A new day

Well, I've finally taken the plunge and joined the 8 million or so (maybe that number is a little low, actually) people spewing their thoughts online. It's narcissism at the worst, cheap therapy at the best, right? And, I suppose, like everyone else who saw "Julie and Julia", the secret longing to become a 'published writer', right?

So, about me and what has prompted this uncharacteristic sharing:

I'm 48 years old. My household includes my husband, his two boys from his first marriage, my four kids from my first marriage, two cats, one dog, and a bright orange corn snake. Happily enough, at this time only 2.5 of the various offspring are still living at home.

Given the double-edged sword that this forum provides, for privacy all family members will be named as follows:

Hubby - my husband of 2 years. 49 years old, and truly the sweetest, kindest human being I have ever known. Unless he's being a jerk. But never to me. More about him later.

Stepson J - eldest of the six at 24. Has a degree in English that took him 6 years to achieve, and currently unemployed and living with his mother in Yuba City, about 30 miles from here.

Son G - my eldest. 22 years old and in his last year of an enlisted stint with the US Air Force. Dropped out of UCSB after a year because he didn't like it and moved home. Anyone noticing a trend here? Wanted to join the Air Force to see the world, and got posted 20 miles from home. That's what you call irony.

Son E - 20 years old. Severely autistic and mentally retarded. Don't ask me to use stupid pc terms like mentally challenged or intellectually disabled. He lives in a group home in Elk Grove, his 6th placement in the last 4 years. I have legal conservatorship, so I see him pretty frequently. Again, much more on him later.

Daughter H - the only girl in a sea of testosterone. Almost 19, and still living at home. Loves anything Japanese, odd or wacky. Doesn't seem to care for hard work, chicken and the opposite sex. Sigh.

Stepson S2 - Named after his father, but NOT junior. Hokay...it wasn't MY decision. Just graduated high school and off to UC Davis next month. A man/boy of extremes...very tall, rather er, bulky, lots of hair, and prone to hyperbole over virtually anything.

Son P - 16 years old. Takes his driving test tomorrow for his license. Really tall, and skinny. Attends two high schools concurrently to stay in JROTC, which means I've been schlepping him for over a year. Can't wait to have him drive himself!