Pull the bar all the way back, remain seated and keep your hands inside the car at all times (also known as "you're killing me Smalls!")

Welcome to the roller coaster of my life.  Please do not attempt this ride if you are pregnant or have back problems.   It is not for the weak of heart.

Son #2 has decided that he's fine with going to military school.  He wants to go.  This week.

Of course, this was after I received an e-mail from his biology teacher and then heartily congratulated him on an all-time low of a test grade.  A 9.  Yes, as in nine, the number before ten and after eight.  And not as in 9 out of 10.  But just a 9.  Woot.  Oh, and it was an open-note and open-book test.  "How does one make a 9 on that?",  you may ask.  Good question!  Here's what I found out:  you don't bring your book or your notes to class!

So while I am glad that he's fine with the the decision (this week --- wait, did I already write that?), I know that this also means he has totally given up on his classes and grades for the rest of the year.  Sigh.

He has decided that he'll be able to pick up chicks on the beach (near the school) especially since he'll look so "hot" in a uniform.  And the unfortunate thing is ..... he's probably right.  Girls swarm him --- they always have.  Even in kindergarden.  

He.  Is.  Killing.  Me.  One nano second at a time.  

And I've decided that Son #3 has played too much football.  His brain has been rattled way too much.  I walked in on him watching TV in one of the bedrooms back in Oklahoma.  He was holding the remote, very close to the TV, and he looked quite puzzled.

Me:  "What's wrong?"

Him:  "I can't turn the TV down.  The volume doesn't work."  He then points the remote at the TV (and I should point out that he's about 6 inches from the TV) and punches the buttons on it -- over and over again.

Me:  nothing --- I just reach past him and push the "volume" button ON the TV that turns the sound down.   The sound goes down. Then I look at him like he's a moron.

Him:  "Oh.  I was pushing the button that said "picture".  

I'm a wee bit worried about his future.  

The school board has asked me to sit on the stage with them in Jim's place at graduation.  I'll be able to give Son #1 his diploma, which Jim should have done (he did this with Daughters #2 & #3 -- it was awesome).  I'll also be able to give diplomas to the kids that I know, which Jim also should have done.  I am humbled at the request and honored.  Of course, this also means that I can't leave after the E's are done.  Dang!

We had "girls night" at a friend's house tonight and it was a lot of fun (thank you so much AL).

I know some really neat women.  And I got to talk with a woman whom I've "know of" but never formally met (or informally met, for that matter).    We, unfortunately, have some things in common.  Not exactly, but enough to understand each other's feelings and emotions a bit. AB, you are so special and I hope to get to know you better.

OK, the roller coaster is shutting down for the day.  You can get back in line tomorrow for this ride, but be sure to stay behind the yellow line until instructed to board the cars.

You might want to stick with the merry-go-round.