ladibug21

My Aunt Dede passed away this afternoon after a long sickness. Dede was my favorite Aunt. Dede was like a second mom growing up. I don't know what else to say because I think part of the grief is delayed for me. It tends to hit me all at once, or later on unexpectedly while I'm doing something mundane like laundry or grocery shopping.

I would rather tell a short fond memory I have of Dede.

As a kid I was not allowed to have sugar. I'm not sure I've blogged about it before, but I wasn't allowed ANY. It turned me into a monstrous brat. So I had to get it however I could. Sometimes it was contraband sugar. Mom was the major enforcer in the no-sugar ban, but my sisters were supportive of it as well since they knew what happened if I had any. Usually I had to coerce other extended family members into sneaking me some here or there. I was mostly unsuccessful.

One very hot Oklahoma summer day the family had stopped at the K-Mart for treats. Everyone went in and I stayed in the car with a sister. I think I must have been about four. Dede came back to the car and my sister went in. When Dede got in the car she had this mischievous look on her face and held up a mini grape Tootsie Roll Pop. She unwrapped it, handed it to me., and told me to eat it fast. Of course, I wasn't a stupid kid, so I chomped the HELL out of that thing. I had eaten about half of it when everyone got back to the car and no one noticed (which looking back is kind of remarkable). Then for some stupid reason I announced that Dede had given me a Tootsie Roll Pop. Mom got SO MAD and grabbed it out of my hand. Dede looked at me with a look of death and did her famous bite-her-knuckle and grumble at whichever kid pissed her off routine. Honestly, I'm surprised she didn't give me a backhand smack. I knew I was in trouble and that it was the last time she snuck me sugar.

I've had a pretty quiet weekend. On Friday I went to see Sky Cries Mary with friends and the gf. Saturday I helped my sister and BIL do some packing for their upcoming move. Saturday night I stayed at the gf's because I had to drive her to the airport at 6 am this morning for her trip to NY. (ugh and double ugh) Then I came home and took at two-hour power nap. (I think we slept about four hours total last night, she didn't pack until the last LAST minute)

After I got myself BACK out of bed again I met up with Lewis and Michele who took me kayaking at the Mercer Slough. I think we saw 100 baby ducks. God, they were so cute. So small and fluffy. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to squish one or stuff one in my mouth. Both options are inappropriate. It was quite fun and I realized on this trip that I do love being on the water. It was a good activity for me right now with my STUPID KNEE. It does feel a little better. Michele showed me some stretches and agreed that it's probably tendinitis. I think she's an expert after her knee issues. It was really nice of them to take me. They could have kayaked laps around me with the pace I kept.

I suppose it wasn't really a quiet weekend. I feel tired and cranky and I miss the gf already. She'll be back Friday. I need to stop whining.

Also, I had three bubble teas this weekend. Mango, coconut and taro. I need help.