And I have been crying a lot. Ben and I went to the hearing this morning and had to wait a few moments for the woman before us to get her pumpkin. She had an attorney and no husband present. When she finished, it was our turn and we held hands as we walked forward. The judge kindly told us we could sit together at a counsel table. I cried and cried and Ben worried I’d be held in contempt. I wasn’t and the judge gave us the pumpkin. I suppose we should both feel a little relieved since now all the paperwork nonsense and public work is done (except for all the name change stuff), but it just feels draining and sad. I am so proud of us, though, in how we have handled this and I try so hard to take comfort knowing that Ben will always be one of my favorite people and I am so proud to call him my friend. He’s really a gem, someone to treasure.
After getting the pumpkin, we went to get breakfast. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to find a place to get breakfast on a Monday morning when you’re not accustomed to such an adventure. We found Hubbard Avenue to be satisfactory and lucky for us we did because who was sitting next to us!? Kirk Penney. At least we’re almost sure it was he. He was very tall and handsome and Ben swears he detected a Kiwi lilt. He ate oatmeal with lots of raisins and maybe some milk. After breakfast, we went to a greenhouse to pick out some plants. Since Ben took his peace lily out of my home, he thought I could use some new greenery. So, despite the fact that it is his birthday today, he bought me some cute plants: a shamrock of some sort, a jade plant and a wee tiny palm. (Again, Ben is a gem.) I’m so excited to have them! I just hope I can keep them going. As some may recall, one of my New Years’ resolutions was to tend to a plant and keep it alive for an undefined amount of time. With three new plants, I’m hoping at least one of them sticks with me.
March madness, anyone? My bracket is going ok. It’s surprising how nervous I get about it even though no money is riding on it and, frankly, no pride. I get broken up when, say, I see Butler going out since I had them in the Elite Eight. Go Badgers!
