So....I've been a bit lax on posting blog updates lately.  Mostly because since my early retirement in late January I've been finding a new normal for me, which includes much more outdoor time and much less screen time (and that is a great thing for me!).  But I still have updates from step-life to share, so here we go...

Bratty McBratFace (SD24):  We have heard thankfully less from Bratty lately, she is obsessed with Nutter GF.  Win-win for her and us; I've also asked SO to keep the 'crazy' away from me and only discuss anything necessary that involves family / together time.   He has obliged and our life is so peaceful now.  I feel like I am actually healing from the PTSD of Bratty in close orbit LOL.  As far as Bratty, all I know (since SO shares limited info now) is that she is not going to France this summer with Nutter GF.  I don't know why their plans changed (and don't care) but am very happy that the French are now safe from Bratty for the summer.  She is finishing her 2nd repeat post-bacc this May as was supposed to take MCATs this spring but no word on if thats happened.  On the last extended family zoom call, she said nothing about it and only that she is 'getting through' her classes.  Now, Bratty loves to brag so I take that to mean the same mediocre performance that she had in post-bacc 1.0.  S0 - we'll see.  But I don't really care either, as we'll see in the next section below...

SO and I are getting married in July!:  We are eloping on a Galapogos cruise/luxury yacht.  Max 12 passengers (including us 2).  It will be cozy and initimate (no Bratty, yay!).  After we return we are hosting a small-ish reception (60 people) in the mid-west.  Bratty will be a guest but not seated at my table.  The Marriott will provide a 'special' vegan plate for Batty and Nutter GF.  So, we're set there.

SO' other kids:  Princess Leia (SD27), has been no contact since the divorce (and before SO and I met).  After college she moved to the US Virgin Islands and never left.  But, she recently announced on FB (via aunts, etc that she is still connected with) that she is now engaged to her BF of 3-4 years there.   They are planning to live there forever but we don't know much more than that since she doesn't communicate with SO directly.  I doubt SO will receive an invite to her wedding and that makes him sad.  I feel heartbroken for him, but Leia is an independent adult - not asking for any money, etc.  I always thought she may come around from the PAS at the time of the divorce (I wasn't around then - so nothing to do with me) over time - but now I am starting to think, no she won't.  It is what it is, but I am sad for SO.

SO's other kids:  Luke (SS26):  Graduated from an expensive private college with a drama major.  Made a half-hearted attempt at show business before the pandemic.  During the pandemic, lived at home with Darth Vader (BM) and stayed in his room playing video games all day.  Finally last fall got a job at Best Buy as a sales associate (um, you need a $40K/yr college education for that?).  He and SO are not close but do have lunch one every 1-2 months.    He texted SO recently and told him he is transitioning and wants she/her pronouns.  SO said that's fine - he loves and supports him.  He (she?) also said he still wants nothing to do with me.  I appreciate the blunt honesty, vs. the passive aggressive crap from Bratty.

Sorry I haven't posted more as this was happening.  Like I said, I've been blissfully limited computer time and just - enjoying life

Blessings to all my ST friends.  Please take care!