small claims

I'll say a few things about the gig on Sunday in a later post, but I just wanted to mention this experience I had today in small claims court.

Zac was getting sued, it doesn't matter what for or who won, but I was testifying as a witness. The woman who was suing him did not bring any witnesses with her, failed to provide evidence in the manner that the court required, talked back to the judge, and made a lot of excuses. About three quarters of the way through the proceedings the judge had me come forward to testify and the only available chair was the one next to this woman. He had me sit next to her and I found myself on the receiving end of the worst glare I've ever experienced. She told me that I was lying, she told the judge that I was lying, she asked if she could leave to vomit because she couldn't stand me being there. She heavily implied that I wasn't to be trusted because I was there to testify instead of at an important corporate job like the people who would have been witnesses for her. She sighed and rolled her eyes. I was honestly convinced that she would physically assault me. She was filled with so much hate and anger that I could barely stand to be in the same room as her. When the trial was over, she just about chased us down the hall shouting about how we were all liars and she was going to take down Zac's company.

I guess I knew people like that existed, I had just never been on the receiving end of that hate before. I'm so grateful for the people I have around me who do not approach life in this way. And I'm especially grateful I had the forethought to put a talisman against the evil eye in my pocket before I left home this morning. I hope that she can find healing for her soul and come to peace with herself.

Conversation with an exhausted toddler

Mom (trying to find out why baby is whining): Are you hungry? Do you want to get down? Do you want me to take your shoes off?
Baby: No.
Mom: Do you want to leave your shoes on?
Baby: No.
Mom: Do you want your shoes off?
Baby: No.
Mom: Ok, we're going to stop talking about shoes now.

Love Reed

I was wary of going back to my fifth year college reunion this year. I didn't spend much time at my fourth last year, but this was the centennial reunion, so I made a point of going. It was really great to see old friends and spend time with Mom. I have a lot of sad and traumatic memories of college, probably because junior and senior years were so intense, but I found that going back was healing. I participated in the all class parade and overwrote the previous traumatic memory of my thesis parade. I had joyous, friendly interactions with people I used to know in that space. So you know what? I recommend going to a reunion of that type in the future. I had a great time and it was totally worth it.