Trying to keep a flare at bay!

My oldest son informed my husband and I that he is moving out on April 1st, and going to San Francisco to live with a friend from high school and her boyfriend .  Apparently they have a house they share with 2 other people.  He is going to live there rent free until he has a job, and then he will pitch in for utilities.

I knew this day was coming, but I really hoped it would be a couple of more years.  I was a complete basket case when he told us, but I'm doing a little better right now.  Luckily work has kept my mind busy, so I haven't been dwelling on it too much.  I did end up with a major headache, and some of my trigger points are causing some problems.  I'm determined not to stress over this right now so I don't end up in a major flare, but I know come April 1st I'm going to really start stressing about him being gone.

The one good thing about this is, I now know where I'm going to for summer vacation.  I'll have to be there the week of August 11th to celebrate his 20th birthday.  My mother is really stressing about her first grandchild flying the coop.  She's determined that we will be visiting him at least every 2 months.  I guess I'll be taking long weekends off of work every 2 months to see my son. 

Why must they grow up so fast? 

Is it Fibro or Something to Worry About?

Have you ever been faced with a new pain that has you thinking "should I worry about it, or should I just chalk it up to the fibro?"  Well it happens all the time to me, and I am not a fan of the guessing game!

I started having sharp pains in my chest a couple of weeks ago.  Nothing major, just a sharp jab and then it would go away.  This would happen every once in awhile with no clear pattern.  Then last weekend it started happening more often.  It hurt when I would bend over, cough, sneeze, take a deep breath, and it also hurt to the touch.  So I'm thinking Fibro because of the fact that it hurt to touch it.

I finally decide I better call and make an appointment to see the doctor.  Everybody else wants me to go to the emergency room.  I try to explain how many times I've been to the ER only to be told they can't find anything wrong with me, and how it gets embarrassing after awhile.  So I opt out of the ER and wait for my appointment.  I figure it's not my heart since that has been checked out every which way possible during the whole "I can't breathe" episode last year.

So I go to the doctor, and he agrees it's not my heart.  After checking everything else, it turns out I have an infection in my lung.  The lung is slightly swollen which is pushing on the rib cage thus causing the pain when I touch my chest (that is Fibro related).  He gave me a big ole shot, and put me on a methylprednisolone dospak (21 pills in 6 days).  The pain is gone, the breathing is easier, and I can sneeze and cough without pain.  Of course you also have to deal with the side effects: can't sleep, serious dry mouth, my eyes are blurrier than usual, and my face is extra puffy!

I'm glad I didn't go to the ER, but I am glad I went to the doctor.  He said it could've turned to bronchitis if I hadn't come in when I did.

So it was partly Fibro and something to worry about! Again how do you tell the difference without spending all of your time at the doctor's or ER? Such a conundrum!

On a side note, my oldest son and I got matching tattoos! He picked them out.  It's a mom and son heart! It made me cry when he took me to get it.  He knows he's going to be moving out on his own once he gets his basics done next year and wanted me to have something to always look at and think of him (like I would need anything, because I'm going to be a mess when he moves out).  He got his on his shoulder, and I got mine above my left ankle. My new favorite tattoo!

Mom loving her son. Mine has a purple head and his has a blue head!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

At What Point Do You Say Enough is Enough?

Sorry, but this is going to be long!

I want to preface this post with I love my mother very much! That being said, when is it okay to say I'm tired and I can't take it anymore?

My mother is the type of person who loves hard, but she's also the type of person who judges hard and guilts even harder.  I lived with my parents until 1991 when I got married.  A few months after the wedding, my husband and I moved to St. Louis for his job (he was in the Coast Guard).  For the next 10 years we were away from home as we moved from place to place during his time in the military.  For the first 4 years of our marriage it was just the two of us, and then Spencer was born. During these 10 years, Brian and I would come home to visit once or twice a year or my parents would come visit us.  After Spencer was born the trips moved up to 3 or 4 times a year.  During this time things were great.

Then we moved back home.  We decided to leave the military and move back home to be closer to family for Spencer's sake.  It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I have often wished we had decided to stay in and not move back home.  I love my family and missed them terribly while I was gone, but the last 13 years since we moved back have not always been easy.

It seems that since my youngest was born and my oldest became a teenager, I have apparently become a horrible mother.  It seems that I do everything wrong, and that my children are turning into spoiled brats who have major attitudes. At least according to my mother.

Let's start with the oldest.  The first 6 years of his life were spent with me being his main caregiver.  His dad was gone at least 6 months of the year every year.  I stayed home with him until he was 2 years old, and then put him in preschool. I never used baby talk with him, and taught him independence and to think for himself.   From kinder to 6th grade he was always at whatever school I taught at, and spent a lot of time with me after school while I planned or graded papers. When he came out as being gay in 8th grade I supported him and let him know it didn't matter to us because we would always love him no matter what.

My family has always acted like they support his lifestyle, but it almost seems like my mother is actually embarrassed to have her colleagues or friends know.  She gets upset when I post something on social media sites (like a picture of him and his boyfriend celebrating X-Mas with us), or if he posts something on another social media that she deems inappropriate.  Heaven forbid one of her friends sees it.  I've told her before to block or unfriend him if the stuff he puts out there upsets her so much, but so far she just complains.  I've seen the stuff he posts, and so far I've never seen anything that would would be deemed as inappropriate.  I've talked to my son about being careful about what he posts because it could come back to bite him in the a$$ when he gets older and is looking for a career opportunity.

Another thing that upsets my mother is the fact that I let my son get tattoos.  Now being that I have 4 of my own tattoos, I can't really tell him that tattoos are bad.  I did tell him that he needed to get them in places he could hide them in the work force because unfortunately some people still judge a person by what they see.  He has a total of 5 tattoos right now, and every single one of them are tasteful and well placed.  He only gets tattoos that mean something to him.

Top of my right foot!

2 Corinthians 5:7

My son got his Faith Tattoo the same day I got mine. We were in 2 different cities and hadn't talked to each other about getting them.

My youngest son is spoiled, but as my mom keeps pointing out to anyone who will listen to her, she and my dad have been practically raising him since he was 6 weeks old.  He stays with them from Monday morning until Thursday after school.  My mom works at the private school he is attending.  They started him at the preschool when he was 3 and he just transitioned to their elementary school when he hit kinder.  So I ask you, who has really done the spoiling? While he may be spoiled, he really isn't that bad.  My mom tries to blame us and my oldest son for turning him into a monster.  Apparently he never acts that way unless we are around (which is complete B.S.).  Her and my dad decided to take him out of town for Spring Break, and all I got were calls about how awful he was acting (wait a minute, didn't I just say she claims he never acts like that unless we're around). 

The biggest complaint I have I guess is that just because I don't raise my children the way she wants me to, that makes me a bad parent.  She complains that we spend to much time on our phones, iPads, computers, video games, or whatever and not enough time with each other.  She's not with us and has no clue what goes on in my house.  She also seems to have forgotten that when we were little she spent all her time reading magazines or books (probably where I got my love of reading from).  Yes we always had dinner together, but after 10 years of spending time on our own with my hubby's weird schedules, we learned to eat whenever we got hungry.  Sometimes it's as a family, sometimes it's not.

Now to my fibro.  I apparently am supposed to suck it up and deal with the pain and get on with my life.  Heaven forbid if I'm exhausted or hurting after a full day of teaching 5th graders.  Or if I want to spend my weekends recuperating so that I can function for the upcoming week.  It seems like every conversation I have with my mother ends with some kind of criticism about me, my boys, or my fibro.  If I try to defend myself she ends up crying and hangs up on me.  I end up getting upset and then I go into a mini-flare (usually in my feet which makes doing anything nearly impossible).

So what do I do?  Do I apologize for not being as good of a mother as my sister in law or her sister in law (she likes to compare me to them and my boys to my cousins who have been lazy delinquents)?  Do I apologize for just not having the energy it takes to move some days because I'm in pain and exhausted from lack of sleep?  Do I just continue to sit idly by and take the criticism and hope eventually it will go away?  Again I ask, at what point do I say enough is enough and I'm tired and can't take it anymore?

Again sorry it was sooooooooo long!
Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

The Blahs!

When I started writing this post about 3 hours ago, it was a whiny whoa is me post.  I started complaining about work and state testing and being tired all the time! Wah, wah, wah!

Then I stopped writing, shut down the computer and watched a movie with my hubby. While watching the movie I started thinking of my post again and realized that life is what I make of it, and being a big whiny baby isn't going to help me get out of my blahs!

I've decided that I'm going to join the gym Monday (which my school district is paying for), and start eating healthy again.  I came to the realization that I've become a slug on the weekends because I have no energy left after a week of work.  It doesn't help that I've gained about 30 pounds since school started (on top of the 80 pounds I was already over weight).  I need to get out of my slump and start living again. 

I let my fibro take control, and it's time I take back that control.  It's time to quit feeling sorry for myself, and making excuses because I have fibro.  I need to push myself to my limits instead of just giving up without even trying.  It's time to put the WAR back into Fibro Warrior!

So no more blahs, and more yays!  Life will be good again!

By the way, my mommy helped me get out of my blahs by telling me she has bought tickets for me and Spencer to go see Britney Spears in Vegas this September! Big Yay! 

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

15 Days of Rest!

I am finally off for our winter break.  I don't have to go back to work until January 6th! Going to spend the next 2 weeks enjoying time with my boys and my hubby. I will not stress over the holidays like I did for Thanksgiving and end up in a major flare.

My hubby and my youngest went out and bought a monster tree for Christmas (13ft. Noble Fir).  It's finally up and the tree and house are decorated.  My hubby decorated the house yesterday during his day off so I wouldn't have to do it.  We all decorated the tree Thursday night.

I've decided that we will go to Christmas Eve service and then to my cousin's house for her annual Christmas Eve party.  Christmas Day will be spent at home with my guys.  I've invited my parents to come over and join us for breakfast and the opening of the gifts.  My mom is upset with me because I don't want to have a bigger family gathering and has said she will not be coming over.  She tried to give me guilt by saying "it's time to start your own family traditions."

I refused to be guilted into doing something I don't feel up to doing and told her the invitation was still on the table for her and my dad.  I also told my dad.  Whether they show up or not is entirely up to them.

 I'm going to enjoy my Christmas Break and rest up for the second half of the school year.  The second half is always the craziest because of statewide testing.

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

Get the Fire Extinguisher!

photo courtesy of http://www.hallmark.com/online/maxine/crabby-road/

I need to make an appointment to see my ob/gyn.  I haven't seen him in 8 years (but I do have an annual exam with my GP every year so I'm not neglecting my body) since he performed my partial hysterectomy after Shane was born.  I've been getting hot flashes for about a year now, but they are happening more frequently.   This morning I woke up with severe pain in my right ovary.  I'm afraid it may be time to remove the ovaries and start the hormones (my poor guys). 

I live in a house full of men who don't seem to understand why I would possibly want the air conditioning going when they are freezing.  The 9 year old doesn't protest too much, he's very hot blooded, so it really doesn't bother him, but the 18 year old and my hubby act like I've set the temperature to North Pole Settings!

I had a hot flash yesterday morning at work that actually had my colleagues concerned.  I started sweating profusely and apparently my face became really red.  One of my colleagues did the mommy touch to see if I had a fever, but she said I was cool and clammy (ewwww).  It lasted about an hour, and then it left just as quickly as it arrived.  I had a couple more episodes throughout the day, but they only lasted 10 to 15 minutes. 

I'm in the middle of a serious hot flash as I type this, and wish the air would kick on again.  I'd get up and mess with the thermostat, but it hurts when I walk (darn ovary). Oh wait, it just kicked on again (yay me).   So for now my men must freeze.  I told them it was easier for them to layer, than for me to strip down (wouldn't want to traumatize my boys).  Thank goodness they all love me very much!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

P.S. Darn air conditioning turned off again! :-(

Grown Up Time!

I'm feeling good this weekend, only have a few aches and pains, and the hubby and I are going out tonight!  It's my aunts birthday this week, and we are celebrating by going out to dinner and then to the local comedy club with her and her hubby and my parents.  It's so nice having an 18 year old who can take care of his 9 year old brother so we can have a night out.  This is one good reason for having children so far apart in age. 

I'm going to spend the day relaxing and resting.  I don't want to do anything that is going to prevent me from going out tonight.  I have been looking forward to this all week.  I know my aunt is going to be resting also since she is a fellow fibro warrior.  I know she's been hurting a lot lately because of our crazy weather.

On a totally different note, I developed a new symptom yesterday.  We were having professional development in the gym (which is really hot and humid because of the swamp coolers), and my principal decided to be nice by bringing in fans to cool us down.  Well he set up one of the fans right behind me which felt great at first.  About 30 minutes later, my shoulder really started to ache.  Thirty minutes after that it really started to hurt.  I've never had pain due to temperature changes.  I hope this isn't something that is going to start affecting me all the time.

Anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

What a Great Day!

I was so happy to see all my new students today! I teach 3 Reading/Language Arts classes, and I really have to say that all 3 classes were wonderful.  I didn't have any trouble with my breathing (remembered to use my inhaler this time), and made it through the day with only minor aches and pains.

All ready for work!

Today was also my oldest son's first day of college! I can't believe my little guy is a young man now! I'm so proud of him.

Spencer first day of college!

Spencer through the years!

The only part of my day that wasn't great was finding out that one of my students also suffers from fibromyalgia and migraines.  I feel his pain and wish I could take it from him.

I'm happy but exhausted! Going to sleep early so I'm ready for another great day!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

Busy Last Day of Vacation!

I can't believe after 5 months I'm finally going back to work! It's going to be nice seeing all of my colleagues again.  I saw a few of them today while I worked on my classroom, but there are many I have missed!

I had a very busy day for my last day of vacation.  I had to get up early to get myself ready to take Shane to school.  Then it was shot day at the allergist's, so that took up almost an hour and a half of my morning.  Since I was already out and about I decided to go to the local teacher store and craft store to buy things for my classroom.

I then had to go to the shoe store to buy some new work shoes I can wear with capri pants because it is still very hot here. By the way if you haven't tried SAS Shoes, I highly recommend them if you have problem with your feet.  I bought the Free Time Style since I can't seem to wear my regular tennis shoes anymore because my fibro is affecting my feet, and I can't wear sandals because I need ankle support for my knee.   The SAS Shoes may not be the prettiest shoes on the planet, but they certainly cushion your feet.*

Finally I made it to school after picking up Spencer from the house.  He spent his morning getting his schedule set up for his first day of college.  He has decided to take his basics at the local community college while he tries to decide what he wants to major in when he transfers to an university.  I've heard music therapy, sociology, and education.  At least I still have him at home for awhile. 

Spencer and I finally managed to finish getting everything in its place. and borders hung up on the walls.  I have a few odds and ends to tie up, but I could accept kids into my classroom tomorrow if it was the first day for them. 

So tomorrow I head back to work with a big smile on my face, and my inhaler in my bag.  Looking forward to catching up with everyone and hanging out with my grade level for the next 4 days.  Monday we get kids!!!!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

*I am in no way affiliated with SAS shoes.  These are only my opinions!

Headache Time!

Went to work today to get my classroom ready for the upcoming school year.  We go back on the 20th and get kids on the 26th.  This was my first time back to my classroom since getting sick in March, so I really wasn't sure what to expect.  My wonderful substitute packed up my room for me so I wouldn't have to worry about a thing.  He did an awesome job, so unpacking the room wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, plus I had 4 helpers with me.  My oldest son Spencer convinced his best friends Sarah and Marsha to come and help, and then my dad dropped Shane off after he got out of school.

Best friends since 3rd Grade!

I took my oxygen tank with me just in case I needed it, but I only needed to use my inhaler to keep me going.  I did end up with a monster headache, and several parts of my body seem to  be mad at me and are throbbing.  On the pain scale I would say I'm only about a 5. I'm taking it easy the rest of the night so that I can go back tomorrow and finish up.  My helpers did all the heavy lifting and cleaning today, so I only have to put some things away.  Shouldn't take too long I hope!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

Can't Believe He's 18!

Today is my oldest son's 18th birthday! It seems like only yesterday I was walking my millionth lap around the hospital floor trying to get him to cooperate and convince him that he was ready to leave the safety of my womb and face the real world. Now he's an 18 year old man getting ready to start college.  He decided that he wanted his own tattoos for his birthday, so I took him to the place where I got mine and watched as he did his first adult thing.  It was not easy to watch.

Here are his tattos:

"Like a diamond from black dust, 
it's hard to know what can become if you give up."

His dog Willy's actual paw print! 

We had a really great day celebrating his life! We are so proud of the young man he is becoming. We love you Spencer more than words could ever say!

My Family!

My Baby and I!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

I Braved the Pain and Won!

I decided to go ahead and get my tattoo today.  I was only going to get the tattoo of an infinity sign with my boy's names weaved into it, but then decided to add a fibromyalgia tattoo also.  I figured if I was going to risk a flare up, I might well do it all at once.  My tattoo artist could see my nerves jumping as she did my tattoos, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I managed to survive with only a small amount of residual pain and a headache.  Since pain and headaches are an every day part of my life, this really isn't that big a deal.  We'll see what tomorrow brings! Here are my new tattoos!

My love for my boys is infinite!

It's a part of my life and I know that one day they will find a cure!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

I DID IT!

What did I do you ask?  I made it the whole day without having to use my oxygen tank.  I started off my day by going to the doctor for my next round of allergy shots, then I went to drop off my return to work note (which they wouldn't accept because the doctor forgot to put the day I could return to work). I then went to the doctor to get my note dated (he wasn't in so I have to go back tomorrow), went to a local Tattoo Place to see if they could pierce my son's ear (he wants an industrial piercing) but the guy wasn't there and I need his birth certificate since he won't be 18 for another 10 days, so we have an appointment tomorrow at 4:00 (now if I can just find that birth certificate).  Finally, I finished off my day by going to Target to buy some school supplies for my class and get groceries.

I used my inhaler before going to Target, and took my oxygen tank in just in case.  I took it slow, and made it through without turning on the tank once!  I'm exhausted right now, but it was a great accomplishment for me!  I have 19 more days until I officially return to work, though I do have 2 days of training this week.  I think I'm going to be able to go back to work without too many breathing problems (just the usual fibro problems).  Keeping fingers and toes crossed!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

PS: While at the tattoo shop, I decided to get a new tattoo.  I go in on Saturday to get it. This will be my first tattoo since my fibro diagnoses. Hopefully it won't put me into full flare up mode!

Great Weekend/Big Pains!

My cousin and her 4 kids decided to come into town for a quick weekend visit on Friday.  I haven't seen her in over a year so I was happy she decided to come down.  Unfortunately, it had been raining for 2 days before her visit and continued to rain into yesterday.  I was hurting pretty bad, but didn't want that to ruin our visit so I "sucked it up" so to speak. 

It was a very loud couple of days (did I mention she has 4 kids and I have my 2).  The 5 youngest kids had a blast running around playing and screaming (her 2 youngest are 3 and 4).  I didn't mind the fact that they were having fun, and it did my heart good to see them connecting. It made my head throb, but I dealt with it.

We left the kids with Spencer last night to babysit and went to a birthday party for my friend's daughter.  After the party, we decided to drop Brian off at the house and headed out for a late night movie.  It seemed like everyone in the city was at the movies, so we had to park a little further than I would of liked.  Lugging my oxygen tank is always a pain, but I'm glad I had it because we also had to wait in line for about 30 minutes, and then we had to sit close to the top in order to find 2 seats together. 

They have gone home now, and I'm really hurting today, but it was worth the pain to see my cousin and her family!

Shaney and Bubba

 Spencer and Ammie

 Stasi and Theeny

 Me with my favorite cousin Christy!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

Another Migraine!

Got another migraine on Wednesday! Can't figure out why I have managed to get migraines 2 weeks in a row.  I checked my food diary to see if I could find any commonalities that might be the cause, but nothing was out of the ordinary.

I'm starting to get a sore throat which is not making me happy at all! My oldest son had strep throat last Monday, so I'm hoping I'm not coming down with that!

Speaking of my oldest son, he had all district competition this week for choir.  He didn't think he would do that well since his throat was still hurting due to the strep.  There were 26 Tenor Twos competing for 10 chairs, and Spencer placed 4th chair.  Not bad considering he was under the weather.  He also qualified for the honor choir which is made up of the best of the best in the district! Very proud of my Spencer!

Well, we shall see how this week goes.  Hopefully my throat starts to feel better.  I have already missed 2 days of work (I only get 12 days for the school year) due to migraines, and 1 day due to a major flare up.  At this rate, I'll be out of days before February.  Out of days means I get docked for every day missed (about $250 per day).

Hope everyone has a great week!

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

He'll Be Dancing Soon Enough!

Brian had his left hip replaced last Tuesday morning and has been recovering quite quickly.  He stayed in the hospital 3 nights (I stayed with him on the most uncomfortable roll away bed ever made), and has been at the rehab facility since Friday (their pull out bed was a little more comfortable). 

I stayed with him until yesterday morning, then we decided it was time for me to come home.  I made sure that he could get in and out of bed by himself, take a shower and get dressed by himself, and walk to physical therapy without any support. 

I hated leaving him, but my boys were anxious to come home.  They love staying with my Parental Units, but they were missing the comforts of home.  Shaney especially missed his XBox. Plus I was really missing my boys.  They will going on vacation with the Units and my nieces for 2 weeks beginning July 8th (my birthday) to California and Las Vegas, so I needed to get my fix of them before they leave.

Anyway, Brian is doing so well at therapy they are letting him come home tomorrow.  They had him practice going up and down a set of stairs (don't know what we were thinking when we decided to buy a 2-story house with all the bedrooms upstairs), and he said it was a "piece of cake." 

So tomorrow Spencer and I are going shopping for a shower seat.  The facility is going to give him a walker (well they're going to charge the insurance for it anyway) and a raised toilet seat.  They have given him some other cool gadgets to help him get in and out of bed and put his socks and pants on without rotating his hip.  Apparently if he rotates his hip, it could dislocate and we would have to do this all over again!

My Talented Older Son!

 

I never get tired of hearing Spencer sing.  This is part of his end of year concert for his choir. Forty students auditioned for 14 slots in the solo/duet showcase. This was Spencer's solo performance.

Nine!!!!

Today is definitely a bad flare up day! On my pain scale I am easily a 9, maybe even a 10.  It was a long week that left me feeling like I have been hit by a semi truck.

I had to have a brain MRI on Tuesday to see if my neurologist can figure out why I'm still getting massive headaches and little sleep even though I now have my CPAP machine.  I had to lay absolutely still for almost an hour in the tube.  My arms, neck, and back really started to hurt during the test.  After the test I had a massive headache that I haven't been able to get rid of yet.

On Wednesday we walked our 5th graders to the middle school where most of them will be going next week.  The middle school is only about 1/2 a mile away from our campus, so the walk was no big deal. We took a tour of the entire campus, and then walked back to school. All in all, I was on my feet walking for about 2 hours.  Now my knees were starting to get into the act.

I probably would be feeling okay by now if we hadn't taken our students to the local University for career opportunity days on Thursday. Yep, more walking! We were there all day, and had to walk up and down numerous stairs. My hips decided to join the party!

Going to work yesterday was a feat all by itself.  I woke up this morning and every inch of my body seems to hurt.  I had to get up early to make breakfast for my oldest because he is taking his SAT's today. Can't have him going to test with only pop tarts in his belly.

So I am going to spend the day trying to rest as much as possible. I have to do laundry, but I should be able to relax between loads. Hope everyone has a great day!

Gentle Hugs!

My Talented Son!

I'm so proud of my oldest son Spencer. He has become quite the wonderful singer.  Last week his show choir group performed at a local festival promoting the arts.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend because I was right in the middle of a horrible flare up (stupid fibro), but my hubby was nice enough to record the performance for me.  So here is my son singing the late Amy Winehouse's song "Valerie."

I Admit It, I'm Spoiled!

My parents left town yesterday to attend a funeral in Colorado. They will not be back until Friday night.  My husband is also out of town at this time.  So right now it is just me and my boys. I realized just how spoiled I was yesterday morning when I had to get the boys up, fed, and ready for school. Not to mention making the little one's lunch and snack for school. I am so used to getting up, getting dressed, waking up the boys, and dropping them off with my dad. My dad then deals with breakfast, snacks, etc... Brian usually deals with after school pick up for the teenager since it's on his way home from work, which allows me to go home straight from work.  I really miss my family.

I admit it, I'm spoiled and I love it!