I made a third trip to Georgia this past weekend. It was wonderful!! One of my Army girls texted me Monday last week saying that she was traveling to GA and that she already had a hotel and if I could make it, I could stay with her. I immediately went into travel mode. I talked to my husband and rented a car and booked a hotel for a few nights (I stayed the 1st night with her, but got my own room for the rest of the time).
The hard part was finding sitters for the boys. I got my friend to watch the boys for the first two days. Then I asked my ex to take the boys Saturday afternoon, all day Sunday, and keep them Sunday night and bring them to school Monday morning. He said no. Ok, I talked to some more friends. Finally I thought of my neighbors. They jumped on the idea. They have been wanting to spend time with the boys, so it was a great idea. And being that they live right next door, it would have been very easy to just give them a key and let them get whatever they needed from my condo.
I had it all set up, then my ex starts his shit. He just knew I wouldn't let him see the boys because it was Father's Day. He knew I'd try to keep them from him. Apparently he missed the part where I asked him to take them. . .
Finally, he decided to take them. My neighbors were heart broken, but they'll have their chance.
Ok, so I leave for GA. I made the trip on autopilot. I've made this drive so many times already it is like nothing.
It was so nice seeing my Army girls again! But it was even nicer to see my husband. :)
He had to report back on post Thursday night, but I got to keep him with me from Friday morning until I left on Sunday. It was bliss. Friday we stayed in Columbus. Saturday we drove to the outskirts of Atlanta and went to Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain is beautiful!! Sunday we went to the Chattahoochee River Walk, which is a pathway along the Chattahoochee River. It was also very nice, but soooo hot and humid! We were both soaked with sweat when we left.
During the weekend, there was a problem with my boys at the babysitters house. Their father had to go pick them up one day early (Friday night instead of Saturday afternoon). He blew a gasket. He called me threatening me, telling me he was going to report me for abandoning my children. He told me he wasn't going to let me take them back, that he was going to file the paperwork on Monday for custody of them.
He is all bark and no bite. I've learned to just ignore his threats. On my trip back home on Sunday, I texted him when I was about 2 1/2 hours away telling him I'd be there to pick up the boys because I was getting home earlier than I had originally planned. Then I texted him again 10 minutes before I arrived at his place. I expected him to cause a scene considering he told me he wasn't letting me have the children back. But when I got there he had them all packed up and ready to go. LOL, yup, he is all threats, but never carries anything out.
Anyway, that is my past week in a nutshell. Of course I'm leaving out details, but hey, you don't need to know every single little detail, right? :)
Goodnight all. Thank you for reading.
Turbo Jam
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Feelin so good
I got up at 5:30 this morning. Yep. 5:30AM. And I feel sooooo good. :)
I got up so I could go for a run on the beach this morning before it got too hot. When my alarm went off I almost decided to not get up, but I forced myself to and I'm so glad I did.
I was at the beach at 5:50AM and on the run at 6:00. It was still dark. But it was beautiful. The air was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, not too humid.
I'm sure me running wasn't too pretty to watch considering I haven't gone running in years, I mean YEARS. The closest thing I've done to running is the elliptical at the gym. But my knees handled it fine, which was my main concern. And even though watching me run wasn't pretty, everything else was! It was beautiful to watch the wildlife.
All of the different birds watched as I ran past them, some stayed put and just eyed me, others flew away, and a few others ran alongside me. I watched them as they snatched small fish out of the water and crabs from their holes in the sand. Some of the crabs startled me as they ran out in front of me and dove into the water. They were pretty big crabs!
I also got to see many many new sea turtle nests and their tracks up and down the beach. I found them all before the turtle nest people came out and found them. I knew what to look for because I went on a walk with the official people last year with my two boys. We learned how to look for the tracks and how to watch for the new nests. There were a LOT of tracks. Had I had my camera, I would have taken pictures.
I think the best part of my run though was the memories it invoked. While running I was remembering my walks up and down the beach with my man. The very first time he came down to meet me, we walked up and down the beach. He kept trying to push me into the water and it was cold! It brought a huge smile to my face to have those good memories and then to think that he is now my husband. :)
I got up so I could go for a run on the beach this morning before it got too hot. When my alarm went off I almost decided to not get up, but I forced myself to and I'm so glad I did.
I was at the beach at 5:50AM and on the run at 6:00. It was still dark. But it was beautiful. The air was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, not too humid.
I'm sure me running wasn't too pretty to watch considering I haven't gone running in years, I mean YEARS. The closest thing I've done to running is the elliptical at the gym. But my knees handled it fine, which was my main concern. And even though watching me run wasn't pretty, everything else was! It was beautiful to watch the wildlife.
All of the different birds watched as I ran past them, some stayed put and just eyed me, others flew away, and a few others ran alongside me. I watched them as they snatched small fish out of the water and crabs from their holes in the sand. Some of the crabs startled me as they ran out in front of me and dove into the water. They were pretty big crabs!
I also got to see many many new sea turtle nests and their tracks up and down the beach. I found them all before the turtle nest people came out and found them. I knew what to look for because I went on a walk with the official people last year with my two boys. We learned how to look for the tracks and how to watch for the new nests. There were a LOT of tracks. Had I had my camera, I would have taken pictures.
I think the best part of my run though was the memories it invoked. While running I was remembering my walks up and down the beach with my man. The very first time he came down to meet me, we walked up and down the beach. He kept trying to push me into the water and it was cold! It brought a huge smile to my face to have those good memories and then to think that he is now my husband. :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Energy
I've run out of Shakeology. It is being shipped next week. I NEED it. After using it for several weeks, and then stopping, I can DEFINITELY see a difference. I have no energy. I have crazy cravings all the time. I want to sleep all day long. When I'm using it, I drink it for breakfast and have energy all day long. I don't feel the need to lay down for a nap. I don't feel the need to eat everything in sight after 7pm. It really is an amazing products. Can't wait to have it in my house again!
Who knew that changing your name with government agencies would be so difficult! For the past two days I've been on hold for about 39 hours and have been playing fax tag with another agency. I literally faxed my ID to this one agency 4 different times. I would fax it. The woman would call me 30 minutes later to tell me that she had received it, but that it was too dark and I had to fax it again. We repeated this several times. Finally just a little while ago, she called to tell me that she had received my last fax and that it had come through fine and she was able to change my name. Yay! One down.
I'm still waiting on two more governtment agencies. One I was on hold for hours with yesterday before an automated voice came on saying that there was a high volume of calls and told me to call back later, then it hung up on me. Then today I realized that I had another number, a direct line to a woman whom I had spoken to before. I called that number and got her voicemail. At least I was able to leave a message for her. Hopefully she'll call me back soon.
As for the other agency, I still haven't gotten through to anyone. I call in, I listen to bad music for hours and nothing happens. I'll just have to keep calling and hope someone eventually gets on the line. Being that it is Friday, I'll start calling again Monday morning.
I do believe my husband has been working on getting me into the military system today though. So, I'm not the only one wading through paperwork. Once he gets me in the system, I'll be able to get my military ID.
I was really hoping my husband would be able to come see me this weekend. But he said he can't. I miss him terribly. Sure I get to talk to him every day now, but I still haven't had any quality time with him. After his graduation, we drove and drove and drove. Then I had to leave him on post and drive some more. We didn't get time together, and when we did we were passed out from all of the exhausting driving! I know we will have time together. I just wish it would be sooner rather than later.
Now it is time to get pick up my boys. I haven't heard one peep from their father since I got back from GA. He either has blocked me on his phone or his phone is shut off. And I refuse to hunt him down to see if he wants to have the boys this weekend. If he wants to see them, he could pay his phone bill so he could communicate with me or he could borrow a friend's phone to call and tell me he wants them. Whatever.
Who knew that changing your name with government agencies would be so difficult! For the past two days I've been on hold for about 39 hours and have been playing fax tag with another agency. I literally faxed my ID to this one agency 4 different times. I would fax it. The woman would call me 30 minutes later to tell me that she had received it, but that it was too dark and I had to fax it again. We repeated this several times. Finally just a little while ago, she called to tell me that she had received my last fax and that it had come through fine and she was able to change my name. Yay! One down.
I'm still waiting on two more governtment agencies. One I was on hold for hours with yesterday before an automated voice came on saying that there was a high volume of calls and told me to call back later, then it hung up on me. Then today I realized that I had another number, a direct line to a woman whom I had spoken to before. I called that number and got her voicemail. At least I was able to leave a message for her. Hopefully she'll call me back soon.
As for the other agency, I still haven't gotten through to anyone. I call in, I listen to bad music for hours and nothing happens. I'll just have to keep calling and hope someone eventually gets on the line. Being that it is Friday, I'll start calling again Monday morning.
I do believe my husband has been working on getting me into the military system today though. So, I'm not the only one wading through paperwork. Once he gets me in the system, I'll be able to get my military ID.
I was really hoping my husband would be able to come see me this weekend. But he said he can't. I miss him terribly. Sure I get to talk to him every day now, but I still haven't had any quality time with him. After his graduation, we drove and drove and drove. Then I had to leave him on post and drive some more. We didn't get time together, and when we did we were passed out from all of the exhausting driving! I know we will have time together. I just wish it would be sooner rather than later.
Now it is time to get pick up my boys. I haven't heard one peep from their father since I got back from GA. He either has blocked me on his phone or his phone is shut off. And I refuse to hunt him down to see if he wants to have the boys this weekend. If he wants to see them, he could pay his phone bill so he could communicate with me or he could borrow a friend's phone to call and tell me he wants them. Whatever.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I'm official!
Well, a lot has happened since I last posted.
I made another trip to Georgia. I drove up Wednesday last week. I rented a car again. This time I hated it. It was very unfomfortable. Oh well. Now I know that I do not want to ever own or even drive a Kia Rondo again.
It was so great to see my Army girls again!! We all went out to dinner on Wednesday night. There were 11 of us! It felt like I was home because I already knew my way around town. :)
Thursday was the Turning Blue ceremony where our soldiers stood at attention while we pinned on their blue infantry cords. They were in their class A's and they looked awesome!! They were all also sweating like pigs because it was really hot and humid! LOL. After the ceremony, we high-tailed it out of there and went back and hung out at the hotel. Of course, we hit Starbucks before the hotel though. Finally, around 3:30 I managed to convince him to go back out. . . where did we go???
We went to the courthouse!! WE GOT MARRIED!!!!! :) You have no idea how excited I am about this!! I've been talking about it nonstop. I'm sure people are getting tired of hearing about it. But I just can't help it!! I have a husband! My name has changed!! Wow. It feels like a dream.
That night, I had to return him to post. Nope, I wasn't even allowed to spend my wedding night with him. But the next morning was graduation. After graduation we waited for him to find out his orders and next thing I know, we are packing two other soldiers and all of their gear into the car.
My husband had a two day pass, so we drove his two buddies to the airport and from there, kept right on driving straight through to Virginia. It was a crazy crazy drive. We took turns, but I did most of the driving because he was so tired.
We arrived at his sister's house at 6am. I managed to say hi to her before I crashed on someone's bed. I was exhausted!! I slept for about 5 hours, then my husband woke me and told me it was time to eat. I followed him upstairs and was still half asleep.
The entire dining room table was set. There was food everywhere and it was set up beautifully. Because I was still so tired, I was overly nervous. I didn't know what to do or what was considered proper because not only was I dealing with another culture, but a new religion too. I was actually shaking! His mom lives there too and she doesn't speak English, so that was hard. I'm learning a bit of her language and my husband made me try to say things to her. They all laughed at me. Oh well, I'll keep working on it.
I ate slowly, again, because I was so tired. The food was great! But because I was eating so slowly, his sister was worried that I didn't like it. I assured her that I did. I calmed down a little after awhile and was able to have a normal conversation with his sister, which was nice. We moved to the living room after eating. His sister's youngest daughter was all over me. She is 6 and she is awesome! I fell in love with her. She was sitting on my lap and talking to me and drawing me pictures. She kept getting worried that we were leaving right away.
We drove around a little and hit the road back to Georgia around 3:30pm, this time in two cars. My husband decided to bring a car back with him so he would have transportation. We stopped in North Carolina for the night, thank goodness!! We were both so exhausted and neither of us had had a whole nights sleep in days, so it was much needed. We got back on the road around 8:30am.
We made it back to GA mid afternoon. We went shopping at a Commando store and then we went out for dinner. After dinner, I got back on the road and continued my trip down to FL. I got in around 2:30am.
Since I've been home, I've been running around like crazy trying to get all of my loose ends tied. I've been changing my name on everything and calling all kinds of government agencies to make sure they are aware that I'm now married and that my name has changed. I've also been having watches fixed and collecting documents to mail out to my hubby so that he can get me into the military system.
The training he is in this time around is so much better though! He has his phone all the time and can call me whenever and he gets weekends off! And since he now has a car on post, he'll be able to drive down to visit me. . . hopefully.
Anyway, I'm still exhausted from my trip. I need to just sleep for days, but we all know that isn't going to happen, so I guess the next best thing is trying to get to bed early. Goodnight all.
I made another trip to Georgia. I drove up Wednesday last week. I rented a car again. This time I hated it. It was very unfomfortable. Oh well. Now I know that I do not want to ever own or even drive a Kia Rondo again.
It was so great to see my Army girls again!! We all went out to dinner on Wednesday night. There were 11 of us! It felt like I was home because I already knew my way around town. :)
Thursday was the Turning Blue ceremony where our soldiers stood at attention while we pinned on their blue infantry cords. They were in their class A's and they looked awesome!! They were all also sweating like pigs because it was really hot and humid! LOL. After the ceremony, we high-tailed it out of there and went back and hung out at the hotel. Of course, we hit Starbucks before the hotel though. Finally, around 3:30 I managed to convince him to go back out. . . where did we go???
We went to the courthouse!! WE GOT MARRIED!!!!! :) You have no idea how excited I am about this!! I've been talking about it nonstop. I'm sure people are getting tired of hearing about it. But I just can't help it!! I have a husband! My name has changed!! Wow. It feels like a dream.
That night, I had to return him to post. Nope, I wasn't even allowed to spend my wedding night with him. But the next morning was graduation. After graduation we waited for him to find out his orders and next thing I know, we are packing two other soldiers and all of their gear into the car.
My husband had a two day pass, so we drove his two buddies to the airport and from there, kept right on driving straight through to Virginia. It was a crazy crazy drive. We took turns, but I did most of the driving because he was so tired.
We arrived at his sister's house at 6am. I managed to say hi to her before I crashed on someone's bed. I was exhausted!! I slept for about 5 hours, then my husband woke me and told me it was time to eat. I followed him upstairs and was still half asleep.
The entire dining room table was set. There was food everywhere and it was set up beautifully. Because I was still so tired, I was overly nervous. I didn't know what to do or what was considered proper because not only was I dealing with another culture, but a new religion too. I was actually shaking! His mom lives there too and she doesn't speak English, so that was hard. I'm learning a bit of her language and my husband made me try to say things to her. They all laughed at me. Oh well, I'll keep working on it.
I ate slowly, again, because I was so tired. The food was great! But because I was eating so slowly, his sister was worried that I didn't like it. I assured her that I did. I calmed down a little after awhile and was able to have a normal conversation with his sister, which was nice. We moved to the living room after eating. His sister's youngest daughter was all over me. She is 6 and she is awesome! I fell in love with her. She was sitting on my lap and talking to me and drawing me pictures. She kept getting worried that we were leaving right away.
We drove around a little and hit the road back to Georgia around 3:30pm, this time in two cars. My husband decided to bring a car back with him so he would have transportation. We stopped in North Carolina for the night, thank goodness!! We were both so exhausted and neither of us had had a whole nights sleep in days, so it was much needed. We got back on the road around 8:30am.
We made it back to GA mid afternoon. We went shopping at a Commando store and then we went out for dinner. After dinner, I got back on the road and continued my trip down to FL. I got in around 2:30am.
Since I've been home, I've been running around like crazy trying to get all of my loose ends tied. I've been changing my name on everything and calling all kinds of government agencies to make sure they are aware that I'm now married and that my name has changed. I've also been having watches fixed and collecting documents to mail out to my hubby so that he can get me into the military system.
The training he is in this time around is so much better though! He has his phone all the time and can call me whenever and he gets weekends off! And since he now has a car on post, he'll be able to drive down to visit me. . . hopefully.
Anyway, I'm still exhausted from my trip. I need to just sleep for days, but we all know that isn't going to happen, so I guess the next best thing is trying to get to bed early. Goodnight all.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Roller Coaster
Woke up this morning with a text from my ex. It was asking if I was ever going to tell him my plans for moving or if I was just going to take the boys and see if he would do anything. I texted back saying that yes, I wanted to sit down with him and work out the details.
I went to pick up the boys from his house today and we had a very civil conversation. I was actually very pleased at how we interacted with each other. Of course, it wasn't about the move. But he was in the Army back in the day, so he totally understands the whole no communication and separation thing and he also knows that things can change very quickly with the Army.
Anyway, about an hour and a half later, he calls me. He demands to know if I got paperwork from child support and that now he definitely isn't going to let me take the boys. Meanwhile, I have no idea what he is yelling at me about, even though he keeps telling me that I've been lying to him about it. Apparently, he got some paperwork (I don't know when, because today is Sunday and he definitely didn't get it on a day when there isn't mail delivery!!) from child support telling him that he owes over $10,000 for back child support. I have not received any paperwork from child support, so I really honestly don't know what he is talking about yet. He is ticked though. But I sure wouldn't mind getting that $10,000! LOL
So, after he was done yelling at me, he hung up on me without letting me say anything. He called ME. Then he hung up on me? That is just dumb. So I called him back. I said a few things trying to get through to him, then he hung up on me again. We did this a few times. I think the total number of calls was 4. Then the texting started. He texted me several times telling me how I'm going to go to jail if I take the boys and how I had better "fix" this -- what he wants me to fix, I'm not sure. I have not responded to any of his texts. Actually just about half an hour ago he sent me another one saying "so now what?" which made me laugh.
But things are going to be ok. . . the only thing I'm worried about is my time restraints. . .
My soldier called me tonight. Previously I had told him that I was going to steal him away and take him to the courthouse right there near his base and marry him. Well, tonight he asked me if I was serious about it. :) I told him yes. He said, ok then, you need to bring all of this documentation. YES!! I am pretty sure this means I'll be married on Thursday!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I'm so excited I could do the happy dance right now.
Not only do I want to marry him immediately because, well, because I want to! but also because once I'm a military wife, we'll get more money and I'll be able to obtain a lawyer through the Army. This will help me with my problems with my ex.
One thing though, my soldier still insists that he goes to his post first and I follow later one. This would be ok, but I'm running out of money. I won't be able to pay my rent and bills here much longer. But it would be good for me to stay because if I have to get caught up in the court system here with my ex, then I'd be here to take care of it all. Sooo, I'm not sure how this is going to work. But if he goes in for more training, then the Army will pay BAH to me and that will help me with my bills. . . but if he isn't in training and he is just living on base, then I'll get nothing. Things are still up in the air, but I'm feeling a bit more positive and waaaaay super excited about getting married!! <3
I went to pick up the boys from his house today and we had a very civil conversation. I was actually very pleased at how we interacted with each other. Of course, it wasn't about the move. But he was in the Army back in the day, so he totally understands the whole no communication and separation thing and he also knows that things can change very quickly with the Army.
Anyway, about an hour and a half later, he calls me. He demands to know if I got paperwork from child support and that now he definitely isn't going to let me take the boys. Meanwhile, I have no idea what he is yelling at me about, even though he keeps telling me that I've been lying to him about it. Apparently, he got some paperwork (I don't know when, because today is Sunday and he definitely didn't get it on a day when there isn't mail delivery!!) from child support telling him that he owes over $10,000 for back child support. I have not received any paperwork from child support, so I really honestly don't know what he is talking about yet. He is ticked though. But I sure wouldn't mind getting that $10,000! LOL
So, after he was done yelling at me, he hung up on me without letting me say anything. He called ME. Then he hung up on me? That is just dumb. So I called him back. I said a few things trying to get through to him, then he hung up on me again. We did this a few times. I think the total number of calls was 4. Then the texting started. He texted me several times telling me how I'm going to go to jail if I take the boys and how I had better "fix" this -- what he wants me to fix, I'm not sure. I have not responded to any of his texts. Actually just about half an hour ago he sent me another one saying "so now what?" which made me laugh.
But things are going to be ok. . . the only thing I'm worried about is my time restraints. . .
My soldier called me tonight. Previously I had told him that I was going to steal him away and take him to the courthouse right there near his base and marry him. Well, tonight he asked me if I was serious about it. :) I told him yes. He said, ok then, you need to bring all of this documentation. YES!! I am pretty sure this means I'll be married on Thursday!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I'm so excited I could do the happy dance right now.
Not only do I want to marry him immediately because, well, because I want to! but also because once I'm a military wife, we'll get more money and I'll be able to obtain a lawyer through the Army. This will help me with my problems with my ex.
One thing though, my soldier still insists that he goes to his post first and I follow later one. This would be ok, but I'm running out of money. I won't be able to pay my rent and bills here much longer. But it would be good for me to stay because if I have to get caught up in the court system here with my ex, then I'd be here to take care of it all. Sooo, I'm not sure how this is going to work. But if he goes in for more training, then the Army will pay BAH to me and that will help me with my bills. . . but if he isn't in training and he is just living on base, then I'll get nothing. Things are still up in the air, but I'm feeling a bit more positive and waaaaay super excited about getting married!! <3
Thursday, May 27, 2010
SLACKER!
Wow, I've totally been slacking with this blog!! Sorry!!!
Ok, so what have I been up to? Well, Dad had surgery on his back a week ago. He came through well and (knock on wood) his flopping foot seems to be getting better!
I was able to talk to my Love on the phone a few times on Sunday. He called me in the morning, just to make sure I definitely couldn't make it to GA for the day (um, 7 hour drive, no I couldn't make it for the day). His mom and sisters were at Ft. Benning visiting him. He wanted me there to meet them. I wanted so badly to be there. Unfortunately I've got financial restraints. Anyway, we texted a few times that same afternoon and joked around, which was so nice. :) And then he called me that evening to tell me that his mom and sisters said, "Welcome to the family!" You have no idea how happy this makes me!!! They have decided to accept me whole heartedly. And his mom doesn't even care that I already have kids!! This is big because it bothered her a lot when she first found out. :) Oh yeah, and I made all of the other Army Wives jealous because none of them got phone calls that night. LOL
I've also been working my butt off!! I have been working out every single day. Going to the gym, going to Turbo Kick classes, going to Toning classes, and doing the Shakeology Workouts at home. I must say, I am noticing a difference in my body already. And I LOVE it! <3 I've also been networking a bit to get others involved with BeachBody. . . either as customers or as coaches. If you happen to be interested, check out my website! www.beachbodycoach.com/Zariena
I applied for a job in TX, right on post. It is an easy job, helping kids with their homework. But it is salary and it pays just about as much as I was making when I was teaching full time in NY. I'll let you know what happens with that.
While looking for jobs in TX, I've also been thinking about other trainings and getting my Masters degree. I want to get a Masters in exercise science. I've also decided I want to get certified to be a personal trainer, a Turbo Kick instructor, and a PiYo instructor. I want to take Ft. Hood by storm. I've already got some people interested in hooking up with me once we are all there to get fit, so I'm hoping it blossoms! If it does, along with my BeachBody Coach stuff, I just may not have to get a "job"!
Speaking of not having a job, I had to go to an orientation today. Unemployment made me go to an orientation that would teach me what help is available to help me get a job in FL. Of course, this was completely useless to me because I'll be in TX soon, but oh well. I had to do it in order to keep getting my unemployment benefits.
Oh yes, I also may have kind of gotten permission from my ex to take the boys out of state. He had a really weird way of saying it (dealing with dreams and whatnot) but he seems to be at peace with it and he says he "knows it has to happen." I'm still going to try to get him to sign something in front of a notary though.
I've also tentatively set a plan to visit VA and NY before my Love has to report to Ft. Hood. :) This has made my family very very happy!
Ok, I'm sure that isn't everything, but it is all I'm writing tonight. I'll try to write again tomorrow.
Ok, so what have I been up to? Well, Dad had surgery on his back a week ago. He came through well and (knock on wood) his flopping foot seems to be getting better!
I was able to talk to my Love on the phone a few times on Sunday. He called me in the morning, just to make sure I definitely couldn't make it to GA for the day (um, 7 hour drive, no I couldn't make it for the day). His mom and sisters were at Ft. Benning visiting him. He wanted me there to meet them. I wanted so badly to be there. Unfortunately I've got financial restraints. Anyway, we texted a few times that same afternoon and joked around, which was so nice. :) And then he called me that evening to tell me that his mom and sisters said, "Welcome to the family!" You have no idea how happy this makes me!!! They have decided to accept me whole heartedly. And his mom doesn't even care that I already have kids!! This is big because it bothered her a lot when she first found out. :) Oh yeah, and I made all of the other Army Wives jealous because none of them got phone calls that night. LOL
I've also been working my butt off!! I have been working out every single day. Going to the gym, going to Turbo Kick classes, going to Toning classes, and doing the Shakeology Workouts at home. I must say, I am noticing a difference in my body already. And I LOVE it! <3 I've also been networking a bit to get others involved with BeachBody. . . either as customers or as coaches. If you happen to be interested, check out my website! www.beachbodycoach.com/Zariena
I applied for a job in TX, right on post. It is an easy job, helping kids with their homework. But it is salary and it pays just about as much as I was making when I was teaching full time in NY. I'll let you know what happens with that.
While looking for jobs in TX, I've also been thinking about other trainings and getting my Masters degree. I want to get a Masters in exercise science. I've also decided I want to get certified to be a personal trainer, a Turbo Kick instructor, and a PiYo instructor. I want to take Ft. Hood by storm. I've already got some people interested in hooking up with me once we are all there to get fit, so I'm hoping it blossoms! If it does, along with my BeachBody Coach stuff, I just may not have to get a "job"!
Speaking of not having a job, I had to go to an orientation today. Unemployment made me go to an orientation that would teach me what help is available to help me get a job in FL. Of course, this was completely useless to me because I'll be in TX soon, but oh well. I had to do it in order to keep getting my unemployment benefits.
Oh yes, I also may have kind of gotten permission from my ex to take the boys out of state. He had a really weird way of saying it (dealing with dreams and whatnot) but he seems to be at peace with it and he says he "knows it has to happen." I'm still going to try to get him to sign something in front of a notary though.
I've also tentatively set a plan to visit VA and NY before my Love has to report to Ft. Hood. :) This has made my family very very happy!
Ok, I'm sure that isn't everything, but it is all I'm writing tonight. I'll try to write again tomorrow.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Surgery and Such
My father had surgery today. He had a blown disk. It was blown so badly that it was squishing a nerve causing his foot to flop. This scares the crap out of me. I know several people who have gone through this surgery, but none of them had floppy feet and none of them were my dad.
He came out of surgery well. It took about an hour and the doctor said it went very well. He is staying the night in the hospital. He was given the choice of going home today or tomorrow. He chose today. My mother told him she was leaving without him and she'd come back for him tomorrow. So, tomorrow it is! Good job Mom!!
Even though the surgery went well, we don't know if the flopping will be fixed. It may be permanent. We'll find out later on when he is up and moving around.
Being 1600 miles away and knowing there isn't anything I can do for him, I went on with my day today.
I got my Shakeology delivered today!! WooHoo!! I'm soooo excited about it. I drank a shake within 20 minutes of ripping open the box. What I didn't realize was that in the box with the shakes was the two DVDs of Shakeology Workouts. Score!
I had planned on going to the gym today, but I didn't want to miss the UPS man (I had to sign for my packages), so I sat at home most of the day. . . when I sit around the house like that, I lose motivation. I never made it to the gym. But since I got these new workout DVDs, I used them! Way cool! I wish they were a little more upbeat. I could have used a different type of music, but they got the job done. I was sweating and out of breath and had muscles burning by the end! I like that.
Today was Young Author's Day in my oldest son's class. All parents were invited into the classroom for lunch and to read the books our children wrote all on their own. The kids had set up the desks with table clothes and placemats that they designed. I brought McDonald's for my son. He was so excited (I don't let my kids have fast food often). His book was awesome! I'm so proud of him. In the back of the book he wrote a little part that was "about the author." In it he said that when he grows up he wants to be an illustrator.
His teacher approached me while I was there. She begged me to try to get him into the nation's number one art school which is very close to where we live. At which point I had to say, "He didn't tell you yet?" She had no idea that we are moving! I couldn't believe that he hadn't told her yet. I mean, this is big news! LOL, oh well, my son is much more interested in drawing than in talking to people. So, I filled her in on our move and everything that is going on. So, knowing this, she begged me to find something along those lines for him. . . he definitely needs to be in a school based on art. He will definitely go places if he gets the right training.
He came out of surgery well. It took about an hour and the doctor said it went very well. He is staying the night in the hospital. He was given the choice of going home today or tomorrow. He chose today. My mother told him she was leaving without him and she'd come back for him tomorrow. So, tomorrow it is! Good job Mom!!
Even though the surgery went well, we don't know if the flopping will be fixed. It may be permanent. We'll find out later on when he is up and moving around.
Being 1600 miles away and knowing there isn't anything I can do for him, I went on with my day today.
I got my Shakeology delivered today!! WooHoo!! I'm soooo excited about it. I drank a shake within 20 minutes of ripping open the box. What I didn't realize was that in the box with the shakes was the two DVDs of Shakeology Workouts. Score!
I had planned on going to the gym today, but I didn't want to miss the UPS man (I had to sign for my packages), so I sat at home most of the day. . . when I sit around the house like that, I lose motivation. I never made it to the gym. But since I got these new workout DVDs, I used them! Way cool! I wish they were a little more upbeat. I could have used a different type of music, but they got the job done. I was sweating and out of breath and had muscles burning by the end! I like that.
Today was Young Author's Day in my oldest son's class. All parents were invited into the classroom for lunch and to read the books our children wrote all on their own. The kids had set up the desks with table clothes and placemats that they designed. I brought McDonald's for my son. He was so excited (I don't let my kids have fast food often). His book was awesome! I'm so proud of him. In the back of the book he wrote a little part that was "about the author." In it he said that when he grows up he wants to be an illustrator.
His teacher approached me while I was there. She begged me to try to get him into the nation's number one art school which is very close to where we live. At which point I had to say, "He didn't tell you yet?" She had no idea that we are moving! I couldn't believe that he hadn't told her yet. I mean, this is big news! LOL, oh well, my son is much more interested in drawing than in talking to people. So, I filled her in on our move and everything that is going on. So, knowing this, she begged me to find something along those lines for him. . . he definitely needs to be in a school based on art. He will definitely go places if he gets the right training.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Randomness
I ordered my Shakeology today! I'm super excited!! I got the half chocolate, half greenberry box. I cannot wait for it to arrive. I was going to wait to order it until I'm a little more financially stable, but these past two days have been horrible for me foodwise. I've been eating non stop, and absolutely nothing healthy. And now I'm paying for it. My body is so mad at me right now! I feel horrible physically, so I made the decision to order it. And I'm making the conscious decision to stop eating so much junk!! I just don't know what got into me.
I made a trip to the mall today too. I was on a mission. A friend of mine had found a white bolero that I could wear over a dress I'm planning on wearing to my soldier's graduation. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress. It is my all time favorite dress ever! But it is strapless. Which isn't a problem for me at all! It looks amazing on!! But my soldier's graduation will also be the first time I meet his mom. Being a Muslim Afghan, I don't want to upset her in any way (by showing too much skin?). So, I bought the bolero just in case. It covers up my back and chest and is short sleeves. Wait. I'll post pics!!
This is the bolero with the top clasped.
And this is me without the bolero! (My favorite! I don't like hiding the dress!) Yeah, pardon the messy room too!
So anyway, my friend found the bolero for me online and sent me the link. It was from JCPenny's. So, I drove to my mall and asked them if they had them in stock. They did! So, I went straight to where they were, purchased it and walked out. I also walked by Aldo Shoes (my FAVORITE shoe store!!) and I DIDN'T go in! Now that is self control!! Yes, I'm very proud of myself. :)
Feel free to comment below and let me know what you think, yes bolero or no bolero?
I also went to the gym today. Went to Walmart to pick up some photo prints to send to my soldier, and did some work on my BeachBody business. I also had a few things quirky things I wanted to write on here, but of course, now I can't remember them. . .
Oh! I CAN tell you about my conversations with my youngest son today though. He is three. He asked me today if we were moving to Texas today after school. I told him no, that we aren't moving for a few months. He got REALLY mad at me. I explained to him that we can't move without packing and that we haven't even started packing yet. He seemed ok with this. From then on, we would sporadically talk about packing, how we are going to have to throw a lot of stuff away, especially toys they don't play with. My youngest was still all good with this. Then a little later this evening, I was in my room on the computer working on my BeachBody stuff and he comes in demanding to know WHEN we are going to start packing! He thought we were going to start packing tonight! Poor kid! He is so excited about this move, which is a great thing! But he's going to drive me crazy before we ever get there! LOL. In reality, both of my children are very excited about moving to Texas. And I am very thankful for this.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
WonderWoman
I'm starting to get really excited about this whole BeachBody thing. And I'm totally amped about Turbo Fire. As soon as it is released to coaches, I'll be buying it.
For those of you who know me, you know I'm not overweight. In fact, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I look pretty darn good for a mother of two! But I've got soft parts that I'd like to tone up a bit. I don't want to lose weight, I just want to lose some body fat and gain some muscle mass.
While thinking about all of this healthy living and BeachBody stuff, I've also been thinking about going back to school. Actually, I've been thinking about going back to school for some time now, but especially in the past couple of weeks. I've already started my masters in education, but I really don't feel like it is for me. Sure, I like the vacations that come with teaching. And I actually like the whole paperwork/homework aspect of it. But I just don't feel like it is right for me.
So, I was thinking, perhaps getting a masters in exercise science. Hmmmm. Maybe? It is something I like. Something I've already got a base knowledge about. And it would work hand in hand with my BeachBody Coach business! It would also fit in well with my new life with my new hubby (once we actually get married!) who is very health conscious. I also want to lead by example to my two little boys. I don't want them to get caught in the trends of today's youth of being extremely unhealthy and possibly obese!
On a completely different note, I got a phone call from my soldier tonight! Which normally makes me extremely happy. But tonight, when I hung up and should have felt like I was floating, I didn't. I felt like I had let him down. We could only talk for a little over three minutes. He had asked me last week if I could come up to GA on the 25th to meet his little sister who is on a 10 day leave from her deployment. But I just can't. Financially it is impossible, let alone trying to find someone to watch my boys again. So, I told him on the phone that I can't make it. He didn't sound upset or anything, but I still feel like I let him down. He had to get off the phone with me so that he could call her and tell her that she has to find other transportation from the airport to his post. It sucks.
But I wrote my nightly letter to him and started to feel a little better about it. And when he first asked me, he told me it wasn't a big deal if I couldn't. I just really wish I could. Oh well. I've got to get over it. And I'll be in GA in 18 days!!!! WooHOOOOOO!
For those of you who know me, you know I'm not overweight. In fact, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I look pretty darn good for a mother of two! But I've got soft parts that I'd like to tone up a bit. I don't want to lose weight, I just want to lose some body fat and gain some muscle mass.
While thinking about all of this healthy living and BeachBody stuff, I've also been thinking about going back to school. Actually, I've been thinking about going back to school for some time now, but especially in the past couple of weeks. I've already started my masters in education, but I really don't feel like it is for me. Sure, I like the vacations that come with teaching. And I actually like the whole paperwork/homework aspect of it. But I just don't feel like it is right for me.
So, I was thinking, perhaps getting a masters in exercise science. Hmmmm. Maybe? It is something I like. Something I've already got a base knowledge about. And it would work hand in hand with my BeachBody Coach business! It would also fit in well with my new life with my new hubby (once we actually get married!) who is very health conscious. I also want to lead by example to my two little boys. I don't want them to get caught in the trends of today's youth of being extremely unhealthy and possibly obese!
On a completely different note, I got a phone call from my soldier tonight! Which normally makes me extremely happy. But tonight, when I hung up and should have felt like I was floating, I didn't. I felt like I had let him down. We could only talk for a little over three minutes. He had asked me last week if I could come up to GA on the 25th to meet his little sister who is on a 10 day leave from her deployment. But I just can't. Financially it is impossible, let alone trying to find someone to watch my boys again. So, I told him on the phone that I can't make it. He didn't sound upset or anything, but I still feel like I let him down. He had to get off the phone with me so that he could call her and tell her that she has to find other transportation from the airport to his post. It sucks.
But I wrote my nightly letter to him and started to feel a little better about it. And when he first asked me, he told me it wasn't a big deal if I couldn't. I just really wish I could. Oh well. I've got to get over it. And I'll be in GA in 18 days!!!! WooHOOOOOO!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
All Piling Up
My ex suffers from Bipolar Disorder. I lived with him for 8 years, so I kinda know how he works. So after talking to him about moving away with our children, I've been giving him time to think and work things out in his head. He has been texting me nonstop. Some texts have been rational. Some have been mean. Some sad. And some threatening. I'm taking it all with a grain of salt. I know how his illness runs and I'm just waiting.
He'll come to his senses in time. He won't like it, but he will.
I've been so busy and stressed with dealing with my ex as well as dealing with Jacob's school stuff and Shiloh's teeth stuff (he has an infected tooth again and half of his face is swollen), and my new BeachBody stuff and moving stuff that I have gotten sick. :( Not bad, but enough to grind me to a halt and make me sleep all day today. I'm not joking. I got up at 6:45am, got the kids off to school and was back in bed by 8am. I got up today at 3:30 and that was only because I had to go pick up the boys.
Amazingly, I'm still really tired, so I think I'm going to go back to bed now because both of my little ones are tucked in for the night.
He'll come to his senses in time. He won't like it, but he will.
I've been so busy and stressed with dealing with my ex as well as dealing with Jacob's school stuff and Shiloh's teeth stuff (he has an infected tooth again and half of his face is swollen), and my new BeachBody stuff and moving stuff that I have gotten sick. :( Not bad, but enough to grind me to a halt and make me sleep all day today. I'm not joking. I got up at 6:45am, got the kids off to school and was back in bed by 8am. I got up today at 3:30 and that was only because I had to go pick up the boys.
Amazingly, I'm still really tired, so I think I'm going to go back to bed now because both of my little ones are tucked in for the night.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Moving Drama
I dragged my butt to the gym today. It felt good to get all sweaty! Now I need to do it again tomorrow.
I also had my "meeting" today with my ex. It went exactly like I thought it would. He said no. I asked why. He said if I take the boys out of state he'll have me arrested and have the boys delivered to him. He said the only way he'd agree to it was if a judge made him. It was pretty much all of that over and over again for 20 minutes. Not very productive.
Then maybe an hour later I got a text from him saying that he'd known this was coming and that he wasn't going to say no until I "talked down" to him. Not really sure what he means by this. If thinks me telling him the truth and stating facts is "talking down" then yes, I did. Otherwise I didn't say anything nasty.
So, tomorrow I need to start researching, try to talk to a lawyer and see if I actually need to start court proceedings. I'm not looking forward to it. But there is hope. I was told that perhaps I won't have to do anything because since we never married, we have no paperwork about custody and whatnot. So, since there isn't a court order saying I CAN'T take the boys out of state, I can! And he would have to go to court to file a petition for visitation.
But like I said, I'm going to do my research and try to talk to a lawyer about this. . . I'll let you all know what happens!
I also had my "meeting" today with my ex. It went exactly like I thought it would. He said no. I asked why. He said if I take the boys out of state he'll have me arrested and have the boys delivered to him. He said the only way he'd agree to it was if a judge made him. It was pretty much all of that over and over again for 20 minutes. Not very productive.
Then maybe an hour later I got a text from him saying that he'd known this was coming and that he wasn't going to say no until I "talked down" to him. Not really sure what he means by this. If thinks me telling him the truth and stating facts is "talking down" then yes, I did. Otherwise I didn't say anything nasty.
So, tomorrow I need to start researching, try to talk to a lawyer and see if I actually need to start court proceedings. I'm not looking forward to it. But there is hope. I was told that perhaps I won't have to do anything because since we never married, we have no paperwork about custody and whatnot. So, since there isn't a court order saying I CAN'T take the boys out of state, I can! And he would have to go to court to file a petition for visitation.
But like I said, I'm going to do my research and try to talk to a lawyer about this. . . I'll let you all know what happens!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Two Things
I focused on two main things today. First, setting up my BeachBody Coach website and learning how to manage it. Second, talking to my boys and their father about moving.
Setting up my BeachBody Coach website (www.beachbodycoach.com/Zariena) was a blast! There is so much available for me. I love it! My sponser was an angel and answered every single one of my gajillion questions I had. I can't wait to start helping people, making money, and using the products myself!
I tried getting in touch with my ex through texting today. I told him I'd like to sit down with him and talk to him sometime this week and that it would be better to do it before the kids came home. He texted back saying that if I had something to say, to just say it. I told him I'd prefer to talk face to face because there is a lot happening right now. So, he texts me as I'm heading to pick up the boys. Of course, I had already mentioned that I didn't want the boys running around while I'm trying to talk to him, so I asked him if he had time tomorrow and he said yes around 4pm right after work. Ok, that works for me.
Then about a half hour later, he texts me and says, "If you want to talk about taking the boys. Don't."
What does that mean? That he doesn't want to hear it? Or that he won't let me? He is always so cryptic. Why can't he ever just get to the point and lay it all on the line? Anyway, I'm going to meet him tomorrow and talk to him "about taking the boys" and I'll post and let everyone know how it goes!!
Setting up my BeachBody Coach website (www.beachbodycoach.com/Zariena) was a blast! There is so much available for me. I love it! My sponser was an angel and answered every single one of my gajillion questions I had. I can't wait to start helping people, making money, and using the products myself!
I tried getting in touch with my ex through texting today. I told him I'd like to sit down with him and talk to him sometime this week and that it would be better to do it before the kids came home. He texted back saying that if I had something to say, to just say it. I told him I'd prefer to talk face to face because there is a lot happening right now. So, he texts me as I'm heading to pick up the boys. Of course, I had already mentioned that I didn't want the boys running around while I'm trying to talk to him, so I asked him if he had time tomorrow and he said yes around 4pm right after work. Ok, that works for me.
Then about a half hour later, he texts me and says, "If you want to talk about taking the boys. Don't."
What does that mean? That he doesn't want to hear it? Or that he won't let me? He is always so cryptic. Why can't he ever just get to the point and lay it all on the line? Anyway, I'm going to meet him tomorrow and talk to him "about taking the boys" and I'll post and let everyone know how it goes!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Just Another Day
Today was Mother's Day. I stayed in my jammies until 5:15PM. I would have stayed in them straight on through, but my friend Palma invited me to her house for dinner. So, I felt like I should probably have normal clothes on instead of my nightgown and a robe. . . My oldest son stayed in his undies all day until I made him put clothes on around 5:30pm and my youngest insisted on getting dressed around 1:30pm today. We did nothing all day. I haven't been such a bum in years!!
I got a phone call from my soldier tonight too. Bliss!! It was so great hearing his voice, especially after such a rough week. He told me that he had been told that he won't be deploying until April of next year! YAY!!!! He said, "So that means you'll be moving to Texas if that is ok," and I laughed and told him that I had already been looking for houses out there! It broke my mama's heart though when I told her. She had been so excited that I might be moving in with her. I'm sorry Mama!! But this is going to be so exciting!! I can't wait!
He also told me that his sister who is currently in the Army and deployed will have a 10 day leave and that she is visiting him on May 25th. He asked me if I'd be able to come back to GA to meet her. It is a Tuesday. And I don't know if I can pull this one off. It's a seven hour drive, so I can't really make a day trip out of it. . . but I can't spend the money on a hotel and stuff again too, especially since I'll be there on June 2nd. . . I'm gonna have to see if I can't work some sort of magic here. He told me it wasn't a big deal if I can't, I'll just have to wait another six months to meet her.
My spirit is soaring right now. I'm so happy to have gotten a call from him. And I'm so excited about moving to TX. I can't wait for this new chapter/adventure to begin!!
I got a phone call from my soldier tonight too. Bliss!! It was so great hearing his voice, especially after such a rough week. He told me that he had been told that he won't be deploying until April of next year! YAY!!!! He said, "So that means you'll be moving to Texas if that is ok," and I laughed and told him that I had already been looking for houses out there! It broke my mama's heart though when I told her. She had been so excited that I might be moving in with her. I'm sorry Mama!! But this is going to be so exciting!! I can't wait!
He also told me that his sister who is currently in the Army and deployed will have a 10 day leave and that she is visiting him on May 25th. He asked me if I'd be able to come back to GA to meet her. It is a Tuesday. And I don't know if I can pull this one off. It's a seven hour drive, so I can't really make a day trip out of it. . . but I can't spend the money on a hotel and stuff again too, especially since I'll be there on June 2nd. . . I'm gonna have to see if I can't work some sort of magic here. He told me it wasn't a big deal if I can't, I'll just have to wait another six months to meet her.
My spirit is soaring right now. I'm so happy to have gotten a call from him. And I'm so excited about moving to TX. I can't wait for this new chapter/adventure to begin!!
The Sponge Place
Friday was perhaps the worst day for me in the past three months. I cried. I slept. My friend helped me out by taking me out of my condo for a few hours. But yesterday made up for it.
I had a great day yesterday. Sure, I had to drive two hours one way to get to my destination, but it wasn't a bad trip at all.
I decided to visit a girl that I had gone to highschool with in NY. We never were friends in highschool. We knew of each other, but that was the extent of our relationship. Somehow we reconnected on Facebook (I love facebook!! LOL) and have become good friends.
So, I loaded the boys into the car, said a quick prayer that my car would make the trip ok, and hit the highway headed north. We made the trip in a little under two hours. It was really easy!
We hung out in her condo for a little while just kind of catching up and complaining about how Florida laws are stupid when it comes to "parenting plans" and child support and stuff like that. The kids played together in her son's room. Then she sorted through the clothes that I had brought for her (I had gone through my closet and was going to donate clothes to Goodwill, but decided I'd rather she get the clothes since we are about the same size!).
She chose a pink halter top dress that looked AMAZING on her and we went to Tarpon Springs to some sponge place. It was very fun. It was a touristy place with lots of little shops that all had the same types of things and restaurants. We ate at a Greek restaurant where I had calamari and got to play with my food. Hey! It wasn't my fault they cut it so that it looked like finger puppets!! LOL
I also bought a new bag. . . yeah yeah, I know. I have a problem. Do they make support groups who are addicted to purses??
We were all getting tired, so we hit the fudge shop (I have to say, it is better than Kilwins!!) and headed back to her condo. But we made a quick stop to get her some makeup too, which was fun for me because no one ever asks me for my opinion on that sort of stuff!
Back at her condo, the boys fed the ducks and the fish and then we had to pile back into the car for that two hour drive back home.
It was such a nice relaxing day. I haven't had a day like that in a long time. Thank you Amanda!!
And today is Mother's Day. But as a single mom, that pretty much means it is just another day. I'm doing dishes and laundry today. Nothing special. Oh yeah, and my ex sent me a text wishing me a Happy Mother's Day today -- even though I haven't heard a word from him since the big blow out before my trip to GA.
Well, I've got to go feed the chillun's because, like I said, it is just another day. . .
I had a great day yesterday. Sure, I had to drive two hours one way to get to my destination, but it wasn't a bad trip at all.
I decided to visit a girl that I had gone to highschool with in NY. We never were friends in highschool. We knew of each other, but that was the extent of our relationship. Somehow we reconnected on Facebook (I love facebook!! LOL) and have become good friends.
So, I loaded the boys into the car, said a quick prayer that my car would make the trip ok, and hit the highway headed north. We made the trip in a little under two hours. It was really easy!
We hung out in her condo for a little while just kind of catching up and complaining about how Florida laws are stupid when it comes to "parenting plans" and child support and stuff like that. The kids played together in her son's room. Then she sorted through the clothes that I had brought for her (I had gone through my closet and was going to donate clothes to Goodwill, but decided I'd rather she get the clothes since we are about the same size!).
She chose a pink halter top dress that looked AMAZING on her and we went to Tarpon Springs to some sponge place. It was very fun. It was a touristy place with lots of little shops that all had the same types of things and restaurants. We ate at a Greek restaurant where I had calamari and got to play with my food. Hey! It wasn't my fault they cut it so that it looked like finger puppets!! LOL
I also bought a new bag. . . yeah yeah, I know. I have a problem. Do they make support groups who are addicted to purses??
We were all getting tired, so we hit the fudge shop (I have to say, it is better than Kilwins!!) and headed back to her condo. But we made a quick stop to get her some makeup too, which was fun for me because no one ever asks me for my opinion on that sort of stuff!
Back at her condo, the boys fed the ducks and the fish and then we had to pile back into the car for that two hour drive back home.
It was such a nice relaxing day. I haven't had a day like that in a long time. Thank you Amanda!!
And today is Mother's Day. But as a single mom, that pretty much means it is just another day. I'm doing dishes and laundry today. Nothing special. Oh yeah, and my ex sent me a text wishing me a Happy Mother's Day today -- even though I haven't heard a word from him since the big blow out before my trip to GA.
Well, I've got to go feed the chillun's because, like I said, it is just another day. . .
Thursday, May 6, 2010
So Sleepy
These past two days have been very tough.
I'm not sure whether it is my body recuperating from my trip to GA or whether I'm just really stressed out, but I've been sleeping almost non stop. It is probably a combination of both. I know that when I'm trying to deal with a lot of things all at once and I'm overly stressed, I start sleeping more. It is my coping mechanism.
I also feel like I'm starting from scratch with missing my soldier. After spending such a wonderful weekend with him, it was so hard to say goodbye again. And these past two days have felt just like it did the first time we said goodbye. I've been waiting desperately for a letter -- and I got one today! YAY!!!! It was like getting my very first letter from him. I've read it about 200 times already since 4:00 today.
The letter lifted my spirits, but hurt me at the same time. It hurt because he told me how all of the soldiers were paying for leaving post and spending time with family. I dropped him off Sunday night at 9:00 pm. He wrote me his letter Tuesday at 1:00am and said that he had not been allowed to sleep yet. Ugh! I HATE that they do this to our soldiers. Yes, I understand it is part of the training. Yes, I understand it is to completely transform them. Yes, I understand it is for their future to make sure they are prepared for any situation. But I hate that they punish our men even when they don't screw up. But it is almost over. I just keep telling myself that. Or as we Army girls keep telling each other, Just keep swimming!!!
Tonight my mood has lightened a little bit. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. And then Saturday I'm driving 2 hours north to spend the day with a girl whom I haven't seen in 15 years.
I'm not sure whether it is my body recuperating from my trip to GA or whether I'm just really stressed out, but I've been sleeping almost non stop. It is probably a combination of both. I know that when I'm trying to deal with a lot of things all at once and I'm overly stressed, I start sleeping more. It is my coping mechanism.
I also feel like I'm starting from scratch with missing my soldier. After spending such a wonderful weekend with him, it was so hard to say goodbye again. And these past two days have felt just like it did the first time we said goodbye. I've been waiting desperately for a letter -- and I got one today! YAY!!!! It was like getting my very first letter from him. I've read it about 200 times already since 4:00 today.
The letter lifted my spirits, but hurt me at the same time. It hurt because he told me how all of the soldiers were paying for leaving post and spending time with family. I dropped him off Sunday night at 9:00 pm. He wrote me his letter Tuesday at 1:00am and said that he had not been allowed to sleep yet. Ugh! I HATE that they do this to our soldiers. Yes, I understand it is part of the training. Yes, I understand it is to completely transform them. Yes, I understand it is for their future to make sure they are prepared for any situation. But I hate that they punish our men even when they don't screw up. But it is almost over. I just keep telling myself that. Or as we Army girls keep telling each other, Just keep swimming!!!
Tonight my mood has lightened a little bit. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. And then Saturday I'm driving 2 hours north to spend the day with a girl whom I haven't seen in 15 years.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Georgia Adventure
Wow. It feels like forever since I last posted. It kinda has been since I was posting something new every day!
Well, since last time I blogged, I've been on an adventure.
Thursday last week, I flew my mother from upstate NY to FL to spend the weekend with my children because their father ditched them. Again.
Friday last week, I rented a car, got in it and drove to Georgia. It took me about 7 hours and 10 minutes. That is including 3 stops. The trip was amazingly easy. I was a little nervous because this whole trip was a bunch of "firsts" for me. This was my very first trip all alone that was further than an hour away. This was my very first time renting a car. This was my very first time spending nights in a hotel all alone. This was my very first time on an Army post. This was the very first time I saw my soldier since he left for Basic Training. This was my very first time meeting some of the best girls I've ever met from all over the US. And I'm sure there are several other "firsts" that I'm forgetting.
I made it safe and sound to my hotel and quickly texted a girl I had been communicating with on Facebook before I even checked in. She was nearby and she stopped by so I could follow her to Post to get our official passes for the weekend so we could enter and leave the post whenever we wanted. After we drove around in circles for a little while, we went to the PX (for those of you not used to military terms, this is a shopping center on post). While in the PX, I saw soldiers walking around in their uniforms and I almost started to cry. I missed my man so badly and knew he was so close, but I wasn't allowed to see him until the next morning.
We met up with some other girls and went out to dinner that night. It was really nice to meet people in person whom we had been talking to online for 2 months. After dinner, we all wound up in my hotel room just chatting away. It was great!
I hardly slept at all that night. I was waaaaaaay too excited because I was going to see my soldier the next morning!!
5:00 AM came very quickly and I was ready to go. We had a family briefing at 7AM, well, supposedly. They Army guys wouldn't let us in until around 7:30ish. Then we were "briefed" and then left to wait. Oh yeah, that is what the Army is all about. . . a lot of hurry up and wait. Suddenly we heard the soldiers yell outside. I thought for sure I was going to throw up from excitement!!
I went outside to meet my soldier when his platoon number was called. I was all alone at that point because the girls I was with had soldiers in different platoons. I walked outside and looked and looked. Then I started to panic. I couldn't find him! I started to feel horrible because maybe I just wasn't recognizing him. Then I got really scared that he had gotten in trouble for something and that they had taken his pass away from him. Then a drill sergeant came up to me. Oh God.
"Who are you looking for?" I tell him my soldier's name. "Ahhh, Jill?" Um, yes. "He has been moved to 4th platoon." Seriously? Yes!! I'm not a bad girlfriend, it wasn't that I wasn't recognizing him and he wasn't in trouble! Next thing I know, we are hugging. It was so good to be in his arms again.
The weekend went by in a blur. It was wonderful. I didn't even mind if we did nothing at all. I was just so happy to be able to look at him with my own eyes and to be in the same room as him. I'm so in love.
I managed to keep it together and not cry the last night when I had to drop him off and leave. I also managed to keep it together when I was around the other girls who were crying and when I went back to my friend's room. I even managed to keep it together the whole drive home the next day.
I made it home. Got inside and started telling my mom all about my trip. And then I started to cry.
And then my mom started to cry.
I asked her why she was crying and she told me it was because I was just so cute. She is happy that I'm so happy.
My mom hit the road today and is driving back up north with a friend of the family. And now I'm here. Alone. Well, not really. My children are here with me, but when they are in school during the day, I have to try to cope with the separation all by myself. It sucks.
I know I can do it. I'm a trooper. I'm a strong woman who has been through a lot and this is just one more blip in my life.
I am very thankful for the wonderful man I have in my life and also for the new friends I made while in GA!! Girls, you rock!!
Now, I'm doing another countdown. You can see it to the right of this blog. I get to go back to GA in June!!
Well, since last time I blogged, I've been on an adventure.
Thursday last week, I flew my mother from upstate NY to FL to spend the weekend with my children because their father ditched them. Again.
Friday last week, I rented a car, got in it and drove to Georgia. It took me about 7 hours and 10 minutes. That is including 3 stops. The trip was amazingly easy. I was a little nervous because this whole trip was a bunch of "firsts" for me. This was my very first trip all alone that was further than an hour away. This was my very first time renting a car. This was my very first time spending nights in a hotel all alone. This was my very first time on an Army post. This was the very first time I saw my soldier since he left for Basic Training. This was my very first time meeting some of the best girls I've ever met from all over the US. And I'm sure there are several other "firsts" that I'm forgetting.
I made it safe and sound to my hotel and quickly texted a girl I had been communicating with on Facebook before I even checked in. She was nearby and she stopped by so I could follow her to Post to get our official passes for the weekend so we could enter and leave the post whenever we wanted. After we drove around in circles for a little while, we went to the PX (for those of you not used to military terms, this is a shopping center on post). While in the PX, I saw soldiers walking around in their uniforms and I almost started to cry. I missed my man so badly and knew he was so close, but I wasn't allowed to see him until the next morning.
We met up with some other girls and went out to dinner that night. It was really nice to meet people in person whom we had been talking to online for 2 months. After dinner, we all wound up in my hotel room just chatting away. It was great!
I hardly slept at all that night. I was waaaaaaay too excited because I was going to see my soldier the next morning!!
5:00 AM came very quickly and I was ready to go. We had a family briefing at 7AM, well, supposedly. They Army guys wouldn't let us in until around 7:30ish. Then we were "briefed" and then left to wait. Oh yeah, that is what the Army is all about. . . a lot of hurry up and wait. Suddenly we heard the soldiers yell outside. I thought for sure I was going to throw up from excitement!!
I went outside to meet my soldier when his platoon number was called. I was all alone at that point because the girls I was with had soldiers in different platoons. I walked outside and looked and looked. Then I started to panic. I couldn't find him! I started to feel horrible because maybe I just wasn't recognizing him. Then I got really scared that he had gotten in trouble for something and that they had taken his pass away from him. Then a drill sergeant came up to me. Oh God.
"Who are you looking for?" I tell him my soldier's name. "Ahhh, Jill?" Um, yes. "He has been moved to 4th platoon." Seriously? Yes!! I'm not a bad girlfriend, it wasn't that I wasn't recognizing him and he wasn't in trouble! Next thing I know, we are hugging. It was so good to be in his arms again.
The weekend went by in a blur. It was wonderful. I didn't even mind if we did nothing at all. I was just so happy to be able to look at him with my own eyes and to be in the same room as him. I'm so in love.
I managed to keep it together and not cry the last night when I had to drop him off and leave. I also managed to keep it together when I was around the other girls who were crying and when I went back to my friend's room. I even managed to keep it together the whole drive home the next day.
I made it home. Got inside and started telling my mom all about my trip. And then I started to cry.
And then my mom started to cry.
I asked her why she was crying and she told me it was because I was just so cute. She is happy that I'm so happy.
My mom hit the road today and is driving back up north with a friend of the family. And now I'm here. Alone. Well, not really. My children are here with me, but when they are in school during the day, I have to try to cope with the separation all by myself. It sucks.
I know I can do it. I'm a trooper. I'm a strong woman who has been through a lot and this is just one more blip in my life.
I am very thankful for the wonderful man I have in my life and also for the new friends I made while in GA!! Girls, you rock!!
Now, I'm doing another countdown. You can see it to the right of this blog. I get to go back to GA in June!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
New Chapter
With 20 minutes until my boys' bedtime, I'm going to attempt to blog.
Today was full of goodbyes and hellos. I spoke to my boss again today. He was very upfront with me and told me that my other boss had made up his mind and was unwilling to budge on his decision. I no longer have a job. I talked to my boss for quite awhile because we have a pretty good relationship. He genuinely cares about his employees. I could tell he was upset by this whole thing, which made me feel better about it. He asked me all kinds of questions to make sure that I'm ok and that I will be ok. We said our goodbyes and I cried. Yeah, I'm terrible at goodbyes.
But it is ok. I'll be fine. I would have been leaving my job soon anyway to move and be with my soldier.
I got my fiancee's orders for his duty station today! Fort Hood. Before anyone asks, yes, that was where the shooting happened. And before your minds start whirling, let me just remind you that it was a person who was dangerous, NOT the place. So, I'm very excited. I've never been to Texas before and I've heard great things about Austin TX, which is about 1 hour south of Fort Hood (I think). It'll take some getting used to for me, new place, new weather (I'm a Florida girl here! Anything below 70 I think is cold! LOL). I'll definitely have to go shopping for some warmer clothes.
It feels soooo good to finally have a little direction. Up until now, everything has been up in the air. Now at least I have a destination and I can start looking for jobs and housing there! I'm so excited! And I've also been talking to some girls online who will also be stationed there. Look at me! I'm networking already! :)
Ok, gotta get the young'uns into bed and then bed early for me too because they both have dental appointments very early tomorrow morning!
Today was full of goodbyes and hellos. I spoke to my boss again today. He was very upfront with me and told me that my other boss had made up his mind and was unwilling to budge on his decision. I no longer have a job. I talked to my boss for quite awhile because we have a pretty good relationship. He genuinely cares about his employees. I could tell he was upset by this whole thing, which made me feel better about it. He asked me all kinds of questions to make sure that I'm ok and that I will be ok. We said our goodbyes and I cried. Yeah, I'm terrible at goodbyes.
But it is ok. I'll be fine. I would have been leaving my job soon anyway to move and be with my soldier.
I got my fiancee's orders for his duty station today! Fort Hood. Before anyone asks, yes, that was where the shooting happened. And before your minds start whirling, let me just remind you that it was a person who was dangerous, NOT the place. So, I'm very excited. I've never been to Texas before and I've heard great things about Austin TX, which is about 1 hour south of Fort Hood (I think). It'll take some getting used to for me, new place, new weather (I'm a Florida girl here! Anything below 70 I think is cold! LOL). I'll definitely have to go shopping for some warmer clothes.
It feels soooo good to finally have a little direction. Up until now, everything has been up in the air. Now at least I have a destination and I can start looking for jobs and housing there! I'm so excited! And I've also been talking to some girls online who will also be stationed there. Look at me! I'm networking already! :)
Ok, gotta get the young'uns into bed and then bed early for me too because they both have dental appointments very early tomorrow morning!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Cowards
Alarmist, baby, caitiff, chicken heart, chicken liver, chicken, craven, cur, dastard, deserter, faint-of-heart, faintheart, fraidy-cat, funk, gutless, invertebrate, jellyfish, lily liver, malingerer, mouse, pessimist, poltroon, quitter, rabbit, recreant, scaredy cat, shirk, shirker, skulker, sneak, weakling, white liver, wimp, yellow belly, yellow.
What do all of these words refer to? A coward of course.
Do we all know at least one coward? Yes. Are some worse than others? Yes.
What has brought on this vocabulary lesson you might ask? Well, it is brought on by my encounter with a HUGE coward recently. In fact, he is such a coward, that it was brought on indirectly because he did not have enough courage to tell me the facts straight to my face.
If you have been following, you already know that I'm on an extended "vacation" from work. I had every intention of going in for a meeting next Tuesday to sit down with both of my bosses and discuss when and how I would come back to work. However, apparently, a decision has already been made, but neither of my bosses could be bothered to call me and let me know. I had to find out from a friend and co-worker, or should I say former co-worker now.
I have to say, after putting 2 1/2 years into this establishment, I'm very disappointed in the way they have handled this situation. First off, there was no good reason to be suspended, especially since I've been there long enough and seen people do things that they should have definitely been suspended for, but never were. Second, communication with me from the boss who actually handles the front end employees (not the boss who suspended me) came a little too late -- two days after the incident. Third, they can't even communicate their decision to me themselves!!
I'm very angry and a bit flabbergasted at the moment, so I'd better just stop writing right now because it is already rambling and I'm not sure if you will even be able to understand it. I'll try writing again when I've calmed down a bit.
What do all of these words refer to? A coward of course.
Do we all know at least one coward? Yes. Are some worse than others? Yes.
What has brought on this vocabulary lesson you might ask? Well, it is brought on by my encounter with a HUGE coward recently. In fact, he is such a coward, that it was brought on indirectly because he did not have enough courage to tell me the facts straight to my face.
If you have been following, you already know that I'm on an extended "vacation" from work. I had every intention of going in for a meeting next Tuesday to sit down with both of my bosses and discuss when and how I would come back to work. However, apparently, a decision has already been made, but neither of my bosses could be bothered to call me and let me know. I had to find out from a friend and co-worker, or should I say former co-worker now.
I have to say, after putting 2 1/2 years into this establishment, I'm very disappointed in the way they have handled this situation. First off, there was no good reason to be suspended, especially since I've been there long enough and seen people do things that they should have definitely been suspended for, but never were. Second, communication with me from the boss who actually handles the front end employees (not the boss who suspended me) came a little too late -- two days after the incident. Third, they can't even communicate their decision to me themselves!!
I'm very angry and a bit flabbergasted at the moment, so I'd better just stop writing right now because it is already rambling and I'm not sure if you will even be able to understand it. I'll try writing again when I've calmed down a bit.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Take the Good with the Bad
Every single time I have things really going for me in my life, something happens to ruin my good feelings.
Today is a good example. Had a great start to the day. Went to the gym, had a great workout. Came home and lifted a few weights and did a few pushups. Felt great! Showered, then got a pedicure and shopped for a few love cards for my soldier. Then I went to a manditory seminar to claim my vacation that I won. The seminar wasn't bad at all. The presenter had a good sense of humor and finished the presentation 30 minutes early. Afterwards, I was given a certificate for $50 towards gas, the forms to fill out when I choose which vacation I want to have, PLUS an additional 3 day 2 night vacation getaway! I was very pleased with the outcome. And I didn't sign up for any club memberships. I didn't have to buy any timeshares. It was great. I sat. I listened. I took my paperwork for the vacations. I left. Simple!
On my way home, I swung by to pick up my kids at their father's house. This was fine too. We chatted and whatnot. Just as I was getting ready to leave, I reminded him that I'll be gone next weekend and that I'd bring the boys' clothes over Thursday afternoon. This was when he decided to tell me that he can't take the boys. I gave the man three weeks notice. THREE WEEKS. And he told me he could take them. Now all of a sudden he can't. This is coming from a man who doesn't work. . . just the odd job here and there, and he never sees the kids. He will occasionally take them for a few hours on Sundays, but that's it.
Needless to say, I was furious. He told me he needed to work to pay his bills that he is really far behind on. I politely reminded him that he quit his last job and that was why he couldn't pay his bills. He walked away from me.
So, I left. Fuming. My mind was racing with how I was going to force him to take the boys, or find someone else to watch them while I travel to GA. He texted me while I was driving home telling me how he wasn't going to let me talk down to him anymore (I didn't! I didn't even say a single nasty word to the man!) and how he is sorry that having kids gets in the way of me having a life but that he can't take them. He also proceeded to remind me that I put myself in this predicament because I chose to leave him and this wasn't what he wanted.
It has been one and a half years since I left this man. He is still hung up on it.
Anyway, I contacted the few friends I have that might possibly be able to watch my boys for an entire weekend straight, but they all already had plans. I texted my ex back a few times telling him that he HAD to take the boys, that my plans had already been made, and that I'm leaving Friday morning with him being responsible for picking them up Friday afternoon after school. He never responded.
So, this is what is happening. I'm an intelligent and resourceful young woman. I'm giving my mom an all expense paid trip from upstate NY to FL for the weekend!! I'm flying her down, she'll spend the weekend with the boys, and she'll fly back home when I get back. I'll stock the fridge with food and leave her my car filled with gas. I ran the idea past her this evening and she is in. :)
GA here I come!!
Today is a good example. Had a great start to the day. Went to the gym, had a great workout. Came home and lifted a few weights and did a few pushups. Felt great! Showered, then got a pedicure and shopped for a few love cards for my soldier. Then I went to a manditory seminar to claim my vacation that I won. The seminar wasn't bad at all. The presenter had a good sense of humor and finished the presentation 30 minutes early. Afterwards, I was given a certificate for $50 towards gas, the forms to fill out when I choose which vacation I want to have, PLUS an additional 3 day 2 night vacation getaway! I was very pleased with the outcome. And I didn't sign up for any club memberships. I didn't have to buy any timeshares. It was great. I sat. I listened. I took my paperwork for the vacations. I left. Simple!
On my way home, I swung by to pick up my kids at their father's house. This was fine too. We chatted and whatnot. Just as I was getting ready to leave, I reminded him that I'll be gone next weekend and that I'd bring the boys' clothes over Thursday afternoon. This was when he decided to tell me that he can't take the boys. I gave the man three weeks notice. THREE WEEKS. And he told me he could take them. Now all of a sudden he can't. This is coming from a man who doesn't work. . . just the odd job here and there, and he never sees the kids. He will occasionally take them for a few hours on Sundays, but that's it.
Needless to say, I was furious. He told me he needed to work to pay his bills that he is really far behind on. I politely reminded him that he quit his last job and that was why he couldn't pay his bills. He walked away from me.
So, I left. Fuming. My mind was racing with how I was going to force him to take the boys, or find someone else to watch them while I travel to GA. He texted me while I was driving home telling me how he wasn't going to let me talk down to him anymore (I didn't! I didn't even say a single nasty word to the man!) and how he is sorry that having kids gets in the way of me having a life but that he can't take them. He also proceeded to remind me that I put myself in this predicament because I chose to leave him and this wasn't what he wanted.
It has been one and a half years since I left this man. He is still hung up on it.
Anyway, I contacted the few friends I have that might possibly be able to watch my boys for an entire weekend straight, but they all already had plans. I texted my ex back a few times telling him that he HAD to take the boys, that my plans had already been made, and that I'm leaving Friday morning with him being responsible for picking them up Friday afternoon after school. He never responded.
So, this is what is happening. I'm an intelligent and resourceful young woman. I'm giving my mom an all expense paid trip from upstate NY to FL for the weekend!! I'm flying her down, she'll spend the weekend with the boys, and she'll fly back home when I get back. I'll stock the fridge with food and leave her my car filled with gas. I ran the idea past her this evening and she is in. :)
GA here I come!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Stream of Consciousness
I got a letter today. . . inside of a card. I'm elated! This past week has been really really hard on me because I'm missing my soldier so much. I think of him constantly on a normal day. But these past several days, I'm on the verge of being obsessive.
Where are we going to live? Is he actually going into the reserves, or is he going straight into active duty? If he is going active, I know all of the steps I need to follow for health insurance, getting my military ID, applying for housing, etc etc etc. If he is going into the reserves, I have no idea what applies to me and my family. If he is going active, is there a chance he could get stationed overseas? I'd love to live overseas for awhile! Will he get sent to a combat zone? A safe zone? Alaska? Hawaii? Will he have time for us?
Will I be able to handle it if after we are married, we get pregnant, and he gets called away for a year? Will I be able to handle going through a pregnancy AND a birth without my husband? Will he have a chance to know his child?
How long will he be in the service? Will I like it? Will I fit in with all of the other Army Wives? I hope so. But I know I can come off as a bitch a lot of times, maybe they won't like me. Will I be able to find a job? What kind of jobs will be offered where I'm going to live? Can I get a job with the Army? Am I up to the task of making my soldier look good in his superiors' eyes? Absolutely!
Will my children adjust to him as a step father? Will they accept his authority? Will they love him? He already loves them. Will my ex put up a fight when I try to move with the kids? Will they be traumatized by moving away from their father? Am I going to hurt them by doing this? I don't think so. They are resilient.
All of this plus TONS more has been streaming through my head non-stop. I guess I will have answers to some of these questions in time, but I don't like waiting! I really need to work on my patience. I'm an instant gratification sort of girl.
Where are we going to live? Is he actually going into the reserves, or is he going straight into active duty? If he is going active, I know all of the steps I need to follow for health insurance, getting my military ID, applying for housing, etc etc etc. If he is going into the reserves, I have no idea what applies to me and my family. If he is going active, is there a chance he could get stationed overseas? I'd love to live overseas for awhile! Will he get sent to a combat zone? A safe zone? Alaska? Hawaii? Will he have time for us?
Will I be able to handle it if after we are married, we get pregnant, and he gets called away for a year? Will I be able to handle going through a pregnancy AND a birth without my husband? Will he have a chance to know his child?
How long will he be in the service? Will I like it? Will I fit in with all of the other Army Wives? I hope so. But I know I can come off as a bitch a lot of times, maybe they won't like me. Will I be able to find a job? What kind of jobs will be offered where I'm going to live? Can I get a job with the Army? Am I up to the task of making my soldier look good in his superiors' eyes? Absolutely!
Will my children adjust to him as a step father? Will they accept his authority? Will they love him? He already loves them. Will my ex put up a fight when I try to move with the kids? Will they be traumatized by moving away from their father? Am I going to hurt them by doing this? I don't think so. They are resilient.
All of this plus TONS more has been streaming through my head non-stop. I guess I will have answers to some of these questions in time, but I don't like waiting! I really need to work on my patience. I'm an instant gratification sort of girl.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Do a little research please
Went to the gym this morning -- WOOHOO!! I've been such a slacker in that department. But I'm not too happy with the squishyness my thighs and butt have obtained. . . so, off I went. While I was there, I was watching Dr. Phil on the tv in front of me (because my MP3 player died!) and was horrified by what I saw. The show was about Muslim kids being bullied in school. One of these kids fought back and was prosecuted for doing so. These poor kids are dealing with being called "terrorists" all the time and being made fun of and being left out simply because of their religion. It is disgusting. I will be marrying into a Muslim family very soon and I just don't understand why American people have such a bad impression of Muslims. I'm wondering if any of them have actually bothered to try finding out what the religion is about? I mean seriously. How much do people actually know about the religion of Islam besides what they hear on the news? How much do YOU know about it?
I can tell you that I did a lot of research on the subject. I think I've read just about every single book on the topic in the library plus did multiple searches online and absorbed as much information as I could. I learned about everything from the history of the religion to the cultural differences to the languages used to the stereotypes of common day. I can honestly tell you that if you actually took the time to learn a little before judging, you'd probably wouldn't. Islam teaches peace and understanding and above all ACCEPTANCE of other religions and other people. Perhaps we could learn a little from them? Just because there are a few bad apples, doesn't mean that EVERY Muslim is a horrible person. The same could be said about all religions but would it be tolerated if something like that was said of Catholocism? How about if I said that all Jewish people were bad people based on the actions of a few?
Really people. The United States of America is a melting pot. You need to accept this. We as a people are mixed. We have mixed skin color. We have mixed religions. We have mixed ethnicities. It is what makes us who we are. Why do we have to be so cruel to each other? All I'm asking is that you do a little research before coming to any conclusions. You are all allowed your own opinion, but don't form your opinions based on what everyone else is saying. Get the info, decide for yourself.
Ok, I'm stepping off my soapbox for now. :)
I can tell you that I did a lot of research on the subject. I think I've read just about every single book on the topic in the library plus did multiple searches online and absorbed as much information as I could. I learned about everything from the history of the religion to the cultural differences to the languages used to the stereotypes of common day. I can honestly tell you that if you actually took the time to learn a little before judging, you'd probably wouldn't. Islam teaches peace and understanding and above all ACCEPTANCE of other religions and other people. Perhaps we could learn a little from them? Just because there are a few bad apples, doesn't mean that EVERY Muslim is a horrible person. The same could be said about all religions but would it be tolerated if something like that was said of Catholocism? How about if I said that all Jewish people were bad people based on the actions of a few?
Really people. The United States of America is a melting pot. You need to accept this. We as a people are mixed. We have mixed skin color. We have mixed religions. We have mixed ethnicities. It is what makes us who we are. Why do we have to be so cruel to each other? All I'm asking is that you do a little research before coming to any conclusions. You are all allowed your own opinion, but don't form your opinions based on what everyone else is saying. Get the info, decide for yourself.
Ok, I'm stepping off my soapbox for now. :)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Mish Mash
Had a long talk with my mom today. It was nice. I really enjoyed being able to talk to her even though it was on a subject I knew she probably wouldn't approve of (me quitting my job). But she didn't judge me. She made valid points, and if she did any judging, it was silently. Thank you for that Mom!
Finally made it to the beach today too! WooHoo! I've been on vacation for a few days now and today was my first day there! I was careful this time though. Last time I went to the beach (Easter Sunday), I burnt myself silly. I'm not exaggerating. I burnt my body (which wasn't really that bad), I burnt my EYELIDS and I burnt the INSIDES of my ears. Yes, I am that talented. :)
This time I only stayed for an hour and I flipped at the appropriate time.
Oh yeah, about my vacation. It has been extended a bit, but I have not quit, nor am I in any more trouble than I already was. I was finally able to talk to my boss (the other one) today. He suggested that I don't come back to work on Monday because I'm just leaving again on Friday and have Tuesday off. So, instead of coming in for 3 days, he suggested to me that I come in and talk to both him and his business partner when I return from Fort Benning. I agreed. So I get another week of vacation! And just when I was getting sad about this almost being over!! I probably shouldn't be happy about this, but I really can't tell you how long it has been since I've actually had time to myself. I'm loving it. I need it.
And after this news about my vacation extension, I made dinner. I made cheesesteak sandwiches for dinner and corn on the cob. Now, it is just myself and my two little boys living here. My two boys are extremely fussy eaters. They both ate this!!! My oldest even had seconds!! Anyone who knows my children knows that this is a MIRACLE!! I'm so elated. I've finally found another food that they will eat besides chicken nuggets and pizza.
I feel like there was much more I wanted to share today, but it just isn't coming to me. If I remember, I'll post again later.
Finally made it to the beach today too! WooHoo! I've been on vacation for a few days now and today was my first day there! I was careful this time though. Last time I went to the beach (Easter Sunday), I burnt myself silly. I'm not exaggerating. I burnt my body (which wasn't really that bad), I burnt my EYELIDS and I burnt the INSIDES of my ears. Yes, I am that talented. :)
This time I only stayed for an hour and I flipped at the appropriate time.
Oh yeah, about my vacation. It has been extended a bit, but I have not quit, nor am I in any more trouble than I already was. I was finally able to talk to my boss (the other one) today. He suggested that I don't come back to work on Monday because I'm just leaving again on Friday and have Tuesday off. So, instead of coming in for 3 days, he suggested to me that I come in and talk to both him and his business partner when I return from Fort Benning. I agreed. So I get another week of vacation! And just when I was getting sad about this almost being over!! I probably shouldn't be happy about this, but I really can't tell you how long it has been since I've actually had time to myself. I'm loving it. I need it.
And after this news about my vacation extension, I made dinner. I made cheesesteak sandwiches for dinner and corn on the cob. Now, it is just myself and my two little boys living here. My two boys are extremely fussy eaters. They both ate this!!! My oldest even had seconds!! Anyone who knows my children knows that this is a MIRACLE!! I'm so elated. I've finally found another food that they will eat besides chicken nuggets and pizza.
I feel like there was much more I wanted to share today, but it just isn't coming to me. If I remember, I'll post again later.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mission Accomplished
Today's mission: hit the mall and buy pretty dresses and pretty bras/panties.
I started the morning off as usual. Dragging myself out of bed at 6:30 to get the kiddos off to school. As soon as I dropped them off, I crawled back into bed.
I woke with a start. I had a feeling of dread, like I was supposed to be somewhere. Oh yeah, work! Nope, not today I told myself. What a great feeling!
After battling with myself over whether to go to the mall or to the beach, I finally made a decision. I need new dresses and undergarments.
So, I made it to the mall where I proceeded to try on every single summery dress in every single store. I found two that I liked. Which is probably a good thing considering if I had found more, I would have spent a fortune.
Then I went to Victoria's Secret. I got measured and found out I've been wearing the wrong size bra for some time now. Which is a relief! Now I can actually buy bras that fit! The woman was extremely friendly and helpful. And the mirror in the changing room said "STRIP" which I found very amusing. I wound up getting 2 very nice convertable bras (because I like to wear strapless dresses in the summertime) and 4 pairs of panties that are supposedly not supposed to show under your clothes. We will see.
On my way home there were signs along the road that said "State Prisoners at Work." Why do they put these signs up? Is it to let people know that if they take one of the guys out, it is ok because they are hardened criminals? Is it to humiliate the prisoners? Is it to make the drivers scared that they are traveling amongst criminals? I mean really? Can't the signs just say "Men at Work" just like all of the other signs?
Oh yes! I almost forgot to mention the highlight of my day! I picked my boys up at the YMCA today. My youngest was complaining that something was in his shoe and hurting his foot. So, I had him hop into his seat in the car and I stripped off his shoe. Then I saw that his sock was full of dirt and branches and stuff too, so I pulled it off and --- BAM! There was this BRIGHT PINK foot staring at me!! I screamed. My son screamed. And my other son standing, waiting to get in the car screamed. It was a very funny moment. You had to be there.
I started the morning off as usual. Dragging myself out of bed at 6:30 to get the kiddos off to school. As soon as I dropped them off, I crawled back into bed.
I woke with a start. I had a feeling of dread, like I was supposed to be somewhere. Oh yeah, work! Nope, not today I told myself. What a great feeling!
After battling with myself over whether to go to the mall or to the beach, I finally made a decision. I need new dresses and undergarments.
So, I made it to the mall where I proceeded to try on every single summery dress in every single store. I found two that I liked. Which is probably a good thing considering if I had found more, I would have spent a fortune.
Then I went to Victoria's Secret. I got measured and found out I've been wearing the wrong size bra for some time now. Which is a relief! Now I can actually buy bras that fit! The woman was extremely friendly and helpful. And the mirror in the changing room said "STRIP" which I found very amusing. I wound up getting 2 very nice convertable bras (because I like to wear strapless dresses in the summertime) and 4 pairs of panties that are supposedly not supposed to show under your clothes. We will see.
On my way home there were signs along the road that said "State Prisoners at Work." Why do they put these signs up? Is it to let people know that if they take one of the guys out, it is ok because they are hardened criminals? Is it to humiliate the prisoners? Is it to make the drivers scared that they are traveling amongst criminals? I mean really? Can't the signs just say "Men at Work" just like all of the other signs?
Oh yes! I almost forgot to mention the highlight of my day! I picked my boys up at the YMCA today. My youngest was complaining that something was in his shoe and hurting his foot. So, I had him hop into his seat in the car and I stripped off his shoe. Then I saw that his sock was full of dirt and branches and stuff too, so I pulled it off and --- BAM! There was this BRIGHT PINK foot staring at me!! I screamed. My son screamed. And my other son standing, waiting to get in the car screamed. It was a very funny moment. You had to be there.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I'm a winner!!
I usually don't answer the phone when I don't know who it is calling. But tonight I made an exception. I'm not really sure why. Perhaps because I was secretly hoping that it was my fiancee calling from someone else's phone. Anyway, I answered a call tonight not knowing who it was.
It was NOT my fiancee. It was a lady named Joanie.
I had filled out a little slip of paper at a local festival two weekends ago. Turns out, I won a vacation! A real one! Not the suspension that I'm calling a vacation. I have my choice of a Carribbean cruise, a trip to Las Vegas, or a family vacation of any destination I choose.
Of course, there is a catch. I do not have to purchase a time share or join any clubs. I do have to sit through a 90 minute presentation. I think I can handle this. If I really do get the free trip, I can handle 90 minutes of boredom! Especially since I have so much free time on my hands these days, what with not working and such!
I do believe my life is taking a turn. First I get sent on my "vacation" for a week. Then a real vacation falls in my lap. What's next?? Oh! Maybe my man will get stationed in some foreign country where we can take the whole family and learn a whole new culture and language!! Oh man, that would be great! Ok, I'm getting a little too excited here. I'd better stop. I'll write more tomorrow.
It was NOT my fiancee. It was a lady named Joanie.
I had filled out a little slip of paper at a local festival two weekends ago. Turns out, I won a vacation! A real one! Not the suspension that I'm calling a vacation. I have my choice of a Carribbean cruise, a trip to Las Vegas, or a family vacation of any destination I choose.
Of course, there is a catch. I do not have to purchase a time share or join any clubs. I do have to sit through a 90 minute presentation. I think I can handle this. If I really do get the free trip, I can handle 90 minutes of boredom! Especially since I have so much free time on my hands these days, what with not working and such!
I do believe my life is taking a turn. First I get sent on my "vacation" for a week. Then a real vacation falls in my lap. What's next?? Oh! Maybe my man will get stationed in some foreign country where we can take the whole family and learn a whole new culture and language!! Oh man, that would be great! Ok, I'm getting a little too excited here. I'd better stop. I'll write more tomorrow.
Lonely
Evenings and nights are the hardest.
This is the time of day when I really start to miss my man. It is like this wave of lonelyness comes crashing down on me, no matter what I do to try to stop it. I try to keep busy. I help my son with his homework. I make sure my youngest son leaves my older one alone. I serve dinner, clean up dinner, give baths, watch movies. Nothing seems to help. Sadness overwhelms me almost every single night.
I long to be in his arms again. I ache to snuggle up in bed with my head on his chest while we watch youtube videos together. I'd give anything just to be in the same room as him.
It won't be much longer now, but it has already been an eternity.
This is the time of day when I really start to miss my man. It is like this wave of lonelyness comes crashing down on me, no matter what I do to try to stop it. I try to keep busy. I help my son with his homework. I make sure my youngest son leaves my older one alone. I serve dinner, clean up dinner, give baths, watch movies. Nothing seems to help. Sadness overwhelms me almost every single night.
I long to be in his arms again. I ache to snuggle up in bed with my head on his chest while we watch youtube videos together. I'd give anything just to be in the same room as him.
It won't be much longer now, but it has already been an eternity.
Army Trivia
Holy Moly!! Ok, so my fiancee is at Fort Benning going through basic training and AIT. I haven't laid eyes on him since Valentine's Day. Needless to say, I miss him terribly.
But I've been networking on Facebook. I mean, really, what's a girl supposed to do while waiting for her man to get out?? Fort Benning does this trivia every Tuesday at exactly 2pm. They ask a question and the first person to answer correctly gets to have photos taken of their group of choice. Then Fort Benning posts the photos for all to see.
Today was my first time playing. I was on Fort Benning's page, refreshing away, waiting for the question to be asked. In another window I had Google open and waiting. The question flashes. I speedily type in the question and see the answer in Google. I type as fast as I can (and I'm a pretty darn good typist!) into the comment box and refresh. What??? I'm like waaaaaaay behind everyone else! There are a good 60 posts in front of mine!
Oh well, there is always next Tuesday with a chance to see photos of my honey. But my heart is racing now! Who knew that a simple trivia question would turn out to be a good cardio workout! And now that my heart rate is up, I think I'll go do a little wii fit.
But I've been networking on Facebook. I mean, really, what's a girl supposed to do while waiting for her man to get out?? Fort Benning does this trivia every Tuesday at exactly 2pm. They ask a question and the first person to answer correctly gets to have photos taken of their group of choice. Then Fort Benning posts the photos for all to see.
Today was my first time playing. I was on Fort Benning's page, refreshing away, waiting for the question to be asked. In another window I had Google open and waiting. The question flashes. I speedily type in the question and see the answer in Google. I type as fast as I can (and I'm a pretty darn good typist!) into the comment box and refresh. What??? I'm like waaaaaaay behind everyone else! There are a good 60 posts in front of mine!
Oh well, there is always next Tuesday with a chance to see photos of my honey. But my heart is racing now! Who knew that a simple trivia question would turn out to be a good cardio workout! And now that my heart rate is up, I think I'll go do a little wii fit.
Vacation!
Hi everyone! Since this is my first post on this blog, I feel I should probably give you a little background info on myself. However, I'm not going to yet. I'll do that little by little throughout my blogs.
Today is day 1 of my vacation. Well, I'm calling it my vacation, but actually I've been suspended from work for one week because my boss was having a rough day apparently and he was on a bit of a power trip. But I'm all good with it. I work in a restaurant and if any of you have ever done such a job, you know that you can get burnt out. I'm at that stage. So a week away from the place sounds like heaven right about now!
I have big plans! I've already hit AAA today for my TripTik to GA (I leave April 30th!) to see my fiancee at Fort Benning. For the rest of the day I think I'll do some exercise and hit the mall. I need some pretty dresses for my reunion with my future hubby!
I know this is a pretty lame first posting, but I promise it will get better. But for now, I'm going to go work on my profile and then get my stuff done before my kids get out of school. I'll post again soon.
Today is day 1 of my vacation. Well, I'm calling it my vacation, but actually I've been suspended from work for one week because my boss was having a rough day apparently and he was on a bit of a power trip. But I'm all good with it. I work in a restaurant and if any of you have ever done such a job, you know that you can get burnt out. I'm at that stage. So a week away from the place sounds like heaven right about now!
I have big plans! I've already hit AAA today for my TripTik to GA (I leave April 30th!) to see my fiancee at Fort Benning. For the rest of the day I think I'll do some exercise and hit the mall. I need some pretty dresses for my reunion with my future hubby!
I know this is a pretty lame first posting, but I promise it will get better. But for now, I'm going to go work on my profile and then get my stuff done before my kids get out of school. I'll post again soon.
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