A New Year

So another year is about to end and a new one begin. Usually I don't care about this silly tradition. I have never been one to really celebrate it or even stay up until the ball drops. I am usually asleep long before that happens. I can't even remember if I have ever made a resolution. So I am thinking that this year I should make some, I should stay up, and celebrate being me. I am a single mom, I have two beautiful kids, I have a great house, a wonderful family, and fantastic friends. There really isn't anything else I could ask for. So this New Year's my resolutions are to start celebrating New Year's, lose a few pounds, exercise more, be the best friend/mother/sister/daughter/niece/cousin/granddaughter I can be, try to have the book children's book I wrote published, and write all the other books that I have started and not finished. So Happy New Year's everyone, even though things weren't so great in 2008, everything will be just fine in 2009!!

Facebook Addiction

I guess I must be losing it because I am addicted to facebook! I can't stop going on there. All day long I have to check to see what everyone is doing, who posted new photos, who commented on what, it's crazy! I can't control it! I even can't stand that my old friend Chad has more friends than I do. I was on for two week and he was on for like three days and already he had four times as many friends as I did. I am obsessed, literally. My friend Brian has 956 friends and I have 45. It's insane that I even know that! I think I need Facebook Anonymous!

Cookie Exchange

We had our cookie exchange today! It was so much fun. I am so happy to only have to bake one kind of cookie this year! Everyone loved the little recipe books I put together, too! I can't wait until next year!

Yeah Me!

I made a total of $550 at my Mary Kay Open Houses! I am so proud of myself! Just a few hours work and look at me go. Maybe someday I will drive that pink Cadillac . . .

What a day

So Jason was a no show today at the parent coordinator meeting. I am not really surprised yet disgusted. I drove an hour to get there and now have to go there again next week. What a loser. The kids are great though. Nicholas loves school, his favorite days are PE days. Christopher has discovered Finding Nemo, it keeps him happy. We are going to a lighted boat parade this Saturday night and really looking forward to it. So, although there is one negative spot in our lives, all in all we are pretty lucky and I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

Annual Christmas Party

Last night I went with my friend Rhonda and her family to their church Christmas party. It is the best Christmas party ever. It's not just because it was at the University of Tampa, either. Although, the food is amazing! They do a Chinese gift exchange and it is so funny. Last year the hot item was a Hello Kitty toaster and this year it was a huge stuffed reindeer that lit up and sang. I just have the best time and it starts the season out a good note for me. I am so glad that she invites me every year and shares her family with me. I wonder where they are going to hold it next year. I can't wait to find out!

Book Club Tonight

Tonight is Book Club. December Book Club is my favorite because we do an ornament exchange. We do the Chinese gift exchange with them and it's always so much fun. My ornament is a Santa Smores with a marshmallow reindeer. Next year I am going to look for a book themed ornament, maybe one I can have something written on. I had my fourth Mary Kay Open House last night. Every one has been successful. I am really happy about it. Now I have to figure out a way to do so well when it isn't Christmas time!

A Restful Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my parents and brother. I especially enjoyed it because they did all of the work and I read three books while laying in the sun or on the couch!! My mom and I even went to see Twilight and all of us watched Fred Claus together. Talk about lots of relaxing and entertainment! The four of us also played rummy a couple of nights. I love to play but I am not very good. Out of the 20 games we played, my mom and I only won one. Neither one of us are very good losers, either. I think both of us are voting to switch partners over Christmas!!

One Mom

As Nicholas is brushing his teeth tonight, he said, "I have two moms, right?" I said, "No, I am your only mom." Then there was silence. So I said, "Well, what do you mean?" He said, "Jessica is like my mom, she makes my breakfast sometimes." So I said, "Um, I guess." Then while reading the bedtime book with Nicholas curled up under one arm and Christopher nestled into my lap, I started to cry. Just for the record, you only have one mom, Nicholas.

A Nice Day

Yesterday I spent the day with my friend Becky and her family. The point was to meet their friend Mark who Becky thought I might like. He wasn't the one for me, a nice guy, but not a love connection. Becky has two daughters, Madison and Maisi, who are the same age as Nicholas and Christopher. There is such a difference between boys and girls! The girls are so calm and quiet, even when they get mad, it's not as loud as when mine do. Beck and I organized her recipes and watched a movie, I think I spent a total of twelve hours over there yesterday. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends!

The best moment of my day . . .

Christopher and I ate lunch together today at the kitchen table like we always do. When I finished he was still eating so I grabbed the hummus and wheat chips and sat back down. He pushed his plate away, climbed up on the table, and together we ate hummus. We were having two totally different conversations with each other - me about our morning and what he was talking about, I am not sure, I think I heard the words spiderman and drill. It was just one of those moments that makes you forget everything else and so I just enjoyed it.

The Latest

Not much on the dating front, I guess I just don't have that come on over and talk to me, I'm friendly kind of personality! I am going to a picnic on Saturday to meet my friend's husband's friend if you can follow that. I have hired another lawyer to collect the second payment from Jason, that could take anywhere from 45 - 90 days. I don't think I would be so annoyed if people would stop telling me about how he is spending his money. Or if he would stop driving new cars, wearing new watches, and asking to take Nicholas on a ski vacation. He could have used the money he spent on the two week vacation in Hawaii as a payment to me, but that would be the right thing to do and we all know that's now how things work. Oh well, I keep reminding myself of the good things - the boys, my house, my friends, my family, and so much more!

Famous Moms!

I can't believe it! I wrote an email to one of the writers of Parents magazine about our Mom's Night Out group. There was an article I read about some other group and at the bottom it said to write in about yours. I sent a little note about what we do and how we all met. The woman wrote me back and asked for pictures. I called every mom I could and asked if they had pictures, not one of us did. It's sad but true, we all have millions of pictures of the kids but none of us! So I wrote her back and told her we didn't have any. Then we went to a birthday party and Liz took one of Jacki, Carrie, and I. So I sent an email again with the picture attached. She wrote back and asked what our next event is! So I wrote back and told her. I just received another email and she wants a group photo and lots of candids of our bowling night out which is this coming Monday! I can't believe that we might actually be in Parents magazine!!!

Angels Among Us

I had a fabulous time at Angels Among Us. My date, Kristyn, ditched me at the last minute. For some reason she thinks her husband is more important than me. It's OK, I ended up at a table with people with I knew and I met a nice woman whose son is in the other Kindergarten class. The food was really good, too. I can't believe that someone paid $1,250 for their child to be able to spend the night in the library with his/her friends. I know it was a fundraiser and all, but still! It was nice to get dressed up and talk with lots of adults for a night!

A Night Out

Tonight I am going to a church/school function called Angels Among Us. It is a dinner and auction to benefit the school. I am excited because I get to dress up, which I never do any more, and I get to eat out!! Do I have a date, you ask - of course I do - Kristyn!! Her husband Joe will be home watching the Lightning play in Prague and we will be off drinking and eating!

Not Much

There really isn't much going on for me right now. I haven't had any dates, Jason isn't paying, just not much going on. The only thing I can think of is the 13 pounds I have lost on the South Beach diet. I kind of like it quiet, though. Now that I have written this down, it will all change. That's always the way.

Dude, Where's My Car?

My friends and I went out last night and had quite a time. Such a great time in fact that I could not drive myself home. It's true, I had to be dropped off. I had to ask Kristyn to drive me to my car this morning. I had to answer Sebatien's questions about why he was taking me to my car. Where is your car, Miss Trisha? Why did you have to leave your car, Miss Trisha? I think those questions are why you are supposed to do those things when you are 21 not 31. I did have a great time, so maybe the questions were worth it.

Dog Sitting

Not a fan of dog sitting. I never have been. My brother's dog is here. He will be here all weekend. He has already pooped in my bathtub and then spread it through the house. I had to clean the floors, tub, and his butt. Not a fan of dog sitting.

A Stab in the Heart

Every night Nicholas and I tell each other we love each other all the way to our hearts. The other night he added daddy, poppy, nana, and then Jessica. Talk about a stab all the way to my heart. I guess it's to be expected, she probably buys him just as much as Jason does. Only, I thought that was special for people who really loved him and he really loves. I am going to believe that he didn't really mean it, he was just over tired and had no idea what he was saying. It still hurts just thinking about it.

Summer's End

It is almost the end of summer. There are about three more days left, two of which the kids will spend with their dad. The end of summer is so sad. I love the freedom of sitting around in our pj's until we feel like getting dressed. We were very adventurous this summer. In the spirt of the Suburban Diva, who has four kids and travels by car ALONE with them, I wanted to take vacations with the kids. If she can do it, then I can do it. I only have two kids after all. So we went to the beach for a week with my mom. We went to my mom's house for almost a week. Then we went all the way to Connecticut to visit aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I am very proud of myself for this. We had a great time, Christopher is getting old enough to tolerate more and Nicholas is awesome. It feels good to accomplish these things by myself. I also realize that I always did everything myself, I just had someone to talk to or consult with. It's a great feeling to know that I don't need anyone to lean on, I can do it alone and make great memories with my babies. They are growing up so fast that I need to remember all of it before it's over and enjoy them every minute I can. Unless they are screaming and crying, that's another kind of memory . . .

A New Label

In the mail today I received the renewal form for my annual Zoo pass. I read over the letter and then took out my check book so I could take care of it before we leave to visit Nana and Poppy. I get down to where you have to choose what type of membership you want and I see "Single Parent Family". Why can't there just be a catagory for 1 adult plus chilren - why does it have to be labeled with the words "single" and "parent"? Are we also supposed to file into a separate line while we are there? Should we wear a sign around our necks just to make sure everyone knows? Then again - Why am I so sensitive to this? So, I checked "Single Parent Family" because that is, after all, what we are, and wrote the check.

Now on to dating . . .

So, the idea of starting to date is a little daunting. I have a "first date" next Friday with someone that I met through my friend Elizabeth. She seems to think we have a lot in common and knows what we both have been through. So this leads her to believe that we should get to know each other, he is a close friend of hers and wouldn't have introduced me to him if she didn't think I was worthy. I am taking this a compliment and just seeing how things go. The awkward part is over, we have already met once. We went out to dinner with Elizabeth and her husband and then played cards after. He and I were partners and won, of course, like I would play if I didn't think I could win. You all know how I am with the games. Anyway, back to the point, it should be interesting. I have already explained to him that I haven't dated since high school so I don't have many expectations. If you know me, my high school dating experiences and marriage, you will know that it can't get any worse, right? We'll see . . .

A New Tradition

We have just returned from a fabulous vacation at the Beach! We had a blast and the kids were so good. Even though we had a few showers, it was still great because we were able to go to Great Explorations, the science museum, and just hang out in the condo. It was so relaxing to just walk downstairs and be on the beach or at the pool. I so wish I was still there. Kristyn and Bash came to visit us and I wish they had been able to stay longer. It was so neat to see how excited Nicholas and Bash were about having a "sleepover". It was the cutest thing ever. So now, my mom and I have decided to make this a yearly tradition. We might even try going to different beaches every year to explore Florida. Hopefully we can talk my dad into joining us!

The Party!

I had a great time at my divorce party. I was a little worried about the kids being here but Christopher slept through it and Nicholas was fantastic. He played with Steven then went to bed without too many problems. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends. After the party a few of us went to a local bar and I didn't get home until 2:00 am. As fun as it was, I think I might be getting too old for it and the other moms agree!

Seriously . . .

I took Nicholas to his first real hockey team practice tonight. The coach had them doing laps and push ups at age 5! Nicholas missed that because I forgot his entire hockey bag, then I conned Jason into buying him brand new hockey skates, so he was late getting onto the ice. Did you notice that - Jason was at the skating rink even though he was supposed to be in NY since Thursday doing a "business" deal? It's true, there he was, at the rink with his girlfriend and her daughter, yet not our child. If you recall he cancelled on picking up our children for the weekend. So I sent him a text message to which he replied that he's leaving tomorrow at 6:30 am. I am sure that the "bank" he is doing "business" with is open all weekend.

Quicker than Expected

The divorce party is this Saturday night. It's all planned, the people are invited, my lists are made, I just have the actual shopping to do. I have plans to go to a party with my friends Lori and Herb on Friday night. Saturday morning I am taking the dog to the vet for her yearly check up. Saturday I am helping my friend move into her new apartment. Lots of plans because it's the boys weekend with their father. Only wait - it's not - he's cancelled again. Just a week and a half ago he was in California on the boys weekend with him and now this weekend he's going to be in New York City. I knew he was going to stop taking them but I just didn't realize it would be so quickly.

It's Official!

The papers have been signed by the judge and filed, it is official - the divorce is final. I have started packing with all of the boxes and newspaper that my friends and brother have brought over. I must say that I am very lucky to have so many people care about me. I have sent out evites to the divorce party and everyone is ready to celebrate. I wonder if I can get each person who comes to pack one box . . .

The Results

So, it was a long week last week. So long in fact, I just couldn't even bear to put it all in words. I think I have digested the results long enough now and I am comfortable with them. It wasn't what I expected but it could have been a whole lot worse. The divorce papers are signed and on Thursday I go to court for the last time so they can be filed. The kids and I have to move back to the house on Hollow Wood until it sells and then we are off to Fishhawk. I think it's the best place for us. Now that I am a "single mom" I just want to feel as safe as I can and be somewhere that is totally kid friendly. There is so much out there now that it just makes sense to me. Next up - the divorce party!

Events and Adventures

This is the name of the singles group I have joined. Where does a nice girl like me go to meet nice men - not a bar because I don't drink - so where I asked myself? Then my friend Natalie told me about this group, which she did not end up joining I might add. I have gone to "events" one being the Lowry Park Zoo. There were two men there, one old and one gross. I am not sure how else to describe the other man so I am going to leave it at gross. The women were all very nice, though, so I did have fun. The second event was the Lion King at the Performing Arts Center. It was absolutely amazing! I can't believe the costumes, the music, the two children who performed, it was just fantastic. There was one man there, he went because he was interested someone else who was there. So I have not met any men yet, but maybe if I go play kickball in a couple of weeks that will be where the boys are!

The End is in Sight

Mediation is coming up quickly - the 3rd of June. Last week I spent 5 hours going through more information from the business. Turns out there were 6 more vacations that I didn't know about. That makes a total of 21 vacations in the past year. I guess all that talk in court about going bankrupt was really perjury. Nice. I really don't understand how someone can lie like that. I guess that's just who he is. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks - maybe it will be over soon. At any rate, it has to end in July because that's when the trial is set for. So this should all be over by the end of the summer. I am really looking forward to putting this behind me and maybe taking a vacation of my own . . .

Things that make you go hmmm

I have a friend who is getting divorced for the same reason I am. Yes, it's true, her husband cheated on her, too. What I don't understand, besides the obvious - why do husbands cheat, is why she is so nice to him. I can't figure out if I am reading too much into this, if I am mean, or if she just isn't ready to let go yet. Tonight she calls me by accident, she meant to call our friend Lori. She wants to ask Lori to watch her kids for a little while because she doesn't want to leave her husband alone. I replied with "WHAT??!!" So she proceeds to tell me that the woman her husband cheated with is in the back of a police car headed to jail. I ask if her husband is OK. She said yes but no. Then she explains that the woman's husband cut himself, pretended that she attacked him and called the police. Her husband is so distraught that she is cancelling her plans, going home to take the kids to her friends, and is then going to comfort her husband because she doesn't think he should be alone. This is a true story. You might have to go back and read it again.

Getting Dumped

How's this for a sad story . . . the realtor dumped me. I am too hard to work with and so is my lawyer. So she dumped me. Luckily, I didn't want her in the first place and she is actually hard to work with so I guess it's all OK. Seriously, though, who gets dumped by the realtor??

A New Start

So, things are moving along, mediation in June, trial in July if mediation doesn't work. That means that I need to find us a new place to live. Yesterday I spent the morning on the hunt for a new home. I found two that I absolutely love. I really can't wait to start fresh and have a place that doesn't have any bad memories and where the kids and I can make new ones and have only happy memories of. All of us have moved on and adjusted much better than I ever imagined. I can't wait to start packing!

Rock of Love II

Yes, it's true, I am addicted Rock of Love II on VH1. Brett Michaels is just beautiful and I do still love him all these years later. If I looked like those girls and could act like them I would so try out for Rock of Love III, because you know there will be one! I am impressed with him for choosing Ambre, I totally thought Daisy was going to be it for him. I know this is off my usual topic, but I just love that show! It keeps me from thinking and that's what makes reality TV so wonderful! I am dying to see the reunion show this Sunday, there is going to be a huge fight! Oh Brett, if only you were looking for me . . .

The fun times continue . . .

The trial has been postponed until the end of July. The mediation will be in the beginning of June with depositions to follow if we aren't able to settle. I thought Jason and I had come to some agreements yesterday without anyone in the middle. We were going to switch drop off and pick up to make it easier on the boys. He decided to change it back so an argument followed and he called me an a****** in front of Nicholas. Poor Nicholas just kept looking back and forth between the two of us and then told me to just do what daddy said and ran after him. He's such a great dad. Nicholas was fine when I called there to say goodnight but Christopher was still awake at 8:00. Monday we go to see the parent coordinator, that's going to be lots of fun!

Seriously???

Last weekend, it wasn't possible for Jason to take Nicholas to his last basketball game and receive his trophy because they were going to Disney for the day. They really went to the movies and left Christopher with his unfit mother. Tonight Jason was at the skating rink with Jessica and Isabella for Isabella's figure skating lesson. Nicholas wanted to know why daddy was there. Oh how I wish I could honestly answer that question.

What's Next

I met with the vocational evaluator on Thursday. The meeting was scheduled from 10 am until 2 pm. Obviously, I wasn't the happiest person going in there and then when I saw the man - his ear hair, earring, and huge coke bottle glasses - I didn't have a whole lot of faith in the guy. He tried his best to get me to open up, to fall into his trap to discuss Erikson and Freud, but I did not budge. I just sat there nodding, waiting for the next question. The questions were silly and Jason had already answered most of them, the guy needed to compare our answers for his final report. Jason's solutions to child care while I work were great - his mother, his aunt, or taking them to work with him. He's so smart. Anyway, if nothing else, this guy is going to research how I can add to my master's with a degree in guidance couseling, what it will cost, what classes I need, and all of that. At least that makes my life easier, I don't have to do it myself! Since Jason's paying this guy anyway, at least there is one perk in there! We were finished by 12:00 since I had so little to say so the torture wasn't too great. Monday we are off to the pretrial where we will find if the trial is being continued to July or if it is staying in April. At this point, it doesn't matter to me either way.

The Vocational Evaluator

So today I receive a call from my lawyer that Jason is filing a motion for me to go and see a Vocational Evaluator. I, being a simple girl, ask what that is exactly. The answer is that Jason thinks I need to get a job. He does not think it's important for Christopher to be raised by his mom, it's just important that I know that he is in control and that I will be getting a job. What silly Jason forgets is that I am certified to be a teacher. The lowest paying job on earth. Each of my paychecks would be given to daycare with little to nothing left over to help me support the kids and I. I do not have any marketable skills because in the past 12 years I have only actually worked for 3 of them. As a teacher. Who earns next to nothing. I can barely write this blog my computer skills are so poor. Hmmmm . . . .

A Successful Trip

Our winter wonderland was fantastic. I have not ever seen Nicholas so excited or happy in his whole life. I am so glad we went up there. The look on his little face was too much. He was in that snow up until we left. Despite the crying on the plane, the stomach bug, and being exhausted it was well worth it. That little guy deserves something magical every now and then. It really isn't as bad as I think it's going to be when we travel. The kids really seem to enjoy it. Our next trip may be to Nana and Poppy's for Easter.

The Airplane Ride

I thought it would be a breeze - Christopher sleeping for three hours, Nicholas sleeping or playing with his LMax. In reality, Christopher screamed until the last 10 minutes of the ride. He finally asleep as we were about to land. The men two rows behind us were upset and wanted their money back. The woman with her small children was busily giving her disclaimer - it's not her children. So, we finally arrived and the snow is here! Talk about perfect timing for a snowstorm! Uncle Markie just arrived with a sled so away we go!

Off to See the Snow

We are off for a long weekend at Auntie Wendy's house. Nicholas is super excited and even talked to Aunt Wendy on the phone last night. He has his suitcase packed - three transformers, L-Max video game, and ipod (read Spongebob walkman). Christopher and I are sick so the plane ride should be fun! I am just keeping my fingers crossed that there is actually snow. Aunt Wendy said some is expected on Friday but I am not telling Nicholas just in case it doesn't happen. We'll have to make fake snow or something . . .

One Year

Today it is one year since the day Jason walked out on us. I did think about it a little today. I guess trying to figure out what I am going to sell in order to continue to pay the Forensic CPA and lawyer will cause a few thoughts about it to pop up - imagine that. I also thought about what a different person I am now. I see things more clearly. I am enjoying being on my own and doing my own things without worrying about anything else besides the kids. Nicholas has changed so much, too. He is not as shy, likes everyone now - not just dad, and he just seems happier and more secure. A year ago, I had a two month baby, a lost and sad little boy, and I didn't know what would happen to us or if we could survive without Jason. Now I see that we are better off and life is going great without him. It makes me think of two Garth Brooks songs "She's Going to Make it and He Never Will" for obvious reasons and "The Dance" - "For a moment all the world was right, how could I have ever known you'd ever say goodbye, and I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go, our lives are better left to chance, I could've missed the pain but I'd've had to miss the dance." It just sums up how I feel about everything. We had a great life together until the end, lots of fun and I did love him. I am lucky to have my two little boys and they wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our marriage and time together. So, another year begins for the three of us. This time in a better place and with limitless possibilities in front of us.

Valentine's Day

Well, this year can only be better than last year. It already is really. Kristyn gave me two Valentine's cards this morning that made me laugh. I have a dinner with red spaghetti sauce and red milk planned for the kids and I tonight. I bought them both cute little gifts and their favorite huge lollipops. I even made their Valentine's cards. I must say - anything is a step up from your husband pretending to go to Long Boat Key for the night for an early meeting the next morning but really meeting his girlfriend at a hotel in Brandon, right?

Calm and Peaceful 2008 - So Far

So far things have been very quiet. Jason has not picked up the boys in four weeks for a weekend visit. The lawyers are handling things and mine is actually doing a great job and I don't have to babysit him. I am really enjoying this peacefulness. The kids and I have been home so much more and things are even more organized around here because I have more time. Christopher has made it to gymboree. Nicholas and I have been practicing writing his letters and name. I actually feel like we are normal again. Nicholas sleeps through the night more than not now. That is such a huge improvement. Christopher is so much easier now that we have moved out of the baby stage. I really like how things are going for us. Maybe 2008 will be great after all.

Proud of Myself

So, the church date called during the week this week. I didn't know what to do so I didn't answer. I went over to his brother and sister-in-law's house today and felt a little uncomfortable around his brother. I felt a vibe that said that he was upset with me. I could have been wrong but my vibes are usually right. So tonight I called him back. The answering machine picked up (with his wife's, who passed away, voice on it) and I left a message. He called back a little while later and said that he had spent the day with his niece and nephew from her side of the family so that's why he wasn't home when I called. We proceeded to discuss trivial things until he finally said that he was going to just go around the elephant in the room and come right out and say that he could tell I was uncomfortable last Sunday. I said that I didn't think we had much in common and that fundamentally we were very different (thank you for that word fundamentally Kristyn, it has come in so handy!). He agreed and we talked for a few more minutes about it. Then he said that he hoped I wouldn't feel uncomfortable around him in the future or avoid his family get togethers. I said I wouldn't and that was that my friends. What a big girl I am turning into!

On a totally different note, I watched Run's House on MTV tonight. The Rev always reminds me of someone but I couldn't put my finger on it. He just carries on and on about things and keeps going and going and I never really get the point or the point isn't that good. I enjoy the show and think he's great, he just cracks me up with his ridiculous ramblings. Plus, he is always driving everyone crazy with his ideas and ways - I think he and Sean Henry might be related somehow!

Case Update

I am now trying to just go with the flow as far as the divorce proceedings go. My new lawyer is wonderful and on top of things. So I am trying to just relax and take their advice as it comes. Except sometimes ridiculous things happen. Such as the realtor - who I didn't want in the first place - writes a letter to the judge carrying on about how I denied Jason access to the Hollow Wood house for a year. According to her the house is in great disrepair and it will take Jason longer to fix it then she thought. So instead of the house going on the market on February 1st, it now goes on the market on the 18th. He sure wasn't denied access when he was giving away the furniture and big screen TV. Or when he removed his entire gun collection and the two huge gun safes that take four people to move. Hmmmm . . . . I wonder if my mom can write a letter to the judge saying I didn't do it and to please excuse me. Or maybe my dad can write a letter tot he judge complaining about how Jason hasn't turned in any financial paperwork so far even though it's been almost a year since he left and I filed. It's as if the paperwork has magically disappeared. Maybe someone shouldn't be such a loser and should just do what's right. Yeah, like that will ever happen.

The Church Date

Well, let's see. The church date was, well it was OK. I don't think we really had any chemistry is how I guess I should put it. I should have realized that when he asked me to go to his church but I didn't. He is really sweet and nice so since I have never been attracted to sweet or nice, there we go. The kids and I did have a nice time, I guess it just wasn't for me. My idea of church is to get there right when it starts and then leave as soon as I put my envelope in the collection basket. I only stay that long because the envelope has to go in so the school knows I am going there. It's required to get the lowest church member rate. So, I guess I'll just see who comes along next.

The Big Debut

Tomorrow morning is my Mary Kay debut. Some of my friends, the ones who aren't too afraid of the cult like atmosphere Mary Kay sometimes creates, will be coming over. Also, the woman who recruited me, Lisa, and our director, Beth. They are really wonderful, supportive, and helpful. It seems to me, and since I am going to write this I can't tell Lisa or Beth about this blog, that it's all about making women feel good about themselves and then going in for the kill. There is a whole psychology to making the women buy things. I believe Kristyn must have secretly known about this since she is constantly referring to this as a cult. I must say though, that if it gives me extra money and a free car in a year or two, who cares?? I can meet new people and make them buy things, I don't have to torture my actual friends, just people I don't know!

A Date

My friend Rhonda's brother-in-law, Todd, called this weekend to ask the kids and I to their church picnic. Although this seems like an odd first date, if that's what it is, I am looking forward to it. I am pretty sure Jason is cancelling on the kids for this coming weekend so they will be with me. If not, Todd still wants just me to come along. He is around 42 and his wife recently passed away from cancer. He asked Rhonda if she thought I still loved Jason or would go back to him if he asked. She told him she really didn't think so. I guess that's a valid question. He also spent 45 minutes on the phone with her while she filled him in on my likes and dislikes. Hopefully, he won't start texting me . . . .

Getting a Job

The latest words of wisdom from my soon-to-be-yet-not-soon-enough ex are "When are you going to get a job?" To which I replied, "I'm not." The argument was in the torture chamber otherwise known as the parent coordinator's office and was as childish as always. So, I have decided to get a job, but not quite the job Mr. Know It All thinks it will be. You see, my friend sells lipstick, rather expensive lipstick, and I am going to give it a shot. I can tell people what to do, Kristyn thinks I am great at that. I can talk people into buying a product I already use, so why not I say! Why not try it, it's make-up it's fun, it's getting out of the house and there's a 50% profit for each thing I sell!

Freakin'

That is Nichlas' new word. He has tried saying few times over the past weeks and I finally asked him where he heard it. He said that Jessica says it. Why am I not surprised?

An Update

So, here's the latest. Jason went away for 10 days, did not call once to check on the children. I have talked to him since and kindly asked if he would like me to apply for financial aid so Nicholas can stay in his private school. That was a nice feeling to say the words financial aid to him. He said he is going to pay so I am going to make him sign the responsible party form tonight, Kristyn's brilliant idea, and then photocopy it before turning it in, another brilliant idea from Kristyn. We are selling the Hollow Wood house, finally. Who knows how long that will take in this market. I am sure he will hike up the prices on the repairs so he can more of the money that we make from it and I get less. That's just how it goes, I guess. I have decided to have Ed put the tubes in Christopher's ears but only, I do mean but only, because he did so much for the Henry's when Amy was having problems. Otherwise, no way Jose. So, thanks to the Henry's, I know Christopher will be OK and it's the right choice. Who knows what else will come up in the next few months, we are supposed to have another mediation sometime and there is a trial set for April, so if nothing else, this hellish nightmare will be over by then for sure. So there you have it, the latest in this, my never ending saga!