I like the ME that I See

Over year ago I was still living in Florida, working my real estate job and living my life as a full time single mom to the rugrats, carrying on the long distance relationship with Mr. Man as we got reaquainted with each other all over again. We were together at least every other weekend for 18 months, he came to Florida most weekends, I traveled too. We loved meeting on Tybee Island for Honeymoon weekends!  

Halloween 2009 ~ I was in a wheelchair and they took turns pushing, I was still able to be a part of the Trick or Treat Fun!

During the week, the kids and I stayed busy as ever with a packed schedule. I kept us occupied and doing things together; We had library night weekly, BFF dinner night, Spaghetti night with the kids sometimes,  Mexican dinner night out most weeks and the monthly Art Walk down town as well as events going on at the beach, we were there if at all possible. I always tried to have as much FUN with the rugrats and their friends as possible. Mr. Man fit nicely into our family and spent time with my daughter one on one at the Pier fishing as well as taking the time to get to know my teenage son and ALL his friends.

  ME with my son May 2010 ( hard to get him to take a photo with mom any more)

There were many extra rugrats (teenagers) in our home; since my son was in 7th grade, he asked if a kid could stay with us for a bit because his mom lived in a hotel and his friend was riding a city bus to get to the school bus stop out side our apartments. I said yes and that began the consistent flow of kids that were in need for many years. Our house was always FULL of extra bodies but they were safe and that made me happy ~ The Ultimate  "Paying It Forward" that I could do! I miss my extra 'kids', I love them all and think about them, still worry about some.... and pray for them all (Another Blog subject entirely)

ME in 2001 ~ I've come a LONG way since his Middle School years!!!

As I prepared for Open house tonight for my daughter's 7th grade year, I looked in the mirror at an entirely different person from 1 year ago and way different from the woman I was 8 years ago as I took my son to Middle school.

I like the woman I see; wise beyond her years, compassionate and empathetic, more calm and relaxed about life, accepting of the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. Knowledge of self really opens your eyes to others, I think its like the quote I read once says...What we see in others is a direct reflection of ourselves, good and bad.

ME in November 2008 ~ I took this and framed it as a gift for MR. Man

What I see in others that I like, I can try to emulate because that is a reflection of who I want to be, if it is something I don't like , I realize its something I need to work on within myself. There is always room for improvement and as I mature, I will continually look for the good in others so I can learn from them.

ME with my Daughter March 2010 ~ We both celebrated Birthdays ~ she is now 12 =)

The lines in my face, the body that is now 40,  the stubborn white hair that I have to cover up, the aches and pains, the body parts that just don't work like they used to or stay the same, but nothing stays the same, change is inevitable!  I look at these photos and see how much the rugrats have grown in just the last 2 years. I am proud to be their Mom ~ they challenge me and encourage me without even being aware of the impact it has on my life, to have the privilege of giving them life still amazes me sometimes! 

I embrace it, it is challenging but necessary for us to evolve and grow so we can live to our full potential! 

ME with Mr. Man on Tybee Island for his 41st Birthday celebration!

I like the ME that I See  ~ 5 years ago I would not have imagined feeling this way!

It's another one of those miracles in my life.....I am Blessed!

This is my Crazi Crazi

RELIEF!! That is what I am feeling right at the moment... I have soo many doctor appointments to keep since the accident and getting a ride everywhere can be soo very frustrating!! I am grateful for all my friends who help me out on a daily basis and I know that I would be lost without their dedication to our friendship in my time of need. I know this is only a temporary situation but its still a pain in the ASS!! I cant wait to drive again!! Not to mention that the ex-factor isn't taking Savanna to school ~ stating she is sick and I cannot verify it, she doesn't sound sick....I have good health insurance for her yet he never wants to take her to the doctor when she isn't feeling well...What am I to do??? I know her grades are good but thats not a reason to let her play 'hooky' whenever...and she has to miss alot of school before it is considered truant even though he is willfully not taking her just because he "doesnt feel like it" is how he explained it to me...Calgon cannot take me far enough away from him!!!!

I had to cancel my physical therapy appointment today, the office is crazy with the boss out of town and I could not get everything done if I had take the 2 hours out of my day to go...I am doing my ' PT homework' daily and will make sure I go the appointment I have on Friday...I don't want my healing to suffer b/c of my dedication to my job, I just want to be able to sleep at night without worrying about what I did not get done in the office. I am taking time to type this out for a quick break from the phones etc... Having just gotten back to work before they left for Europe for 2 weeks was a little overzealous on my part but they had this trip planned since late last year and I didn't want them to cancel it...so here I am! I am anxious about everything I am expected to handle and I know I am capable, its just alot for one person to shoulder... The company I work for manages about 500 residential homes all over Jacksonville and staying on top of it is a nightmare for ONE person!! Coming back after being gone for 3 months is not easy either!! I know I can handle this its just not an ideal situation.

I talked to my BFF Nichole in California last night. I introduced her to this amazing theraputic blogging page last week, she loves it!! We have known each other since we were 18 years old and I cherish our friendship so very much, we don't get to see each other in person very often but are always in each others hearts. Its ironic how we have gone through the same experiences in our lives just at different times and have been able to lean on each other every time...We shared our pregnancies with our daughters across the miles, I was in Florida she was in California and we were due a month apart...I was happy to have her to share it all with and I am thankful to know she is a forever friend no matter how long we go without a real 'in person' hug!! Talking to her is always theraputic for me, whether its about stuff I am going thru or her stuff, its good to reflect on how far I have come and I am happy I can help her out with the knowledge that comes from 'been there done that'.

If I can just make it thru till Thursday night... can't wait to see my sweetheart, I miss him soo very much! I cannot imagine how the military spouses do it for months at a time, God Bless them!

I am anxious about the trip to Columbia for Thanksgiving. I know it will all work out, just stressing about everything right now!! I hate that Savanna is supposedly sick but I cannot talk to her and dont know when she will be back at school, hopefully tomorrow he will take her back....Hopefully....and tomorrow is another day :)