Nov 04 2007
Introducing the Cast of Players
I realized this morning that I haven’t provided a much background info about myself or the other characters mentioned here frequently. I’ve posted a few small tidbits about me so far but nothing comprehensive. So, how about we get a little more personal? 
The Husband
He’s 72 years old. He’s survived cancer twice. Now the first cancer is back. At this point the cancer is considered incurable and inoperable but the treatment he’s currently receiving has slowed the growth rate of the cancer.
The Husband still works 7 days a week. He has a master’s degree and had started working toward his PhD but never got a chance to finish. Now he’s on his second career. He’s always joked that if he were to retire, he’d become a hacker The truth is he works because he loves it all that retirement means to him is working for himself without the responsiblity of stockholders.
The Husband is the main bread-winner of the family. He makes a very modest annual salary as the president of his corporation. In addition, he receives his monthly social security benefit, a small pension from his first career, and a very small disability check from the government for injuries received during service.
Me
I’m 43. I’m a stay-at-home mom. I’m also a entrepreneur — I used to be an eBay PowerSeller with annual sales of over $30,000 in my second year of business. When eBay took stores out of search results and then hiked fees by over 300%, I left. I now maintain stores on Wagglepop and eCrater but business is dead. In addition, I work full time from home for my husband’s company and make a small but contributing salary. And I’ve been homeschooling for 10 years.
I was a poor student — undiagnosed learning challenges. I have an Administrative Assistant certificate and paid my way through night school for a few years but don’t have a college degree.
Three years ago I suffered a series of TIAs (small strokes). Recovery was difficult and slow. My cognitive abilities have recovered about 90-95%. I have sleep apnea, asthma, Fibromyalgia, and extensive food allergies. Oh, and half a thyroid and that half needs to come out soon.
The Daughter
She’s a 15 year-old with a driver’s permit and an attitude — in other words, she’s pretty normal.
The Daughter was homeschooled through 8th grade but decided that she wanted to attend high school and I gave in. Now she’s a Sophomore in a small private school. She’s a hard worker and a good student and very well liked.
At this point in life, she resents all of my parenting decisions. She has assured me that I am by far the strictest among all of her friends’ parents.
Her wish list for her upcoming 16th birthday consists of: a car, a nose piercing, and a push-up bra. She’s getting a camcorder. I hope that some day she will forgive me and know that all of my decisions came from love.
Despite our differences at this stage, our relationship is filled with a great deal of humor, love, and, I believe, mutual respect.
The Son
Normal isn’t a word usually associated with The Son — and that’s just fine with him. He’s bright and has a sharp wit; he’s funny and adorable and as sweet as any 13-yo there ever was. At present, we’re in the process of exploring whether or not he has Asperger’s or whether he’s simply quirky. It really doesn’t matter to me; I just want what’s best for him and I don’t want to handicap his future — he has a lot of offer the world.
The Son is still homeschooled and most likely will be homeschooled through high school. He does participate in a program for homeschoolers though our local school district. The children were both initially enrolled in the program three years ago when I was sick and it has served us well so The Son continues. The best part of the program is that he has access to a fabulous Spanish teacher and a full science lab.
other minor characters include:
The Tank
My 21st century version of a trusty steed; my big suburban-mama SAV (Suburban Assault Vehicle). It seats eight passengers with 3-point safety harnesses (shoulder-lap seat belts) with all but one of those seats also having a head rest. The Tank was purchased used in 2002 and has all sorts of fancy extras that we never would have paid for if we’d purchased the car new. I love it.
The grandchildren
The Husband’s five grandchildren from his first four children.
The nieces and nephews
I have four nephews and two nieces — the children of my three siblings.
2 Responses to “Introducing the Cast of Players”
instead.
Diary Writer,
The descriptions in your cast paint quite a picture indeed. I liked the part where daughter is wishing for a push-up bra birthday gift.
Keep up the good work being Strict Mom. No teenager likes the rules and regulations when they are young. But ask them again later in life when they grow up to be successful due to the structure.
- Maintenance Man
Thanks for your visit and your comment, maintenance man.
I read the book, The Hurried Child by David Elkind, when The Daughter was yet a babe. It had a profound impact on my parenting philosophy.
He talks about how a parent needs to create strong, un-moving walls or fences (rules) for children. They will test your rules and as much as they will act like they want you to give in, what they really want to know is that the walls (rules) that surround them are strong. Strong rules protect and give a feeling of security.