GOING UNDER?

LIBRA HOROSCOPE (from astrology.com): Your love life is sparkling today — even if it feels old or dull. You just need to see things — or people — in a new way, and that’s your specialty. It’s a great time to be the object of your affections.

Laura’s Log:
It’s hard to stay on board when it feels like the ship is sinking. Okay, maybe it’s not sinking. But my brain says it’s sinking. Perception is reality. Really, I’ve got a sinking feeling that there is nothing substantial keeping my relationship with Gabriel afloat. One final nautical reference: How do I turn the tide after getting that idea in my head?

Did it really all start with “Star Trek”? I sent Gabriel home last night before sex. Crazy, perhaps. Why give up the best part? But I want to see if we’ve got something more than just sex.

It might help if I shared my thoughts with Gabriel. Maybe we could figure out together what other things bind us. But last time I shared a concern with Gabriel—his female roommate—he was ready to end things. It just proves that there isn’t enough established yet to ground our relationship. He can get second thoughts when I bring up the roommate; I start questioning things when he reveals his inner sci-fi geek.

For tonight, we’re going for dinner. Can’t believe I’ve never been to Raincity Grill. I’m hoping I can pin down some common interests without coming across as an interviewer. I don’t even know what to ask. Only know what not to ask: favorite color, favorite ice cream flavor, reason for having a female roommate.

KEN’S JOURNAL:
HAD A POWER OUTAGE IN MY BLDG SO I OVERSLEPT & MISSED THE OPP TO WALK MY NIECE & NEPHEWS TO SCHOOL AGAIN. MADE UP FOR IT BY “WALKING” THEM HOME. WHY IS IT THAT KIDS WALK TO SCHOOL BUT SKIP HOME? (NOT A REAL QUESTION, IS IT?)

I SHOWED UP @ SARA’S W/LUNCH FROM TERRA BAKERY. FIGURED SHE COULD USE A TREAT. SHE WAS TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT THE WEEKEND & JERRY—A CLEAR SIGN NOTHING HAD BEEN DISCUSSED. I SWITCHED TO ASKING ABOUT THE APPTMENT W/THE SCH COUNSELOR. “SHE SAYS WE’VE GOT TO PULL TRAVIS AWAY FROM HIS FRIENDS. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?” I NOTED SHE SAID I NOT WE. YEP, JERRY’S NOT IN ON IT.

“WHO ARE HIS FRIENDS?” I ASKED.

“THAT’S PROBLEM NUMBER 1. I DON’T EVEN KNOW THAT. HE SHARES NOTHING W/ME ANYMORE. AND WHAT DO I DO? BAN HIM FROM ALL SOCIAL INTERACTION? I JUST GOT THE BATHRM BACK AFTER HIS OBSESSIVE MASTURBATION PHASE.”

“OVERUSED BATHRM OR DRUG-ABUSED SON. ISN’T THE CHOICE OBVIOUS?”

“YEAH, I KNOW. BUT IT’S NOT LIKE IT’S AN ACTUAL CHOICE B/W THE 2.”

“WANT ME TO BUY HIM SOME PLAYBOYS? PENTHOUSE? SOMETHING RAUNCHIER?”

“I’LL LET YOU KNOW IF IT COMES TO THAT. THANKS.”

TRUTH IS, I DON’T KNOW ANY MORE THAN SHE DOES HOW TO GET TRAV BACK. CRACK, XTASY, WHATEVER ELSE @ 13?! SHOULD HE BE GROUNDED & GIVEN A WEEKLY WEED ALLOWANCE AS A COMPROMISE? PARENTING IS STRESSING ME OUT. AND I’M JUST THE UNCLE.