Was not drunk when I went home last night; wasn’t even buzzed. We split a pitcher of beer early on but it was offset by the two pizzas we ordered, and after that it was ice water and diet Coke. Clear heads are needed when trying to push TK into working up the nerve to get off his ass and talk to the women who were clearly checking him out. We never did convince him to ask for phone numbers; he seems to have this odd notion that the woman he’s dated two or three times lately might not appreciate that.

I’m not sure dinner and a movie constitutes a relationship and he really ought to play the field a little bit, but we never could get him to budge.

I was willing to be dragged out last night not only because Char’s father was going to be there but she’s managing the stairs on her own somewhat now. She can walk down them (it takes a while but she gets there) and she only needs someone when she’s going upstairs, and that’s mostly for confidence. No one has to physically help her, but she has the sensation of leaning backwards and is more comfortable with someone behind her. As long as Alex or Brad is around, I’m not as worried if I leave the house for a while.

And a sure sign that things are next to normal: each of the kids has two friends over, and the noise level in this house is insane. I’d complain, but it appears they’re all staying for dinner, which means I can throw burgers on the grill and not have to choke down something “healthy.” Char’s not exactly happy that the kids have had so much fat-laden-protein-dripping red meat lately, but she can’t argue with the fact that Kevin sprouted an inch in the last two months.

If they get their way, I may become the permanent cook.