Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2015-08-20 06:17:13 (UTC)

Bunashimeji

Thankfully, Keenan's eye was looking MUCH better this morning! As soon as my eyes opened, I first instinct was to seek him out. The huge lump on his forehead had already subsided, but his upper and lower eye lid were still pretty swollen. There was no other signs of concern (additional swelling, fever, redness), so Snookums gave him another dose of Benadryl and put him down for a nap. He woke up a few hour later with even less swelling, so I felt safe assuming it was indeed just a heinous reaction to mosquitoes. Now we know. I make natural bug repellant with coconut oil and essential oils we use for hiking. It works amazingly well. I'll make sure whenever he goes out, he's slathered down. At bedtime tonight he was about 98% normal. Just the most subtle bit of swelling left, and the pain had subsided. I'm glad that crisis was averted!

Snookums had a meeting with his advisor today, so I drove Annie to her driver's ed class. She had a practice drive today, and I could tell by the look on her face when I picked her up that she had nailed it. My stepfather taught me the basics of driving (while making me sit on his lap, so he could fondle my breasts), but most of it I taught myself. Annie isn't getting as much practice time as I would like (because of me and her dad's work schedules), but she's doing well. I can't help but admire her tenacity and drive to always improve herself. People say she is so much like me, but I think she's smarter and more resilient than I ever was. I know I survived a lot, but I had (and still harbor) a lot of self-doubt. She has no doubt she will do amazing things one day, and I love that confidence about her. She's awesome.

This evening as a family we went for a walk on the beach at Fort Flagler. I got to spend some quality one on one time with Kiki. She's a quiet, pensive child, full of compassion and tenderness. I've always felt like she was closer to Jason, and much more dependent on his approval and affection than me. I know she loves me, but I feel like she likes daddy better. We walked along the beach together and just chatted about whatever came to mind. Mostly nature, but really whatever came to her mind. She's a rich storyteller, and as she gets older I find that there are bits and pieces of me in her personality. She may look just like Snookums, but I'm in there, too. Even though she's a quiet girl and would never ask anything of me. I feel a strong desire to do more for her. I've always felt very cognizant of the fact that she's the middle child. I never want her to feel like she's the odd one out, always forgotten about or overlooked. Maybe that's a social constraint I'm projecting onto her, but I feel like it's a real thing. If it is, I hope she doesn't feel it. Ever.

I made a really great dinner. I wanted it yesterday, but by the time I got home and fussed over Keenan's massive bug bite, it was late and I didn't feel up to making it. I got what I wanted tonight, though. Victoria Vegan white bean marinara over brown rice pasta with Bunashimeji mushrooms and vegan parmesan. Simple, but so good. The kids loved it, and Keenan usually isn't a big fan of mushrooms. I discovered the Bunashimeji mushrooms a couple weeks ago and have been using them in everything. They have a mild, buttery flavor that lends well to whatever seasoning you pair them with, and they have the best texture. Meaty, never mushy. I love them. I hope Central doesn't just carry them seasonally. I may never go back to cremini mushrooms again! Finding new mushrooms to enjoy. It's the little things in life...




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