Meeting Baby J and other happenings leaving 2023.

Y'all, 2023 is coming to its end and we closed out the year (or, we're in the process of closing it) with getting to meet the newest little Glisson member. He was born on Tuesday 12/26 and when I tell you he is about the best natured baby I've ever met in my entire life, I ain't playing.

Meet- Jensen. JT. Baby J. Glissonbug. 

Whichever we choose to call him at whatever point (we've had over nine months to come up with these nicknames), he just coos and scrunches his little nose up. It's so f*cking adorable. 

Dev and I were so damn excited to meet the little guy. 

We weren't sure how the hospitals work when you deliver these days (after Covid everything changed, when his sister gave birth last time, they barely let her husband in the room), so we didn't go there (we didn't want to kick any parents or such out to visit), but yesterday they had been home for about eighteen hours and invited us over... so over we went!

It was amazing to meet the human Mace has been growing this whole time and getting to see them interact and Trav handle his first baby, it was just an incredible thing to be apart of. Dev and I even got a little teary-eyed on a few occasions and honestly, I didn't know we were that age yet but I'm good with it.

When I was younger, being around babies and kids got on my nerves. On so many levels it was insane and I felt like such an asshole at all times. I know that's harsh and mean, but it's accurate. I thought they were too loud and too wild and honestly, just too much. However, as I've gotten older, I've come to the realization that I do like babies and kids... I just needed to age into my patience for them.

Don't get me wrong, we're still very much on the "we're not having kids" train because we do not want any of our own, but it is nice that we can spend time with the ones we love and enjoy that time and watch them grow into full ass people. It's fun and exciting and emotional. 

Being Uncle Devon and Aunt Katie is a wild ride and we wear those badges with love, honor, and pride.

Aside from meeting Baby J, we have a busy weekend ahead of us leading out of 2023.

Dev and I have some WRTTMM errands to run and then tomorrow we're helping out my cousin, Bonehead, with his move. It's going to be a whole lot but hopefully, we'll get it at a good spot for him and make life a little less chaotic.

After that, the plans are kind of up in the air. We don't have anything "planned" for Sunday but we usually tend to spend it running our store errands or chilling with each other at the house. Depending on how long we're helping Bonehead tomorrow, I may see if we can just stop at the store and at Patsy's (I need to see if she'll go with us to have my phone switched over) on the way home so we don't even have to leave our house at all Sunday or Monday.

Like I said, Sunday is still debatable. Monday, however? We're staying home and not leaving our house AT ALL for anything. Not debatable. We literally started off 2023 getting brutally attacked by a hobo and frankly, we ain't trying to relive that life. We learned our lesson and will be spending our time inside with each other and our pups and ignoring the outside world.

Just the way we like it. Besides, we got Dev a bunch of new tattoo ink that I know he's itching to try out, so we'll probably be spending some Saturday evening, Sunday, and Monday time doing that. Hanging out, together, while my hubby makes me a human art gallery (that's how I feel and I love it!).

Christmas was... interesting and eye-opening. Definitely learned some things. Not anything bad or upsetting concerning my direct family, but certainly some things that throw change into action for the future.

Here's to all of us. We're two days away from 2024, and we're all literally just hoping for the best. It's been a rough year for everyone (it's been a shit year for us but I know it is not exclusive to us), but we're all trying to pull through and do our best.

And until then, I'll be busy getting hubby and pup snuggles. 

❤️ Baby JTG for the win. ❤️

Yesterday was the day we all got together to celebrate Baby Jensen. And oh, what a celebration it was. To say once our motley crew gets together, things get hilarious (and tense) would be an understatement. It was a small turnout but it was so full of love (and soups!).

The party started around 3:00PM and of course in true us fashion, this set of Glisson's were damn near late. BUT we made it on time and honestly, I think we deserve a treat for that kind of punctuality (I literally was over two hours late to our wedding and haven't been on time for anything since that day).

Dev's still feeling pretty rough considering all the dental work he had done about two weeks ago but he was a f*cking trooper and couldn't stand the thought of missing out on a celebration of our cousin/friends baby! 

The pups had to chill at our house for the day (they usually go everywhere with us but it was a pup free zone considering the party was at their house and there was limited space) but don't worry about them. They were sleeping off D and mine's Friday spontaneous roadtrip so they were more than happy to sleep a Saturday away for a few hours.

We stayed for a few hours hanging out, opening presents, taking pictures, eating and such and then we headed to the house to chill for the rest of the weekend (I'm currently writing this via my pajamas in bed and have no regrets).

And the food?! JESUS. There was so much good food to be eaten... I think I gained four pounds. Potato soup, chili, bbq weenies, potato salad (we like taters in this family!)... the list goes on. I even made vanilla crinkle cookies (dyed blue!) and cream cheese frosted brownies (with blue frosting of course!) per Mavis's request. 

Full disclosure... my "blue" cookies and "blue" frosting had a touch of green to them but it still counts and I'm taking the win!

Mavis is so excited about JT getting here in the next couple of months (due in December like his daddy!) and we honestly can't wait to hold and snuggle and love the shit out of him. Speaking of Mavis, can we talk about how adorable they looked? They definitely have that new "we're about to have a baby and we're in love" glow about them and we are f*cking here for it.

Here's to Baby JTG and all the love this family has for each other.

I met his aunt that reminded me of my cousin and now we have more people.

Let me start off by saying I had no damn idea that my FIL had a little sister for the longest time. I knew there were four brothers but had no clue there was a sister. Apparently, because she was a little on down through the years and also grandad's with his second wife.

Even Dev's only met her a handful of times throughout his life and the most vivid memory he has of meeting her was his grandpa's last birthday. Then again, he only met his real grandpa a few times as well. Because you know, grandma had a second husband. Or, something. I don't really know if I'm being honest...

THE POINT IS... I got to meet Dev's aunt and uncle and we got to hang out with them for a bit.

They live in FL but apparently travel around up here to the Midwest because his uncle has quite a bit of family up this way. We didn't know they were coming into town (the trip wasn't to see us) but Sharla reached out to Dev a couple days before and mentioned she would be in town and would like to see him.

So, once I got off work Friday, we loaded our boys up and headed over to Mavis's house. It was nice to get to hang out, chill and have supper together. We all talked and carried on and it was real nice to see we each had some shit in common. It's always nice for me when I'm comfortable around people, because as most everyone knows, new people and awkwardness meetings are not my thing.

Crippling anxiety attack? Right here. It's me.

Like I said, his aunt was a down the road baby, so she's only ten years older than us. Between the three couples there we had two in their forties, two in their thirties, and two in their twenties.

And for the record, you couldn't pay me enough to go back to my twenties. Because f*ck that. Hoping to make it past my forties though... I mean, I don't want to get there too soon but I also want to see after that? Something.

They of course had other plans and a schedule to keep, and we had to head home, but we were able to hang out for a couple hours and they let us know the next time we come down to FL, they would like us to stay with them a couple days and see everybody on that side of the family. I mean, sounds good to us.

It'll probably be awhile before we're able to make a FL trip, but its nice to know we have many people to see and fun to have when we do eventually get to go.

Did I just do two Mondays in a row? I feel like I did. *suspicious*

Do you ever just have one of those days where you wake up and you're like this is just not it? Happened to me. Well, happens to me on the regular but especially today.

Y'all, this little chika ain't twenty years old anymore and I FEELS it.

Yesterday was the 4th which means there was a day off to be had and some fun to accomplish. It also means that I was off the weekend, worked Monday, off Tuesday, and back in the office on Wednesday.

What. The. F*ck.

Don't get me wrong, I love having certain holidays off (I never used to get those) and I'm not one to kick a gift horse in his mouth, but this off-on-off-on situation has me all sorts of confused. I swear, my ass doesn't know whether to shit or fart glitter.

My alarm went off this morning and I seriously contemplated throwing it out the window. Then I woke up a couple more seconds and realized even if I did that I'd still have to go into work and then I'd have a broken window, so you know... didn't want one more thing to deal with.

Yesterday was fun and we had a good time. We headed up to Mavis's for the day and hung out at Mace's parents house. We took the pups with us because we didn't want to leave them alone with all the fireworks, but they stayed with their cousins at the Mavis homebase. That way, they were right down the road from us but didn't have to stay out in all that constant heat.

And when I tell y'all it was hot yesterday, I mean SUMBITCH. We ate and laughed and all had a good time, but y'all THAT HEAT. Humid would be the understatement of the century. We walked down to some firework get together they have and between the four of us, I bet you could've filled a kiddie pool with all that sweat.

D and I headed out before the legit firework show started (we live about an hour and ten mins from them) since it was already so late (well after ten), but we essentially got a monstrous firework show because we saw everyone's from Muncie to Indy. It was pretty great.

We got home after eleven (almost midnight) and stayed up well until one this morning snuggling and watching Tiktok videos in bed together.

And now? We're back to reality and I need a nap and some cuddles. Luckily, I left all four of my boys at the house when I left this morning, so when its time for me to get off and come home, we can do NOTHING.

Because I'm old and need to recover. At least, that's what my left hip keeps telling me.

The happenings of the Glisson household.

How are we already six months into 2023? Things have been crazy and weird and lovely and insane.

We've been painting our house black and while we were on a role for awhile, it has essentially died off for a minute. Don't get me wrong, we still plan on completing it all, its just going to take longer than we originally anticipated. Then again, doesn't it always?

The pups are still spoiled rotten and as cute as they've ever been. Xur is still the protective middle child, Sparkles is forever playing the part of youngest child, and our little tiny Tayderbug is still the King of the Court with his oldest brother status. I love our babies and it would be a lie to say their presence didn't bring me extreme amounts of comfort.

Dev's been off work so far this year so we can get his health in check. Its almost like a snowball effect. It started with his heart and progressed to his teeth and now we're somewhere in between waiting to hear back from doctors and trying to pay medical bills as they come in. I just want him healthy and to feel good. The way I look at it, as long as we can get him happy, healthy and safe, we can catch up on the rest. That's what life's for... right? Right.

My poor husband. When we relax at night, we usually lay in the bed and watch tv, talk, or scroll on our phones. Sometimes a combo of all because we're multitaskers like that. However, I have this real bad habit of falling asleep while watching true crime documentaries and I think he may be scarred now. I mean, he's watching this crazy and then looking sideways at his wife passed out cold? Its funny to me, probably a little insane to him.

Travis and Macey (aka Mavis) are having a baby and we've been spending alot of time together. I would essentially say that those two are not only our family, but have also become our best friends (aside from one another of course). We cook together, laugh together, hang out and have a grand ole time. It's strange to have another couple that we can hang out with and either spend time all together as four or sectioned off. We've never had a "couple" friend like this and the fact that its family we love makes it all the much better.

Dev's got the yard looking incredible. It's been a long process, but everything is looking real good. And just in time for Summer? Whhhaaaaaa. We've decided that we want to have a bajillion plants (ok, I decided and my husband was 1000% on board). Seriously, I'm in this weird stage of life where plants are making me happy for some unknown and ridiculous reason and instead of fighting it, I have decided to embrace it fully. Along with Seth Green Bonsai, we've also started out propagating garlic and some other herb (I can't recall which it is because D started it, but its doing good!). Oh, and my mint is spreading and taking over EVERYWHERE. I love it. The irises and lilies look good this time around as well. I talked to my Aunt Mary and she let me know when we're ready for more plants to let her know and I could come out to her house and have a field day with her flowers/plants. I kind of want to go pick out a bunch of stuff in the next few weekends!

Along with that, I really want to delve into this plant thing and learn and grow (pun intended).

We've picked up a new recipe for chuck roast that is essentially our new go to favorite. We made it twice in one week just so we could have French-dip sandwiches. I'm pretty sure this roast would be delicious about fifteen thousand ways, but I had a new idea the other night for "Holler Pie" and D is so onboard. TBD on when that's happening (maybe when D has his teeth surgery and has to eat softer foods).

Oh, and D blew up our microwave. It's not really relevant but made me laugh the night it happened so I thought it was worth mentioning. Aunt Mary had given us some homemade zucchini bread and after eating a bit I wrapped it up and stuck it in the microwave. D didn't see it when we tried to heat up the au jus and well... the bread was in foil. Now our microwave only works in twenty second increments and then shuts off the power for that side of the kitchen. Looks like we're using all our other appliances for warm food for awhile.

So yeah, that's where this Glisson household is six months into this year. Trying and doing and laughing and crying and loving and living and essentially, trying to live an all around peaceful and comforting life together with our babies and each other.

Note to self: just because they said they got this doesn't mean they got this.

After work today we decided to ride up and see Mavis. Its always a bit of a trip but we've made it so many times at this point that its almost second nature and unbothersome. We just wanted to hang out and pick up a couple of things. Also, I seriously needed some cuddles from their little girl, Bean.

While we were there the guys decided to take a ride on the Nelli and apparently while they were traveling uphill, my husband fell off. Like, flew off the back of the bike and landed full force on asphalt.

Head, back, neck, and ass. 

Luckily, they weren't moving at a fast pace and he's ok. He's sore and has a bit of road rash but considering they were laughing when they pulled up and Dev said he was ok after some ibuprofen, I guess we'll pack this in the "I need to put my husband in a plastic bubble" box.

These dudes.

I know we just had Memorial Day weekend and all but... *SNORES*

Y'all, I am officially back to work after a three-day weekend and I am not having it. Sure, I'm very proud and feel blessed that I have a job I love (most days) and I am forever thankful for it BUT COME ON. Let me snuggle back into the covers and recover my whole ass body. That's it, I just need another day.

You see, we had a real fun weekend. While it was supposed to just be me, Dev and our pups, we ended up spending the majority of the time with Travis and Macey (aka Mavis). We alternated between houses and managed everything from tattoos to homemade french dips to dabbling in botany. 

And yesterday, the four of us took the tubes down White River for the day. I had personally never been tubing before and we all were a little lost on the process. It was supposed to be a three-four hour trip and it ended up being five and a half instead. Which was fine, except we're all a little crispy for it. Why we waited until the day before we had to go back to our normal lives to do this I'll never know, but here we are.

I straight up went from being Dev's little princess to being his little lobster. Seriously, my shins and stomach are F****D up. And D's shoulders? Pfsshh. CRISPY like KFC. I know Mace and Travis HAVE to be feeling that shit today. Mace is pale like me and Trav is a ginger so you know they're extra spicy looking this AM. *And yes, we used sunscreen, but that shit only goes so far.*

Full disclosure, I had to dress like Miss Honey from Matilda for work today, because things touching me aren't a thing. I asked Dev how I looked and his words were... "sexy... like a librarian." I wasn't aware dudes had a thing for librarians, so I'm taking it as a win. Then again, I mentioned the Miss Honey thing and he was like, "well, now that you mention it." It could be worse. I could be having a Trunchbull moment.

We all laugh about it, because what else are we supposed to do? Not to mention we have a couple new tattoos (Leo is a new dino-lizard on my thigh), a new bombass recipe, and memories to go round. Honestly, while I'm exhausted and want to do nothing but sleep right now, the fact we were going and had those experiences and that fun was worth it.

Seriously though, today when I get home I'm having a shower, putting on some comfy clothes, have a chill moment, snuggle with my pups and hubby, eat some leftover spaghetti (I made that shit when we got home from the river last night and it is delicious), and watching tv. That's it. That's all I'm doing and can't nobody change my mind.

Please.

Everything, everywhere, all at once. I can't stop rambling for nothing.

No, I haven't watched the movie... not because I'm against it, but because we haven't had the opportunity to check it out. We have however been watching a lot of random shit.

Like Knock at the Cabin. And Scream VI.

Before that, Avatar: The Way of Water. (Having just seen the first Avatar movie- for me- the night before).

I digress though, because this isn't all about movies. Even though it could be. No, this is just a little catch up on all the happenings as of late.

We've been painting around the house like crazy. The kitchen, laundry room, hallway... it's all different at this point. I both love it and want to get the rest of it painted but also have to kickstart myself every time to actually get the painting part done. Procrastination party of one? Right here.

On top of that we've basically been playing the waiting game trying to get D into the oral surgeon so we can get his dental problems handled (his appointment is on the 25th of this month). He'll feel so much better once it's all taken care of and I'll feel better knowing he's not in constant pain 25/8. Just one more step to get my love on the health and narrow.

We also came to the conclusion to maybe sell the Juke. It was Dev's idea/decision and we're seriously putting a lot of thought into it. Hopefully, if we do end up selling, it will be a painless process. *fingers crossed*

Hold onto your hats, because a couple of weeks ago we found out Travis and Macey are having a baby. That's right, another little Glissonbug is on the horizon and we're all so damn excited for them. She's been having a rough time with morning sickness and everything, so hopefully, it'll all ease up on her a bit soon. I don't know how shit like this works, but I hope she doesn't have to feel like shit the whole time.

Speaking of Trav and Mace, Dev and I took the Z up to their house on Saturday for a drive and a hangout. We had so much fun on the bike, but I can guarantee long trips are something we have to work up to, because their house is about 1.5 hours each way, and my whole body is feeling it. It was feeling it yesterday and it's definitely feeling it today. I am young no more. 

But, it was totally worth it.

And speaking of kids, Gabriel lost his two front teeth. He definitely resembles his hillbilly Aunt Katie a little more for awhile.

Work is work. Crazy and hectic and exhausting, but we're trekking forward and doing what we have to do to make sure shit gets done. Because at the end of the day, isn't that all we can really do?

My Tayderbug is an angel and demanded to go back to regular dog food. I swear, we make that little shit his own batch of fresh chicken every night and he just ain't having it. He wants regular ole pup food. Meanwhile, his brothers are drooling every which way trying to get a little piece of the actual chicken.

Dev has been feeling a bit better and doing so much around the house. I swear, I do dishes, but I don't do anything else really around the house. He basically has all the important stuff done by the time I get home and then our time together can either be spent relaxing or doing projects together. And I love both.

Just a side note, yesterday was the four year anniversary of Dev proposing to me and I was all heart-eyed once I realized it.

So yeah, a little catchup with shit I am most definitely forgetting, but here we are. Doing our best and making the most. And doing it all with a little hope, some happiness, and a fuckton of love.

A weekend of motorcycle rides, cuddles, and furbabies.

If more weekends could be like this past one, I think we would all be good to go. Go where... I don't know. But go.

The weather was beautiful, we actually had plans that went through, and I got to spend the whole thing with the hubby and my babies. When I say it was a good day, you may as well crank up Ice Cube.

It started off Friday with a movie night. Have y'all seen Cocaine Bear yet? If not, you're definitely missing out, because that shit is hilarious. Seriously, I laughed so hard at one point I almost peed down my leg. Even if I wouldn't have wanted to see it, you could of told me O'Shea Jackson Jr. was in it and I would've been SOLD. 

And good ole Ray Liotta... ah man. No one can play a bad guy like Ray Liotta. I'm gonna miss that guy. He was my very favorite crass actor. The dude could literally play a piece of shit human being (which he did often) and I would be like.... yeah.... but I mean... it's Ray Liotta.

Saturday we got up super early and I got ready while Dev made breakfast. Trav and Mace showed up, we got everything situated, I loaded up our babies and we made the 1.5 hour trip out to their house. Once we got there we got pork in the smoker and settled in the pups and then the four of us went on a nice little ride.

It was peaceful and beautiful and honestly, I feel like if we had more relaxing days like that, everybody's anxiety would be down and happiness would increase. 

After the ride, their parents showed up at the house, we made a trip to the meat market, and we all proceeded to cook, eat, talk, and hang out until ten at night. Then we loaded up and headed to the house.

Sunday was spent resting and not doing anything at all, because my old ass was dragging and there was nothing but rain and gloom out. Go figure, we had one beautiful day and now it's back to shiver-ass cold. That's ok though, because that just means I get more cuddles, comfort food, and movie nights. 

And honestly, that's this girls dream.

Sometimes you do the things because literally no-one can stop you.

This past weekend was a good one. Dev and I loaded the pups up on Saturday and we went to hang out with Travis and Macey for a bit. While it is a long drive (1.5 hours one way), we usually have a good time and make the most of our little "road trip." Besides, our pups enjoy getting to go with us and since they're THE GOODEST BOYS on the planet, they reign supreme.

They also tried to talk me into letting Macey pierce my lip and that was a firm f*ck on somewhere from me. 

Then Dev and I talked about it and I told him I actually would like to try something like that, because it would be a drastic change without having to touch my hair (hair is always the first thing a woman changes when she's going through a phase, because that shit is the most dramatic and accessible... at least that's what I'm going with). 

I always said I wouldn't get a face piercing, because I had my nose done when I was nineteen, kept the ring in for two-three days and took it out because I hated it. 

I believe the words I used were, "I tried it and discovered I don't like having a f*cking bolt in my face." 

BUT I've learned in the last year or so that many things I've thought or felt my entire life are actually completely different and so, I've been experimenting with changes and different ways of doing things to see if it helps.

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise... mental health is important and you matter. Take care of yourself.

With these changes, I've been... I know this sounds a little hippish or something... trying to find who I am. I feel like I know who I am, but somehow I'm still discovering things about myself. I'm certainly not the person I thought I was and my mindset changes frequently. It's like a whole new world and I can just be 100% me.

Luckily, I also have a husband that not only adores the shit out of me, but encourages me in all things that could produce happiness. When I said I married my hype man, I wasn't joking. We talk to each other about absolutely everything (I don't care what anybody says, your spouse being your best friend is f*cking fantastic) and usually when I want to do/try/say/wear something different but have my reservations, he's always the one to remind me that I'm grown and I can be/say/do/have whatever it is I want. He's always going on about, "you're your own person and the most amazing one I know... you do whatever it is you want, sweetheart, and I got your back. 100%" He's the f*cking best.

What did I fantasize about my husband being like? Think Gomez Addams. 

So yes, when I mentioned I would like to try it but had doubts, he was all, you want one? We'll do it RIGHT. NOW.

Cut to fifteen minutes later and we were walking into a shop not too far from our house.

Thankfully, we didn't let his cousin do it. I decided that I'm a grown woman with a full time job... I'll pay a professional to stab me in the face. Thank you very much.

And here we are. A few days in and another hole in my face/body. It doesn't really hurt at all... it is however tender and irritating as shit. Not the ring itself, but the backing rubbing all up on my skin. I cannot wait to change this bitch to some form of hoop once it's healed a bit.

I'm not sure if I love it or hate it. I love how different I look (even if other people don't think so, I think so) but I hate how irritated my skin feels right now. Mostly, I'm just trying not to be a big ass whiny baby and suck it up and let this thing heal up. I think I'm really going to be into it though. You know, at the end of the line and such. TBD. *insert dramatic eye roll here*

Dev even put his former lip piercing back in. He had his done in his early twenties but hasn't worn it in years. Now? We fancy. 

I also feel like it's worth mentioning we got a bonsai tree as well. His name is Seth Green.

People literally tried to make me throw in the towel on the first day.

Y'all, people didn't even wait until we were a little bit into 2023 before they decided to make me lose all faith in humanity. Like seriously, what the fuck is wrong with people? 

On Sunday, D and I decided to spend the day on his bike. We took a ride out to my aunts house in the morning and by the time we got home, Travis and Mace showed up so we could all ride up to my brothers and hang out together.

We all had a fun day and couldn't wait to get home and spend the last "free" evening before we all had to prepare ourselves to reenter the world of our regular jobs and everyday life. 

We decided to use the GPS on our way, because traffic has been a nightmare with all the construction and holidays, and it took us a route we had never been before. Sure, we've driven that way in our vehicles, but never on the bike. 

About twenty minutes from home, we were driving under a bridge coming up and we had to make a left. There was a man on the left side of the road and when we came up on him it looked like he was waiting for traffic to pass through so he could cross the street. D got into the opposite lane to ensure we wouldn't be close to him and all of the sudden he charged at us full force and tackled us.

I'm not even shitting you, he tackled us while we were driving down the road and sent us into the guardrail/almost the concrete barrier. If that wasn't enough, he proceeded to loop his arm around me and try to yank me off the back. Oh... and he had a knife. You know, in case this wasn't escalating enough to fucking begin with.

Luckily, my fight or flight instinct kicked in and my first reaction was to tighten my legs around Dev as tight as I could and just start punching the dude in the head. I don't know how D managed to keep that bike up and get us away from the man, but he did.

He didn't stop though. He chased after us and then started throwing beer bottles and pieces of concrete cinderblocks at us, Travis, and another dude that just so happened to be passing by on a bike. 

I called the police and of course Dev and Travis made sure that Mace and I were far enough away to be safe and then kept an eye out on our surroundings and where the dude took off to make sure he didn't get away. Once the police showed up I had to tell them what happened (a very short description of events as they were in pursuit immediately) and they caught and arrested the man.

I would be lying if I said this turn of events didn't freak me out a little bit. I feel like I'm usually a pretty strong person and while I have fears, I'm usually pretty good about keeping myself together. However, it's not everyday you get sucker-punched into a motorcycle accident and possibly abducted and/or assaulted. At least, I don't and if this is an everyday occurrence to y'all, please send tips.

I'm jumpy now and more on edge than I'd like to admit. My paranoia has gone up about four notches and honestly... I don't want this to affect me, but I think it is. The whole way home afterwards I couldn't get my legs to stop shaking and when D asked if I was cold I thought it through and said no. I wasn't cold, but I also couldn't stop shaking and I'm smart enough to know that's adrenaline... and possibly shock.

We're all ok. Dev hurt his leg when we went into the railing and we're both extremally sore, but considering the turn of events and how it could've went down, I'd say we're grateful to only be sore. Luckily, Travis, Mace, and the other guy weren't hurt at all. 

And while I am thankful that we're all ok and the man was arrested (thank you, nice policemen that showed up and helped even though I know I was on edge and freaking out some), I honestly just want to know what the fuck is wrong with people.

I mean, what possesses someone to tackle a person they've never met and try to assault them with a weapon for absolutely no reason at all? And I know this happens all the time and we should all be more prepared, because people just keep proving that they're the worst, but... COME ON, DUDE.

Is this really where we're at?

The only people in my family that know are my brother and Dani. The only people in D's family that know are Travis (and Mace) and his dad. We didn't want to tell alot of people, because then all they'll do is worry and freak out and honestly, I feel like my mental health is hanging on by a loose thread, so maybe let's not deal with all that right now.

Dani said she probably wouldn't ever get back on a bike again. I can't say I blame her and I would be lying if I said that thought hadn't crossed my mind at first. But you know what? I enjoy riding with my husband and spending that time together and I'll be damned if I let some asshole with an anger issue and a small dick complex ruin that for us. People aren't going to stop being horrible and doing what they do, so we all have to find a way to keep living our lives all the same.

It's shitty, but it's accurate.

Instead, I have to say I'm thankful for my husband for making me feel safe when that was the last thing I thought I would feel again. For protecting me and loving me. I'm thankful for our cousins that were with us that stood by our side and had our backs. I'm thankful for the stranger who stopped to help even though it put himself in danger. And I'm thankful for emergency personnel (from the amazing dispatcher on the phone to the patrolmen that showed up). This was an incredibly shitty moment and feeling, but we're ok. We're together and safe.

And at the end of the day, that's all that really matters.

Time isn't real and 2023 is creeping like a three-part Netflix documentary.

I've essentially felt like I've been in a time warp since the Friday before Christmas... so... December 23rd?! I've basically just decided that between that time and this coming Monday (ie: the day after the first of the year and my final day of the last three day weekend I'll have for awhile) time means nothing and we're pretending to live in a calm and serene bubble. 

Worrying about what will be and what is and what's going to sounds like a fucking 2023 Katie problem and I stand behind that reasoning. Sure, I'm doing all the things required of my adult life (work... ok, I'm just going to work, that's all), but I've decided I like having a carefree and oohsah attitude, so I think I want to keep it moving forward.

And in the spirit of keeping with that trend, I'm going to tell you a random story. Fact? Statement? Whatever.

I should probably start this out by saying D and I fell asleep at like eight thirty last night, but I was awake by eleven thirty, got up, took a shower, did dishes, and proceeded to not sleep for the next... until my alarm went off this morning, D also tossed and turned all night (when one of us can't sleep the other can feel it... or something). By the time my alarm went off I was reading a book on my Kindle and D rolled over and we proceeded to watch Tiktok videos together until well after six.

Once we rolled out of bed and I did the bare minimum to make myself presentable for the human population... we proceeded to stand in our kitchen talking while I made my coffee and he essentially made me feel better about having to deal with people that aren't him or our pups today.

Before I tell you what D said and how I laughed and knew it was beyond accurate, I feel like there needs to be a little context for you to understand this. I believe that our relationship is so loving and fun, because we're the best of friends along with being together. And I know people say their significant other is their best friend all the time, but when I say it, I legitimately mean it. He truly is my best friend and I could spend 25/8 with him and be perfectly fine with it. Unhealthy and codependent? Absolutely. Do I give a shit? Not even one.

With this level of friendship also comes our constant honesty. Neither one of us are under the impression that we're perfect. We both have our faults and where one slacks the other picks it up. It's not a problem for us, because all the things I hate doing he does and all the things he hates I don't mind doing. Sure, we like to tease each other about it, but neither of us truly care to do it for the other. We know our strengths and weaknesses and love each other for them. How boring would it be if everybody did the same things all the time without fail? Ugh.

So... while D has been home alone with the pups all day, he's been cleaning and organizing and basically doing all of the things we've been talking about needing done around the house that we just keep putting off.

Why do we keep putting them off? Well... because they're all things that are not "difficult" projects but are "time consuming" projects. Which means we can't really do them after work... because my anxiety will not allow me to shut off my brain until a project is completed once it's been started... but would default to weekend projects. Honestly, once the weekend rolls around we want to spend time together doing fun things or resting from the hard ass week not do adult projects that make me want to pull my perfectly ridiculous hair out.

And yes, we both realize that every other person on the planet has to figure this shit out and make it work, but D and I have a very unique approach to our lives and the way we live them... another million explanations for a million other days.

Back to the point. So, D has been doing all these projects by starting them first thing in the morning and having them done by the time I'm home from work in the afternoons. Which means I get to see all the amazing results and the vision we've talked about a million times come to life, but I don't actually have to see or participate in the anxiety inducing clusterfuck of it all. If I'm being honest (which I often am... sometimes to a fault) I love that shit, dude. It has been the best and now all I can think about are the fun things I get to do, because all the boring shit is out of the way.

The garage? Taken care of. Apparently Trav is coming by this morning (that boy will show up at four o'clock this afternoon and pretend it's nine in the morning *cry laughter*) to help D load up and haul off all the stuff we know for a fact is garbage. Then all that will be left is going through the boxes and sorting through what we keep, what goes to my brother, what goes to other family members, and what gets thrown out. I know it sounds daunting (because it is), but some of this stuff I've been moving around with me my entire life and I've been avoiding it all for going on four years. I think it's time I stop avoiding and start dealing with the last piece I haven't started dealing with yet.

The kitchen? Amazing. That's all I have to say about it and he's not even done yet. He rearranged our shelving and reorganized the entire system... got rid of some things and revamped the rest. He's got our bottom shelves left and then it will all be done. All I'll have to think about is how I want to paint our cabinets when the time comes. *swoon*

In fact, he's done so much around the house and in general lately that I kind of just want to jump his bones all the time, because that shit is sexy without even meaning to be sexy. You know what I mean? Maybe I'm just reading too much smut on Kindle.

Anyways... while we were talking this morning we were discussing the things that are done and the next things he's going to start on (quite literally the only man on the planet I know that requested a "honey-do" list) and he said, 

"I know you don't really like change... especially when you have to deal with it... but I was hoping that with me doing it all you would like it."

Bro, write that on my fucking tombstone. If that isn't the most accurate description of my personality I don't know what is. I immediately started laughing which in turn made him start laughing and next thing I know I just felt good. He has that way. I don't know what he does or how he does it, but somehow and someway he just makes me feel... good. I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.

Because it's the truth. I love absolutely everything he's done to the house/garage. It's incredible and so fun and cozy and basically a dream come true. It's both of our eclectic personalities coiled into one tiny little space and I am HERE FOR IT. 

But just the thought of doing it all had me nervous twitching like a tweaker. And he knew that. He knew that I would eventually do it, but as soon as I started it I was going to get overwhelmed and in my own head about it. The man just knows me too well. So... he did it. He did all the things that could be done without me directly being there and he'll help me with all the rest moving forward. 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the kind of support and love that I want to continue throughout not only the new year, but our lives together. 

I'm not perfect. So far from it I can't even see it as a blip in my rearview... and he not only knows that but accepts it and loves me for it. We love that we both acknowledge that we're human and we don't expect perfection out of each other. We only need and want love and understanding. We want to be together and live our lives our own way.

So yeah... I've been in a time warp for a week now... but I know once life catches back up and the anxiety and dauntingness that is the everyday starts creeping in that my husband will have my back and we'll keep doing it together. Because we truly are a pair now. You get one, you best be ready for the other, because we don't really like to do anything without the other.

Again, codependent? More than accurate. Do we care? Behold the field in which we grow our fucks... and see that it is barren.

A little catchup on life in general and the daily struggles of mental health.

Life has been... I would like to say good, because it really does feel that way, but I also don't want to jinx myself or anyone around me either. I'm not sure what it is, but life has had a kind of calm around it lately. Things are very go with the flow and I find myself reflecting on memories or thoughts in a peaceful kind of way.

Don't get me wrong, there's every day normal stress... daily personal problems, work, health, financial. But, life in general has felt a bit serene. I find myself on edge less and it takes more than usual to make me panic.

Perhaps it has something to do with my surroundings... D and I finally managed to get our house and yard cleaned up. Don't get me wrong, more could definitely be done, but for the most part it's clean and doesn't look like a swarm of crackheads came through and had a field day. It actually looks like normal people live there... well, mostly normal people.

I don't think anyone would accuse us of being too normal. Or, normal at all really now that I think about it.

Also, I find "normal" to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not sure who decided what was appropriate and what wasn't, but the fact that we live our lives how we see fit and let ourselves be happy is good enough for me. I don't really care if other people don't find my way of life to be acceptable.

But yes, our house being clean was like a giant weight lifted off my shoulders. It may sound insane, but I had so much anxiety that constantly ate at me when our house was a mess. 

And yet, I couldn't find any motivation to do anything about it. It was a real Catch-22 situation. I didn't like it a mess, but couldn't find the effort to do anything about it. Ironic, huh? It literally took me four hours to scrub our shower down.

FOUR. And don't get me wrong, it probably didn't need that thorough of a cleaning (yes, it did) and I could've probably stopped long before I did (no, it definitely needed all of the attention it got and probably then some), but it looks so much better now... and I feel so much damn better about it. 

I've talked about not cleaning or maintaining a house like Momma used to... I'm just not that person. I've thought about it, accepted it, and moved on. However, there are some things that are forever ingrained in my brain and while I may not keep house like her, I do still like to keep house. Or yet, I like having a kept house. It doesn't have to be perfect or immaculate, but it does have to be comfortable 

And I do like cleaning house... mostly. I find it comforting to toodle around mopping or cleaning... making sure laundry is caught up. Once everything is cleaned, the windows are open, and the candles/incense are lit, I'm at my most calm. Remember when I said I sometimes wake up early in the morning and stand in my kitchen with nothing but silence and coffee and contemplate the day ahead or my life in general? Well, it's even more peaceful surrounded by cleanliness and comfort items.

D did the entire back yard by himself and I am entirely impressed. He hacked down all the crazy tomato plants and vines that had taken over and put everything back in its rightful place. Even our firepit is standing at the ready to take out all the hang around stuff that shouldn't be there. He blew off the sidewalk and the pups are so damn thrilled. Spart and Xur love to run around and play in the openness and even little Tayderbug appreciates not having to scour the jungle looking for a place to pee.

We've been meaning to do this for quite some time, but always lacked the motivation to do so. I always joked with D that something like his mom coming to visit would have to happen before it actually got done. I mean, something would have to kick us in our asses to get the ball rolling, right? Well, something did apparently.

D's cousin, Travis, is staying with us for a bit. I love the guy like he's a little cousin or brother so when D said he needed a place to crash and asked if he could stay with us, I didn't mind at all. In the span of one day he... lost his job, house, fiancé and dog. Honestly, I'm just glad the guy has a newer truck, because I had a feeling it was going to be turning real 90s country love ballad soon. He started staying with us last Thursday (? I think it was Thursday) and it's been going real good. We don't mind having the company and we've seemed to find a somewhat routine with each other for now. D and I have a very calm and "hippie-esque" vibe about our lives and that's how we live it... and he seems to be ok with that and fit into it nicely. We all go about our own business, but also co-exist and hang out.

With that said, that's the motivation we needed. Trav is currently crashing in our spare room, so we rearranged to fit his stuff, but that also kickstarted our cleaning weekend. And honestly, I'm glad it did, because I love our house even more now. 

Other than that, we've just been relaxing and trying not to get too stressed about anything. D's been taking me for rides on his bike (and got me all decked out in gear-helmet, gloves, jacket) and it's something that we both have fun doing together. Between that and the random fishing trips we've been taking down at the river, life has just been... nice.

Cleaning, cooking, reading, relaxing... I know it all sounds ridiculous and you're wondering how any of that could possibly make me happy, but it does. Because I feel like me and I feel happy and I feel peaceful. I have an amazing, loving, caring, compassionate, adoring husband and three of the most adorable and loving pups that were ever put on this planet.

Sure, I have everyday stress and worries, we all do. I struggle with my mental health on a daily basis and there are times I feel so overwhelmed I don't know which way is up. I have moments or thoughts that are sad or unsettling, but I also have wonderful moments full of laughter and light. 

Things aren't perfect, they rarely ever are, but if this is the feeling I have for the rest of my life, I'll take it. Because while it may not be someone else's perfect, it feels pretty damn great to me.

Did I imagine that? I had to have imagined that... right?!!

Last night, I'm pretty sure I met a serial killer... in the form of a ten year old little girl. NOW HEAR ME OUT. I know I'm usually a bit dramatic but if you were there you would 157% agree with me. This little girl was without a doubt, a teeny tiny Ted Bundy. Perhaps more of an Aileen Wuornos situation, but stressful never the less.

You ever watched Supernatural? You know when demons possess little kids and they look all cute and shit, but next thing you know they're acting dead inside and you can't find a soul when you look into their eyes? DING DING DING!!

I'm telling y'all, I talked to this little girl for like ten-fifteen minutes and there was nothing there... except you know, my ever long standing fear of having to live a live action version of Silent Hill. She seriously creeped me out to the point of high-tailing my ass into our kitchen where D and Travis were so I could feel safer. I got my pups in and locked those doors and proceeded to not go back outside for the rest of the evening including having D let the pups out later on that night.

And I'm not even sorry about it, because hell no, I'm pretty sure she wanted to devour my soul.

Sure, I may be being dramatic as hell, but you know who else they call dramatic? Every single final girl that's ever survived a horror movie. THAT'S WHO.

The more that kid talked the bigger my eyes got. I know by the time she was done I had to look like I had blue saucers on my face, because my eyes had to have been the size of plates. There's absolutely no way they weren't.

The entire reason I got sucked into this situation is because my pups being the cute little shits that they are were playing in our backyard and our neighbors grandkids ran to the fence all excited asking if they could pet them. Of course our pups were more than happy to except some lovin so off they went to get all the attention. I swear, you would think because of their size they would be a bit more intimidating.

Only the little girl stuck around to offer more ear scratches and while she was petting Sparkles the very first words out of her mouth to me were "I used to have a black and white dog like him... her name was Sugar... when they broke into our house she attacked them but he shot her five times in the stomach... I was in the other room... can you imagine what it's like to have to walk across your dead dog surrounded by her own blood just to get out of your house and to a safe one?" All while she continued to pet Sparkles and stare into the void.

COME ON. Don't get me wrong, I feel so bad for that baby. She has very clearly went through a very traumatic event in her life and very reasonably has some issues, because of it. However, I would hope her parents are aware of the legit psychological damage that's going on up there and get that baby some help. Because I'm not trying to be an asshole, I'm really not, but if you could've seen this little girl while she talked about this and seen her reaction to her surroundings you would have been worried and disturbed too. 

You ever hear of those stories where a kid is perfectly normal and then something awful happens and next thing you know they have their own three-part Netflix special? This is one of those moments.

It takes alot to freak me out. ALOT. But, she managed to do it in under two minutes. She even looked at me at one point and was like, "are you crying?" and when I said no she responded with, "that's good... I don't remember what it feels like to cry... I haven't cried since I was a baby... I just can't seem to make myself no matter how hard I try."

The fuck? I high-tailed my ass inside and proceeded to tell D and Travis what she said (as they had saw me through the kitchen door talking to her) and it freaked D out to see me so freaked out. Needless to say, I was a bit on edge.

And I'm not saying they're bad people, because they're not. They're all lovely people. As nice as they can be and I adore our neighbors. Two sweet older ladies that mind their business and are friendly as they can be... but that little girl still freaked me the hell out. I hope she gets some help and grows up to be the best version of herself that she can be. I hope that she's happy and loved and lives a beautiful life. Until then though, I'm keeping our doors deadbolted and rewatching Constantine.

On that note... where's my salt?

Country roads take me home... to the place... I BELLLOONNNGGGG!!!

We had to make a trip to good ole GA last Thursday for D's grandmas funeral. While it was a sad occasion, we decided to try and make the best of it. Sure, it was emotional and devastating for the family, but everyone came together to say their goodbyes and it was nice.

We even got to spend a little time with D's dad (Kerry Dale) and cousin (Travis). 

The funeral was in D's great grandad's hometown in GA, and when I tell you that the church/cemetery we laid Carol Ann to rest in was in BF GA, I am not exaggerating. We drove so far out that even I was like, umm... did we take a wrong turn somewhere? 

Damn, I miss living in the middle of nowhere.

We stayed at Little Ocmulgee and honestly, I so wanted to swipe the vanity mirror from that bathroom. Seriously, that thing was huge and had amazing lighting and if D hung it in our bathroom just right, I could have it for my entire body. He's probably not going for it, because then I'll be obsessed with staring at everything in HD and he'd rather not have to deal with that nonsense. 

*that seems fair to me, but also, I want that damned ole mirror*

On the way home, we decided to trail Travis so the three of us could spend some time together and hit up a few sites. We all agreed that the scenic route through TN was the way to go and I for one was super excited for D to see the places I got to grow up with and in.

It was nice to show my hubby where his wife came up and get to see the wonderment on his face while we were traveling through those mountains. I swear, there is nothing like home to me. Say what you will, but I wouldn't have wanted to be raised any other place and come retirement, God willing and the creeks don't rise, that's where our happy asses are planning retirement.

Because I want to go back to the peacefulness that is the country and spend the rest of my life with the person I love living a calm and utterly devoted to each other kind of life. 

Until then though, we're rolling with our Southside Indy lives and making the most of it. 

We stopped by Fall Creek Falls to do some hiking (that the pups LOVED by the way... even though they almost wiped me and D out on the side of a mountain) and you know we couldn't pass up the scenic overlook. 

There was even a suspension bridge that I crossed solo, because my hubby is petrified of heights and his cousin wasn't having any of it either.

Our trip ended up being about four extra hours, but it was worth it to make all those stops and get to spend that time and do those things with D. With everything happening within his side of the family, things are a little bit on edge and scary, so any time we get the chance to spend some quality time and I get him to relax, even for a little, is more than worth it to me. We even found out his cousin lives about 15-20 minutes from us and I think he'll get to finally have someone around from his side to hang out with. Which I know he is looking forward to (we stopped by his house after we got back to Indy to hang out).

So yeah, it was an extended weekend for horrible circumstances, but we tried to make the best of it. And any day that my hubby smiles is a damn good day to me.