Some of My Faves

Since I am gone on vacation and not able to share each day from my heart on my blog... today I wanted to take you back to some oldies, but a goodies, from earlier in the summer. Have you read about my trip to Alta Mons?  Have you read about a marriage proposal I received early in the summer?   Well if not I just wanted to point you to a few of my favorite entries over the last few months.  And if you also blog, in your comments, share a few of your favorite blog entries.

I look forward to your comments!

3:00 AM and All is Quiet

Well it's three AM and I am awake so I thought I would share a few words before going back to bed.  I got tired by 10:00 PM so I went to bed early and let the kids sit up and watch TV and play on video games.  They are old enough now that I can do that... leave them to tend to themselves for a little while.  I guess I am realizing just how much they are growing up.  I have two little people, not babies any more.  (Ok they will always be my babies.)

I want to become more aware of that, though, so I don't let these moments with them pass me by and wonder where they went.  They are growing so fast and change every day.  My son is becoming a young man, and in just five short years will be heading off to college.  My daughter is also getting taller and more mature.  It's hard for me to accept how quickly the years will pass and they will continue to not require "mom's help" as much over time. 

But with that awareness I want to enjoy this week, their last week before they head back to school and we all get wrapped up into the hectic busyness of our routine.  When we return I will be able to share more details and definitely pictures to spell out the story of our week long adventure.  For me, just the time away from our "world" is a thrill and I love the sense of relaxation and taking in each moment as it comes.... Hopefully with this time away, inspiration will hit me and I will be able to come back with many anecdotes and glimpses of our world during the trip... So stay tuned for more...... and very soon perhaps I can also share more about a new guy in my life.  Maybe ;)

Photo Credit:  http://farm1.static.flickr.com/

Technorati Tags: children,single moms,vacation,reflection

School Days and MORNING Routines

Well school will be starting for my children the day after we return from vacation.  Yes, that's right, the very next day.  We have a completely new schedule for our morning routine as well because the district school system here changed the middle schools from starting at 7:00 last year to  starting at 8:47 am this year.  (Yes, that is correct from the letter I received, it is not 8:45 or 8:50 but 8:47 that they will have to be in their seats and the second bell will ring for the day to begin.) 

Last year our routine was early (too early) but smooth.  My son and I were the first to get up and he had to be at the bus stop at 6:45 am.  He didn't take long to get ready and eat breakfast, so we managed with many times getting up about 6:15 or 6:20 and we faired well.  After getting him out of the door I got my daughter up and she was able to get ready (without her brother being in the way) and then we left about 7:40 to get her to school and then I went on to work. 

This year, Kass has to be at school earlier with the new schedule and she will be getting up first.  I will be taking her to school about 7:20 am and then will come all the way back home to get my son ready to catch his bus and hope he doesn't miss it since I have to leave for work before he has to catch the bus.  This makes me concerned, but we will work through it.

What about your morning routine? 

Do you have any special tips you've learned for getting two in different age ranges ready for school and out the door in the mornings without a major hassle every day? 

How do you make sure your teens get on the bus in the morning, if you have to leave them before they get on the bus?

Technorati Tags: children,school days,routine,mornings

Photo Credit: http://fecdiarist.files.wordpress.com

How Do You Not Convince Me? Let Me Count the Ways

Well as I prepare to go on vacation Monday, I wanted to at least get one posted blog up on Sunday for you to read.  I attempted to setup some to post while on vacation. It’s kind of like postdating a check; only you aren’t getting any money, only my thoughts. (I know I heard your sigh of disappointment all the way in Tennessee.) But I am not sure I have that feature mastered yet.

So today I am sharing things I have heard from guys trying to convince me to go out again.

Now I can only speak for myself but have you ever been talking, chatting, getting to know someone, or even as far as go out together with that person and then realize due to some red flags or other reasons that it’s just not going to work out? Sure you have. And then in a gentle friendly way, you share with him/her that its best that you meet other people and move on. At that point, if you are like me, you have come to this logic as a conclusion, not by attempting to play hard to get or to be elusive, right?

So the following are things guys might tell me in effort to convince me to go out again. These are just a few examples of what will NOT change my mind, but they WILL make me laugh:

1. He is planning to buy a new TV to replace his vintage floor model console television that doubles as a piece of furniture in his wood paneled den.
2. He tells me (to impress me) that he could have bought a BMW, but he chose to buy a more cost-effective, practical vehicle.
3. He just knows we are destiny after one date, that we had a definite connection, and thereby we are meant to be together (forever).
4. He sends me a picture message from his cell phone without his shirt on. Nice.
5. He demands a detailed explanation why I don’t want go out a second time and says he deserves it (after one date).
6. He says the phrase, “You can even go to the **** City police department to check me out.”
7. He meant to let me choose the movie when the theater wasn’t showing the film we both planned to see that other night.
8. He wants me to know that he is going to quit living with his parents…. next month.
9. He doesn’t know why that other girl keeps calling me.
10. He doesn’t know why there is someone with his name on the sex offender’s registry list, but it’s not him.

Ok, ok, not all of these are things have been said to me during my dating sagas. I made “a few” of them up. But sadly, seven out of the ten above are actually true! Oh, and if I have shared with a guy nicely that I am not interested, his naked chest isn’t going to do a thing for me. So mental note, if these guys were trying to make me laugh as we parted ways, it worked. :)

Now it’s your turn:

What are some excuses you have heard from girls/guys to convince you to go out with them again?

Come on you have to have some better than these!

Technorati Tags: single moms,dating

The Dating List

This has been List Week on SOLO dot MOM. It just  turned out that way, so I wanted to come up with a unique list for today, Friday. The more I thought about it, I knew the perfect list would be “the dating list.” You all know the recent dating stories, if you have been keeping up with my blog (and if you haven’t here are links to this blog about dating, this blog about dating, and this one of course.) (See I didn’t even take you all the way back to this one.)  But with understanding my 'great' history of this dating game, you must wonder, why do any of us keep doing it? Why do I continue trying again and again, meeting new guys, hanging out with them, and getting to know them?  When it just seems to end in failure or with being just friends, over and over and over again. Quite frankly, I had to ask myself that question; because  I am truly happy being single.  So I need confirmation of why I am putting myself through this continually.

Now here is the list of what I came up with that accounts for why any of us might continue this adventurous life called dating. (At least this is my list):

1. To have something to blog about!
2. To have male companionship that is a step above hanging out with your brother and his friends, where the most compassionate moment all evening will be the slap on the shoulder from one of them that says, “Did you hear that?” (And you can figure out what “that” is.)
3. To have someone interested in hearing every word we say.
4. For the entertainment value… I mean so you can get out and about and enjoy a movie, concert, or a nice restaurant… come on, I wasn’t talking about making fun of it later (psst that is what the blog is for, of course --- only kidding).
5. To gain some experience with dating and get better at it. (Now I have lost count on how many dates I've had since the divorce --- but yes it ranks pretty high up there and so you would think I‘d have this mastered by now.)
6. To learn about ourselves while we are learning about others.
7. To build our self-esteems. We can say we are happy being single all day long, but I want to know one woman who can tell me you don’t want to feel like men are still interested in you, or at least still attracted to you. I can only speak for myself, but I like to feel I am still attractive.
8. To meet the man of our dreams, like ModernSingleMama (or at least close to him) and settle down again someday as a happy family. (Because you remember I already have this list of what I miss from being a married couple)

So there you have it. My Top Eight list of reasons why we continue to pick ourselves up, dust off our hands and feet and get back out there. Dating can be fun, seriously, it can be. Try one of these outings next time, to mix it up a little:

a. Suggest skating instead of a movie…. Can he keep his balance?

b. Try bowling… Did he let you win? Can he show you a better technique?

c. Mention taking a picnic to the park or on the parkway in the afternoon… Did he offer to pack the lunch?

Life and dating can be fun. Don’t let yourself be convinced otherwise. I’m not.

Now it’s your turn.

Why do you continue dating… do you have other reasons we can add to my list?

What are some “different” date activities you could recommend?

Think outside the box.

Photo Credit: http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/

Technorati Tags: dating,single moms,relationships,skating,bowling,picnics,marriage,companionship,self-esteem

My List for ME-TIME

With the kids gone I have had the time to get caught up, of sorts. At least I have gotten caught up on my sleep, caught up on my blog, caught up on my laundry, (for the most part) and caught up on some pending household projects. The only thing I have not gotten caught up on yet is reading my book for book club; but I have just chosen to do everything else instead!

This time I have at home without them makes me miss them, but I do not understand how parents get it all done (so to speak) when they never get a break. I know I have read of single parents who don’t even have the liberty of an “every other weekend” break so they can get caught up on anything! They definitely don’t get three weeks in the summer. So my hat goes off to you single parents that do not even have “the other” parent taking the children off your hands on occasion for their visitations.

However, I would encourage you to find other ways of getting yourself that much needed “me-time” once in a blue moon, at least. Try to leave the child/children for a night or two with a relative, a parent, or a friend that you trust immensely.

This will at least give you a chance to:

1. Sleep in for once.
2. Go out for a late night dinner/dancing/party with friends and let your hair down.
3. Get some uninterrupted time to read, blog, or even clean the house!
4. Listen to grown-up music.
5. Watch a movie that doesn’t
   1. have only teenage movie stars or
   2. have Barney or another cartoon character involved.
   3. (Better yet for number 5 – go to the theater to see that movie.)
6. Plan a mini-vacation with friends, i.e. long weekend away.
7. Go shopping with no one pulling on your clothes or telling you they are tired or bored.
8. Setup an online account for paying bills (so when the children are home, you have a quicker way to get this task done)
9. Organize pictures, either in your online album or in photo albums…. (With kids you always have hundreds of pictures.)
10. Experience true quiet time… ssssshh – Do you hear that? (And yes, it can get a little too quiet after a while; trust me.)
11. Get that painting done you have put off for weeks.
12. Stay with your brother in the emergency room till 2AM because you don’t have to worry about being at home with the kids. (OK, you wouldn’t plan this on your list for “me-time” but it happened to me; and I appreciated the fact I could get up and go without having to worry about where to take the kids.) :)
13. Eat dessert for dinner. Yes I have done that by the way; but I have also been known to do that one even with the kids around (but only once a year as a special thing). I am not a terrible mother; quit that!

Now, you will not be able to splurge and do everything on my list in one weekend of “me-time.” But you can enjoy a few; or you may have a completely different list of your own you would like to indulge when you get that much deserved “me-time.” Heck, even if you are married – you still need some “me-time” every once in a while… away from the kids, away from your schedule and routine (and yes occasionally even away from your spouse). This is not you or me being selfish; it is simply a way of getting that much needed retreat from the chaos of life and responsibility so we can enjoy the renewal and refreshment that results.

I know, at least for me, when my kids get back I will be waiting at that door with open arms and even when they start up with “No, I want to show mom, my souvenirs first!” I will just smile and say…. “I am so glad my babies are home.”

So what is YOUR list for “me-time?”

What do you think I should have been doing over the last two and half weeks while my kids were away?

Now that it’s almost over…. I am thinking, why hadn’t I thought to blog this inquiry weeks ago?!!

Photo Credit: fedexrewardsclub.com/images/shopping_bag_girl

Technorati Tags: single moms,marriage,relationships,me-time,vacation,reading,shopping,children

by Katherine S.

My List of 'Gratitudes'

Monday I shared my life long list of to-dos.

Tuesday I shared my list of characters  prominent in my world.

Following the inspiration from MSM's blog I read yesterday, today I want to share my list of “gratitudes”. For those of you catching my misspelled/non-existent word there, note that for the sake of this blog entry, I am making that a word, a plural noun even. Yes it is my blog - so I am allowed. :)

My GRATITUDES

1. I am grateful my babies are safe and having a wonderful time on vacation. I have talked with Jas and Kass every night by phone since they have been gone. But I miss them, and I am grateful I will see them soon.
2. I am grateful for my family and even more so as I see it shrinking with time.
3. I am grateful for my newfound single mom blogger friends (as well as single dad bloggers) that have become an inspiration to me like ModernSingleMomma and DesperatelySeeking... who have mentioned me in recent posts of their own. You will never know how much that meant to me.
4. I am grateful for an audience interested in reading my blog, my current passion/obsession. Knowing you are interested keeps me striving to perfect my attempts to pour out on paper/the web a small glimpse of my inner being, an intricate view of my outer world.
5. I am grateful for intrigue that keeps me motivated to learn new things every day. I’d like to think I keep an open mind, not only to learn new skills but also to understand new or different ideals each day.
6. (And note, these aren’t necessarily in order of importance by the way.) But I am also grateful for my salvation, my faith, and my strength that lies in Him. For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.  I think it’s obvious through many examples in my life shared right here in my blog that I couldn’t have made it without Him.  It goes without saying; but there, I have said it.

It's good to take time out to be thankful for the good things in your life, your "blessings."  So that's my present list of 'gratitudes.'

Now it’s your turn. What is on your list of “Gratitudes” today?

The Characters

Katherine:  That’s me, the blogger, single mom, dating aficionado ;), with a to-do list of house projects a mile long (Sorry Brooks, looks like I will continue calling on you till I find the special guy for my life to help. :)  I love my children and pour myself into them and learn from them every waking day.

Jas: My first born. My son is thirteen, and a genius. I am in love with him. My love for my son is just as great as it is for my daughter - but in a different way. I am intrigued by his incredible genius and when you wait for it… wait for it…. he will open up and share his imagination like no other person I have ever met. I know there will come a day he will find his “soul mate” but until then I am going to enjoy the moments with him…. and my daughter…. to the best of my ability.

Kass: My baby girl. My princess is already nine years old and she thinks she is more like fourteen. She is already boy crazy and couldn’t be sweeter if she tried. She’s a hard worker and doesn’t mind helping me around the house (most of the time :). She has a big heart and everything is dramatic in her world. I love to hear her stories about her day… and who doesn’t like whom, and who is cool, (for that day at least).

***UPDATE:

When I originally posted this blog on “characters” in my life, there was no Mr. C.  But now I want to officially add him here as a Character…(2012)

Mr. C.: The new man in my life (love of my life).  We are currently in a relationship that is beyond words.  And you can read more about him here .

*****

Mary: My sister. I need to share more about our relationship perhaps in a future blog. We are only eighteen months apart in age. We are close but very different in a lot of ways. She has a husband named Keith and three girls: Emmy, Faith, and Rose. She is a blessed stay-at-home mom.

Matt: My big bro. We are closer now than when we were growing up at home. He has done quite well for himself and is very successful. I am proud of him. To say he is passionate about cars, is putting it mildly when it comes to his hobby. He buys and sells cars more often than anyone, no question. His wife is “V” who is also a very good friend of mine. They have four dogs. Yes that is correct – four dogs.

TB: She is my best friend. I think she qualifies. I have known her since I was a young teenager. I used to babysit her son when he was two and he is now 24 years old. She is who I call on when I need anything. She is close enough that I consider her like family.

Brooks: My guy friend, one of the best of them. I have known Brooks for over two years now and we’ve always been “just friends”. He comes into town to assist with home improvement projects, when they are more than I can handle. We lean on each other by conversation and bouncing off our latest dating stories. He always says, I pray for you every day. Thanks for that.

Keith R.: My guy friend, another one of the best of them. We have been friends for eight years now. We’ve worked together on networking projects. He has taught me quite a bit about computer technology and over the years we have developed a close friendship. For the most part he has a GF we’ll call “A”.

Dr. B.: My boss, my mentor, my father-figure. His wife we will call by her initials, SB.

Pat and Jan: Directors at my office, and also very good friends that I can call on at a moment's notice, remember? My daughter has especially grown fond of this couple and they are great role models for her and my son.

Happy and Jovi: Our pets at home. Two dogs: one is the age of 84 in dog years and he is a mix breed of cocker spaniel and retriever and the other is only 7 in dog years and she ¾ miniature Dachshund and ¼ Chihuahua. I have them for the kids. But we all love ’em.

That's several that you will find mentioned from time to time in my world of solo 'momhood.'  Hope this helps clarify things... now that you know these wonderful people in my life, you will just have to go back and read the links so you can better understand who I was talking about.

Find yourself... keeping it real.

Life Long Goals:

Before the end of my days I would like to:

1. Hug my children every day no matter how old they get and watch them grow into successful adults with families of their own.
2. Write a book and have it published.
3. Take my kids to Disney World and someday go to Hawaii.
4. Love the man of my dreams till the end of time.
5. Move into a big house in the suburbs.

I love lists. I will make a list of things to do just for the sake of crossing them off! I do not only have life long goals but also career goals and I keep a running to-do list of things that need to be done around the house, constantly prioritizing the items and changing them around. But this is a special to-do list; this is my life long to do list. I never want to let go of what I aim to do over the years, nor do I want to wait till it’s too late. So I know I need to start planning now for getting that book off the ground, and I plan to start scheduling over the next 12 months to set a date for that trip to Disney World and later I will have to plan Hawaii.

So obviously, most of these are “somewhat” in my control. I do have to save the money to take the trips; and perhaps get a raise to move into the house of my dreams in the suburbs; but I know that I also rely on God’s timing because it is important as well.

And I really do believe that in His timing He will also bring this “man of my dreams” into my life. I just hope it’s not like the dream I had last night! I dreamt I met “the perfect guy.” I got excited even when I was talking to him on the phone. He made me feel all “tingly” and warm when he came into the room. But just before I woke up, I was standing in a crowded room talking with him. It was like we were the only ones in the room for that moment as he told me he felt the same way about me, and he took my hand in his. Then as he walked away and released my hand, I looked down and saw a wedding ring! Not exactly what I mean when I say, “man of my dreams,” by the way, because even in my dreams lately, the relationships are a failure before they begin!

Now it’s your turn.

• What are your “life long goals?”  Do you have three to five you could share?
• What do you think about this CRAZY dream?

Dating Again, Part2: How Many Lies Does it Take to Get to the Center of .....?

No it's not a typo.... and I'm not talking about a tootsie roll pop. Wish I was.

How many lies does it take to get to the center of the truth?

In my latest blogs I have been asking the questions about some concerns I had about my dating again, remember me?

But what has occurred over the last few days has become very interesting as this dating "scenario" continued to play out.

Where do I start....? I just began dating this guy, we’ll call “S” a little over a week ago. We went out twice and already had plans for a third and even a fourth date. I have mentioned him on my blog page when I was so glad I painted my toenails for him. Well after being inspired by another single mom and her finding out that her recent potential dating companion was listed on the national registered sex offenders list, I started investigating a little more information online because something wasn't adding up with "S."

Sparing you the whole story I will just say the good news is, "S" is not on the registered sex offenders list.  The bad news is, I found his high school info and realized he lied to me about his age - by about 6 or 8 years. Furthermore, when I confronted him - he still denied it, repeatedly - to the point that when he knew what I had found online he claimed it was someone else and insisted that he graduated in 87.  So then I asked - "Then what year were you born?" He answered 1972. So that means he graduated at the age of 15! Well that's when he just got off the phone because he realized he's terrible at lying and not so good at math either.

When he knew it was over, the next day, I texted him that it wasn't the age that mattered to me but  it was his dishonesty. Going back and forth he stated that he wonders if I could ever trust him again. It would take a great deal for me to trust him... but do I even give him that second chance?

There's More To Life, Than Dating

I have been known to say more than once, “There is more to life than just ‘dating’.” And today I read an article that proved I am not the only one who thinks so, and by my definition, that means I am not a geek! So, today as I continue to work on my blog post, ironically– “Back in the dating game, Part II”, I give you this link to singleedition.com and a quote to entice you… “There's no rule that says we have to be dating to be happy and fulfilled. In fact, I think we get burnt out more easily when we put our love lives under that kind of pressure.”

What do you do to keep from getting so obsessed with the dating game, or with relationships in general?

What interests/hobbies fulfill you and make up who you are becoming as a person?

Have you gotten burnt out on the whole dating scenario?

What strategy have you found works best in reaching out to make new friends?

Take a minute to share your thoughts here and then check out the story/interview and let me know what you think.

 

Technorati Tags: single moms,dating,single,relationships,friendships,hobbies

A Weekend SAVED

Weekends are made for....
napping,
dancing,
laughter,
relaxing,
festivities,
eating good food,
blissful spontaneity,
light hearted jesting,
enjoying great company, &
sleeping till noon.
And this past weekend was saved for....
planning,
slaving,
banter,
stiffening,
swarming bees,
eating good food,
meaningful productivity,
wholehearted sacrificing
enjoying great company &
sleeping till 7am!

I will be gleaning from this past weekend for weeks and months to come.  I have been longing for some time to get the four trees cut down that had grown up against my house as well as my son's room painted, a project that was started weeks ago.

I don't own a chainsaw and had made plans to call a landscaping company or lawn service to get a quote for cutting down the trees.  It's not that I am against the benefits of nature, especially trees and the wealth of qualities they add to our environment, but these trees were literally growing up next to the base of my house in three different corners of the structure.  They were not only an eyesore but were destroying the guttering on my house every time the wind blew. So when my good friend Brooks offered during a recent visit to bring his chainsaw on his next visit, I took him up on it!  Cutting all four trees wasn't easy.  And cutting into the second one, it fell and released a swarm of yellow jackets that flew up  from an underground nest near the tree.  Brooks didn't see the bees and asked me to grab the top of the tree to drag it out and away from the house for cutting.  I just stood there, pointing, not able to say a word for a moment, dumbfounded by the swarming bees disturbed from their resting place.  Finally I got the word out: BEES!  Brooks immediately saw them with that remark, and jolted in the opposite direction.

No one was stung and we were able to finish the job once they settled down.  Cutting the trees to a permissible length for the city to pick up and dragging them out to the curb was quite time consuming and very tiring work, especially for the guy with the chainsaw. But we finished and now the yard and the house both look more spruced up.  Plus I am glad we found the bees (instead of my kids coming back home in later weeks finding them).  A quick side note: I have already had a rep from my pest control company to come and treat both nests he found, just Monday. 

The other project completed in our two-day marathon was my son's room.  I have been in the process of "repainting" and updating furniture for weeks now.  I had recently bought him a new bed that he picked out and it suited his age.  But the painting had come to a standstill.  It required moving heavy furniture and tedious effort because he wanted it in three different colors to make it cool, of course.  I thought I would just have my thirteen year old help me, to take some ownership and pride in what we had accomplished, because he would be the one reaping the reward.  But every weekend home became quickly filled up with my thirteen year-old's activities or my nine year-old's activities; and with summer underway there were movies to see and sleep-overs in full swing that kept us from getting the project completed.  Again in conversation about my dilemma, Brooks offered to let me borrow his "power roller" to finish the job "in no time."  I was thrilled at the thought of knocking out the much dreaded paint project, and the quicker the better.  So he brought it down the same weekend as the chainsaw and we both went at the project with enthusiasm.  Only, we finished the job, and did it all without the aid of the power roller.  He meant well, but when he arrived and started unpacking tools it was quickly realized he had left some necessary parts of the power roller at home.  No big deal, however, because even with regular rollers and brushes, we knocked out the black chalkboard wall and the gray walls and ceiling in no time. And it was an amazing makeover.  I wish I had taken before and after photos. 

So the weekend proved to be quite productive and I am grateful to my good friend, Brooks.  Oh, but don't think I am going to allow him to be so helpful without my returning the favor.  He already has plans for us "save another weekend" to redo his bathroom.  More painting, oh joy, how did he know I "love" painting! 

Technorati Tags: weekends,single moms,home improvement,yardwork,painting

I'm so glad I painted my toenails for him!

If you are a single parent, you can relate that it’s hard to find time to wash the clothes, wash your hair, or even brush your teeth. So if you are going to find time to do the extras like paint your toenails for us moms, you have to make that time, aka "steal" that time from somewhere else. But this was my first date after the dating ban that lasted a total of seven weeks ended Monday night. I had made the decision to get off work 1/2 hour early, go home, shower, wash my hair, and even paint my toenails before meeting my date at my fave restaurant.

But we had a good time, so I have no regrets for taking the extra time to "primp" for him. He was worth it and I came home smiling all the way.

Now here is the rest of the story. First of all this was just a first date. Second I have to keep a small guard up because: a. he has never been married; and b. never been a parent. So my paralysis of analysis kicked in following the great evening as I "rehashed" all the details with a good friend by phone. (Thanks btw.) But the final conclusion was:

1. I am interested.

2. I do want to go out again.

3. I am preparing for the possible I-don’t-want-to-be-a-step-dad-syndrome to kick in.

4. I am guarded and at the same time looking for possible chemistry.

5. I do want to see where this goes but it will be a while before I commit to an exclusive relationship (with anyone).

6. Happy he's local.

7. Did I mention he's local?

Keeping a balance is what the summation of my hour long ‘convo’ came to. A balance between wanting this to work for the sake of a chance at a local relationship with a mentally and financially stable kind of guy and keeping an open mind to what I can learn about him and grow to enjoy about his company and what he can bring to a relationship; or bring into my life and thereby what I can also bring into his.

· Do I have baggage to deal with?

· Do I have insecurities about my next relationship?

· Am I rightfully guarded?

I am thinking working through all these things, is a part of what the journey is about with the right guy/girl combination. When you care about getting to know someone that can eventually grow into caring "about" someone; and with him right down the road, in my book, I just cleared half the battle!

My brother Matt's recent b-day party... the best!!

AllTOP

Recently I was added to Alltop.com.  First I want to tell them thank you, I am honored. Next while I am posting this I want to check to see if I have been deleted by any chance, lol.

Ok, sigh of relief, I am still there, and not at the very bottom any more!  Well you know I must be doing SOMETHING right if Alltop.com thinks it's cool, right!?  I also had a comment left on my blog recently by another blogging reference site, http://www.m80parents.blogspot.com.  They list blogs of parents in different walks of life and highlight them.  I send thanks out to them as well.

Most of all, thanks to all who stop by and read my blog, especially those that post comments from time to time.  I enjoy the feedback.  When you get a minute, rate my blog as well (blogged rate  link, bottom right column).  My plans are to list my characters by reference and description soon, for those following my story as it unfolds each day of my life, so you can feel a little more connected and make it easier to keep up.  Well let me know if you enjoy reading... remember I love the feedback.  More postings very soon. I promise!