Monday, September 20, 2010

Weekend Getaway

As a reward program for Clark, he can earn certain things for behaving and doing his school work. Last year, he completed 15 days of "green days" (he didn't get in any trouble and completed all his work) in a row. He earned a trip to the zoo, which is about four hours away.

This past weekend we were finally able to schedule it and made plans to go. Everyone was excited. We had planned letting the kids stay the night with their cousin who lives in the same city. She was excited to have the kids. We were taking advantage of the time for a much needed break to relax.

Everything was great at the zoo. Hot but good. The kids were having a good time and Kent was enjoying being pushed around all day. We packed everything up and went to go check into the room before dropping the kids off.

Then the sky opened up.

It was raining, wind blowing and baseball size hail falling from the sky on our newly repaired Nissan. I believe I was having a panic attack in the passenger seat. I don't do well in heavy traffic and apparently, do even worse with hail denting the car. I was sure any minute the windshield was going to bust. We made it to the hotel and of course their was a shuttle parked under the awning. We ran for the door. After numerous trips back and forth and about 3 gallons of water in Superman's shoes, the needed luggage was brought to the room. The room we had reserved had one king side bed. Awesome.

After about 2 hours the storm let up so we packed the kids up and took them over to her house to continue with the original plans. Little did we know the storm had other plans. On the way back to the hotel, more rain, hail and wind came our way.

We made it back to the room only to have the awning full of motorcycles. I went to the room and promptly called the front desk. I asked if I could park my car under the awning since they could and prevent other people from using it to drop off. I was upset to say the least. The night didn't get any better. Our room was by a very popular exit which woke us up every time the door opened.

We got up on Sunday, exhausted. We packed, got the kids, and headed home. We pulled into the driveway and I was never so happy to see my house. Don't get me wrong the day with the kids was great but COME ON!!!

We have to go back in 3 weeks for a birthday party. I will making my reservations early and with directions on what room I want. Wish us luck.

Monday, September 13, 2010

As My World Turns.....

I am learning to navigate a previously unexplored territory for my family. Since Lois's baby, Kara, arrival I have been attempting to figure out how all this is supposed to work. This entire situation is only made worse by the fact, Lois continues to reside with Krypto.

I have made my plans known to Superman and he seems supportive, which I'm thankful for. I have decided I will not be watching Kara or picking her up. I will also not be providing any unsolicited information to Lois unless asked directly (more info on that later). No more will Superman be the messenger. I have not set any limits on when Lois and Kara can come over. I have requested Superman not watch Kara on every weekend. Lois having a child and needing a babysitter does not take priority over the children getting to participate in activities. So far it's working out but it is still very early and only to get more complicated.

Now, Kara's daddy, Otis, enlisted in the Marines and went to basic training in May of this year. He finished his 12 weeks and managed to get 30 day hardship pass to come home to see Kara. Superman and I were both were surprised he finished basic. We both knew this was a good thing for Lois and Kara since the military would force him to support his child.

While on the leave, he signed support papers for his first daughter. She is just 8 months older than Kara. I know, he's a winner. Now this support amount was based on what is making in the military so he's going to be paying about $425 monthly for his first child. He however did not sign any support paperwork for Lois.

Well a new development happened last week. Otis is getting Other Than Honorable discharged from the Marines. Awesome. Now Lois is trying to figure out what to do and how this will effect her support. (She doesn't know it yet, but based on his projected income she will be getting about $165 monthly which doesn't even cover child care) She has been trying to get information from me by way of Superman. I'm tired of playing this game of telephone. I told Superman she can now call me if she needs information. As I have mentioned I work at my state's child support enforcement unit. I could provide her with a great deal of useful information but it has been a week and still no call. Lots of "oh gosh. What am I going to do?" to Superman but not once has she taken the energy to pick up the phone.

This is a continuing problem with Lois. She wants everyone to do things for her. She failed to turn in her Medicaid paperwork when she was pregnant so as of today, she owes about $1300 for her pregnancy and about $6500 for Kara's birth. I still don't know if she has applied. If she doesn't do it in the next 30 days the state will not cover the Kara's bills for the birth. Lexie and Luther are planning on giving her a car once a suitable car can be found that fits into their budget. While at our house, Lois was complaining she hadn't gotten it yet. I bit my tongue. Nearly off. Thank god Superman spoke up about being grateful instead of so self-absorbed.

She wanted me to get the paperwork from work for her to fill out. After the fiasco with the Medicaid, when she basically ignored by advice, I decided I would no longer be offering any more help. I was done. It took her 6 weeks to call and get the application sent to her. And she still hasn't sent it back. And even Krypto has gotten into the mix. She text Superman last week "concerned" about Otis's child support.

Now how does my husband's ex wife's roommate's baby daddy's first baby's momma's child support matters any of her business? I know it's difficult to follow but welcome to my world. She assumes because she works in a payroll office she knows that child support goes back to birth (which it doesn't), and people get arrested after $5000 (which they don't). I honestly don't know if Krypto is so concerned because she might be losing the guaranteed money from Lois or if she is worried Otis will have to hide out at her house.

The relationship status between Lois and Otis changes daily if not hourly. She tells us they are not together but then she gets flowers at work from him. I give up. Otis sent Lois a letter during basic that was intended for another girl. Dumbass put it in the wrong envelope. If she's willing to keep him around after that anything that happens after that is her own fault. Unfortunatly Kara will have to suffer the consequences of this back and forth.

I am part of a complicated clusterf%#@!!! I need a vacation and a cocktail.