weapons of massdistraction

My next door neighbors are gone. Unfortunately not the ones who sued me over tree branches, but the ones who were actually halfway decent. They left suddenly and without a word. And now their house sits vacant, with a small typed-up note on the front door. Foreclosure is the dirty word that’s been on my mind too much lately, as it is, and now it’s hitting way too close to home. Literally. I’ve regretted buying my house since day one and have been struggling to pay the bills for nearly twelve years. Despite searching high and low we haven’t had a roommate since 2009. There have been a few almost-roommates. Almost doesn’t pay the bills. Some days I’m tempted to just pack up our things and walk away from this money pit.

Let’s move away from my general exasperation. How about five good things for this dreary first day of Spring?

• My amazing son. He’s reading recreationally now. And my parent/teacher conference the other day confirmed what I had hoped. That he really has been making gains, both socially and academically, at his new school. That’s a huge relief.
• A friend is flying me to Los Angeles next month to visit her for a long weekend. I’m still sort of speechless. But it will be just the thing.
• The ex-boyfriend is now the boyfriend again and his new band, Blood Folke, had a great debut at the Kitty Cat Klub the other night. Photos here.
• Loads of good music, as ever. It’s what keeps me going. I’m looking forward to the new Moody, Standard and Poor by The Obits. A friend turned me on to Chubby Checker’s psychedelic album from the early 70s, called Chequered/New Revelation. It is remarkable. Unexpectedly so. Apparently he doesn’t like to talk about it but it’s great! And speaking of music, I randomly got on the guest list to see The Dodos this Wednesday night, at The Cedar Cultural Center. They’re touring in support of their latest album, No Color. I’m not a huge fan but maybe it would be fun? I could drag the lad along with me. And hey, Reading Rainbow is opening. That sounds edumahcational.
• Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s “Star Wars” - pretty funny. And yes, the lad and I will be seeing Paul soon.

The week ahead is going to be a challenging one, with my son’s school closed for Spring break. And now I’m kicking myself. I’d completely forgotten he qualifies for St. Paul’s Rec Center program. Alas it is too late so he’ll be tagging along to work with me, and as I chase all over the suburbs this week. At least I’ve but I’ve been spending my Sunday prepping for this hell week.