Que Sera, Sera

The Year Thus Far
My horoscope said that my creativity would increase this year. Unfortunately, not only have I been uninspired, I've been extremely tired and have found little time for myself. Well, I did just read the Time magazine cover story on autism (my cousin's son is autistic), while the kids were watching TV, so I guess I do find some time for myself. But I'm mostly overwhelmed by "things to do."

My husband of 13-1/2 years has decided he doesn't want to be married anymore and moved out in March. Two days before his 40th birthday. I think he may be going thru a midlife crisis or may be depressed or may be just crazy. I'm not really sure. I do know that he left (moved back home with his parents), and he hasn't been very nice to me or the kids. But I'm done even encouraging him to spend time with his sons. Whatever.

Bright Kids
Speaking of my wonderful sons, they keep getting straight As and all those good things. Older son (B) got a perfect score at NYSSMA (cello), got to sort of appear on "The Early Show" on CBS earlier this month (and I got to wake up at 5:30 to make sure he got to the school bus in time), was a finalist in the Long Island Spelling Bee, got some of the highest scores in New York State on this Johns Hopkins test for gifted kids (we were supposed to attend an award ceremony, but, you know, enough is enough) and is just all-around a good kid. Most of the time. My younger son (D) made his communion earlier this month (and looked extremely handsome in his navy blue suit) and turns 8 on Friday. (I turn 40 on Wednesday.) They're fighting with one another right now, and I'm ignoring them.

Oh! We have a new addition to our family: My brother and his wife had their second child. Their baby girl was born May 4 (four weeks early) and is an absolute doll.

Reading List
The theme for D's birthday party next week is a carnival, and I'm doing too much for it. Rented a moonbouncer type of thing, have ideas for "booths" and am overwhelmed. But it's what I do.

I been mosting reading magazines, but have caught up on a few good books this year. I finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and loved it. So much so, I'd like to read it again. The Time Traveler's Wife was OK. Not exactly what I expected. It was a love story, really, and I found the ending a bit sappy. I enjoyed The Inner Circle, T.C. Boyle's account of Prof. Kinsey's sex research and his researchers. Little Children was OK, too. I'm still trying to figure it out, though. One of the reviewers called it satire, and if I read it as satire, I find it more satisfying. The Dogs of Babel is also a love story and I liked it for the most part. Well, I liked most of it. I didn't like the female protagonist. But I'm too cynical lately, I guess.

I've decided to read some foreign mysteries next. I just started Before the Frost, by Henning Mankell, which takes place in Sweden and is "an atmospheric thriller," according to its blurb. Then I'll read Out by Natsuo Kirino, which is "a nervy thriller" that "tells the story of a brutal murder in the staid Tokyo suburbs." Thillers. A girl has to have some excitement.

Thanks
Thanks to the many of you who have been really, really kind to me these past few weeks. Carajo, Peter, Amy, Audrey, Kokoro, my entire family. And The Real Deal, of course, who encourages me with things like, "You're better off without him." TAPKAE, who writes very heartfelt and thoughtful messages. Rob, who tells me bad jokes. Jimmy3K, who nicely listens and commisterates and comes to check up on me from time to time. And all the rest of you. I'm blessed.