Unexpected Surprises

 I had the biggest unexpected Surprise when we went to Shop at our favorite Dollar Store "99 Cent Only", they're all going out of Business and Closing!   So suddenly, nobody was informed, not even the Staff, they found out when Customers found out!   I Googled the reasons, all of them pointed to the usual reasons for recent Closures of Businesses... the Pandemic impact, Economy, Inflation, Supply Chain Issues, shifting Consumer demands, Theft, eroded Profit Margins, Administrative Errors.  This Company was the very best and largest of all the Dollar Stores, so it will be missed by the Communities it Served.  I bought a lot of necessities from there at affordable prices.

I don't know that it will benefit the different Dollar Store Chains that were competitors?  Perhaps the whole Dollar Store concept is not sustainable anymore?  I know the ones left, have few things now in Inventory for anywhere near a Dollar.   Perhaps they cannot Source Merch to be more affordable?  I know all of them increased even their Ninety-Nine Cent items by at least 25% after the Pandemic, to $1.25, a significant increase all at once.   With Wage growth only being at 4.6%, income is not keeping pace with inflation of the cost of everything.  Especially necessities like Shelter, Food, Transportation, Utilities.   Rents locally went up 30%, Gas prices have gone up by 4 Cents a Week almost continuously locally, Food went up 3.3%, eating out by 6.4%, Utilities 15%.

Anyway, I'd gone to the "99 Cent Only" Store to get the Ear Drops I can usually Score there for 99 Cents to $1.99 max for Brand Name Product.  At almost every other Store its $7.00+ and some are $23.00!!!   But, I have an Earache and didn't have any in our Over-The-Counter Stash of Medicines I keep on hand, so, I had to Pony Up.  I think it's just Allergies and Air Quality has been horrible for the past few days... so my Left Ear hurts like Hell and into my Jaw.  If I can't clear it up I'll have to make a Doc Appt. and get on some Antibiotics for any Ear infection it might now be.   But, usually I respond well to just regular non prescription Ear Drops if I catch it early and treat it.

I literally have a house full of the Adult Kiddos Friends they grew up with, coz they're all going to a Concert Together Tomorrow, so got together here this Afternoon to coordinate it.   One came down from Show Low, which is up North of the State, where she moved about a Year ago.   So, she'll be spending the Night here.   The other Four will come back Tomorrow to have a Concert Convoy.  Saturday we'll be Hosting a BBQ here since they're all together and some we hadn't seen in a couple of Years.  I've known all these Kiddos since they were small Children and now they're all Middle Aged and most have their own Kiddos who are either Grown or almost Grown.  Only Adam has no Children, but is in a long term Relationship with an Older Woman who is Childless.

Adam used to sport a huge Mohawk, now he has long Hair and looks rather like Jesus.  *LOL*   The above pix is he and his Lady taken when he still had the Mohawk.   He and The Son have been Friends their entire Lives.   Most of The Son's Friends and The Daughter's Friends locally are Lifelong Friends they've had.  It's good when they all get together since they have/share so much History and Memories.   Nobody knows each other quite like your Lifelong Friends do or your Family does.  Lifelong Friends become like extended Family in fact.  Almost all of our Kiddos Lifelong Friends call me Mom and a lot of newer Friends I have don't even realize we're not biologically connected.  *LOL*  Not all the Kids have seen each other in a while tho', so this was like a Reunion of sorts.  The Daughter has been in Mexico for about 17 Years and some of the others have moved or moved and then come back.

The Son lived in the Far East Valley for over a Decade when he was with the DIL, so, now all but Bee are back where they grew up.   She only moved to Show Low to get out of a toxic Relationship, her Parents live up North of the State and she has a Teen Son she's Single Parenting.   She's in the lower half of the above pix with my Kiddos and another Lifelong Friend of theirs.   Below is one of the Grandkids in Mexico, Sister of The G-Kid Force, with one of their Paternal Cousins.   All the Girls are so Pretty and growing into Fine Young Women so fast that it's Scary!!! 

The Kiddos in Mexico have been sending us some updated pixs, they're all now doing Well and I'm so relieved.   All are living with the Families of various Paternal Relatives, so, now get to spend time with their Cousins daily, which is nice.  They also get to still see their Grandma Saint Maria, she's still piping along, Bless her.  This is the Youngest of the Trio with one of their Cousins.   She's the only one now still in High School, since the Older Two have now Graduated, the Oldest is attending College on a Full Scholarship.   All Four of the Daughters of The Daughter are very close in Age, only the Young Prince is quite a bit Older than his Younger Sisters.   Since, The Daughter had him when she was just a Teenager, with her Childhood Sweetheart.  She and Bobby knew each other since they were just Kids.

The Four Girls also have a Younger Sister, a Child he's had by his new Wife, and numerous much Older Brothers and Sisters by their Dad's other Relationships before he was with our Daughter.   The Young Prince has Two Younger Siblings, a Brother and Sister, that his Dad and Girlfriend had together.  So, it's a lot of Kids and most of them now also have Kids, so, I lose Count.  *LOL*   They all grow up so fast tho', in the blink of an Eye and poof, they're suddenly Grown and are no longer Children, but Young Men and Women!   Of coarse, when all the Adult Kiddos get together for a Reunion, all the Friends like to parade out the Blast from the Past Pixs I've never seen of my Kiddos when they were all Young.  A lot of the Pixs are Party Pixs of forbidden underaged escapades Teens keep from their Parents.  Now, they can come Clean about it all and embarrass each other.  *LOL*

Bee had this never-seen-before-by-me Pix of The Son, when he was perhaps 13-14.   He said Pot and Beer might have been involved... and probably some fake Story the Kids made up about where they actually were and what they were actually doing.  *Eye Roll and LOL*   I'm so fortunate that of all the Kiddos, Princess T is the ONLY one who has never been a Prodigal and done any of that Miss or Mister Party All The Time shit behind our Backs.   She has Vaped MJ, but only after she turned 18 and she felt badly for pretending her Vape Pen was Timmy's and has never been a liar, so, she came Clean about it being hers.   Well, it wasn't my First Rodeo, so, tho' I wanted to Believe it was Timmy's and he accidentally left it at our House and backed up her Story... I was pretty sure it was hers.   So, had the Vaping is Bad for You and Illegal for anyone Under 21 Speech anyway and she sheepishly came Clean about it being hers.  *LOL*

That Kid used to make up her own Rules for herself if you didn't give her enuf Rules.  *LOL*   She'd tell ME, from a very early Age, that I shouldn't allow her to do certain things.  *LMAO*   She is perhaps the most Rules Oriented Kid I've ever seen, so, I've not had Issues with her breaking Rules we did impose, she's rigid about following Rules.  I never have made a slew of them, I'm pretty laid back about Raising Children to just be able to Think for themselves with Guidance, and have them want to solicit the advice of their Elders becoz they have learned to Trust and Respect our Wisdom.   Yes, many times some of them didn't follow advice or did things they regretted, haven't we all?  But, they still value our advice and guidance and still solicit it about anything they're wanting input about or an opinion they trust.  There is nothing they can't ask me about.  I'm glad we have an open line of communication between all the Generations.

I got this Crystal Cluster today at our Antique Mall.  The Elderly Vendors Daughter was there re-stocking Inventory for her Parents.  They just got these multi-cluster Crystals in of several different types of Minerals.   The one I chose has about Fifteen, she had one with about Seventeen, but some of the Points were broken and this one had better formation and clarity.  This Vendor has the best prices in our Mall for Minerals, Crystals and various Rocks, Fossils, and Semi-Precious Stones.  We have many other Vendors that Sell similar Product, but charge a lot more.  The only problem I have is that The G-Kid Force also Collect these so keep liberating some from my Collection.  *LOL*  So, I'll have to tuck this one away inconspicuously in one of the full Cabinets Of Curiosities and mebbe they won't notice it? *LOL*

Berries are in Season now so there's lots of Food Porn that is Mouth watering and a Feast for the Eyes too.  I have refrained from Buying any Cakes or Tarts, but, I have Bought lots of Fresh Berries and Fruits.  I usually have some with my Breakfast at Home.   But, this Day we had Brunch at "Wildflower Bread Co." and I tried one of the new items on their Menu that was a Breakfast Bowl.  It was good, but I had to take most of it Home since lately I just can't eat very much.  I feel hungry and then when I start eating I feel full right away.  It's fine, since I don't suffer any ill effects from not having much of an appetite and I enjoy what I can eat of it.   I'm pretty sure it's the GOLO Release that just satiates you quickly at meals and suppresses hunger between meals.

I'm still doing very well on that Program, it's so easy and no deprivation at all, very Simple Methods, easy to implement and remember.  The biggest problem I've had is eating all the Food they suggest, it's way too much for me and I honestly can't, but I try to eat as much of it as I can.  I've never had to say that about any Weight Loss Plan before, usually they feel like you've got food deprivation and end up with Cravings, Cheating, poor results, or can't and shouldn't do whatever it is long term becoz it's not Designed as a Lifestyle Change, it's a Diet and it Feels like one.   With this Program I can eat anything I want, just in the suggested combinations of 2 Protein, 1 Carb, 2 Veggies, 1 Healthy Fat and take the GOLO Release with each Meal.   And, when eating out, which we like to do, I just have to follow that same guideline is all, very easy, every place I choose has the options available to be in compliance.  Tho' getting enuf Veggies with a Meal can be challenging at most places unless you order off a Vegetarian or Vegan selection.

 

They had a Mexican Honey Huatusco Coffee that was Sublime, I made it Iced with Sweet Creme.   The Man had Soup and half a Sammie, Above, my Breakfast Bowl and Coffee is Below.   Now, I know you're probably looking at that Image and Thinking, you couldn't eat just that?  Nope, couldn't, not even half of that actually.   The other half I'll have for Breakfast in the Morning.   The Man made a Happy Plate and ate all of his, which for him is unusual, becoz he's not a big eater and he eats painfully slow and is very fussy about food.   Ever since his TBI he had to learn how to do everything again, like chewing, swallowing, and not choking, so, he's very cautious about eating ever since.   I have to make sure he doesn't have something he could choke on and that he's cutting things up into very small bite sizes.  He has aversions now to some food, especially food that's good for him, much like Kids do too.  Very similar to what you'd have to do for a small Child so they don't choke and eat what's best for them.

 

He liked the Idea of Eating Out, but, often he balks at actually eating whatever he has ordered and spends more time arranging his utensils and fussing with things on the Table, than actually consuming his meal.  *Le Sigh*  I'm usually about done before he even starts eating!   I will let him linger some, but then I just ask for a To Go Box and pack it up or we'd be there all damned day.  *Le Sigh and Smiles*   The Kids do Joke about it, since, they know I'll pack their Dad/Grandpa up once I've lost Patience with him playing with his Food and fussing with everything that's a distraction on the Table.   When someone is 3 it's more tolerable than when they're 73, but, just barely.   I wouldn't have the Patience to do a Meal with a Toddler in tow either anymore.   I don't even have the Patience when someone else at another Table has a fussy Kid in tow ruining everyone's Dining experience. *LOL*

Hey, if they're Tired or overly Fussy and can't be Comforted, it's Time to take them Home for a Nap, for their sake and everyone else's.  Or at least have the courtesy and consideration to remove them from disturbing everyone else in a Restaurant, Movie Theater, or any other Public Place.   I can't Believe how many Modern Parents allow their Kids to act the Fool in Public and/or go Feral and tear a place up and be intrusive with Strangers or Scream their Heads off!  We usually prefer sitting at a Booth than a Table.  But if someone has Small Children, we'll take a Table, preferably away from any of the Smalls.  Otherwise they're standing up on their side of the Booth and reaching over into yours with sticky Fingers and disturbing you incessantly or jumping up and down on their Seat like a Trampoline!  I Love Kids, but, I want you to have Control over Yours and be up to the Job of Parenting them and teaching them Manners and learn how to appropriately Socialize and behave.

I remember when the Oldest Daughter brought her Oldest Child to visit us when the Granddaughter was about Two.  She was their first Child and The Daughter at the time was Preggy with their Second.   Well, the Toddler had a habit of throwing herself on the Floor dramatically and having an equally dramatic meltdown, our Daughter said she did it all the time, especially in Public, if she didn't get her way.  Becoz she was so pregnant, it was difficult for her to try to pick a petulant emotionally deregulated Child up off the Floor that was resisting and refusing to get up or cooperate and causing a Scene.   I asked her if she wanted me to handle it next time we were out, she agreed.   I did what I'd done with every Kid in tow with me whenever they'd even hint at acting the Fool in Public.   Thus, our Kiddos always Cleaned Up well.  *Winks*

 No, I didn't stab her... just couldn't resist the visual.  She's Alive and in her 30's now with Three Kiddos of her own probably acting the Fool in Public and having to Learn not to.  *Bwahahahaa* We were in a Walgreens and were ready to leave, Grandkid apparently wasn't ready to leave and tossed herself on the Floor pitching a Fit.   I told her Mom to ignore it and just keep Walking away and don't even look back or say a damned thing.  I also stepped over said Grandbaby and kept Walking away, no pleading, no Negative Attention, I just disengaged since she knew she was doing something she shouldn't.   Even the Smalls are Intelligent and Manipulative as Hell, Testing Limits to see how far they can take you.  *Winks*

 So, you didn't have to go over the whole Spiel over and over again if you weren't getting any compliance or cooperation and Change.   In fact, my Parenting Style is the same as my Dad's was with us, I tell you Once and you better Remember now for the rest of your Life, or, just accept the Consequences you choose.  *LOL*  Anyway, you never saw a Fit end so fast as she jumped up, shut up, and caught up, thinking she'd be left behind if she didn't.  *Winks*    Had we been in a Restaurant, I always just asked for To Go Boxes and the Meal ended immediately if Behavior was inappropriate.  No eating 'til we were Home and they were Calmed Down... no going out again for an extended period of time until they could Behave.   Consequences always had an impact if you were consistent and Fair.

Well, with Caregiving for a Vulnerable Adult, same Tactics also Work if you are consistent and Fair.  If The Man begins to deteriorate while we're out, I cut the Outing short and explain why we're ending it prematurely.  If he has Control over how he's behaving, he usually turns it around quickly so as not to be taken Home.  *LOL*  If he's just overly Tired or has Sensory Overload and Anxiety or Confusion, I don't make it seem like punishment.   Just that clearly he needs to go Home and get Centered or take a Nap, and he'll do and feel better.  Usually once we get Home he is just Fine and settles in to his Routines and perhaps the Outing was just too much for him that Day even if he really wanted to do it.   I do tell him we'll see if he can manage better next time, so that he can practice and make progress in the right direction.  Some Days he does.  He's improved a lot over Time... other Days he's Higher Maintenance.

Sometimes if left in the Care of the Adult Children, he'll give them a harder time than he'd ever give me or Princess T, since, he knows neither of us put up with it.  *LOL*   I've told the Adult Kiddos, just tell him, when he's being Unlovely or Uncooperative, that you're telling Mom... usually that's the only Threat they need to leverage with him to get compliance and better behavior.  *Winks*   Yes, here at The Asylum we have our Methods.  *LOL*  Sometimes they even Work.  *ha ha ha*  The Son did come Home finally in time to join everyone's reunion here at the House.  His Sister has Promised not to Fight with him, we'll see how long that lasts this time?   I told him not to Torment or Trigger her either, we'll see how long that lasts this time too?  Princess T rolled her Eyeballs when I told her about their Incident.  Sometimes she's the most Mature of the Quartet, of her Mom, Uncle and Grandpa, I swear to God.  *LMAO*   She's told me she's pretty Sure she never wants Kids or a Husband.  We'll see how long THAT lasts?  *Bwahahaha*

*******

Blessings, Love and Light from The Asylum... Dawn... The Bohemian

A Wrong Made Right

 My Friend Kim, who Owns the Event I had the problem with in February, contacted me immediately after she found out what had happened.  She wanted to hear from me the specifics.  The Event is her Baby and entrusting it with reliable Staff is always a difficult thing to do.  A lot of people have strong personalities and as a Business Owner you must Deal with that of your Staff and your Clientele, with Finesse, Discernment and Fairness.  She made things right with me and we talked for quite some time, about all kinds of uplifting things, as well as about what had unfortunately happened.   I feel much better about it, told her I just needed a cooling off period, since I had been offended and insulted... which wasn't expected after going out of my way to correct a mistake I hadn't even made.  She hadn't gotten the whole Story from Anne when confronted about it, not Surprising.

 She agreed, never should have happened as it played out and apologized on behalf of her Manageress.  I'm satisfied and Good about it now, promised her I would begin attending again.  I miss everyone, never my intention to punish all for one Woman's folly/behavior.  She'll deal with it from here on out, which is best.  She's going thru a lot personally and I knew this, which is primarily why I hadn't bothered her with the Drama.  She needs to concentrate on her Health and have Good Energy for that.  With having compromised Health myself, it's why I avoid Negativity and Drama at all costs.  Good Health is paramount for us all.  When you have a lot on your Plate, you're spread thin, have to delegate responsibilities, and rely on people to Help out and cover things, Trusting they will be good Ambassadors for the Company, I understand.  Sometimes they drop the Ball and are not.

I got a lot on my own Plate, so had a Point of Reference with Kim's situation right now, and she with mine.  She's a Rock Star with dealing with all that's on her own Plate actually, personally and professional, so, she knows she's got my Mad Respect for her, she's Inspirational.  She's ran a Successful Business for Decades while juggling Raising a Family, battling Cancer and going thru a Divorce, it's a lot.  I have empathy, Life can be so hard and unfair even if you're Strong.  Moving On, The Man and I concentrated on our own Business at hand that day and got just about everything but the Art out of the Old Showroom.  We Donated some and brought the rest back Home.  It will rotate back in when Space in the New Showroom permits.  I'll keep the Art, Gallery Style, Showcased until Move Out Day in the Old Showroom.

It is funny to me how many other Vendors are still Curious and Care so much about whose getting that Showroom, since, I don't really Care one iota myself.  *LOL*  Will be interesting to see what the new Occupant will do with it tho', but, whatever... not my business, don't Care.  Mebbe they'll do something Positive with it, mebbe not, total crap shoot with the Newbies.  There's still high turnover and lots of internal Politics and Posturing that I prefer to stay out of completely, that way I stay Drama Free.  *Smiles*   I'm just not one to involve myself with the Posturing and Politics that always goes on behind the Scenes of any Organization that exists... and, it ALWAYS exists.

My Contentment is more valuable to me than dealing with all the personality and ego in any Grind.  My personal Mantra concerning Business is always to be Nice to all of them and Close to none of them, that way, Harmony prevails between us.   Business and Pleasure can be combined, but, remember what is Business... and what is Pleasure... about all of it.  I can easily do Business with Friends, but, I don't personalize Business, it's a means to whatever End I wanna make it and I'm strategic about what I wanna make it.  I can be very transactional that way about my Business dealings.  Don't allow Business to wreck Relationships, no Business is worth it.  Keep your Relationships Healthy.  Accept that sometimes you'll be Dealing with Strong Personalities.  It's Okay, I got one myself... and... I'm Opinionated.  *Winks*

I'm pleased that with a particularly crazy Election Cycle looming in November, that things are as Healthy as they are in Business right now.  But, Gas prices have gone Bananas in Arizona again, we're still a Dollar or more above National average.  But, we have a lot of Far Right still in power in our State, doing shit like re-enacting Archaic Policy they've dredged up from the 1800's and such, so, until we Purge those Asshats Politically, expect poor Leadership.  Those that Vote In poor Leadership should take heed and pay closer attention, don't continue being Fools.  Foolish decisions always have long reaching consequences.  A Mistake repeated more than Once is a Choice.

I'm getting more done around here now that I've realized how much I got done at the Antique Mall once I made it an intense focus in a block of time with a known Deadline.   Not that I have to create a Deadline at Home, but, it would be Helpful to set some Goal Dates for certain Projects instead of leaving them more open ended.   The Grandsons say they will be here to retrieve their belongings on May 10th.  They'll only be here 24-48 Hours due to Work obligations Allen has at the new Job.  So, it will mostly be us all helping them load up their stuff, I hope they will bring a big enuf U-Haul to get it all, we'll see.  The Young Prince has asked me to help with new Wardrobe, so I've been holding back Inventory they liked and asked for.

I know finances are tight for them, but having their own place, without having Roommates, will make all the difference.  Spreading costs only works if you have reliable people to Share the Space with who hold up their end of the arrangement and everyone gets along in Harmony.   The fact Allen has trouble Sharing Space with too many personalities matters.  The Young Prince would rather have more solitude too and less personalities to deal with.  So, they're best off having a little House with just the Two of them sorting out their personal priorities and habits.  I'm excited for them finally getting one to Rent and experience as a Newlywed Couple.  If it works out, they may consider being Homeowners one day themselves and Buy, if the Location is right.

I have never been much of a Fan of Renting Space, I'd rather Own it, but, it's not for everyone to Invest in Real Estate.  I personally think it's a Wise Investment Vehicle and Rentals just make Landlords richer at the Renter's expense.  I know a lot of folks who have preferred Renting Space and avoid what they wouldn't like about having the responsibilities of Owning Property tho'.  Sometimes I've been Surprised that savvy Business folk I know have not Owned the Real Estate they've lived in long term.   I had just assumed they Owned it, but Leasing desired Space is often Popular if most of their assets are tied up in their Business.  Investments are a personal choice, I like Investing, so, always have, it's Served me well to Invest wisely.

The Kiddos now have me binge listening to U-Tube Music on my main TV.  I prefer Music to Shows and discovering new Music I like is a Rush.  I like that I can plug in a Genre of Sound I prefer and U-Tube just runs with it and has been On Point to find Music that's Fresh to me and similar enuf to my Taste to really enjoy discovering.  I've found some new Music Artists I'd never heard of before, that I just now LOVE and are New Favorites now.   Like Teddy Swims "Lose Control" and Jelly Roll "Save Me" and "Need A Favor".   Both of these Singers look Hard, big Guys with Facial Tats and all, but have the most Beautiful Passionate Voices, Songs they Sing with Heart and great Lyrics, gave me Chills.

Surprised to find some Country Artists whose out of the C&W Box Songs I actually enjoy a lot.   Lil Nas & Billy Ray Cyrus do a duo "Old Town Road" that I liked and got the Humor of.  It had controversy in C&W Circles... it was removed from the Country Charts for not being "Country Enough", but the innuendo went deeper than that, clearly.  Which to me was even funnier and I'm sure was the Point of the Artists doing the collaboration and bucking norms. *LMAOROTF*  When something like that breaks barriers successfully, Status Quo often resents it and tries to marginalize it being popular with the masses. 

  I liked it a lot, and the video made me Laugh out loud.  I also like both Artists and their collaboration was on Point IMO and had a sense of Humor about it.   Since non-conformity is something I ascribe to and completely understand, Status Quo being so predictably Boring and rigid.  With Artistry, Freedom of expression should always prevail, regardless of the Status Quo... which, YAWN and Fuck it.   Those that take themselves too Seriously are such a Bore  and in that can be such a Joke anyway.  *LOL*   Billy Ray was one of the few C&W Genre Artists I ever liked in the early 1990's, he was controversial by pushing boundaries to Music Norms then too.  And, he was easy on the Eyes... even with a fucking Mullet.  *Winks*  I like his Daughter Miley's Music too, the Gal's got a set of Pipes on her.

I like Crossover Artists and that usually sparks Controversy in the Music Industry when Artists have the Raw Talent to successfully Cross Over.  They typically get Negatively critiqued for doing so, even if their Work is exemplary and well received by Listeners.  I think it just Threatens those that stick with a Genre, want to Control it and try to exclude, and perhaps that's all they have in them?  Just sayin'.   Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" Release is doing very well, and she was Inspired to make it after an experience when she did not feel Welcome... you Go Girl, I Support that.  If the Welcome Mat isn't offered nor extended, just kick the fucking Door down then and just Walk on In and Own the place.  *Winks*

I had the Three In The Mornin's again, but, I'd taken a long early Nap, so, it's not Surprising.  In Retirement I'm finding I Work when I wanna Work and just Sleep when I wanna Sleep.   So, it doesn't really matter when I'm up or when I'm deciding it's time for a Siesta.  *LOL*   So long as I can Wake Up when needed... to do what I need to do, I'm Golden about my odd Sleep habits now.   The Man is jealous that when I'm Tired, I can just Sleep thru damned near anything and go right out.  He marvels that when my Head hits the Pillow, I'm Asleep almost immediately and never wake up until I'm fully Rested.  So, my Insomnia isn't lack of Sleep so much as just keeping Weird Hours.  *Smiles*

I'm tooling around the House getting things done between 3:00-5:00 a.m. now most Days.   Then I might just go back to Bed and Sleep some more... or... not need to.  I almost always take Naps now like a Toddler, or, I'd get fussy like one too.  *Bwahahaha*  So, if you Call or need me and I'm Asleep at some Bizarre Time, it's my New Normal, Deal with it.  The Kiddos are like, "Is Mom/Gramma Asleep again Grandpa?"   Yep... and... learn to NOT Wake me unless it's an Emergency Okay?  Better yet, just Dial 911 and Wake me when the Emergency Services arrive... you've Got This.  *Smiles*   Now that everyone is Grown, well, Honestly, my Caregiving is more Laid Back and there's Three Generations on Hand here, they should be able to handle some shit as a Collective I figure.  *Ha ha ha*

The Man will sometimes be petulant and make pitiful claims like, "I haven't eaten all day Honey...", 'til I remind him he's got Legs, knows where the Kitchen is, where the Food is, and doesn't need Safety Prompts or Supervision if he just uses the Microwave.  I Outline how it Works:  If you're Hungry, EAT, Eat 'til Full, then Stop.  Simple.  Se, se puede!  *LOL*   The Kiddos take more pity on him and indulge, but, I know him, if he can get someone to do something for him that he can damned well do for himself, despite the TBI limitations but using it as a handy lame excuse, he'll milk that shit for all it's worth.  *LOL*  I just have to give him The Look and he knows Homegirl don't Play that.  *Smiles* 

Princess T cracked me up on the ride in to School this Morning.  She said "Straight" Anthony wore a Skirt to School Yesterday and made a point to ask her how he looked in it?  As if she's the Transgender Police or Expert becoz she has a Trans Sibling.  She said he didn't look that good, he's a Handsome Guy now, but can't Rock a Transgender Look like her Brother can, but, she didn't wanna hurt his Feelings either.   A gutsy move to wear one to High School or in Public when he's always presented as a Dude, have to admit.  I asked her if she felt he's doing it for Attention or if he genuinely likes wearing Women's Clothing and is just being authentic to Self or just Confused?   She said, "Not sure, it IS Anthony..."   And, we both Laughed, since, Anthony is Anthony and his Attention seeking Track Record antics are Legendary.  *Smiles*  I'm glad she was Kind to him tho'.  

She said all the Teachers are now making it a point to diss the "Super Seniors" as it nears Graduation, full well knowing she IS one.  *Le Sigh*  "Well, is THAT what they're Calling you these days?", I quipped to Lighten the Mood with Dark Humor and an Eye Roll.   She Laughed and said, "Yeah, Retard has fallen out of Political Correctness favor... and SUPER sounds so much less condescending or patronizing, huh?"  *Insert her doing a huge Eye Roll with a sarcastic Laugh*   I know it stings and hurts her Feelings and is totally inappropriate and unprofessional of the Staff.  But, that's what the Special Needs Students often have to Deal with, it's not just the Students who are Bullies and total crass Assholes sometimes.  And filing complaints fall on Deaf Ears and causes retaliation, so, we no longer bother.  Waste of Time and Emotional outlay expended, nothing really Changes.

I'd rather her Mother and I meet some of them in the Parking Lot after School and do some intimidation of our own, but, Princess T would rather we not catch Charges.  Tho', she said the Fantasy is a nice  Visual to Imagine.  *Winks*   Every Teacher and Administrator this Year made it a point to never meet me in Person, too cowardly I guess?  *Winks*   She said her Teachers gush about me in flattering ways, which annoys her, she imagines it's to make sure she says only Nice things about what they say about ME?  *LOL*  But, are too Stupid to realize what they say about HER is more important and relevant to me... so, it's amusing to her really.  I could give Two Shits what they Think or say about ME, but my Kiddo, otra cosa!!!  She finds it particularly ironic that "Educators" can behave so ignorantly, immaturely, unprofessional and stupidly, yet, act like ALL Students should be Exceptional, so as to make THEIR Jobs easier.  Hard to Earn Respect being that way.

  She says, "I have Learning Disabilities, I'm not a Tard or a Moron, they don't seem to Get that."  She doesn't Care to be PC, and Yes, she'll freely use the now forbidden R Word and said she's been Called much worse, so the Pearl Clutchers and those with Delicate Sensibilities can just Deal with the insensitivity too.   I tell her it isn't a Nice Word, but replacing it with Patronizing Words like Special or Super is worse IMO and hers.   Come on, it's insulting and probably has been chosen on Purpose as an Insider Joke. The Staff talk about the high functional Kids like her in front of them, as if they also don't even know they're there and are invisible, it pisses her off.  Lord knows what they say or do in front of the severely Developmentally Disabled Kids that those poor Souls can't communicate to their Loved Ones?   Especially those who are Non-Verbal or can't express or protect themselves in any kind of way.

 I don't even want to Imagine... but, I can speculate, given what my Kiddos have told me for Two Generations of dealing with blatant Disability Discrimination that is rampant in The System.  Societal biases don't end or are put on Pause at entering any Campus.  Several of my Grandkids have made it clear not much has improved since my Kids were School Aged.  And Yes, Adults often Teach their Kids how to Treat other Human Beings.  So, when you see or hear any Kiddos projecting wicked shit, remember, they usually are Learning what they Live.   The Apples aren't falling far from the Tree that bore them and the Fruits that Tree produces.   Never have had any clarity as to why Kindness, Harmony, Peacefulness and Civility is so damned hard for some folks?   I just have to assume they are Tortured Souls on the Inside and it just spews outwards when it just can't be contained and masked anymore and ruptures like any Toxic Infection that must have a Release???

But, some Kids succeed in spite of obstacles.  Above is the Middle Granddaughter in Mexico on the Left, at her Graduation Ceremony.   She too had Special Educational Needs and Learning Disabilities.  There's another Older Sister between this one and Princess T, whose in College now on a full Scholarship and is a Gifted Advanced Student.  This one pictured is The Daughter's Fourth Child of Five.   She's dyed her Naturally Blonde Hair dark... she doesn't have Red Demon Eyes either *LOL*... she has my Pale Grey Eyes which tend to pick up reflections of other Colors you're wearing and the Red Sash clearly did that.  *Bwahaha*  I couldn't find a Red Eye Reduction Filter to correct it.   She looks so much like I did in my Graduation pix that it's eerie!   If I could dredge it up I'd prove it and you'd see, we look like we could be the same person.  *LOL*   Dredged it up Below, uncanny resemblance, huh?  *Smiles, it's like looking at yourself transported Young into the Future.*

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Blessings, Love and Light from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Being Carded At The Goodwill On Senior Day

 Food Porn of the Day: Cheddapeno Biscuits from Church's Chicken, delicious.  So, it's Two in the Morning and I have Senior Insomnia, it doesn't bother me when I do get it sometimes, but, it will mean I'll probably Tap Out for a Nap later in the Afternoon.  Which, isn't Productive.   I feel rather like my Second Childhood is full upon me now and I'm reverting to the habits of an Infant or Toddler in so many ways.  *LOL*  Growing Old is mandatory, but Growing Up is quite optional, I prefer to Grow Old Disgracefully.   I did get Carded tho' at the Goodwill on Senior Day, first time ever!   It was actually flattering as it turned out.  So, let me tell the Story of proving I was at least 55!  *LMAOROTF*

 My Cashier looked to be 12, she was probably about 20 in actuality and Younger than the majority of my Grandkids, I told her that.  But, I still had to dutifully produce my ID to prove I was 55+ and Qualified for my Discount and wasn't lying about being a Senior.  *Bwahahaha*  Dutifully I did so, she looked genuinely shocked at my Birth Date, scrutinizing it for Authenticity in fact.  Like I was some underaged Kid trying to Buy Alcohol with a Fake ID!  *Smiles*  Wow, Color me Happy, it made my Day, since, I have Qualified for the Senior Discount a long, long time now.   Long enuf that if anyone thinks I'm not even 55 yet, and I'm closing in on 70, well, fucking booyah!  God Bless 'em!!!  *LOL*

She hadn't Carded the Two Seniors in front of me, nor the One behind me, who I was sure were all at least my Age or Younger than me.  When queried about that, she told me I didn't LOOK like I was a Senior!  I told her I was already a Great-Grandma many times over, so not offended, just flattered and curious.  I Blessed her and told her she was my Favorite.  Young People Love to hear that.  *Winks*   The Lady behind me was jealous and said she's never been Carded... she turned out to be over a Decade Younger than Yours Truly, poor thing, that must sting, I had no Words.  Just gave her a Sympathetic Look, whaddya gonna do?  So, I floated out of Goodwill feeling quite Youthful and buoyant of Spirit.  Hey, anytime someone shaves over a Decade off the Age they Think you are, it's a Good Day!  *Bwahahaha*

But, not everyone was having a Good Day unfortunately.  Then I get to SAVERS to pick up Princess T after School and the Dear Young Hispanic Gal who works the Self Checkout looked near Tears.   All the Kids there are usually very Uplifting and they always call out my Name and seem genuinely Happy to see me.  They've all Adopted me as a Surrogate Grandma and I Adore each and every one of them, good little Workers they all are and good Ambassadors of their Store.   She had Cheerfully Greeted me as usual, but I could tell something was Wrong, her usual Cheerful countenance was just Off.   She admitted there was and the worst thing had just happened to her.  Tearfully she told me what had just happened to her concerning a Customer who was a Dreadful Karen!   Ruh Roh!

Their Job is to not only help Customers with Self Check-Out Kiosks, but to monitor the Registers to ensure everyone was Checking Out properly and Scanning everything appropriately.   They help you if there's a problem or even do it for the Tech Challenged Customers or those who abhor Self-Checkout Kiosks.  There are no Cashiers now, and, it's not random, they do this with each and every Shopper, no exceptions or bias, it's Store Policy.   Well, this Karen, who doesn't even NEED me to describe her demographic, took Issue and called the Lovely Young Gal a Racist!!  Then added insult to injury, "I'm not the Type you should be Watching, you're the Type everyone should be Watching!!!"  *Gasp* Yeah... one of the Bold Overt Racists she clearly was, projecting what she is upon this Young Lady who isn't Racist at all, but is Mexican, and what The Karen said was Racially Hatefully Offensive on purpose!

It really had clearly Traumatized this Young Gal to be humiliated publicly, be called a Racist for no reason.   Then having this actual Racist Customer make a huge Spectacle of being Racist and viciously Hateful towards her in front of Customers on a busy Senior Day!  She said nobody came to her defense and just watched the Spectacle the Woman made.  It made me so Angry she'd endured that shit, and everyone around said or did nothing.  But, I wasn't Surprised, Racism, Homophobia, Xenophobia, Anti-Semitism, Discrimination against the Disabled, and Misogyny has escalated.  Mostly due to 45 making it Fashionable to be biased, angry, hateful Low Life Humans like that and like he is.  His Cult has embraced the Hate and Cruelty is the Point with them all it seems.  When you Vote In Leadership like that, The Herd follows their Lead and Mimics them.

 She had been trying not to Cry but broke down while telling me what happened and asked me for a Hug, which I promptly gave her a Big Grandmotherly One.  I was choked up.   Consoling her that this Woman's response revealed the Karen's own Racism and was just a handy excuse to project her Hatred Openly, which, that Type always do.  I also made her Laugh out Loud by saying she didn't even need to describe the Demographic {which she tactfully hadn't, but we all 'know' by now, so no Words needed, you had the Visual in your Head} and that I was pretty damned sure who that Woman also Voted for.  *Bwhahahaha*  She Thanked me for making her Laugh out Loud and improve her Mood, since, it was the beginning of her Shift and she hadn't been sure she could get thru it.  She was still so shaken and upset by that confrontation and humiliation that she just wanted to go Home and Cry.

I also told her The Karen was damned Lucky Gramma Dawn wasn't there to Witness the Insult or I would have gone Dark Dawn on her in defense of one of MY Kids, in front of God and everybody in the Store.  *Winks*   She Thanked me, knowing I would have defended her without hesitation.  I confront that kind of inappropriate behavior and Hatred just as openly as those Assholes care to unleash it in Public upon some Victim they target.   Fuck the Racists and Hate filled Fuckers of this World.  Curses upon them and may each and every one of them burn in eternal Hell when they come to Judgment before our Creator, who Created us ALL.   If the Racists and Hate filled have a Problem with The Creator's Creations, even some of us, well, take it up with The Lord, you pompous ignorant arrogant Fools, and see how that goes for ya.  *Winks*

Princess T said she remembers how she felt when being the Victim of blatant Racism, so, it made her Angry too when she got there.  I remember in Affluent Subdivision Hell, when we owned Villa Boheme', it was the worst The G-Kid Force had ever experienced overt Racism and blatant Discrimination.  It's a major reason I abhorred that Community and the demographic it represented.  I do feel there's a special place in Hell for the Inhumane, whether they are so to Humans or any other Sentient Being.  It's a Sick Twisted and perverse State of Being, they're defective and like an infectious Disease within Society.  Comforting that Dear Young Person shouldn't even have to ever be done if Humans treated Humans properly and exercised some Humanity and good breeding/upbringing.  It's just not IN them tho', out of the abundance of the Heart the Mouth always Speaks, it's their 'Tell'.

  We have all unfortunately Witnessed the very Worst of Humanity, that have none apparent IN them tho'.  So, they are living among us and we all must suffer them at times.  Tho' as a Collective we should never Tolerate them, Behavior Tolerated is Behavior Accepted.  It's unacceptable on all levels in a Polite and Functional Society and should be confronted and put In Check firmly.  With consequences that aren't marginalized and are enforced without exception.  When Society is Intolerant of such behavior, it's rarely exercised or expanded upon.  You might not be able to Change the Person whose that way, but you can often Control to some degree, their Acting Upon what Society will not Accept or Tolerate.  No consequences, and they'll go Wheels Off the fucking Rails, since there's no Societal Guardrails, Trust and Believe.  If you wanna Pray for them go ahead, they need it.  But, I Believe their Karma is coming back on them... and, so be it.

 When Society as a Collective makes it crystal clear what behaviors won't be expressed without considerable consequences and punishments to the Offenders, it is a deterrent to most.   To behave appropriately and civilly or risk serious consequences if they choose not to.  Every Action should have a corresponding consequence to it that is appropriate.  That is how Behavior is Modified.   Even if Privately they might still be abhorrent Beings, only the ones totally incapable of restraint will Act upon their Urges.  But, those closest to them know what and who they really are.  Do you see any of 45's Family or Friends in Court with him right now?  Nope, conspicuous by their very absence, aren't they?  Most of his Inner Circle have bailed like Rats from a sinking Ship.

You see, Atrocities happen becoz of Humans like them not being put In Check.   It should have happened from The Jump, we see what happens when it didn't.  Society declines when the dysfunctional and abhorrent are in Charge and good people say and do nothing.  Silence is complicity and merely enables Extremists and The Lunatic Fascist Fringe to Act Out openly and confidently now.   I've lived thru some trying times of the Past, but the Present right now is pretty FUBAR and about as bad as I've ever seen it actually.  It's that current Elephant in the Room!  That deeply disturbs me for our Future Generations to Inherit an Earth and a Society that has become so polluted with what they'll have to try to run damage control behind to clean up and put Right.  I think they could be The Change needed tho' and I think many are Passionate enough to do the Right Thing and turn things around for the better.  Every Generation has had those who Tried, perhaps they will Succeed.

Okay, so, other than that everything's been Swell.  *Bwhahaha*  The Daughter has been quite Sick again so we're gonna hafta get more Tests run to find out what ails her?   I know there's been many Years of Neglect, Lack and Substance Abuse that have taken a heavy Toll on her.  As a Mom it grieves you to see the Toll taken.   I'm glad she's now here and under our Care, she's got a better chance now of a Healing Touch and appropriate Medical and Dental Care, that she hasn't had in over Two Decades.   She's been Homeless for over Two Decades, a long time to be without the basics.   But, a lot of the Seriously Mentally Ill end up that way and often prefer it, due to inability to function in Traditional ways and make good decisions for themselves on a consistent basis.

She did have a Mental Health Episode with her Brother, so, he's staying at a Friends Home for a few days and she feels badly about that.  He Loves his Sister, but sometimes unintentionally Triggers her.  He has a knack for that, since he has Autism and no real filter at times to refrain from saying or doing something or quit when told, enough already.   She is not one to get the least bit confrontation or argumentative with, she'll go feral on you.  She admitted she went feral on him and neither of them wanted to tell me, since, they didn't want me upset and neither wanted blame put on them or me to be mad.   He doesn't know that she told me what happened and that she blames herself for what the outcome was, once Triggered, well, the inevitable transpired.  And, I'm SURE Alcohol was involved.  Well, they're still both Alcoholics.

I don't drink.  I don't drink becoz I would be a Mean Drunk and easily Triggered, without exception, I KNOW me real well and my Ancestry does not tolerate Alcohol well.  And, those with Native American Ancestry should avoid the Firewater... no bueno for Indians to drink and that's just a Fact and Observation.  EVERY file I ever processed at the DA's Office involving a Tribal Defendant had Alcohol involved, I kid you not, EVERY one.  I have told all Future Generations they shouldn't partake of Alcohol, Drugs or Cigarettes, but, well, once Grown they do what they choose to partake of, don't they?   And, on my Maternal Nanna's Ancestry were the Irish Travelers, drinking and fighting being not so uncommon either.  *LOL*   So, our DNA and Hereditary factors has some Markers of what best to avoid.  *Smiles and Winks*

Another Chicken Joint piece of Trivia... above are the Seven Thousand Dollar Doors that The Son installed in a local KFC when he was a Teenager.  I can't walk thru them without thinking, My Son hung those Doors when he first worked as a Glazier after High School!  Back when he was a Teenager, he was Fixated on what the Custom Jobs Cost and would come Home and excitedly tell us.  That Day he came Home Jazzed to tell us he'd hung some Seven Grand worth of Doors on the then New KFC that had just been built locally in Da Hood.  Back then you could still Buy a Home for around Fifty Grand, so, do the Math.  I can only imagine what these Custom KFC Doors with the Chicken Bucket Handles would Cost these days if they were Seven Grand way back then a couple Decades ago?!  They are Metal designed to look like Wood and have a Specialty Glass.  He said they were so heavy to hang, thus he was proud of himself for hanging them and his Employer Trusting him to, so early in his Career as a Glazier.

Another one of my Dear Designer Friends from the boycotted Event called me Today and wanted to know exactly what happened.   He was upset about it and said he wanted to offer an apology for what happened.   Of coarse he did nothing Wrong and thus can't make Right what he never was involved in that was Wrong. I told him that tho' I appreciate him reaching out, he wasn't the Problem and that Problem still exists there in the form of who did Offend and Insult us.  So, I need some Time to not be exposed in any way to that Woman who doesn't know how to Treat People Right and caused the Offense.  It wasn't Okay, it made me not want to be there or come back right now.  He was in complete Agreement it wasn't and is going to speak with the Owner, he's not sure she is aware of what happened.  I haven't told her simply becoz she put that Woman in a position of Authority.  Perhaps they're Business Partners, which it's not my intention to put her in an awkward situation or position with someone she relies on in the Business.

Whether after being told, the Owner contacts me or not, would have no bearing on how I feel about her personally, she's never done anything but treat me well.  Having a problem Employee or Business Partner is an Internal Problem they have to work out however they will... or won't. Every Designer there that I do business with has treated me well too.  But a very Negative Experience is not something I want to risk putting on Repeat.  People like that Woman who don't Treat people appropriately, well, they rarely Change and if forced into an apology, rarely mean it or see the error of their ways.  It's been my experience they resent being reprimanded for an infraction and try to justify whatever they do and make excuses rather than Own it.  They are just bad for Business, any Business IMO.   I don't want that Woman in my Orbit, I don't Like her and I sense the feeling is mutual actually.  

When I went in to SAVERS to pick Princess T up this Day, the little Gal who'd had that Bad Experience with The Karen said yet another similar experience transpired!!!   Not as bad, just that it was another Racial Slur by a Karen directed at her for no reason at all, so, after having experienced the first one only a Day before, it was a Trigger for her.  She had been cleaning the Glass on the Windows and Front Doors and a Customer walks by and sarcastically says, "Well... Nice to see one of your people actually doing their Job..."   OMG!!!   She said the Woman looked down on her with utter contempt as she was squatted down there Window Washing... and, she had no Words to respond to such an obviously Racist Statement out of the Blue and so unnecessary!!!  

 She hugged me again and I told her I was so very Sorry she had Two Karens in a row.   She's such a great Young Person, Friendly, Hard Working, Kind and always Cheerful to everyone.  She always has a Smile and Bubbly persona... for Hatred to be directed her way is totally unprovoked.   The Man told her that you just have to put Dirt like that Woman under your Feet and keep on Keeping On, don't let them Live Rent Free in your Head a single Moment.  The Man experienced much Religious Persecution, in the Military, his Religion were even Segregated for a long time, most people don't know that. But, we all know that Bad and Negative Experiences do impact the Psyche, especially of the Young.  How we're Treated does impact us even if we'd like it not to sometimes.  Even having to repeat what happened to someone Trusted and Kind makes you have to relive and Feel whatever it was.   I truly Hope this doesn't keep happening... but in Today's Political Climate, unfortunately, it might and probably will.

One of my Older Hispanic Friends, whose my Age, said dryly and with intentional Gallow's Humor, that she's been Mexican a long time, the Kid will just have to get used to it and toughen up.   I know what she means, but my God it shouldn't have to be that way.   I know when I was Young, I used to get in Fights when anyone would say Racist things about my Dad or Xenophobic things about my Mom.   As I got Older, I realized that being reactive was typically what the Offender desired to provoke you to Wrath.  So, like The Man relayed to the Youngster, you learn to put Dirt like that under your Feet and keep on Keeping On.  Don't waste your Time or Energy on People so ignorant and Hateful, they're simply not worth it.  Everyone has a Right to BE, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  Every Human Being deserves to be treated with Dignity, Humanity and Respect.

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Blessings, Love and Light to you all from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian