Living in Crates and Barrels

We are still living in Boxland, and I'm not planning on doing anything today to fix it. I've been seriously overdoing it the last couple of weeks, and yesterday I ended up with both a migraine and problems with my hiatal hernia, probably brought on by two weeks of catch-as-catch-can meals, too much caffeine, and practically standing on my head to unpack boxes that are half as tall as I am. I was up a good part of the night, and am still sore, so phooey on unpacking. It's almost the weekend - I'll work on it then.

Part of what's taking so long to unpack is that now I have to drive both kids to their schools, which are on opposite ends of town. We leave at 8ish, drop off Josie, drive across town, and drop of Patrick. Then, three hours later, I go back to get him, and three hours after THAT, I have to leave to get Josie again. I feel like I'm constantly preparing to leave, driving, or just getting back from somewhere. As hard as summer vacation can be to deal with, I'll be glad when school is over so I can stop feeling like a shuttle service!

Yesterday morning I went to Target to get some bathroom stuff, like little shelves, etc. Why do companies sell things that just plain don't work?! I bought these little wire shelves, just the right size to hold a toothbrush and a little cup, that have large suction cups on the backs to stick onto the tile around the sink area. I got them home, and they literally fall off within ten seconds. The suction cups are too floppy, and not deep enough. Now, seriously, why even bother making such a thing?! I tried wetting them, holding them on, everything, but finally gave up when I realized that if it was that much work to get them on EMPTY, there was no way they would hold up with anything in them. Now I have to go back and return them. Yagh.

I'm looking forward to Mother's Day this year. I know that Josie has made me something, and her Somethings are getting pretty cool as she gets older because she is extremely creative and artistic. I also know that DH has gotten me a game I've been wanting, rather than the usual odd choices like, um, one year he got me construction-orange cardboard shelves. Two other times, it was plans for something he was going to build me that never got built. Any year that I know the gift doesn't involve cardboard or plans, I'm pleased. :)

My mother-in-law, though, called the other day to tell me that her gift to all the women in the family was going to be a donation to the scholarship fund my nephew's parents set up in his name after he died. On the one hand, I appreciate this gift, but it's also the most depressing gift ever, and typically it's the only present she gives anymore. Ever since the fund was set up, every birthday and holiday gift has been that. It's kind of like having someone call me up and say 'Happy Whatever, but don't forget that Ryan died!' Like I could forget. I know that there's nothing I can do about this trend, but what makes it even more depressing is that the men in the family actually get Gifts. It's only the women who no longer get anything but the gift of sadness. I'm not sure why that would be. I don't want to seem greedy, because I honestly don't care if she gets me anything, and they're been very generous to us, but honestly. Sigh.

OK, I'm done whining. I'm going to try and take a little nap before I have to jump in the car again!!!