My mother just called. Some days I think my overall lack of tolerance (in the past year) for a lot of her behavior has made her hesitant to come to me for a lot of stuff. ;_;

Like her calling to wish me a happy birthday, she was all, "I know you're doing a paper, so I won't keep you... not that I'd do that anyway... but I know you're busy... I just wanted to say that I love you" and stuff like that.

I dunno how I feel about that. I'll classify it as "sad" for now. Like now how she's afraid I won't let her near my firstborn due to how corrupted Kellen is. While it's not like I'd hold my child arms' length away from her, I definitely wouldn't dump it on her every day of the week. I wouldn't dare, and I don't think I'm wrong for saying I'm skeptical. :[ Grandparents were initially put in the position of spoiling the child on rare occasion. They shouldn't have to raise the child wholly, just love it.

That said, no, I wouldn't want it with her as much or more than me. It's too dangerous. (Man, I'm horrible.)

Anyway...

No on the financial independence. I'm there already. Instead go for "let money land in her lap so she can get out of debt".

The independence was worth the loan, though, rest assured.