bullet-in'

• I've been sugar-free (for the most part) for nine days now. The withdrawal has been horrendous, and the cravings are (to say the least) intense. And let's not even go into how it feels like PMS times a BILLION. If I hadn't lost 5 pounds already, I'd be compelled to say to hell with it all. And even then, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought, "who cares about being skinny and healthy? gimme the chocolate!" at least a dozen times.
  
• The job search? Not so hot. The most promising one... well, I was interviewed by the stuffy British CEO and I think he didn't get my sense of humor, particularly when I was asked why "Dating/Relationships" was No. 2 on my list of topics of personal expertise (from a list of about 15; Parenting/Family was No. 1). "Any single or divorced woman in her mid-30s is an expert on that," I said. He just looked at me funny. Ah, well.
• JS and I continue to get along marvelously. He's weathering The Sugar Storms quite admirably, which says quite a bit. Today we celebrated Renegade's 12th b-day (it was on June 6th), and after all failed attempts to do something interesting and fun (the boys were more interested in the "free snacks" aspect of the Kids' Dance Party at The Hideout than the DJ, vintage cartoons, or dancing), he pulled into Target, bought some sports gear, and steered us to Welles Park for an afternoon outdoors. Beyond being relieved that he saved the day, I was touched that he wanted to save the day rather than deposit all of us on my doorstep and drive away -- quickly -- because I certainly wouldn't have blamed him.
  
• Tomorrow, I will be taking four children to Navy Pier. I think this is cause for questioning my sanity. But that's what Renegade wanted to do with his friends for his birthday, and so I follow his lead. I hope he remembers these sorts of things when I'm 92 and need my diapers changed.
  
• I paid $99 to get my van detailed yesterday, and it was worth every penny. They did an excellent job -- check out the Norwood Hand Car Wash (on Northwest Highway a bit south of Devon) or their sister location, Norwood 2 Hand Car Wash, at 5462 N. Damen; they also offer interior/exterior wash for a reasonable fee.
• Rebel spilled orange juice all over the kitchen floor today, and I'm saddened that my first instinct was to get irritated and upset. The poor kid was just trying to help himself without bothering me, and that was unfair. I apologized, but I think I need to try better to remember that we're all just doing the best we can.
  
• I need a new coffee table, and it is a reminder that nothing is more frustrating than knowing what you want but not how to describe it and having a suspicion that you'll just know it when you see it. Craigslist is my friend.
  
• Tuesday I'm having cortisone and anesthetic injections into my back with the hope that this will once and for all cure my back pain and problems. Uh, we'll see.
  
• I paid $15 extra to send my father his Father's Day present via overnight mail, as I mistakenly believed today was Father's Day and panicked sometime Thursday afternoon. Oops -- but maybe I'll win Daughter of The Year for being so much on the ball.
  
• Had a chance to see The Beach Boys at Ravinia tonight, but I bailed around 4pm -- I'm exhausted and all I want to do is lie on my couch and watch episodes of house on Hulu.com.
  
• I really want a candy bar...