little update

i know it has been a while since i have posted anything i've been rather busy with the kid. Braden is 18 months now, 12 teeth, walking/running and asking "moooore." he learned to use his fork and spoon and has been doing rather well with them. he walks outside holding a hand and he even helps feed the fish in the mornings. he is learning so many new things it still surprises me.
i have been doing well. keeping busy with braden and making sure things around the house are kept in some kind of order. i've learned to keep to myself and stay out of my family's lives.... too much drama between my sisters and mother. i love seeing them all but one on one is much easier and i tell them to shut up when they bring up the matters that i dont personally care about. sorry but i'm not the middle man and i dont want to hear both sides of every story all the time. i could more or less care less about their issues and i am certainly not going to stress over it all.
Brandon has been working and staying busy. Jiffy lube is now under new management and life was uncertain for a while. he was hired on by the new management for the same pay as before so i am thankful for that. the new heads closed 2 stores and fired several people. things should get better over the next few months as they get everyone situated. hopefully they wont move him around but he might be given a manager position if one becomes available. this company however does not expect teh guys to work 110% for half the money. meaning the most hours a manager works is 45, unlike the 70+ brandon did before. they also pay better, bonuses are better and they seem to treat everyone better. i've only heard good things so far and they tell it like it is. brandon had 2 meeting with them. the first was an interview getting to know the asst managers. and the second was a get together with the manager and asst. to tell them how they work and what they expect. they hours have changed and so have several other work topics, but they seem to be for the better and to help boost the moral.
still no true word on the union job. all i've heard is "we will be starting soon." who knows i have started to lose interest and i believe brandon has as well. its been close to a year and still nothing has changed. we shall see in time. he still would like a job that pays more and gives him options to a future that jiffy lube can't really do.
the lease on the apartment is up nov 30th. they expect a 60 day notice if you are moving and if you have done the math that means is has to be in on oct 1st. we would love to move into a house with a yard so braden can play outside. however its hard to find something that is cheaper than this apartment in a good part of town. i am usually not picky however where i decide to rent i am going to. i dont want to be in a part of town where there is a lot of trouble. i grew up on the west side and have always loved the neighborhood. we will see what we can find and hopefully someone will work with us so we can get out of this apartment.
other than that not much is going on. the day to day life is pretty simple and i try to be stress free so i can enjoy life with braden. brandon's family was unable to come out this summer. his sister and nephew will be coming out in december for a week to see us. that should be a good relaxing week. i am looking forward to the fall and holiday season. it should be a good one and i cant wait to see how much braden enjoys all that is to come.