Ever Vigilant

The other day my hubby and i had an interaction that caused me to think about how differently we move through the world. We had dinner at Fuzzys in Arlington and as we were leaving I turned left to go back to the car and he turned right. I teased him about going the long way around the back, and he said it wasn't any longer, we bantered a bit and then dropped it as we went his way. On the way home in the car I mulled over why going right and around the building bothered me, and why I had the thought 'now we get mugged.' Then it hit me. Going right thru the empty parking lot and around the back of the buildings set off all my alarm bells as being unsafe. The area is well-lit, but fairly empty, and had I been alone I would not have felt comfortable taking that route. That's why I naturally turned left to follow the main road until I would have turned between the business establishments we came thru to get to the car. It's been so ingrained in me to stay where it's heavily trafficked during dark times of the day that even when I'm with my hubby I feel uneasy going against those instincts. He, on the other hand, doesn't have those instincts. He used to walk thru Dallas at night playing his harmonica. He can go where he pleases. I got some of that kind of life when I was overseas. I never felt unsafe in Korea, never worried about who or what was lurking in the shadows... I miss that, sometimes. Come to think of it, I didn't worry about it too much in R-town either. Huh... guess I've gotten jumpy in my old age. 

Another thing happened that makes me wonder how many times Dad has been pitied for having all girls. A coworker is getting ready for a wedding. In my boss's office the other day said coworker expressed that they were happy they only have one daughter and told my boss he should be happy he has all boys. I got to wondering how many people over the years have told dad they feel bad for him having all girls. From the inevitable period jokes to having to pay for weddings. Then I thought it really depends on how you raise them as to how much you're expected to pay. I can't speak for others but I can say my parents raised 3 extremely independent women (mom sometimes bemoans this fact) and have not had to complain about any of us expecting expensive weddings. I have no idea what older sis's wedding expenses were, as I was merely traumatized by making her cake and was 16 at the time! My own wedding was cost-efficient and fun. Dad's contribution was much appreciated and not at all expected. And younger sis got married at the courthouse! It just makes me sad that the 'poor man has all daughters' trope hasn't died as fast as the 'I hate my spouse' trope has. I used to wonder if dad wished he had a son. Now I think he's just happy we are all finding our ways in life. He did mention he'd like to know why mo and I both had gallbladders that decided to go kaput. No real answer for him there, I'm afraid. We're female, in our 40s, and fertile. That's the gallbladder trifecta, apparently.

Anyway, what else happened this week? Well, on Friday my bestie and her dad brought up a couch and a dresser for us. We wrangled them up the stairs and now we are rocking the 2 couch living room. We are planning a get-together next weekend, so the 2 couch thing is ok for now, but if no one takes the 2nd one by Christmas we'll need to haul it to the dump. 

J says now we have room for all the stuffies. Lol.

Bestie and her dad were having fun looking at all of Js fun stuffs.

I sooo love this Chica!

After that, J and I went to Home Depot for feet for the old couch as the ones it has are disintegrating and tearing up the floor (oops). Then off to Costco for some stuffs. We brought up the Costco haul, had lunch (Ceasars salad and pizza from costco), then he took a nap (he's coming down with something) while I went to Kroger for soup and baking essentials. I got home, hauled the things up, realized it had been a VERY productive day, then changed into PJs, layed down on the new couch and finished The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Its a wonderful book, written as letters. I highly recommend it.

I tried a new recipe this weekend. Leek and potato soup.

All this

Became this

And turned into that. It tasted AMAZING. 

Then I baked some ginger molasses cookies, and Ace seemed to want to eat them. 

I didn't trust him. For good reason. He ended up jumping on the table.

Sunday I'm making an old favorite. Potato and artichoke heart soup in tomato broth. And making oatmeal raisin cookies for a friend at work. I just figured out if we leave the light above the stove on, and I put the butter in the microwave, it should soften ok. J and I are playing "how cold can the apt get before I turn on the heat." My madman of a hubby has informed me that when he lived alone he NEVER turned on the heat. I have informed him that I'm all for saving $ but when the apt itself gets into the 50's common sense rules all. It's been hanging out around 63ish, which is fine as long as I have a couch blanket and hoodies 😁. The oven in this apt just can't heat the place like the one in my old apt. Lol. This one is ever so slightly bigger. On the upper hand, Ace has become a cuddle buddy.

Getting comfy....

Sacked out kitty bug.

He may be a menAce, but he's a cute, soft one. 😁

Anyway, that brings you up to date on my deep thoughts and our shenanigans. Its another busy week ahead, so fun, fun, fun! I hope you are all warm and for those affected by the snow, I hope you're able to either batten down the hatches or dig out. Warm hugs all around. 🫂❄️👩🏼‍🍳❤️🥰🥰🥰