me and an 18-wheeler in front of that car. The truck moved to the right like it was going to take the exit. But you know how you drive behind people and they make a maneuver but don’t fully commit to it? Yep. This big a** truck swerved back into traffic almost clipping the car in front of me. I noticed another 18-wheeler barreling towards me with no signs of slowing down so I moved to the left to get out of the way. As brakes were squealing on the other vehicles and gears shifting in trucks, I realized I’d passed my exit. *Sigh* No matter. I found my way (eventually) and met up with my family at the school.

Anywho…on to the festivities. We were early so we claimed a row of seats behind some of the graduates (actually the Princess…she didn’t want us to sit there but oh well - it was the first row available to visitors). My brother unloaded all these bouquets of flowers - for a couple of teachers, one for the Princess and one for each of her closest friends. We’re joined shortly by a former neighbor & her daughter, Princess So Fab’s godsister & her father, another former neighbor & two of her sons (the Princess’s “big brothers”…BigBrother #1 was still at work).

First award of the night - the President’s GOLD Award of Excellence (complete with a letter signed by your President…) awarded to students who maintained all A’s in grades 3-5. The Princess is the first of 3 students called. She was so surprised - she stood up, and looked at her classmates before realizing she had to walk up front for her certificate, medal and a pin. LOL

After they call the “Silver” Award winners, they move to the second award - for students who maintained all S’/S+ from Kindergarten to 2nd grade AND all A’s from grade 3-5. Yep. The Princess got another one. We were screaming her name by then. And Lawd, I KNOW her “big brothers” embarrassed her cause they were L-O-O-U-U-D!! She got some other awards - outstanding artist, attendance, and a couple more academic awards and we were on our feet for all of them. To the point that, after the graduation, her teachers asked if she paid us to yell for her like that. LOL

Ha! That teacher ain’t seen NOTHING yet. My sister-in-law was stopped and congratulated by so many other parents that she didn’t know.

To say that I was proud of my niece would be an understatement. That chick is soooo focused, so driven. She set her own goals every school year of being on the Principal’s Honor Roll every reporting period (all A’s). And she did it. We try to keep her from putting too much pressure on herself - she’s loved regardless of grades, etc - but she’s very dedicated once she sets a goal. I need some of that to rub off on me. LOL

Anywho, that’s that. Me so proud of that little girl. Definitely worthy of a “Girls Day Out”…movie, bookstore, mall, and a sleepover. I better get to planning cause Princess So Fabulous does NOT accept shortcuts. LOL

Oh, I sent her a silly text message yesterday. Here’s the convo:

Me: “Hey Princess So Fab! Just wanted to say that I’m sooooo proud of you & I’m so glad I came to your graduation. Oh, are you still smart?”

Her: “Thanks Aunt J. I’m glad you came to. And yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m still smart.”

LOL Her plans for the summer? To swim as much as she can, to cut back on snacks, to read alot, and maybe finish her book. You did know she was writing one, right? Yep.

I tell you…me LOVE this kid!!

Happy Monday! I hope the kids in your cirlce have had a successful school year.

*~* MsJayy *~*

I was going to share a story with you about Father’s Day…a Father’s Day meltdown actually but then I decided I wouldn’t infringe upon this day. My “meltdown”…my “then” perspective…my baggage…can wait.

Today, I simply want to celebrate Fatherhood. In whatever form it has shown up in your life, in your family.

The bottom line is this: WE NEED YOU.

For holding it down, for trying to stay in the game, for pushing through, for pressing on, for the words you said…and the ones you didn’t, for tough love & tender moments….for illustrating what to do…and what NOT to do…for life…..Thank you.

To my dad, JS….on this day, I honor you. Why? Simply.Because.I.Am.Here.

Enjoy your day,
*~* MsJayy *~*