Toast the Trends!

It's been a really long time, but I'm back.  And I'm so tickled that there are so many familiar faces around.

Update?  I don't even know where to begin.  The divorce is final and has been for a year now.  I'm not seeing anyone and I'm kind of indifferent about it.  That is to say, I'm not actively seeking a relationship, but not actively avoiding it either.  Just living my life, I guess.

I quit the job.  It's hard being a single mom.  I had just gotten back to work after a worker's comp absence, and my daughter got sick.  My son had surgery scheduled, she's vomiting, and it's supposed to snow 6".  And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how crazy that was.  I can't do everything.  So, I'm a stay-at-home writer again.  And I worry every single day that I made the wrong decision, but in my heart, I know it was absolutely right.

My mom was diagnosed with leukemia.  It doesn't look good.  Even after a bone marrow transplant, she's still had to go through chemotherapy and the percentage of leukemic cells are high.  Taking care of her took up a lot of my summer.

I have finished my degree, which was really nice.  Now, I'm enrolled in a Master's of Cybersecurity program, and then on to law school.

I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been tough.  But it taught me just how tough I am.  That being said, I'm happy.  Sure, I'm a little worried about the future and how everything will work out, but I know it will.  And I've got a peace that I haven't had in a while.  I don't have the details, but I know where I'm going and know who I am.  The rest will sort itself out.

Contribution by Odis Chan

I like to watch The Dog Whisperer on TV. Since I have dogs of my own, I like to get some information about how to train them for myself. The best thing about this show is that it teaches about the nature of the animal.

We watch The Dog Whisperer on Satellite TV from tvbydirect.com and it is shown on the National Geographic channel. When I first got started watching, I used some of the techniques on my little Schnauzer. She must have thought I was a bit crazy because she stayed away from me for awhile. Now she knows that I am not trying to hurt her when I touch her in the side to get her attention.

My husband likes to watch this show with me sometimes, but most of the time he prefers to watch the weather channel or Fox News, so I have to be careful not to let him change the channel when I am in the middle of a show.

Learning how to train my dogs has been a good education for me because now they are better behaved than ever and I know that I am the one that needs to be in charge instead of them. That makes them more secure and me the alpha. I like that.

I just wanted to leave a quick update. I think the last time I wrote, I was not in a good place. Well that's certainly changed! And I appreciate all the warm thoughts.

I have a job. It's not the easiest job in the world, but it's refreshing earning my own paycheck. And considering that it's a pretty physically demanding job, I'm really earning it. I guess I get a sense of accomplishment from it. It's not something I'll be doing the rest of my life, but it's just about perfect for right now.

I am going back to school. That starts in September, and it's an accelerated degree, so in about 1.5-2 years, I should have my Bachelor's degree. Law school will follow that. This particular program lets me declare an emphasis on cyber law if I so choose. Considering that's a developing area of law and it's set to explode in the next few years, I definitely choose it!! It could provide some really interesting opportunities.

My art is doing phenomenally. Last month, I went with some friends to an art gallery to see an artist we know. She had already left for the evening, but I checked out some pieces that were there and bought one. As I did, I reached into my purse, pulled out a card, and gave it to the woman. She was amazed and offered me a spot in their July show right there on the spot. A friend of mine is putting together a show in August, and then I was accepted into the massive city-wide show in September. So, 3 months, 3 shows!! I feel like my star is on the rise.

Financially, I'm doing alright. The job paid more than I thought, and the September art show has been a little pricy to get ready for, but I still have enough that I can afford to pay off a credit card or two, put a little in savings, have a few bucks for mad money, and maybe even get started on one of the new hobbies I want to take up. All in all, not a bad situation to be in.

And on the romance front- I dated a couple of guys. I thought one might have some potential, but it kind of fizzled out for both of us at the same time. Still, if you've got to have something end, best for both parties to come to that same conclusion at exactly the same time, and without any hard feelings. A few days after, I started talking with a guy who was originally from Oklahoma, where I was originally born and raised. He was in Baghdad as a computer contractor up until about 2.5 months ago, which is almost exactly the time I split up with my ex. We started in the same place and ended up in the same place at exactly the same time, and the coincidences are just really striking to me. He's an amazing person who has this special way of making everyone- even complete strangers- feel important and cared for, and he's an absolute gentleman. I'm having a lot of fun with him, and though I think a lot of people would think we're both diving in too deeply too quickly, it feels right. There isn't a single thing about him that gives me a reason to pause or feel like things are rushed, and he has had a lot of chances to run, but is absolutely crazy about me. Now, that doesn't mean we're moving in together tomorrow or anything. We're both having a lot of fun with the romance of it all, and content to follow that wherever it leads.

I'm doing really, really well, and I feel loved, cherished, adored, accomplished, secure, safe, wise, and like a million bucks! ;)

Brought to you by TheCarConnection.com

My ex has had a couple of chevy trucks. Most notably, and El Camino. I can't admit I've ever understood that. There's something about El Caminos that guys like, and every girl I've talked to can't stand them. Some girls I know have gone so far as saying they'd never date a guy who drove one. In fact, I recall saying that. His mom had a Chevy 4x4 I believe his nephew now owns it. It's not really my style either.

Me, I'm a Ford girl. And I'm not opposed to pickups, lest you think that. I think a newer ford f250 is just about my style. Yeah, I go for the "cowboy limos".

My parents owned a couple of trucks way back when. Apart from that, they've been die-hard car people. I always liked their pontiac, and would have much rather driven that to school than the ugly, beatup minivan I had to drive.

Not much to write right now. I've had a very difficult year so far, and it just got worse. My husband and I are splitting up. I'm not exactly a willing participant in all of this, but it seems I don't get a say. In addition, my house has gone back to the bank, and I recently had a breast cancer scare (I am fine, thankfully).

I'm sure you've noticed that I'm writing more here now. The simple fact is, I've got two kids to support, and no job or skills that could readily land me a job. I've done the ads before, and it's time to start them back up.

I'm just kind of bereft of anything meaningful to say right now. I apologize.