Not-So-Normal Mom

My new mission, which can also be described as a Christmas miracle, is to win tickets on our local radio station to either Disneyland or the Wild Animal Park! I'm broke, and the boys would just love it!!!!! It could happen, right????
Peace Out,
Mom

So my little guy caught the bug. I really don't like missing work. But, hey...they don't get sick just on weekends, right? He's so cute when he's sick...minus all of the mucus, coughing, and sniffling. He's all snugly and lovey. He's much more chipper than the big boys when he's sick. He keeps saying he's not sick anymore. Cute! Anyway, I think one more day at home will fix him up good...I hope!
Peace Out,
Mom

I like when we find simple pleasures on days off. We went for a walk to the grands today, and on the way back, we stopped by the "pond" at the golf course to feed the ducks. I think the two youngest were convinced that they could befriend them. It didn't work so well! The dog just really wanted to eat the ducks! I love them all. It's great.
Peace Out,
Mom

My boss can be such a fuck-face!

As much as I hate to admit it, I've caught a cold. I pride myself on never getting sick. I must have mocked the sickos one too many times. Oh well. I took the day off to nurse my cold, but I just feel like I'm wallowing in illness. I guess I'll go back to work tomorrow and attempt functionality. I hope I'm not too bitchy.
Peace Out,
Mom

My middle son left for 6th grade camp on Monday. I am feeling really sad about it, and I'm not altogether sure why I feel this way. Well, that's not true. My son is being bullied at school. He is really the nicest boy in the world and boys are assholes. They take advantage of his niceness and have decided that he's gay. They pretend that he has a disease and walk around him. I'm afraid that when he gets back, he will have had a really bad time and I'll feel like a really bad mom for sending him away. I'm really hoping that he is having a fantastic time and that all the boys will bond and forget all of their previous animosities. Wishful thinking, I know, but a mom can hope, right? When my oldest left, I wasn't worried at all. He had a great time and has nothing but happy memories about camp. I'm hoping that it will be the same for my middle guy.
Peace Out,
Mom

I quit my job counting money at night. I did this for two reasons: They were moving the job to a morning position, and I have another job in the morning. Also, if I were to continue on at the company, I would have to work on the sales floor. At Christmas. Yeah...no.
Hopefully, I will now be able to spend more time with family and friends. I'm looking forward to it! I already have plans this Saturday and next...when people found out I have some more free time, they started calling!! This is a good thing, but I could use some more "me" time.
My middle son is going to camp on Monday!! To be honest, I'm a little nervous. When my oldest went away two years ago, I wasn't so nervous. He is a bit more mature and makes new friends easily. He is really gregarious and cocky! However, my middle son is a different kind of guy. He is VERY nice. I tell people all the time that he's then nicest boy I've ever met, and I mean it! But that means that people take advantage of him and pick on him, which hurts me. I hope that he has a good time at camp. I want it to be a positive experience for him, and not something that he looks bad on as the time "mom sent me away to be abused for a week." Ya know??? Oh, my nerves.
We've made travel arrangements to go to New Jersey for a little over a week starting the day after Christmas. All five of us. I am looking into things we can do in the area so that we aren't cloistered in the house with my mother-in-law all week. She is no longer accustomed to the noise and activity of three rowdy boys. I don't want to see her look of disapproval pointed in their direction. I'm barely used to it pointed in my direction.
Peace Out,
Mom

I'm not feeling especially Halloween-ey. I don't really know why...Usually I love this holiday, but my kids aren't so into it this year and that kind of rubs off on me. I am also really tired...as usual! I've quit one of my jobs so that I can have some more time. I'm really looking forward to it! Friday is my last night counting money at night. Yeah! I hope everyone goes out tonight and has some mischievous, wicked fun!!!

Peace Out,

Mom

I was remarking to a blogger friend that I may have finally reached the point where my foundation is cracking. I am growing weary of this busy life. It is just non-stop! I need a break. My brain hurts. My kids are great and they really help to keep me sane. They are the reason I work so hard, and yet they are the reason I don't want to work at all. Weird, huh? Back to the grind...
Peace out,
Mom

1. After reading about the woman who was allowed extra time to take her medical exams, I felt a little heartache for women across America. Do we really want to ask for more than what everyone else gets??? Before you ask...yes, I was a breastfeeding mom. I breastfed all three of my sons. Proudly. And discreetly. I was not one to whip out the boob while eating at a restaurant, or while on public transportation. I also had a productive, normal life, and I didn't ask for accommodations. I found out after reading more about this case that the woman had already been granted a whole extra day for her ADHD and dyslexia. She's taking her medical exams. To be a doctor. Anyone else worried? Quit bitching lady. It seems to me that you are just a big whiner.

2. I'm thirsty for knowledge. Just when I think I've learned enough about something, somebody asks me a question that I don't have the answer for, and I have to go and read about it even more. I don't like not knowing.

3. I saw the sky the other night, and it looked so amazing to me. Then, I just got angry with myself because I couldn't think of any way to describe it to someone else. I couldn't find the words to explain what it looked like, or how it made me get that feeling right before you are about to cry. You know, that feeling where you can almost feel tears well up and your chest tingles, and your body just is waiting, expecting something...

4. People disappoint me. But I'm starting to think that it's really just because I'm a bitch. I expect too much, and I should just be happy about who people are and accept them.

5. Once you have reached a certain age, and you look, I mean really look, at yourself, and you realize that your character needs an adjustment...is it possible?

6. The Jena 6...hmmmm...What those white boys did was so wrong on so many levels, and they should be punished. However, those boys should not have beaten that boy. Two wrongs don't make a right. I just don't think this is something the Al Sharpton needs to defend. It's almost like he's saying it's okay that they beat him. What happened to pacifism and speaking out against injustices without violence? We are supposed to stand up and shout to draw attention when something awful happens. We shouldn't lash out with violence.

7. My boys rock. My middle son just read the last two Harry Potter books in three weeks. During the last book, he laughed and cried, and shared with me what was happening. I just felt so proud. My oldest was in the kitchen two nights ago, and was rifling through the pantry, searching for food to fill his ever-growing appetite, and lifted his shirt. Lo and Behold, he had a six pack. He's growing. Little man can ride a bike. Not without training wheels, but still. He's also learning how to write his name. And when he says good bye to me in the morning at daycare, he hugs me tight and strokes my hair as he looks around the room for something to do. So sweet.

8. My husband makes me so very happy. I came across a post on http://thismustallmakesense.blogspot.com/ that says "Sometimes it takes one relationship to incinerate your wick. And you can never be lit again." I couldn't disagree more. I found someone that keeps my flame burning, although some had tried before. Although they may have burned it up a bit, none has kept this fire burning like my husband. Even though we are so very busy, we find time for each other, and it makes all the difference. Sometimes he frustrates me, sometimes I get on his nerves, but in the end, it's all about the love, baby. It's he and I against the world!! ;-)
Peace Out,
Mom

On Sunday, my husband went fishing. Besides the fact that he caught quite a few fish, it turned out to be an awful trip. That's not what I'm posting about, however. What I'm posting about is what someone said to him as he was leaving. He was in the parking lot and he was SO ready to leave and go home. As he was driving away, someone said, "Good job, ni**er." Now, I haven't heard that word used in a derogatory manner in quite some time, except on TV or in the movies. I always just assumed that if I did hear it, I would just consider the source, and move along. However, I now realize that words hurt. I'm a little upset. I don't know what I'll do if anyone ever says that in reference to my son. I may just kill someone.
I thought today would be a good day to post my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. quote. Just something to inspire me to be a better person, you know?


"The hour has come for everybody, for all institutions of the public sector and the private sector to work to get rid of racism. And now if we are to do it we must honestly admit certain things and get rid of certain myths that have constantly been disseminated all over our nation.
One is the myth of time. It is the notion that only time can solve the problem of racial injustice. And there are those who often sincerely say to the Negro and his allies in the white community, "Why don’t you slow up? Stop pushing things so fast. Only time can solve the problem. And if you will just be nice and patient and continue to pray, in a hundred or two hundred years the problem will work itself out."
There is an answer to that myth. It is that time is neutral. It can be used wither constructively or destructively. And I am sorry to say this morning that I am absolutely convinced that the forces of ill will in our nation, the extreme rightists of our nation—the people on the wrong side—have used time much more effectively than the forces of goodwill. And it may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, "Wait on time." "

Peace Out,
Mom

"There is a shortage of perfect breasts in this world.
It would be a pity to damage yours."

-Princess Bride

Peace Out,
Mom

I've been working at the College for well over two years. A semester ago, a new Coordinator came on at the Writing Center who was more conservative and rigid than the others. She deemed my tops to be too low cut. WTF??? I ALWAYS dress in business attire; however, sometimes I'm a little more relaxed in the summer when it is too hot to suit up. However, I don't dress like a bum. Yesterday, I was feeling especially pretty, and I even took time to shave my legs in the morning. Then, when I got into work, people told me that I looked pretty and I felt really good-for about an hour. Then, the Clerk at our Center told me that my dress was too low cut. She said that they have talked to me before about it, and that I can't wear anything that shows my breasts.
I have big boobs. Large Hooters, Grande Ta-Tas, Huge Melons. Unless I wear a turtleneck, they draw a bit of attention. I have actually been told that what I am wearing would be okay if I had a flat chest. After complaining to one of our coordinators, I was told that he "didn't want to see a line." He was of course, referring to my cleavage. Again, unless I wear a turtleneck, you are going to see "a line."
I am getting especially frustrated because at this point, I feel like they look at what I wear everyday and scrutinize my cleavage. Also, I feel like I am being discriminated against for being a "big girl." I HATE to throw that out there, but when someone actually says, "it would be okay if you were flat-chested," then that, to me, sounds like I am being singled out because I am endowed with large breasts. I even had the same coordinator tell me that I was the reason that one of our mentally disabled students was unable to focus; he was distracted by my chest.

So, here's me in my dress yesterday. Tell me what you think. I'll listen, I promise.
Peace Out,
Mom

When assaulted with feelings of desperate unworthiness, and when I feel like I can't do a single thing right, I yearn for the times when I am home, and my children think I am the smartest, prettiest, most capable person they have ever met. Sometimes I really just need to be home.

My Oldest started football practice in July. Saturday was his first game, and to be honest, I was a little nervous. He played receiver, and although the ball was never passed to him, he was still involved in much of the game. I noticed that my mom was turning his head when it even looked like he was going to be involved in a tackle. I was trying to be brave and supportive, but GEEZ! I would much rather he play the piano or something. He's really very good at it, and he looks so handsome in his football gear. I'm just being silly, really. They lost the first game, which was hard on them since they had won all of their scrimmages, but it was good to get that first game under his belt. I'll post pictures later...I'm at work now without the camera!
Peace Out,
Mom

All of these jobs, school, and family are slowly killing me. I'm just so tired. I really thought I was strong enough to do all of this, but perhaps I'm a bit too old for this. I'm tired of complaining about being tired. I miss my kids. This isn't fun. I know that it is temporary, so that is maybe what is keeping me going. And my big scary mortgage staring me in the face. And these boys eating more the older they get. Whatever. I'm just tired.
Peace Out,
Mom

My little man started daycare last week. It really is heart-wrenching for me! At first, he really wanted to go, and he wanted me to leave him there. However, now he cries because he doesn't want to go. We wake up very early, and God knows he is not an early morning kind of guy! So, he starts off the day in a foul mood. By the time we get there, he has told me about 45 times that he doesn't want to go. He also says really heart breaking things like "why do you want to leave me momma?" and "Will you miss me all day?" Geez, talk about a guilt trip. Believe me, I would MUCH rather be with him!! He is the first of my children to go to daycare, and I'm really torn up about it. I don't like it at all. The facility is fantastic, and the teachers are wonderful, but I would just rather be with him, you know??? So how long will this protest last??? Will there come a time where he just goes to daycare without all of the fuss? Oh my, this is going to be interesting.
Peace Out,
Mom

I got my new D.ell computer in the mail today. No, I did not go the M.ac route. I found what I needed in this inexpensive laptop and I am very pleased. I don't need it for anything fancy; I just need it for school and work. I finally figured out how to get it hooked up to our wireless Internet. My husband thought he was being safe when he set up our wireless Internet service at home with a password he could never, ever remember. Cute. It took me forever to figure out how to access our stuff!!! Getting older does some interesting things to your memory. Anyway, even though I have many jobs, a few classes, and some ornery boys, I'm hoping this will help me out some. Tomorrow, I will post about my little man's first day of day care. I almost threw up...really.
Peace Out,
Mom

A new semester is starting next week.
I applied for a new job and I am impatiently awaiting news.
I was offered a fourth job, and I am going to take it.
Little man starts all-day daycare next week and I am very nervous.
I am going to Legoland tomorrow with little man and a friend.
Peace Out,
Mom

We went camping last weekend at Cuyamaca. It was great fun; we even brought the dog. She was pretty awesomely dirty! My husband threw her in the lake a couple of times to try to get some of the dirt off of her, but I don't think it helped much! We had a great time with the kids. Everyone really had a good time spending quality time together. We played cards and cooked things on the open fire. We went for a couple of walks and paddle-boated on the lake. Mostly, we talked and relaxed. It was nice to be away from things for a while and chill. My camera is broken, which really super sucks, so I don't have any pictures. Sadness.

Peace Out,

Mom

So, I am here at work and it is very, very slow...It is a beautiful day outside, and I'm really longing to go out and enjoy it, but I won't be out of here until 8. Then, it's time to get the kiddos ready for school tomorrow. I don't know why I am so happy for them to return. Looking back, I'm always shocked that I am happy they are returning to school, but I don't really know why. This time, they were bickering with each other in the end. Also, middle son has taken to arguing with little man. It's really ridiculous considering they're seven years apart!
Last week, My hubby and I went out on a little date. We dropped the kids off at G-parents and went to the batting cages. Now, I haven't been to the batting cages in eons, so I forgot all the rules. Number one rule being: Take off your wedding ring before you proceed to bat. I was rewarded with a nice blood blister on my left hand. Yeah, gross.
AND, in the process of carrying the treadmill upstairs, I dropped it on my foot. This getting healthy things sucks. Or is it getting old that sucks? Whatever.
Peace Out,
Mom

My oldest is going back to school tomorrow!!!! Thank God for year-round school!!!! Middle Boy goes back on Tuesday. This is going to be a glorious week. I can just feel it...
Peace Out,
Mom

So, although I am not gay, I support everyone's right to love, get married and create a family. Happy Pride Day Everyone! Write to your Congressmen and tell them your beliefs!! Right Now.

“Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common” - Dorothy Parker

Peace Out,

Mom

My Father's Day post is a little late this year. These three men effected my life in different ways. My dad taught me what a man is supposed to be. He taught me how a man should treat his family. When I was younger, and in the throes of my teenage years, I would often scream and shout and say that I hated him. Looking back, I know those words hurt him, even though I don't think he'd ever admit it! When my kids were born, I realized just how much I put him through. He is such an invaluable part of our lives now. He is still a great dad, a great grandfather, and a wonderful husband to my mom. My husband says he's not too shabby as a father in law, either!

My Father-in-law raised my husband to be a wonderful man, so I must give tribute to him, as well. He passed away last year, and I don't think our lives will ever be the same. My husband has changed since then, and it has changed the way we all think about life and love. When I knew him, he was quiet most of the time, but never afraid to offer up his opinion. He held strong beliefs and I admire him for that. When he passed, the curch overflowed with people who had come to pay their final respects; that has to say something about how well-liked he was.

My husband is just awesome. He is a wonderful provider and an amazing father and husband. I write about him on here all the time because he is just so fun to spend time with and he makes me happy. I'm not one of those freaky women that maks her life revolve around her husband, but I do enjoy spending my free time with him. He's fun! He is raising my sons to be good men and showing them what a father is supposed to be, which is so important!

SO...Happy Belated Father's Day!!!
Peace Out,
Mom

I have some time on my hands. I'm applying for other part-time jobs because the Writing Center hours are limited in the Summer, and I need money. I was thinking last night about how I hate the idea that money rules most of what we do. I want things, and even though those things don't directly cost money, they need money to work. For example, I really want another baby. Really. The boys talk about it all the time, too. And I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't have another one after I turned 35, which is two years away. Not only for my health and the health of the baby, but because who wants an old mommy and daddy?
I also need to finish school.I want to get on with my life. BUT, I don't know how much school I could get done with a new baby. I don't know. Maybe I'm incredibly selfish.
Really, I'm very happy. My family rocks and my marriage is just wonderful. My husband is the best. We have begun the process to have him adopt the big boys. They have considered him their dad for so long, it seems silly to have to jump through all these hoops to make it happen. It's time that they have his last name. We're a family.
Anyway, everything is good. Just thinking out loud.
Peace Out,
Mom

"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo."
- H. G. Wells (1866-1946)

Peace Out,
Mom

Our anniversary was yesterday, and we had a great weekend celebration!!! We got a hotel room overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay and had dinner at Seaport Village. This last year has been a test of our marriage, and it seems as if we came out of it stronger than ever. We had such a great time together and I feel like we really connected again. I think it's important to get back to that place every once in a while...The place where you remember why you got married in the first place. We got married because he's awesome! He's such a great father, a wonderful provider, he's my very best friend, and he rocks in the sack!;-) So, I can't wait to see what the next 50 years has in store for us. It is such a great roller coaster ride, and I'm so happy that I bought the tickets to the theme park!!! Happy Anniversary, honey. You make my life interesting and a lot more fun!!
Peace Out,
Mom

I don't often blog about things that are happening on TV, but I just can't bear it. It makes me so sad. I hate this administration. I hate this war. It breaks my heart that so many have to die. I want our troops to come home. I am a Navy brat, and I am very proud of that. I love this country, and I support our troops 100 percent. That doesn't mean that I have to support the war or our president. If the war was being fought on our own soil, people would be singing a different tune. It broke my heart to watch the View on wednesday. Not because I couldn't stand to listen to them fight, but because Eliz. just wasn't listening. It was about friendship, and she just couldn't understand. I saw the hurt on Rosie's face and it made me sad. I'm even more sad that she has decided to leave early. People suck.
Peace Out,
Mom

To celebrate my 33rd Birthday, my mom, my sister, some friends, and I went to the 20th anniversary showing of Dirty Dancing in the theater. It was so fantastic seeing it on the big screen again. It brought back so many memories of when I was thirteen!! My sister said, "I don't think I ever saw this in the theater!" I had to tell her that indeed, she had, because I took her when I was dating my first boyfriend so that I had an excuse to go to the movies. I would plant her firmly five rows ahead of us and Darren and I would kiss and grope our way through Baby's deflowering.
I'm sure that last night, our recital of half of the movie's lines did not annoy the movie goers around us at all! And when Johnny said, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner," the audience cheered! It was just so great! So, happy birthday to me and happy anniversary to Dirty Dancing!
Peace Out,
Mom

I can't help it. I'm addicted. I've got a problem. I know many others have been sucked in by its alluring lights and flashy lifestyle. Now it has me, too. I'm neglecting my schoolwork; I can't turn away. I love it. I love the way it makes me feel. I'm hooked. It's all about the Guitar Hero. I Rock!!
Peace Out,
Mom

I know that I posted not too long ago that I like change, but it seems that it is now biting me in the butt!! My husband has decided to separate from his business partner (He is a real big a-hole), and we are now faced with what this is going to do to our family. He hasn't decided what he's going to do yet. It may be a new business, or it may be that he goes back to working 9 to 5. The thing about the business is that it has always allowed for flexibility in our schedules. We don't have our kids in daycare, and we are both able to work productively while I continue my education. So I am facing the decision of whether or not to put my little man in daycare. I know millions of parents do it, and kids all over the world are just fine with it, but I really like being the source of my child's formative education and moral values. It's all so up in the air now, and I know it will work out...but for now, it's causing me to feel a bit nervous. We'll see!

On a different note, my sister in law is coming to stay with my husband and children while I am away in Houston. I have mixed feelings about this. She is obviously coming specifically at that time so that she doesn't have to see me (her plane gets in an hour after mine leaves) and leaving before I get back to stay with cousins, before she goes back to NJ. She doesn't have any kids and is pretty set in her ways. Okay...she's pretty mean. I'm the nice fun momma who balances everything out around here, so I'm concerned about my kids being subjected to a drill sergeant for four days. Argh!!! Not to mention, I don't like the fact that another woman is coming into my house and touching my stuff. Plus, she'll probably have a whole lot of opinions about how our house is set up. I'm still trying to think of something that I could leave laying around that will annoy her. If you have any ideas, let me know!
Peace Out,
Mom

This was our day at Mount Laguna. We had to drive quite a bit to find a patch of snow to play in! I feel bad when I watch the news because I know there are many places across the country that are having bad weather, and we are complaining about a little rain every once in a while. If you'll notice in the picture, my husband was wearing shorts!!! Anyway, we had a great time sledding. The little man giggled the whole time he was sledding down the hill. It was great! After we were done, we went to the local mountain town that is famous for its apples and had caramel apples with candied walnuts. Delicious! Anyway...I don't miss the snow. i like our sunny San Diego weather!!!!
Peace Out,
Mom

Emmy got hurt going down the stairs over the weekend. I took her to the vet and 225 dollars later, they told me she had hurt her ACL. Just like a football player! So now, she's a three-legged dog until her injury heals. They told me to keep her still, but she's a four month old pup for God's sake! She's actually learning to maneuver with three legs, and I'm anxious for her to be well. We are not allowed to walk her and I haven't been taking her on car rides, either. She's not a happy pup. She is also very smart and doesn't eat her pill when I mix it with food. I think I've tried everything! My sister suggested peanut butter, but she ate all the PB and left the pill. Smart girl!!! I am convinced that mutts are very smart cookies!

On another note...Since I updated, I am having issues getting my Flickr up. I can't figure the darn thing out! I would also like to figure out how to put little badges on my blog. One day, I'll have time to sit down and learn this stuff.
Peace Out,
Mom

I upgraded to the new blogger, and I changed the look a bit. I think I was tired of the pink. Whatever. Here it is.

I'm not having a good day. Sometimes I just want to go back and do a big do-over. I want to travel and not care so much about money. I wanted to change the world. Big time. Not just little baby steps-changing the world around me kind of thing. I wanted to really change the world. It's not really working out that way. I'm working a lot, and I haven't gotten to where I want to be yet. I feel like I do a lot of things impulsively, and I'm willing to uproot and try something new, but my husband is always leery of making that jump. I believe that it will work out...My husband wants proof. It's time for a change; I'm just not sure what that change is going to be yet.
Peace Out,
Mom

This picture is for my sweetie. Our coffee business keeps us going, and the coffee keeps me moving through my days. When I ran into my husband (who was not my husband at the time) again after not seeing him for many years, he was working at the coffee shop that he now owns...So,I always associate coffee and love! I am a true romantic at heart, and I really do believe in happily ever after! Even though someone/something evil always gets in your way at some point, it all works out in the end! (Hey-it happens in fairy tales! Think Malificent here.) My husband is great. He may not be as much of a romantic as I wish he was, but he takes care of us. He loves me, and he shows it just about every day in our life together. I am happy. It may not be that "on fire" passion that once kept us going, but it has settled into a raging simmer. I like it that way. Sometimes it does fire up, and I like that, too! He's my love, and I adore him. I am so happy to be spending another Valentines day with him. So-I hope all of you had a great Valentines Day. I'm going to go and kiss my husband.
Peace Out,
Mom

Here she is!!! Since we have a rabbit named Ruby, we have added a new jewel to our family...Emerald. We call her Emmy. She's very cute, and very playful. The house training is making me a wee bit crazy, but I guess it's par for the course, ya know??? My husband called me and asked how it was with the two kids at home...I don't know if he realizes how right on he is!!!

I've recently returned to church. I thought it was time to give the kids somewhere to go...I thought it was a good idea that they have a good foundation, other than the one that we have already laid for them. I like going to church. It doesn't take much time out of your day, it makes you feel good, and every time I leave there, I feel like I've learned something that I can use in my life.

I've made some observations the last couple of weeks since I started going to church. Because I am surrounded by intellectuals, our conversations often turn to religion and other hot topics. I consider myself a liberal-Most, if not all, of the people I surround myself with are liberals. Most don't have any kind of belief system in place. Really. They think its foolish that I "waste my time" with it. These are the same people that don't believe in Marriage. SO, I've now made the correlation between not believing in God and not believing in marriage. I believe it's a lack of faith.

I feel like I'm surrounded by people that can't put their faith in another person or relationship, and definitely cannot put their faith in a higher power. I don't really know how to feel about it. I feel a little sorry for them. Not because I have that whole "My religion is better than yours" thing going on, but because I feel like you have to put your faith into someone else sometimes. You have to be able to believe that if you falter, someone else will be there to help you out. If you don't, I think it could be a heavy burden to do it all yourself. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself a fiercely independent person, but I know I don't have the strength to do it all alone. It's nice to know I have someone at home, and in my heart to help me out. I have faith that there's someone upstairs who has my best interests at heart. I have faith that He/She exists without ever having seen Him/Her. I also have faith that my husband will be with me throughout the rest of my life. I believe these things. And it gives me great joy and comfort.

Main Entry: 1faith
Pronunciation: 'fAth
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural faiths /'fAths, sometimes 'fA[th]z/
Etymology: Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust -- more at BIDE
1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
synonym see BELIEF
(the above was found on the Mirriam Webster online dictionary)

Peace Out,
Mom

My parents next-door neighbor that we have known for twelve years was arrested in Tijuana, Mexico yesterday for raping a 12 year old girl. Witnesses heard the girl screaming, and when police arrived, the girl was found duct-taped in the car. They also found drugs and a knife. We have known this man for 12 years, and he has never acted "weird" or given us cause to suspect him of anything unsavory. I feel like one of those neighbors you see on the news that says things like "He was such a nice guy". But dammit, he was! We have always had a good neighborly relationship with him, and I'm really in shock. This makes me feel unsafe and unsure of people around me. I thought that I was a good judge of character, but I'm starting to question that. Ugh. It just makes me sick.
Peace Out,
Mom

We had a great vacation and now we're just getting back into the groove. I went back to work at the college today and my first student was a little loopy and a lot of work. WOW! They could have at least eased me in, you know?

I learned something over the weekend. I ran into a girl that was in my Spanish class over a year ago. We were at about the same level in our education, so I was surprised when she told me that she is now teaching 2nd grade. WHAT?
ME- When did you get your credentials?
HER- Oh, I only have my AA. You don't need a degree to teach at a private school.

Really? Did everyone else know this except me? Do parents know this?? After telling people about this, I've learned that it's at the discretion of the institution. Who knew?

So, I'm looking into teaching at a private school. We'll see.

Another topic- Today is the anniversary of Roe V Wade. Women, we need to stay vigilant. And responsible. While I believe that every woman should be responsible for their bodies and use birth control when they don't want a baby-I realize that there are some circumstances when that doesn't happen, or when one of those little guys gets through. As a society, we are responsible for making sure that women retain control of their bodies.

Peace Out,
Mom