I had my shit together today. After I picked up M from school, I cleaned out her room and reorganized the toys, rotating them out. After doing that she played for like three hours, as opposed to the zero hours she normally plays with her toys. We even played together and I really enjoyed it… We built a marble run and Legos, explored the world map together, and had some good tickle fights. It pains me to say that it has taken all this time to feel connected to my daughter again. I guess it’s like any relationship, with ups and downs, except there’s no option to call it quits (nor do I want there to be). I don’t know what the magic formula is, except maybe just time and self-care.
I also have procured housing and am exploring preschool/activity classes in SF as well as insurance options. I have my budget firmly mapped out, including expensive insurance and weekly activities, with enough over expenses to pay off my car, work on my nest egg, and get us through a month in Nepal. I was approved for a chase sapphire reserve which, if you haven’t heard, is the gold mine of credit cards for traveling. It comes with 100,000 sign on points which is worth $1500 in airline tickets. Next trip to Nepal = paid for. I just put my monthly expenses on it to get to the $4000 goal that is a prerequisite to the points.
Can I just say, though, that if you make more than $42,000 per year and therefore do not qualify for Obamacare assistance, the monthly premiums are insane. More than my mortgage insane. This country is so fucked up when you’re playing more than a mortgage to have health care for your family! I’m desperately jealous of countries with socialized healthcare.
Back to my good day. I scored a bicycle from a friend for $15. Got a bike lock and child tandem extension, too, so now all I need is my own helmet! Take that gas bill! I have someone to take care of my cat and my boss guaranteeing me a position when I’m back in Michigan at the end of May.
I cooked up dinner (including brussel sprouts from our own garden) and packed food for me at work tomorrow and my mom and M for home. Then M and I had a bath, read three books, and she was sawing logs five minutes after the light was out. Major score.
I’m feeling optimistic about our future being not just ok, but truly amazing. I’m also feeling grateful for all that is home, since we won’t be here all the time. It’s the best of both worlds.
Mother of All Things 