So this is what she looks like?!

Yes, my little disciples...my minions of mischief...this is what Sudiegirl looks like. This picture was taken at the first yacht party this little chicka has ever attended in her life, back in February. I was going to have the picture retaken, but then I decided, NAH...kind of makes me look like a nihilistic dominatrix chick. so I think I'll keep it.

Actually, I had fun at this gig...it was an honest-to-God yacht club party, and it celebrated the installation of their new commodore. His son sang the National Anthem, then later came out dressed like the late-model Elvis. He could move! I couldn't believe it...quite the sprightly guy. In Iowa, we don't have yachts. We have "duallies" (big trucks with dual rear wheels), which I think cost about the same.

So what's this broad been doing, besides bashing Tom Cruise?

Well, for starters, working! Not a permanent job, but a long-term temp job (I think I mentioned it earlier in the week) with a government contractor who is working with the Child and Family Services Agency in downtown DC. This was my first full week, and it's been an interesting one. I like my coworkers, and my boss is cool, but the subject matter is depressing. Oh well, that's how it goes, and at least the kids are going to good homes.

Also, we have a new member of Rancho Sudiegirl...you have (I think) read about my cat Chelmsford. Well, there is another kitty hangin' with moi...her name is Millie, and she is a Maine Coon Cat. She is GORGEOUS, and she KNOWS it! So far, she has declared the bedroom as her domain and she hisses at Chelmsford every time he sets one white paw over the threshold. Chel has the livingroom as his lair, and he's cool, but one of these days they will HAVE to be integrated.

Pop is still in the hospital, and not sure when he's coming home...keep those prayers and thoughts coming. I think he's getting sick of hospital food, but at least he doesn't have to watch endless hours of "Antiques Roadshow". They're trying to get his heartbeat regulated, and keep his sodium levels from jumpin' up and down like a Pogo stick. I haven't talked to him in a few days, and I'm just trying to give him peace and quiet so he can rest. Once he gets home, he'll have to use an oxygen tank for a while, and no working in the dusty ol' workshop for him, at least for a while. He's such a trouper...I really admire him. This can't be easy, but he hangs in there and his spirits are good. I'm glad for him, but I feel like I should be doing something like going home to help, you know? It's one of those false altruistic things, where you want to do something for someone else, but you're trying to appease your own guilt. Mom and Ruthi have things well in hand, and all I can do is send cards and letters telling him I love him.

OK, what else, huh? Not a lot, really. I'm feelin' OLD this week...the cousin of mine that was my flower girl when I married husband #1 graduated from high school this week, and another cousin that I used to babysit became a daddy for the first time! AAAAGGGHHH! Where does the time go? I'm sure I don't know.

Well, I'm sorry this is not full of biting sarcasm, but some days are like that.

Love to all,
Sudiegirl the (for today) mild-mannered.