joshlane

[joshlane]

In which case, you're welcome, I'm happy to give you a wholly unique experience. And I hope that you just remember that come Christmas time, so that I get a really, really nice gift! Absolutely not, but do you think that it stopped me? I retired anyway! And then became a mechanic and got back into therapy with better people, anyway, so it worked out. No one should have to deal with the types of people that I was dealing with, trust me. That's… probably an accurate way of looking at it.

That might be the first time I've ever heard it as a positive in my pathetic little life, if I'm being honest with you. But I'm sure you guessed that. Are you old enough to be retired? Get back into the job world, be a boring therapist not a fun one, and maybe let me have your jobs. Eh, they're not bad at their jobs, but I feel like being good at their job does involve being evil.

[joshlane]

And that's a good thing! Someday, probably when they have their own kids, or maybe before then when they see a friend get knocked out, they'll thank you for being really strict about it and doing everything that you can to make their life miserable, obviously. No, they can pull you over for not wearing a helmet in areas where you need to, but they can't pull you over for wearing one if you don't have to. It makes it easier when you have to take your lunch on the go, too, like when you happen to be passing from point A to point B and there's a food truck, how lucky.

Exactly this. I know when I have kids one day I’m not going to let them get on their bikes or skateboards or hoverboards or unicycles without a helmet. They can deal with the bad hair day. I was going to say—is that a thing they can do? Different than driving without a license but somewhat if it’s in the law, there we go. Yeah! And that’s happened before, I’ll admit. It’s been great so far! And yes! Especially when people are spending more time outside during their lunch hour. We encourage getting that Vitamin D.

[joshlane]

[joshlane]

I absolutely agree, I actually would like to enjoy summertime before we're worrying about cold weather, snow and holidays again. I'm trying to get us out on the bike as much as humanly possible, not thinking about having to put her up for the year already! Don't worry, I'll be sure not to chase him away from wanting me to be his boss, but he's a good kid, hard worker, doesn't grumble when I tell him to do something, even if it involves getting greasy and his hands not coming clean for a week straight. Perks of the job, you know. Well, damn… maybe if you pout a little and we talk about how important the place is to our love story, they'll give in, find it too sweet, and give us free gelato for life…? Worth a shot. That's not a bad idea, though, just be sure it's known that I want free popcorn if they work at Stubs. With extra butter.

No, no, no, no. We have so much to do before then. That is the last thing I want to think about right now. Hahaha! I give you free reign there. He decided you being his boss was okay with me, I have nothing to do with work anything! He is all yours. We have a few weeks before heading to pick Mimi up, so, we can talk about it while there, on the way home. There's time. But I'm sure she can help out, even if she takes up a summer job here too. Ha! You know, I might've been entrusted enough to close, but I can't say that I have much pull there these days. So I can't guarantee us any free gelato this summer, but I will start talking to the twins about jobs. So, we'll see if and where we can get them some hours for the summer. Maybe we can get the hook up at Stubs or one of the restaurants.

[joshlane]

"I would ask if you've thought about getting a puppy to make that transition a little easier, with your dogs getting older, but… with twins on the way, might not be a good time for that," he laughed lightly, sure that his friend didn't want to make more work for himself when he probably had days where it felt like there was a never-ending list of things to do. Sometimes, it was just best to play it by ear, see what happened. "Well, good," he said with a smile, nodding his head. If it was something that his friend wanted and felt that he needed to make his life complete, then he was glad that he was getting that chance, glad that the had the opportunity to explore it. "Absolutely not, no, I will be sound asleep -- in fact, I will remind you of this exactly conversation and how you said that you wanted more kids!" Josh's grin was wide, knowing he could tease for a long time with that one.

"Not at all, though it's just upsetting thinking about the future with her," all the ups and downs that came with having a pet, it was all worth it in the end. And she was still healthy, minus some arthritis, and he was able to make her comfortable with the use of meds when needed. Smiling, he nodded, "yeah I'm really excited. I honestly had been open to more kids even before the divorce," he lifted both shoulders into a shrug. He loved kids and he loved being a dad, so to be able to bring a life or in his case, two lives into the world, he was stoked. Laughing, he playfully elbowed his friend, "you mean I shouldn't be texting you or calling you to catch up at that hour? Or to keep me company?" He was only teasing, evident by the grin and the wink before nodding and exhaling, "I'll be four times as careful."

[joshlane]

"The boogie man," Josh said with a soft laugh as he stepped around the broken branches, hands in the pockets of his hooded sweatshirt as he looked out at the ocean. "Sorry, I didn't think there would be anyone else out here, forgot that everyone's enjoying the great outdoors again." Spring had sprung, and no one felt like being indoors anymore, he couldn't blame them for that. "Nice day for it."

Who: Beth + Open to All Where: The Cliffs

Beth as a teenager loved sneaking out with friends and going to sit on the cliffs and looking up at the stars or being dare devils and jumping off them. For Beth, it was just listening to the water and looking up and trying to find the constellations, there was something so peaceful about it all. Hearing branches break behind her, she stood up quickly. "Who's there?"

[joshlane]

Alright, so not that exact scenario, admittedly -- but I have actually talked to people about their fear of Mickey Mouse in terms of people in costumes. That one's always fun to tackle, to figure out why they feel that way, and what started it. So that's similar enough to Mickey hating them, right? At least if you ask me. I would like to have a fish's life if I could eat something more exciting than flakes and also live longer than they do. I have no doubt about that. I think it'll be a good time!

Is that what you talk to people about in therapy? About how Mickey hates them? Because...that's got to be rough for them. The hardest possible thing to deal with. It's hard not to spend some money on Disney in this day and age. That's an easy life, too, so if you can't do that...probalby best to be dead. Yeah, I'll give it a try, I've been keeping fit for good reason: to kick ass.

[joshlane]

So far, so good! We've been very busy at the garage, a lot of people wanting to get out and ride, so they need that last minute tune up. But I'm very ready for the Challenge! I've been training for a few months, although I try to run regularly, anyway. How about you, does that mean you're competing?

How has the rest of your spring been going, Josh? Ready for the Challenge? I think it'll be fun to get out of town for a bit and try something out!

[joshlane]

"Ah, you have those types of parents, too?" he asked on a laugh, raising both brows. "My father is horrible at returning text messages. He's not as bad with calls -- which is why if you text him, you're going to hear your phone ring." Takato was just not all that great with technology. His mom and dad, the ones who had raised him, they were a little better, but that didn't mean that he didn't occasionally get butt dialed, but that was just the kind of thing that any parent did. "That's one of those 'I told you so' that you don't mind getting, since it means they made it through okay," he said with a laugh, nodding his head. It was nice, knowing everyone was safe and sound and made it through the hard times. "Yeah, of course!" he nodded his head eagerly, "you have my number if you do end up needing anything, in all seriousness, don't hesitate to text. I actually respond," he grinned, shrugging both shoulders, and then wincing when he mentioned the conversation between three lawyers. "That might be a bit above my pay grade!"

"I will talk to them, leave them notes, and will remind them by sending them text messages. Though I have a feeling that they'll ignore the text messages," he let out a chuckle, shaking his head slightly in amusement. "And then they will tell me 'I told you so' when I drive back here to check up on them once the storm has passed." Which would be the best outcome. It meant his parents survived the storm okay. Looking away from the sky as well, he gave a nod. Despite the wishful thinking, he always did take the warning seriously. Better be safe than sorry, especially since he had a family of his own. "Uh, I think we're good. Thank you, again. I really appreciate this," he replied with a smile. "There are a few things left to do but I can deal with those. Unless you'd like to join and find yourself in the middle of random conversations between three lawyers while I help my mother put away the groceries," he grinned.

[joshlane]

happy mother's day, @xespietamayo!

I've not doubt in my mind that the kids have something planned today, even if it's just making some bouquets together at Lavender Lane, but I wanted to chime in and give you something and a little love. The bag is perfect for farmer's markets or thrifting, especially for those little random gems we find on our bike trips. I thought I'd go useful this time around. Happy Mother's Day, love.

xo Josh

[joshlane]

I bet you that most of the time when you hear it, it's from people who don't mean it nearly as positive as I do, either. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing��� probably bad, though. Sorry, friend. I've already quit one job -- or "retired" as they say, so I don't think I can afford to leave the Center, that might not end all that well for me. And are those bankers good at their jobs? Or just like to pretend that they are?

Thanks, that's actually...not the first time I've been told I've gotten under someone's skin. And I suspect it won't be the last, honestly. Damn, guess you have to find a way to quit soon or get fired, it's up to you what you do. Sometimes talking out of your ass gets you far, though, I know plenty of bankers and that's all they do.

[joshlane]

"That just means that we have to be really, really persuasive," if they wanted kids to believe anything, he was pretty sure that was key. Otherwise, they were going to see right through it. "Or be good liars, if we don't believe it ourselves," that was the tough part for Josh. He didn't really enjoy being dishonest, especially in his line of work. But sometimes you had to do it if it meant that someone was going to get what they needed, even if they didn't want it. "Oh, I hate paper cuts. I end up with a dozen of those in a week, sorting mail at the garage or in my office at the center. Burns, too, I'm always grabbing things that are too hot on someone's bike or car. And you'd think at my age, I would have learned a lesson, but," he made a sound with his tongue and let out a laugh. "No, no," he shook his head, "I mean, I won't say that I'd go out of my way to climb a mountain or be on a skyscraper, but not afraid of them!"

"They'll believe it as long as it's... believable," Jamie agreed. In his experience, kids would believe it if it was presented to them in a way that made it just that--believable. He saw it a lot in his work, and while kids had to learn, sometimes one just had to help them, and on their level. "Yes! And then they hurt even more than you remember. Also papercuts. Those are the worst," he chuckled and huffed. "Yeah, those are made to be completed. I mean, they can be challenging but they're built to be able for people... who maybe aren't the most athletic to get to the finish line. You're not battling the elements!" Jamie looked over at Josh and grinned. "Not so much anymore," he said. "What about you?"

[joshlane]

It's always better to be safe than sorry, you know? Whether we're talking about an accident, or getting caught doing something illegal. It's not like someone is going to pull you over and ticket you for wearing a helmet if you didn't have to, could you imagine that? That's true, too, so you could end up being in a seat a lot longer than someone else if you're a big on the smaller side. I am always for good, positive changes, that's for sure. Excited to hear that! I'm sure with the weather warming up, more people want to eat on the go rather than sitting in a restaurant, right? I know I do.

Yeah! Something we don't really think about but it is something to think about too. In those cases... I just wear it anyway because that is what I plan to do! I think it's up to a certain age and some places it's height and weight. Mhmm, that was a time before people actually knew what the risks were. They'd just roll with it! Some things change, and that is for the better. The best for all of us. Yes! I'm excited to get it out there. I've got a bit more tweaking to do, but I think it looks pretty good so far.

[joshlane]

No kidding, next thing you know, we'll be planning for the holidays all over again. I wish time would slow down at least a little bit. I'll text Efren this weekend while I'm thinking about it, but the fear of God into him and let him know that I have a billion hours for him to work. I don't, but it's fun to tease him a little bit. But I can definitely talk to Mimi and see if she would be interested in coming by the Center to help out now and then if she has any free time. Especially with summer right around the corner, I feel like there's always something to do and room for people to jump in and help out, you know? There you go, actually -- you should get one of them a job scooping gelato, don't you still have a lot of pull down there? The way I remember it, you were the best damn gelato scooper they had ever had. Although I might be looking back with a little bit of bias…

I feel like we were just planning for the holidays a couple of weeks ago. This year is flying by. Gosh. Well, Mimi will be home at the end of the month. Or more, we have to get her back here at the end of the month. I haven't discussed what her summer plans are while she's home with her yet, but something tells me working with her brother all summer won't sound too appealing to her. Volunteering at the Center though, she might be more open to. Not like I'm charging them rent or anything. You're going to have to talk to Efren about his schedule but to my knowledge, he is all yours to be full time at the garage for the summer. I'll ask the twins if either of them are interested, between dance and baseball. It might be good for them both to start learning the value of a dollar, some more responsibility. Not that I want to pawn all four kids off on you for the summer. The one you already have might be enough. But, I do need to talk to the other three anyway. Especially if I need to get the twins work permits. I was their age scooping gelato to afford to bleach my hair. They can put in a few hours a day to pay for their own movie tickets and everything else they want to do with their friends.

[joshlane]

TASK #27 💐 SPRING SCRAPBOOK

[joshlane]

I'm terribly sorry, no one should ever have to live with the hardship of realizing that Mickey Mouse is, indeed, never actually going to be their friend. That's a really rough life for you, Trey. But I bet that you do spend some money on his company -- and I say that as someone who knows that we all do. Unfortunately. Exactly, and if they don't do what they're supposed to do -- breathe and eat fish flakes -- then they get to go visit the after life. On a lighter, less murderous note, are you ready for this Challenge coming up? I can't see you not competing!

I actually went home and cried for five to ten hours when I found out, actually. Because I want Mickey Mouse to be my best friend and I know it'll never happen now, unless I spend money. Fish do whatever the hell they want, because we can't really...communicate. Yeah, exactly. We know how the medicine works and it's much more guaranteed than...the actions they do.

[joshlane]

"Which isn't a bad thing," although he was sure it was tough to watch the dogs get a little older, there were at least some pros involved, if they were easier to catch and a little bit easier to handle, too. Toshiko still sometimes got that touch of 'puppy' in him, where he wanted to be wild and crazy. Josh wouldn't have had it any other way, though. "Nah, not weird," he said with a shake of his head. Fatherhood had never been something that interested Josh. He was there for Espie's kids and whatever they needed, stepped in to help with school projects, offered them work at the garage when they needed the experience, took them out to big dinners, bought them gifts, but… he didn't see himself ever becoming a father to anyone. But some people were born for it, craved it, did well with it. That was clearly Theo's lot in life. "Just do me a favor and remember that some of us are sleeping at three AM, when you're looking for someone to chat with to keep you awake," he teased, shaking his head. "Of course, you'll want to be twice as careful, after that."

"Of course not," he shook his head, "Luna is slow enough now that I can catch her pretty easily thankfully. Which in turn also means she's not had excitable either." But dogs had that instinct in the, especially certain breeds, like hunting and working dogs which Theo had. Still he didn't want that to happen with Duke or Luna and he definitely did not want to see it. "I get that," patting Josh on the shoulder, "thankfully though we don't have to see it happen." Whether that meant turning off the TV or changing the channel, or keeping an eye on one's dog. Letting out a laugh, he then exhaled, "that would be nice," not having to have done that in well over a decade so he was a bit rusty if he was telling the truth, "unfortunately we both know that'll never happen. But I'm looking forward to it as weird as that may sound." The midnight feedings and diaper changes, the soothing to help them fall back to sleep. He had always been a very hands on father and that wasn't about to change even with twins. "I sure hope I am, and will probably be more so this riding season. For them and after that work accident."