I am fighting to maintian my positive attitude. I thought I've been able to deflect some things pretty well lately, though it is all feeling sort of heavy right now. Sadly, in the grand scheme of life nothing is very note-worthy.

The good thing is that money-wise, it is all working out. I've got some realistic estimates on the cost of son's party, plus the party menu for the family party on Saturday. I already purchased his gift. I did use some coupons today at CVS and spent over 50% on some shampoo, body wash, and Robitussin (using coupons and ECB). I also found older daughter's favorite shampoo at Walmart rolled back to $5.94.

Best friend is back in a needy way, though this time she's weaning herself off of Wellbutrin. She's being pretty forthright about how bad she was in her relationship that ended in August. And she is blaming the meds in a big way, no self control, etc. She wants me to vouch for her sanity with the man that she is trying to re-establish contact with. I've done it once in the past (8 years ago) when she went postal after being on Lexipro. Don't think I really want to be involved. The good news is in her mental clarity and an eye toward the future, she is taking a serious look at her finances and making some wiser decisions (like postponing a trip that she really can't afford). Boundaries on this one are sticky because I have interceded for her before, but I don't want to now. Looking back it was all rather juvenile. Ugh.

The 2nd grader had a melt-down yesterday and today. He didn't want to go to school and feigned illness and I could tell something was bothering him. He is the most well behaved of my kids (and they're all mostly well behaved) (he was the only child in kindergarten to get an O (outstanding) for self-control. Well, the teacher yelled at him yesterday. The first time ever he has been yelled at. And she screamed at him. It was apparently the end of his 7-year old world. It was nice to see his sibs rally around him to boost his spirits, and I hope he manages to get through the day without falling apart. His party is on Friday, so hopefully that will keep him cheered up.

Drama-momma is back in a big way, and I have ignored her phone calls. She really has a way of inserting herself and making problems where there really aren't any. Essentially both girls are shadowing at a high school on Friday, and they're following my older daughter. The other girl was complaining that my oldest isn't in honors Algebra (which she presumes she will be in) and chorus (mine is in gym, which this girl will have to take). I guess my child told her child that maybe she should request someone else. This turned into a "Why would *M* tell my daughter to shadow someone else? I must get to the bottom of this. I have to get my paperwork faxed in!" I ignored the call because I had no idea there was an issue. The girl then called and was a bit snotty in her message which was a toned down version of what her mother said. My daughter called back and said she knew she was on speaker phone and called the girl out on her desire to shadow someone with a more similar schedule, but then added of course she could shadow with her. *sigh*

Despite the fact that I didn't respond, I do resent the intrusion. I know that it doesn't matter, but it still upsets me.

On a happy note, I am putting up my fall decorations today. Looking forward to some cheerful autumnal colors. Pleased to say that I'm not purchasing a thing, just revisiting some of my favorite knick-knacks from the past.

And I've turned the ringer off on the phone.