Heart And Soul

It's a busy day here in the 'Burg. Phase I is over and Phase II & III are fixing to begin. Worked last night - another busy night at the store. BJ helped me out by doing most of my floor work (moping, the parking lot, trash cans, etc.) while I was busy with customers. It went pretty well - for a saturday. Came home and did some cooking - baked beans & Deviled eggs - it's Sunday so that mean's "Family Day" at Tians.

Managed to sleep a couple of hours - and went to Tian's for the shindig. Small gathering - Tatz, Tian, NuNu, Andrew, J.Paige, Crystal, Dalian, Parker & myself. It's cake and ice cream time to celebrate NuNu's BD - he turned 53 this past Thursday.

Uneventful afternoon. Everyone loved my beans - big hit! We played "Phase 10" for a while and me & Parker ended up rolling around on the floor wrestling. Yeah - he kicked my ass again. I admit it. Tian decided she wanted to go sleep - so we all got kicked out. Time to go to Auto-Zone and Wal-Mart.

Tatz & NuNu went into Auto-Zone for a few minutes, leaving me & Parker alone in the car. We're making small talk and ended up talking about things I'd probably be better off not knowing. Parker is doing things and going places his Mom knows nothing about. I don't blame him - I was doing the same things when i was his age - but get this. She thinks he's going to "church". Ok! This will work for a while, but if his mom ever finds out that she's been decieved - his ass is grass. He told me about what he and his friends have been doing - absolutely no drinking or drugs - he understands that.. But he talked about a party they went to last night - and he & his friend got lap dances from the little girls there. He's 15. His friend is 15. These girls are 16 and 17. So we got into a pretty good discussion about being careful, making sure to wrap it up before any kind of sexual stuff - and several other things. It was a really good conversation. I think he's been looking for someone to talk to and confide in - and he knows that I won't tell him Mom on him. I will not lie for him to her or anyone else, but I'm not going to spill my guts and get him in trouble just because I can. I felt a real closeness and bond open up with Parker today. We've always gotten along well and I've always tried to be a good uncle to him and his sisters - but I think we've reached a new level today. He's growing up very fast these days. His Mom & Aunt still see the little kid, but they've got an adventerous young man on their hands.. so I guess it'll fall to me to try and steer him as straight as I can. I'm not a great role model, by any means - but I admit to my mistakes and I try not to repeat them. I don't lie, do drugs, or drink all that often. I work - always have - and try to do right by everyone as best I can. I'm not perfect, but he could have far worse people in his life trying to help him out. I don't like this bit where he's lying to his mom, but I do understand it. I'll do anything I can for the guy - he's a great guy and I want him to always stay that way.

Anyhow, that was this morning/early this afternoon. I'm home now and fixing to go to a cook-out across the road with G. & H. Yeah - I know! I never learn. But H. caught me as I was getting out of Tatz's van - coming home and asked me over. Mom already told them I was off work tonite, so what can I say? I'll try to keep it short and then come on home.

As for later tonight, Ma is staying over at Terri's - she (Terri) has some minor surgery in the morning and Ma is driving her to the hospital for it. So I have the house to myself. My buddy, D. is supposed to come by later tonight and we're going to watch a DVd of "Dukes of Hazard" that he managed to get somewhere. Yee-haw. And who knows what else.. Heh! Heh!

That's my day - in a nutshell. I think I need to go take a shower. Until the next time - I'm outta here. Later.
-Doug