A Sad Ending

Tidbit is no longer coming. It's a terribly complex ordeal. Both Cheeks and Zombiedude are devastated. I understand. And the only comfort I can offer is the same thing my family told me: this is nature's way of taking care of something that would have been a mistake; whether the baby had something wrong or whatever, nature often knows and takes steps to take care of it. Small comfort, I know, and it sounds harsh. However, they are both still young and this will not be the only chance they have. So far, they seem to be coping as well as can be expected. There also appear to be no ill health effects, which is a great relief. I may not get along with Cheeks or Zombiedude all the time, but that doesn't mean I wish evil on either of them. (I reserve that for the truly worthy--professors, ex-husbands, etc.) The past few days have been hell on both of them, but they're starting to find their sense of humor again. It isn't frequent, but it is there...and that's the best sign anyone can hope for.

Cheeks' Mom made a suggestion I found very interesting and useful. Apparently when a friend of hers went through a similar situation, she sat and wrote a letter to the baby and put it in a box to keep. She said it really helped her through the situation and she'll pull it out now and then when she's thinking about it and it helps her feel better. Sounds like a great idea and one I hope the kids use. Not sure if others have done anything similar, and while I'm not wishing this on anyone, should anybody like the idea for themselves or someone they know, use it and pass it along.

Rant for the Pagan Student

Okay, as I've already stated, I have senior-itis in a bad way. This makes it very difficult to make myself accomplish much of anything. However, today it hit me that, once again, I am surrounded by religious doggerel...er, dogma. Catholic doggerel...er, dogma, to be precise. Why? Because the Middle or Dark Ages were immersed in it. In fact, I recently saw a bumpersticker that made me giggle and reminded me of class: When religion ruled the world, it was known as THE DARK AGES. Not only do I like the political message, but it's just humorous to me. I can't help it. My mother warped me. At any rate, I am in a medieval women course. To study medieval women, one must understand something of the culture and society they lived in. Unfortunately, watching A Knight's Tale doesn't qualify, even though Heath Ledger is rather yummy. Apparently, Catholicism at the time, and a truly patriarchal society, made it difficult for women to get any respect. I mean, these people actually believed redheaded children were born that way because their trashy mothers had sex during their menstruation. Conception during menstruation was also blamed for such lovely illnesses as measles and chicken pox. Oh yeah, these people were brilliant. No, I do not believe this was a Catholic doctrine, but the mackerel-snappers certainly played their part. For the record, several of my boyfriends (including one husband) were Catholic. I am friends with several Catholics...practicing ones, I mean. And under other circumstances, I try to be less prejudiced. I just have a strong aversion to female oppression.

Back to my original point. Today in class while discussing Memorial by Angela of Filigno (who died in 135?), we examined some art depicting women receiving blood from Christ. Now, I admit I have no artistic talent, but these paintings are a bit odd. One of them was down right creepy. In examining these pictures, several references to the religious beliefs of the day came up. One of them, the seven deadly sins. Now, I've committed most of them. I rather enjoy them, myself. But, as part of the discourse, I volunteered to research them and their counterpart virtues. Which is why I am on the internet now. FYI: this is not a recommended past-time. Researching the seven deadly sins and the seven great virtues, I mean. The only good thing I've found out so far is that while I have committed most of the deadly sins, I've also been virtuous. Depending on who you talk to, my virtuousness ended years ago.Just bear in mind that god got Wendy's periods reversed: every 28 days, she starts acting nice. It lasts about a weekend. (which is a movie line, obviously -- now, tell me which movie! That'll tell me if any of you still read this damn thing.)

Tata for now. I'm off to research when the deadly sins began to appear in artwork. This ought to be enlightening. Or would be if I had any real interest in it. Being surrounded by all this christian dogma is really wearing my witchy-fanny out. Pretty soon, I'll be forced to call for the flying monkeys to open a can of whoop-ass on people.

Tidbit on the Way

Okay, I have recovered my sanity...sort of. As much of it as I had to begin with, I think. I'm not sure. Maybe I'm totally wrong and believing I have my sanity back is simply proof positive of my lunacy. I just don't know. Nor do I care.

In case you aren't sure, I think I'm having a manic moment. Which is fine. It's relatively mild so far. Besides, Queenie seems to be doing without any (good for her) so someone needs to take up the slack. I might as well. Not much else to do.

Which is not the point. Not at all. I am going to be a grandma...at 35. There are definitely good sides to this: I'll be able to enjoy it (hopefully), I'm not so far from taking care of infant children that I've forgotten how, and I'm a pretty hot gramma. Okay, the hot part is debatable, but the rest is good. I've even recovered enough sanity to nickname the baby. It's "Tidbit". Yes. Tidbit. What? It's just a tidbit too early on the preferred timeline for being a grandma, it's still a little tiny thing...you know...a tidbit, and even though it isn't here yet, I'm sure it's going to be the cutest little tidbit of an angel anyone has ever seen. So, Tidbit.

Docs say Tidbit will arrive around Sept. 2. Which happens to be Grasshopper's oldest son's b-day. The only woman I know who actually gave birth on her due date. It also happened to be Labor Day that year, which apparently gave new meaning to the day. Anyhow, Cheeks (the mom) and I both believe she's farther along than what the docs are saying. Maybe not by much, but I'm betting she's at least four months. I would bet Tidbit arrives shortly after Wendy's little Sharkbait and Queenie's Pillsbury arrive in July.

Cheeks is moving in next week. After much tussle, hassle, and flurry, everyone decided it was the best course of action at least till Tidbit's around 6 months old. Gives them time to save up some money and to go through this really cool program that basically sets them up with an apartment and stuff, along with monthly or weekly visits from a staff member who acts as a guide/advocate/monitor. Sounds like a plan. Besides, that way, if things get hairy, they're here and it's easier for one of us to step in and help out.

At any rate, off to go do homework. It's my last semester (hooray!!!) and I've got senior-itis in a bad way. If I want to graduate in May, I need to buckle down...like a month ago.