Apartment Keys, Paycheck Pains, ABA Abyss, and New News

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If you’ve been wondering where the hell I’ve been, welcome to the latest episode of Survival Reality. It’s been a week—no, a month—of absolute madness, but the Maternal Menace is officially back in a space with a front door that doesn't require a key card.

The Hotel Exit: A Final Boss Battle

Living in a hotel for 2 years is its own special kind of hell (and yes, I’ll be sharing the secrets of how we managed 6 months for free soon—stay tuned). But of course, the universe had to give us one last parting gift.

We got our second termination of tenancy and a 3-day move-out notice. Hilariously, this arrived exactly two days before we were planning to leave anyway.

But the "manager" decided to add some spice to our final morning. At 7:00 AM, she was banging on our door like the SWAT team, claiming we had until 11:00 AM that day to get out.

Spoiler alert: She was a day early. Let’s just say she got a very loud lesson in how to read a calendar and a few 'Choice Words' about her life choices. Moving is stressful enough without having to teach basic numeracy to a grown adult at sunrise.

Settled (And Broke) in the New Spot

We’ve been in the new apartment for a little over a week now. We’re settled, but the "Money & Survival" pillar of my life has been tested.

My paycheck from the 12th decided to take a scenic route, arriving two weeks late on the 26th. Because it didn't hit until after Christmas, the decorations were minimal and the "big" Christmas happened on Sunday. It wasn't the Pinterest-perfect holiday, but we made it happen.

I have to give a massive, tear-filled shout-out to Kaizer’s Early Intervention team. They stepped up in a way I didn't think possible—furniture, household items, and things for Kaizer. I’m still blown away by the generosity.

The ABA Question: 30 Hours a Week for a 2-Year-Old?

Kaizer started ABA therapy this past Wednesday, and I’m going to be honest, open, and real with you: I don't know how I feel.

The schedule is 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, a break until 3:00 PM, and then therapy continues until 5:00 PM. He’s only 2 and a half. It feels… excessive. It feels like a lot for a tiny human who still needs to just be a kid.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 👇🏻
What are your experiences with ABA and toddlers?
Is this the "Standard Operating Procedure" or am I right to feel a bit weird about the intensity?
PLEASE drop a comment below!
I need the unfiltered truth.

The New Chapter: No Rest for the Wicked: Nursery Crimes Volume I

It's finally happening! I will FINALLY be publishing the first volume of Nursery Crimes No Rest for the Wicked on Amazon Kindle (e-book, paperback, & hardcover) and for download on Beacons.ai.

This is not a bedtime story for children. lt’s a collection of dark lullabies for the parents raising them. No Rest for the Wicked skewers bedtime battles, tantrums, sleep deprivation, and the quiet existential dread of parenting with sharp humor and unapologetic honesty. Perfect for exhausted parents, neurodivergent families, and anyone who has ever whispered “please just sleep” into the void. Laugh so you don’t scream.


Stay Menacing,
— The Maternal Menace

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