Changes Are Coming

I did it! I reached my goals by getting promoted to the highest level of my career and then retiring! I'm enjoying sleeping in and napping in the middle of the afternoon. I'm not enjoying these new wrinkles I've had since my birthday, however.

Red has gotten his own place. It's a nice two bedroom house. He could definitely use more decorations there, but otherwise, he has it set up very nicely and it's coming along well. He's also doing well in his career as a politician. He's already halfway to the top. My prediction is that he'll be president one day. I'm so proud of him.

Now that he has his own place and I'll be busy with traveling (Island paradise, here I come!) I'm passing along this journal to him as part of his housewarming gift. My hope is that he'll in turn pass it along to his child one day. I've enjoyed journaling, but I'm going to be too busy sunbathing on the beach and napping on the ocean to be able to keep up with it anyway.

- Minty Berry

Growing Older

Red has graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and has already started on a politician career path. I'm so proud of him and I know he'll do well. I'm in no hurry for him to move out on his own and he's still happy living here with me so that is working out well.

I'm a little concerned that he's seeing so many girls...women...at the same time. He's a grown man now though so I try to stay out of it and I don't say anything unless he asks my opinion or advice. Two of the women are a good bit older than him, but one is his age. I'm hoping she's the one he ends up settling down with when he's ready.

My birthday is in just a few days and although I still feel strong and healthy, I do feel myself beginning to age. I just have to get promoted one more time to reach the top of my career and then I'll be retiring. I love my career, but I'm ready to have some time for myself.

Good News and Bad News

Good News: Red is a teenager now. He's such a handsome young man and very charismatic. He's so excited to start high school that he's already worked ahead and did some homework.

Bad News: Marcelo has passed away. I regret not having more time to devote to building a relationship with him, but I'll always cherish the times we did have together.

Red's dentist said he needed braces to help with some gaping in his teeth. I think he looks adorable, but he's not very happy about it especially since he had to get them right before starting high school. I think he'll adjust well, though and I'm sure he won't be the only student with them.

Patience and Impatience

Patience:

• Marcelo still putting up with me and my lack of time.

Impatience:

• My promotions coming slowly (although I did get one more after my last entry)
• Red...Just Red in general. Most of the time he's fine and happy, but when he's not, he thinks the entire world must know about it.

Happy Cake Day!

My cute little toddler is now a cute little boy! He's got a bit of a temper, but nothing we can't work out. He loved all the presents he got at his party and had a wonderful time. He's also enjoying his newly redecorated room and new wardrobe! He starts school next week. I'm looking forward to seeing how well he does.

My work is going well now that things have picked up again. I've even been promoted and am now a level six (Ufologist)! I'm excited to see what changes this promotion brings. The title certainly is intriguing!

I've started seeing Marcelo Maloney, but I'm so busy with Red and my career, I don't have much time for dating or much of a personal life so I'm not sure how far it will go with him. 

Not-So-Terrible Terrible Twos

My adorable, tiny baby boy is now a full blown toddler! I've heard all the horror stories of the terrible two's, but I have to be honest, other than a couple small typical toddler messes, my little guy has been absolutely wonderful. Not a single tantrum at all!

I haven't been promoted at work again yet, but things have been slow at the lab. There are many things that need done that can't be done yet. For example, I need to tend the garden, but it doesn't need anything yet. Hopefully more tasks will be available soon. I feel like I'm in limbo without being able to advance in my career especially with Red getting older and needing more things. It won't be long and he'll be starting school and needing a whole new wardrobe and his bedroom completely remodeled.

I Found A Journal!

While cleaning out the dusty attic in my new home, I found a journal that had never been used so I thought why not? And here I am.

My name is Minty Berry and I'm currently a level four scientist. I love my job and was promoted three times my very first week and I plan to keep that momentum so I'll be progressing through the levels rather rapidly.

That is, of course, unless parenthood keeps me too busy. You see, I'm also a new mother. Yesterday, my son Red was born. Yesterday was also Winterfest and I got the best present possible. I'm already back and work and although I'm happy to be here and not fall behind on my work, I do miss my baby boy. I'm sure he's being well taken care of at the day care center, but I would much prefer to be the one tending to him.

After work, I'm stopping by the shopping plaza after work today and picking up some new items for his nursery and his toybox. I want to be able to provide all the best things he could ever need or want and babies are babies for such a short time, I don't want to miss a moment's opportunity to make sure he's happy and healthy.