Mrs. James

THE PAST:

date arrived in bayview: June 29th, 2015

area(s) lived in: downtown, seaside condominiums, the suburbs

relationship history & status: Anna met Bradley pretty early on after moving to Bayview and the connection was fairly immediate.  The two were engaged by December of that year, married by the next spring and having children.  They are still happily married today. He’s the love of her life and she’d be completely lost without him. 

Family: Bradley James (her husband),  their three kids Benjamin, Augustus and Penelope and a variety of pets most notably Lola, Arthur and Ziggy.

career 10 years ago: actress

THE NOW:

date left bayview: Anna never left town.

past residence:  A house in the suburbs.

current residence: They’re still in their house in the suburbs.

relationship status: Happily still married to Bradley.  They still make an effort to get time alone and to travel where they can but they are devoted to their family are are heavily involved in the lives of their growing children’s lives.

Family:  Benjamin and Gus are both teenagers.  Penelope is 10.  Their house is chaotic with their kids friends going in and out of the house. The boys are forever trying to show off for girlfriends.   They recently found out they’re going to have another kid.

current career: She is very much still acting.

FUN STUFF:

favorite location in bayview:  The pier for sentimental reasons related to the fact it being the place where she and Bradley hung out for the first time on the fourth of July

favorite food spot in bayview:  Their takeout sushi place.

favorite drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic!) spot in bayview: The Endzone

favorite event or party: All the charity games

best memory in bayview: Falling asleep and the sprinkler getting cut on during the first trip she and Bradley roomed together on, having each of her children and paint and sip nights with Delta

favorite project involved in:  Euphoria

favorite sport played: Soccer Football

favorite trip taken:  All of them.  She was always fond of the ski trips though and getting to ski/sled and drink hot cocoa in her favorite jumpers.

If I ever got to a point where I felt like I hated my life, I would want to do everything that I could to change it and make it better for myself, one way or another, you know? I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do the same! I’m sure that we’ll figure it out when the time comes, you know? I’m not in any rush, though, and I don’t think that Zac is, either. We’re both content and happy with our careers and our lives and our relationship, and whatever else happens is just some added magic on top of it. But thank you! I really appreciate the vote of confidence. Oh God, yeah, just feeling cocooned by soft blankets and not hard rocks is amazing!

See, I can’t ever imagine you staying stagnant in something you hate. I don’t see anyone doing that long term.  I know you though and you’re pretty fantastic at speaking out for yourself and making sure that everything finds a way to work itself out.   I think that everyone has their own reasons for what they want to do.  I think that it’s good to do things on your own timeline. I think the only person who really knows when it’s a good time to do something is you. I’ll just be here ready to cheer you both on no matter when and why something is happening.  You’ll always have my vote of confidence.  If you had a heated blanket into the mix then you’re really starting to hit the spot.

I know that there are a lot of people out there who claim to have figured out to secret to sleep, or know how to make it happen faster, but it just doesn’t work for me with a busy brain, I can say that much. But it is nice when you can look back on it – hopefully in a dream – and not worry so much. It was a nice way to spend the weekend. Always sad to see summer come to a close, but fall will be here before we know it, now.

I think that those people must really be wizards. I mean, I do love sleep and I sleep hard when I’m sleeping but it doesn’t happen when it doesn’t want to happen. There isn;t much that I can do to fight that. It was much easier before I had kids but they’re prety much always in my brain.  It is nice to be able to look back and know things were dreams or just nightmares. I try and not to stress too much about those. I’m glad it was such a good weekend for it all. Now we jsut get to move onto new and equally exciting things involving less sun.

You might learn to read people and then figure it out from there, but literary interpretation is all up to schooling and all that. There’s a reason why it is something people study seriously, after all. No, no, the conversation went in its own direction that’s a bit unpredictable, but I expected nothing less in this situation. You did really great at it, you do really great at everything, even the gross stuff. You’re sort of amazing like that, Popples. No, no. You’re never going to catch me, because I’m very bright and wouldn’t dare be caught. This is my smartest idea of all: not doing laundry ever again.

They are most definitely different and learned differently.  I mean, your wife definitely learned plenty of that during her studies so she’d know all about it.  The Oxford education wasn’t for naught.   I think that conversations have a tendency to do that. I mean, they have a mind all their own sometimes. I’m okay with that.  I do honestly appreciate you giving me that credit. I think you’re pretty alright at your own stuff, Beej,  I always knew you were a smooth operator when it comes to this stuff.  You’ve had plenty of smart ideas but I’m inclined to agree it is one of the best.

Sometimes we’re just going to come out the other side with a general feeling of, “what was that?” and an understanding that we will, well, never understand it. And you’re right about that, and that’s okay, sometimes that’s the way that it needs to be. Sometimes when you’re staying out in the middle of the woods, it’s best to not do a whole lot of drinking… I’m pretty sure it would make me an easier target for an angry bear. But, that being said, I have lots of time and ample opportunity to drink this weekend.

I think that we definitely have those ‘what in the world’ moments and then we’re just left to stew in it. That’s life for you.  I think that as long as we’re doing what we need to do and understanding what we absolutely must understand to survive then we’re all good. I think that there are certainly limits to be had. I mean, you want to be able to function . How much you can handle and function at a high level really depends on the person. I think that swimming and too much could have equal amounts of issues but I think we all managed to do okay.

Not that I’m going to complain about that, the hustle and bustle has been all fun and good, but I am also glad that the hustle and bustle involves me running around in a bikini with a pretty drink in my hand this weekend, at least! Although I did get dressed up for tonight’s premiere, and that was kind of nice. Oh, no, totally. Although… how cute do they look when you put them in little formal suits? I’ve always loved that for my kiddo. I can imagine, do you take them to get it cut, or do it yourself? Hey, she likes bare feet! I can’t blame her for that, it’s more comfortable. Sounds like a solid future plan to me!

I think that there is definitely a big difference in enjoyment when it’s chores and when the business is just you having a good time and getting to enjoy some sun.  It honestly is great to get to dress up for things though. I mean, the premieres are always such a good time and it’s always nice to see what people have been working on.  The kids definitely look great when you do that. I mean, I love seeing them into a little tux or a dress. They still sort of eat Penelope alive but she’s cute as can be when she wears them.  She is her own little person and we get to see more of that personality every day.  I don’t blame her for preferring having bare feet at all.  We all see to have solid plans.

Also true, it’s just tough for them to get caught in the crosshairs when that unloading goes a little too far. But at least they are normally a little more understanding than just some random stranger that might catch the brunt of your anger. I feel like there are always going to be people who basically make their entire life mission being a dick to others, and I’ll never really understand it. I hope that the people I’m close to just kinda give me a look if I end up being that way, but I like to think they would. Some people do it! Not a big cow, but a mini-cow… but no, you don’t have to worry about me doing that. Just the dog! It’s a lot cheaper and easier to just go get the bacon at the market and call it a day. You’re welcome! Cuddly counts for something good, though. You can never have too many cuddles.

Yeah, it isn’t pleasant but unfortunately it happens and we all have our moments in all the positions whether it be the victim or the unloader.  I think that is why it makes it a lot easier to be understanding of what is going on. I think that it shouldn’t be anyone’s goal to be like that all the time but there is undoubtedly someone who feels differently. It is what it is honestly.  I think that most of us are polite and would just keep our thoughts to ourselves unless we truly felt like we needed to say something. I mean, sometimes you just have to leave people to their stuff.  I don’t care if it’s a Micro-Cow. It doesn’t belong in a house.  I think that it’s generally easier to go pick it out  at the store. I mean, if there was an extreme shortage it might not be bad to have your own to send to the butcher but I typically am just going to have to hope for the best there.

Yeah, definitely! And if you can’t achieve happiness, then at least some sense of contentment, right? Something that just leaves you not feeling miserable, unhappy, and like you want to crawl out of your skin, basically. I’m all for the good big changes, but the scary ones sometimes take a little bit of time to bounce back from, or at least adjust to once they’re out of the way, anyway. I hope so! Really? I’ve always wanted to be a mum, I’m just not very vocal about it because I don’t know what’s in the cards for me, and what’s even physically possible. But we’ll see, if not, I’ll be just as happy passing on those life lessons to all the little ones I play auntie to. Which was more exciting, though… getting back into bed, or having a nice, hot shower?

I think that people just want to be content but if you can be more than that then that’s a nice bonus. You certainly don’t want to be sick kind of person that just absolutely hates your life.    I think so we all get a little scared at times when there are a bunch of changes happening but at the end of the day we always adjust and enjoy life as it comes to us. I think it’s always fair to not be vocal about things that we aren’t sure about. There are so many ways to be a parent that at the end of the day even if you can’t physically make it happen you could always do it in a different way.  Science has come along way.  I have no doubt that no matter where life lead you you will always be making a big impact on those around you.  Those were both great! I mean getting into bed after a hot shower was pretty great.

They’re also the moments that come around when you’re laying in bed at night, desperately trying to sleep, too, I feel like that’s unavoidable. But that’s alright, eventually they become moments to laugh at, it just might take a while to reach that point, right? Oh, more than likely, but I’m not sure if our relationship can get any worse, so that might be okay. She had a good time, we all did, but I think it’s been even nicer to relax by the pool this weekend, honestly.

They definitely are. I mean, your mind is going to do what it wants to do instead of sleep. It’s just not ready to rest when there is so much to think about.  I think that we definitely eventually work through it, get our sleep and laugh about those crazy nights for sure.   I mean, you could probably jinx it and it would find a way to get worse. You just have to be patient and wait for it to happen. I’m glad that most people enjoyed relaxing by the pool to be honest.

I guess that is what you learn when you study English, right? Like you’re professionally trained to read the subtext. That makes sense, I’m sure she told you “one day when you grow up and get married, it’s not your job to keep your man happy, it’s your job to do all this gross stuff.” Thoughts vs expectations, quiet hopes, that’s all we really need. I mean, they’re pretty great kids, and I contributed something to that, so I’ll take the compliment. I think tit’s so interesting to think about the fact that one day I’ll be like “wow I’m a sexy old man” but I believe it, 100% Maybe we can hire someone to do the laundry not in our home while we use the laundry room.

I don’t know that anyone is really taught that in the street smart sense. I mean, I suppose basic reading comprehension is a gateway drug to that since you have to figure out the symbolism in what people are writing but in general there isn’t professional training on subtext.  It is possible to be so clueless that you can never read sarcasm or joy,  The conversation really didn’t go either direction. I mean, it always always a find someone that you can laugh with even through the less enjoyable days. I like to think I did pretty good at that. The being okay with gross stuff is just an added perk.  You’re right there.  You did contribute quite considerably to all of that. You deserve to take that. I can’t wait for the day I accidentally catch you saying that to yourself.  I mean, if we can budget it, I’m not mad at this idea.

If you read into the subtext, that’s on you. You’re the one who must be harboring some pimple popping guilt or maybe some deep, dark urges around my acne. I think it’s time you get really honest about that. Keeping expectations low is usually the way to go there, eh? That way you can’t be disappointed and you can achieve. The here and now is pretty great, and I suspect the future will be even better, even when I’m old and still hot but a bit…less able to do fun things. Just a smidge of the scruff. No, now. I will not be doing the laundry, I’ll seduce you out of it.

I always read the subtext, Beej.  Don’t you know that about me by now?  I think that I definitely can’t help how I am. I don’t really have any shame though about the fact I love popping them and seeing the fun stuff that comes out. you can blame my mum. I really am her child.   See, I gave you all the honesty.  I don’t think the expectations are any direction low or high, they’re just thoughts and I’m happy with whatever way life takes us as long as you’re there.  You and our kids will always be the best thing that ever happened to me.  I think it’ll just keep getting better for us. I mean, old people keep getting sexy until they die for the most part. You just might break my hip if you get too enthusiastic. We’ll survive.  No complaints from me today.  I mean, that probably adds to laundry instead of subtracts but as long as we’re both enjoying ourselves, right? Please seduce me.

That’s true, so fingers crossed it won’t happen anytime soon. Yeah? Let’s do it, then. Tomorrow night, maybe? Look, it’s not a “we could” kind of situation. It is a “we will destroy them” kind of thing. We can’t lose against them, they’d brag forever. I mean, at least Zoey would. You think so? I don’t know, I just feel like Instagram is too complicated for me so I’m sticking to taking pictures in the old fashioned way, as you say. Fair enough, there’s a chance we end up being hurt if you start shooting at the wrong target. But I have faith in you!

I don’t think we have anything to worry about there.  I’m glad that you’re on board. I’m completely always in on these requests.  You know we can make time for you guys.  I think that it’s not their fault we just have decades of friendship and knowing each other under our belt and we use that to our advantage. We’re at least nice winners when we defeat them.  They would definitely never hear the end of it if they beat us.  I think that people don’t care how you do it as long as you’re sharing in some way. I think that is probably true. Though, did you hear about these new jelly thing that you can shoot people with? They’re supposed to be like paintballs but like without the massive bruises when all is said and done. 

That’s also true, and at least when you are finding the reason for why you had to struggle, you feel a little less bad about it playing out the way that it does. Not that it makes it easier to go through it in the moment. There’s something for everyone, and someone out there enjoys every little thing, basically, even if it’s something we think no one else could ever like. They might have their reasons for it, but I’m not going to pretend to understand it, personally, that’s for sure. I ended up not having any alcohol at all while I was out in the woods, but I certainly had a lot of s'mores and some good hot tea, which should count for something!

I think that it’s good to have an understanding of that though sometimes we never really know why we struggled or went through what we went through. Some lessons are easier to understand than others.  I think that we most definitely always something for everyone out there.  I think that we have a lot of prospective things.  I think that you don’t have to always understand it.  I’m glad you had a good time even if you did stay dry.  The s’mores are always quite popular.

They live very busy, strenuous lives, it’s hard to knock them for not wanting to stand still very long! Especially if they have to wear nice clothes or something, that right there is horror to them. But it’s true, we do the best that we can to get good snaps and hope that they look alright in the long run. If not, there’s always the next time. It’s good right now, they’re still little enough that it’s not total torture. At least for Penelope, anyway. Of course! And James appreciates that very much. Especially if he ends up on the podium with you cheering him on. I’m going to give these kids a complex.

I definitely think we all need a bit of a break especially when there has been a lot of hustle and bustle of late. I think that we just want to throw on some sweats and rest from time to time. I don’t mind dressing up but I know for some people it honestly is the worst. My boys honestly are pretty okay in whatever we put them in but we don’t really take the whole dressing up too far since they’re just kids.  I struggle with hair more than clothes these days.   Penelope pretty much lets us do what we want though though she will kick off shoes and socks. She isn’t a fan.  I definitely think that would be magnificent. We can certainly cheer them on there.

Definitely not, you always end up feeling guilty for unloading on those people, since there’s absolutely no reason what so ever for them to bear the brunt of your emotional damage, you know? Then there’s that whole apology circuit that you have to make, making sure everyone knows you didn’t actually mean to be a total douchebag. No, perish the thought, the mini-cows are like… family at this point, minus them not being allowed in the house, of course. Although that’s one of those ‘give it time’ situations. But yeah, absolutely, I’ve been there with raising pigs, and it’s a lot easier to just, you know, go buy some bacon at the store than to worry about raising them up and having that be the result. That seems to be unfair, chicken noodle soup should always be delicious. It’s true, we have even more fun now that they’re getting older.

I think that we all need to unload sometimes and friends want to be there for people who need to. I think that’s just the way friendship goes. Sometimes you’re the one in need of being unburdened and sometimes it goes the other way. In a healthy friendship, it goes both ways.  I think that it’s definitely not good when you do so by being a bit of a dick to everyone though. You can only hope that you’re not in need of an apology circuit.    I think that I might have to judge you if you start actually bringing cows into your house. I mean, nah. It’s a bit much. They have a place they are supposed to be just like pigs.    I think that you have your own interest and that is fair enough. I mean, you can like the food without wanting to harvest the materials at home for it. Thanks for ruining soup for the day though. The boys are definitely loads of fun.  Penelope is at least very cuddly.

Things just kind of end up a muddled mess when that happens, and no one ends up happy, even if that might have been their goal. That’s true, too, yeah. I feel like right now, parents are super protective of their kids, and I get it. And who knows, maybe the world will become a safer place and it won’t be as necessary, but it’s always going to shift and switch without us really having much of a say. Me too, I don’t mind someday passing on the things that I was taught to any kids in my life, whether they be my own, or nieces and nephews along the way. That can be nice, though, both of you know what worked for you and are able to make it work for your little ones, especially. That’s what I’ll tell anyone trying to stop me from eating their refreshments. “You should let me be.” You’re too sweet to me! Are you happy to be home and indoors now?

It definitely can. I think that it probably doesn’t suit anyone to have everyone end up miserable. We should aim to have everyone be happy.  I think that it’s just part of being a parent whether it be to animals or humans. You want to have them be safe and happy.  I think that we just have to wait and see. We never really know what the world is going to be doing. I mean, I sincerely hope that  big changes are made for the better but you never know.  I have  no doubt you’ll be passing on all the good things. In all these years, I think this is the first time I’ve ever say your own kids. That makes me pretty happy to hear. I mean, you know my kids love you and we love you and we’re completely down for whatever makes Auntie Delta happy.   We do the best that we can. The food helps and you have to eat it so the aunts don’t do it.  I’m beyond thrilled to be home to be honest. I can’t help but be happy to have my bed again.

The moments where we fall on our face are just the ones that end up haunting us in our dreams, but we really can’t help that all that much, can we? They’re going to stick with us no matter what we do. But you’re right, it’s not, all we can focus on is ourselves as far as that’s concerned. I should have taken Numpty camping with me, though. I might’ve been able to unleash him into the wild, might have taken care of any pests people are dealing with. But Shushka did come with us, and she had a good time! Although we were all glad to see the flat today.

I think that is very much the case. I mean, they haunt us and then we have to figure out what to do in order to be a little less haunted.  They do have a way of sticking with us.  I think t hat we have to focus on ourselves as best we can.  I think Numpty probably would have hated you even more if you went and did a thing like that or loved it.  I’m glad Shushka did enjoy it. I mean, lots of things to play with and some that they probably should have.  Nature is nice but it’s certainly always nice to get back home too.