January post

 I don't want to let the month slip by without an entry.

We watched Biden's inauguration, by we I mean all of us.  Bertie only watched his swearing in, since he was in school. Bron loved all the singing and mimicked the movements.  I LOVED Amanda Gorman's poem.  And I was in tears through much of the ceremony.  Partially because I always get weepy at things, partially as relief that trump is finally gone.  And next time we have a Republican president (assuming s/he is like the other non-trump presidents) I will be happy about the choice.  Though, I am staunchly Democrat, I can now appreciate the sense of decorum and honor for the office the other 44 men had.  

Politics are kind of funny.  Like George W. was not a president I liked, at all.  However, I could see hanging out with him, he seems genuinely nice, and fun.  Plus I dig his paintings.  Whereas I wouldn't want to hang out with either Clinton.  I voted for Hilary, but I don't want to be her friend.  But I want to be friends with Barack and Michelle.  John McCain seemed like a nice guy as well.  

Anyway, blah blah.

 Bron started her ABA a couple weeks ago.  It's going well overall.  She has the same BT as Bertram.  Most days, Alli is at our house 7 hours a day.  Bron loves music and dancing.  There is a Disney Christmas Singalong that she LOVES.  We've started potty training a little, but she's not really very interested, though she has had some success.  She's been sleeping well in her bed, without the crib front.  We've also finally found a melatonin that she likes. 

We got a foldable wagon.  It is a lot easier than the double stroller.  Plus Bertie is really too big for the double anyway.  But now when we walk and he's done, he can ride with Bronwyn without much issue.

I've been working on exercising more since the year started.  Partially for depression, partially to be healthier.  My back has been bothering me more.  Stupid degenerative disc disease. I am on the very young end for DDD.  And there is not a ton that can be done.  PT (which I start tomorrow(virtually, which means no massage, boo)), losing weight, and yoga.  Doctor said if I could lose 10% (about 20 lbs) I should see good improvement.  If I can lose 20% most of the pain should be gone.  I'd like to lose at least 30.  But we'll see, I've never been good at losing weight, unless I was sick.  I'm going to keep moving more, and trying to eat when I'm hungry.  That is tough, because I love eating, just to eat. 

Bertram has been doing fairly well. Virtual school is hard.  His behaviour can be tough.  But it's hard for him too, which is difficult for me to remember.  I can't believe he's almost 7.  And a year ago I was planning a Disney trip.  Maybe someday.  He has been into Minecraft, and Among Us lately.  He is still a voracious reader.  I'm trying to steer him towards books with fewer pictures.  But it's hard because his reading level and interest level don't necessarily match.  He likes, and is quite good at, drawing.  

Covid vaccines are starting to be distributed.  My dad got his last week.  Aaron gets his tomorrow.  The ICUs are starting to have beds available again.  So maybe we're towards the end of the tunnel.  We've currently been "at home" for 320 days.  320 days since going to the mall, aquarium, zoo, or out to eat. I'm going crazy.  I may go to the mall within a couple weeks, I'm getting bored of Target.  The county has been doing really well with mask mandates, and I haven't seen anyone balk at them.  We wear masks anytime we're in a store.  We wear masks when we walk the dogs, but only when we see other people.  We have quite a collection of masks now.

Hodge Podge

• Politics is too divisive, and I'm already tired of hearing about election stuff.  Still 2 months to go, too.  
• My liver went (scarily) crazy this week.  So now I'm off nearly all of my drugs.  I still have to finish my prednisone.  But other than that, all I'm on is Celexa, and twice monthly Humira.  Can I say, I really, really, really miss Adderall?  Maybe my GI will give me the ok to go back on it soon.  But, my gosh, I'm so tired ALL THE TIME.  And I can't focus on anything.  Adderall was not likely the issue.  But the GI got rid of all ancillary drugs.  Blurgle.
• My crohns symptoms are starting to creep back.  Maybe I'll lose these 4 Prednisone pounds sooner rather than later.
• Also, I don't have the energy to walk both dogs on my own anymore.  I think we went maybe 4 blocks, before I had to turn around.  So maybe that weight will stick around.
• I got Employee of the Month for the second time in three months last week.  I'm pretty awesome.
• I think I may be getting my first smart phone (ever).  I don't really want or need a smartphone.  But it is time to get a new phone.  And the non-smart ones are kind of lame.  I don't really plan on using the data, but maybe I'll change my mind once I get it.

Political blah-blah.

I don't usually like to post political stuff, especially on Facebook.  It just makes for too much contention.

That being said:

Hi, I'm Rachel, I'm Mormon, and I would not vote for Mitt Romney.

I'm one of the few mormon dissenters.  I like his policies from when he was governor, but I guess those were all errors, and he's learned since then.  :eye roll:

Here is where I stand: If you have more money, you should pay more taxes.  (I'll pay more taxes too, but I don't make much money, so it doesn't amount to much).  Social programs, and lots of em'.  More funding for public education (basic, and higher).  More funding for health services.  A more prevalent socialized medical system.  Pro-choice (that being said, I abhor abortion "just because", but I also don't believe I should get to decide for the whole country).  And, in general, more governmental/business regulation.  

Most of the time I vote Democrat, but I have voted Republican before.  I'm open to it in the future, but not for Mitt.  However, I do think Mitt is infinitely better than Newt.