Many Changes!!!!

I had not realized how long it had been since I posted on here until my boyfriend asked me last night if I had posted anything on my blog recently. There have been so many changes going on in my life over the last couple of months I don't know where exactly to start...

I will start with the most significant change. Jim and I have decided to co-habitat or as he refers it as "shacking up". I have been in the process of clearing out my apartment and deciding what I want or need to take with me and what I can dispose of. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff can be crammed into closets and under beds when you are living somewhere for any length of time! Goodwill is going to love me over the next month. I have decided that most of the furniture can be either sold or donated. My late husband and I purchased most of the items in the apartment together and I really want to start "fresh" with Jim. I don't want to have constant reminders of the past while I am working on starting a new life with such a wonderful man. While I am busy working on my apartment we are also busy getting Jim's house organized so we can combine households. I never thought about how time consuming combining two lives can be. :) However, I am loving each and every moment we spend doing this because we are doing it together. In case you haven't figured it out, I am madly, deeply in love with this man!!!!!

One of the side effects of living in Millersville now is I am not watching any television. Jim does not own a tv and doesn't have cable. As of now, I am not really missing watching it (except for watching the Ravens games). It is interesting to see what other things a person can do when there is no television to take up hours of time at a clip. I have read more books recently than I have in years (and I have always been an avid reader). I am also pulling out my crafting supplies and getting back into the activities that I have always loved. Eventually, I would like to go back to school but I want to get settled in here first. I also want to start volunteering somewhere to help those less fortunate than myself.

As things settle down, I will keep you posted on what is occurring in my life.

This year is flying by

I have been so busy that I did not realize I had not posted on the blog since August.

Since I last wrote, I experienced the one year anniversary of my husband's death. I never had any idea just how difficult if would be to just get up and function because of what date is was. I actually remember sitting at my desk and seeing (very vividly) me opening the door and the 2 police officers standing there waiting to tell me he had been killed. At the same time I was realizing that I had come so far since that day a year before. I don't talk too much about my grieving experiences but I have been on a constant roller coaster ride. My heart was broken into a million different pieces on Sept. 15, 2007. Just now do I feel as if I have the puzzle glue that will hold it back together again. It will be almost whole. There will always be a very large piece missing. I know John is smiling down on me each and every day.

I am actually starting to want to see other people again. I miss companionship. I have enjoyed chatting with some very nice men online. I have even gone so far as to meet some of them in person. It is very different dating in your 40's than when I was a teenager. :)

Alia is getting so big. She will be three in April and very busy exploring the world. You definitely have to keep a constant eye on her or she will do things like fingerpaint with a jar of Vaseline! The picture above is a new picture of her.

I went to Vermont to see Michael in September. My grandmother and I went. It was a nice weekend away.

Kira has gotten almost everything planned for the wedding. It is now just paying for it all. :)

Well, this should bring you up to date with what has been going on with me over the last couple of months.

Wii

Okay, I have to admit it...I am addicted to the Wii game system. I got a Wii earlier this week and have been playing Wii sports every night. Now I have the Wii Fit. I highly recommend this system and program to anyone that wants to exercise at home. You do all types of exercises such as yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance. The workouts start out slow and it can tell how you are actually doing during the workout. As you progress so does your workout. The good part about this is it makes the workout fun!

Well, I am back to my exercises!

Busy weekend

Here it is Saturday evening already. I have had a busy weekend so far and have plans for tomorrow also. Last night Laura, Susan and I met my best friend, Terry at IKEA. She wants to get a new computer desk and computer chair for her house. Laura is going to help her since Laura works at IKEA. We walked through the entire store and found quilts, living rooms chairs for me, and of course her desk and chair. After going through the store we went to Don Pablo's for dinner. Terry and I had a blast. We had not been out on a Friday night in ages (we are usually in bed by 8:30 - 9:00 come Friday. Both of us work very long days during the week and wear down by Friday. Terry and I laughed and kidded. At one point, I looked over at Laura and Susan. They are just looking at us like they did not know us. Susan made a comment that I am not like that when I am home. It is funny to realize that the children see me as someone totally different than I am when I am with friends.

This morning I had to go get the blood work done for the operation next week. Once that was done I went to my daughter Kira's apartment for breakfast with her and her father. We needed to discuss all her wedding plans and money. I left there to go get my granddaughter, Alia. Alia and I then went to Terry's house for lunch. Terry is a great cook. She makes pasta from scratch! We left there to head home. Alia had not had a nap yet and she stayed awake the entire trip home. However around 7:30 p.m. she crashed and burned. She is sound asleep in my bed. :)

Tomorrow, Kira and I are going to a wine tasting at one of our local parks. I am really looking forward to it. There is suppose to be a chocolate Zinfandel that I can't wait to get my hand on.! I will comment on my activities tomorrow.

Oh, right now I am getting ready to go back and work on the cotton purse I am creating. I am making up the pattern as I go. I will post some pictures soon.

Life in General

I have to update everyone what has been going on in my life. Since I came back from vacation 2 weeks ago I have had numerous doctors appointments. Yes you do start falling apart once you hit your 40!!!! :) On that note, I am in the process of scheduling a minor surgery (hopefully 2 at the same time). It appears I will be having surgery on 6/30 and will be out of work again for another 1 to 2 weeks. Of course I have surgery on the Monday before July 4th!. I am hoping that I feel up to going to see fireworks on the 4th. Last year I could not go because John had gotten himself in the hospital after one of his binges. I love going to see fireworks so if everyone could say just a little prayer that I will be up to going I would appreciate. I know it seems minor but this is something I really love.

I do think that I may have decided that when my lease is up in November, I will try to move to another place. I am not sure if I will stay in the area that I am currently living or move to another area. I just found while I was on vacation I did not have any sad moments with regard to remembering my late husband. However when I came home, it started again. I don't want to ever forget him. I just think it may be time for me to move so that I can start a fresh life.

We are also very busy planning Kira's wedding. She and I went yesterday and signed the papers to reserve the reception hall. It is an old Mansion located in Catsonsville, MD. Kira lives very close to this place which will be very convenient for her. It is absolutely lovely!!!! I still need to get her a list of addresses so she can send out "Save the Date" notices. I think this may be a very busy year coming up!!!!

Here are some pictures from our family's vacation in Myrtle Beach

This is the beach in Myrtle Beach at sunset. Looking at this picture reminds me why I could live down there all the time.

Michael at the beach the first day.

Kira and Jesus right after they got engaged!

Susan in the living room(Laura's friend)

Laura in the condo.

Me at the beach.

Spring Cleaning - A little Late!

I went into work for a couple hours yesterday (still trying to catch up from being on vacation the week before). While I was sitting at my desk I realized that when I come to work, I don't get all congested like I do at home. Therefore, when I got home I decided to tear the house about and scrub everything down. It really felt good to have been so productive and feel as if things are getting really clean again. Of course by the time I was finished, I was exhausted and very congested. So I took some sinus medicine which knocked me out. I curled up on the couch with every intention of reading a book I am into. However, I think I only read a page or two before I dosed off. I took a really long nap, which felt great. It was raining and I had the sliding door open. It just soothed me right to sleep!!

I have a goal of finishing my book today and then trying to find a new knitting project. I really need to use up some of my stash. I better get going.....time to read!

Back to Normal Life

Today was the day that reality set back in. I had to get up and head off to work this morning. I have to be at work at 6:00 a.m. which means I head off to bed early. This was not too easy last night because while vacation I had completely gotten off schedule. Also, Michael is flying home to Vermont this evening. He will no longer be sleeping on my couch. I should be able to see him in July. He is coming home to bake a wedding cake for one of Kira's friends.

I really had a difficult time getting back into the swing of things today at work. I had not been on a vacation for 5 years. I was totally amazed at how many people commented on how relaxed I appeared today. Being completely honest, I have not felt this relaxed in years. I did not realize how much stress I have been carrying around with me, especially the last year. What I do realize is that I will not wait another 5 years for me to take vacations. I have 3 weeks vacation each year and I am going to use them.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful summer!

Kira got engaged

Wednesday while we were all at the beach, Jesus asked my permission to ask Kira to marry him.  It was so nice.  He and I were out in the ocean when he asked me.  Later that evening, Jesus and Kira decided to go for a walk on the beach.  He asked here while they were on the beach.  Kira came barging into the condo screaming "We are getting married!"  They want to get married in March, 2009.  I guess the craziness will really kick in now.  :)

I am enjoying a little quiet time at the condo today.  Kira and Jesus are at the beach.  Mike went on the casino ship and I don't know where Laura and Susan headed off to.  That is okay.  I am working on the computer and trying to get a few things cleaned up here so we won't have much to do tomorrow before driving home.  I can't believe the week is already over.  I will post pictures of everyone once I get home.

Happy Mother's Day

First and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's out there. I have had a truely lovely day with my family. My son called from Vermont earlier this morning. I was in the middle of watching "PS I Love You" and was crying when he called. Once I convinced him I was okay we talked for a few minutes and then I got back to the movie. My youngest daughter and her girlfriend got me a couple of candles (I love good smelling candles), a pink rose, and card last night. Kira, my oldest, and Jesus got me a lovely plant and a nice card. I spent the day at a family gathering.

I am getting ready to go on vacation next week so this week is going to be a little hectic. I know I should not wait till the last minute to get things done but I always do. I have to get new tires and an oil change before we leave. All the kids, their significant others, my granddaughter, and myself are heading to sunny Myrtle Beach. I have not been on a vacation in over 5 years. This is muchly needed.

Oh, before I wrap it up for today, here is the lastest list of freebies I have gotten this week:

1. True Stories Magazine
2. Sample of Nature best dog food (giving it to a friend)
3. Super shine cleaner
4. Dozen cookies from Food Lion with their coupon.
5. 12 pack of Diet Pepsi Max (from a contest). One of the cans in the 12 pack was empty so I called them. They are sending out coupons to replace my 12 pack.

I need to get off of here and start getting ready for a long week at work. Doesn't it always seem as if the week before vacation goes in super long motion.

Busy Weekend !

I have had a very busy weekend so far. As I posted on Friday afternoon, I went out on a date Friday evening. I have admit to being very nervous about the whole idea of dating again. We went to the Long Horn restaurant. Dinner was delicious and the conversation was great. It was funny. I told my dinner partner that all of my children would know that I was on a date before the evening was over, including my son in Vermont. When I walked in the house, Laura told me that my son had called from Vermont and wanted to know if I was already asleep. She told him, "No, Mom is on a date." He called back later and was teasing me like crazy. They are not use to me going out and not being home.

Saturday, I got up and headed into work for a half day. From there I went to my girlfriend Terry's house. She is one of the best cooks I know. She loves to cook for everyone and had invited me over for lunch. She was surprised when I did not have Alia with me but I told her i would be picking her up later. We had a wonderful time just sitting and talking. Terry is one of my dearest friends and it felt great just spending time with her. From her house, I picked up Alia. She is so much fun to have these days. She is talking up a storm! She suprises me each week with something new. Last night she sang the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star just out of the blue! I hate to brag but she is one smart little cookie. She also loves to play on the computer. I sometimes have to remember she just turned 2!

Well, I am going to wrap it up for now. I am waiting for someone to come pick some books I am selling on Craigslist.