Hmmm...I wish I could open up and tell you all what has been going on around here, but I can't. Too many lurkers (who think I don't know that they are) are still reading my blogs, and they don't deserve to know what is going on in my world.
So go away! We want nothing to do with you. Is that really a hard thing to understand?
The rest of you...message me on facebook, and I'll catch you up.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Reflecting
I love Facebook. I really do. It's such great fun to find old friends, and see what they have been up to the last, oh, 20 years or so. Night before last I found a friend who I used to go to church with.
A little back story:
Growing up in New York, it was considered different not to be Catholic. I was, and still am, Baptist. There were not very many Baptist churches on Long Island, but my grandparents went to one, and every Sunday they would pick up me, my brother and my sister, and off we would go. I remember doing this as far back as i can remember. My parents would show up for services sometimes, but never Sunday school.
I loved this church. Being just 14 months younger than my sister, i kind of gravitated towards her friends, and never really had any of my own. Except in church. In fact, my best friend growing up was a boy whose parents were best friends with my grandparents. (they adopted him later in life, so they were my grandparents age by the time we were in high school) I was allowed to sleep over his house, and it was never questioned. Of course, nothing ever happen, though everyone would have sworn we would have gotten married someday.
Anyway, the church we went to was small, and the youth group was even smaller. I think there were maybe ten of us, and we were all really close. I used to go every Sunday, day and night, and Wednesday nights just to hang out with my friends. I remember sitting in the back pew, passing notes while the pastor preached his sermon. We got busted a few times, if I remember correctly, by leaving our notes in the hymnals.
We went on youth retreats. We took day trips into the city with the church bus (which was nothing more than an old school bus that barely ran). We did Christmas programs. And Pioneer Girls. And potlucks.
I really do look back on those years as some of the best from my childhood. Then one day, my dad decided that he wanted us to change churches, and I was so angry with him. By this time my best friend was driving, and I thought I was old enough to decide which church I wanted to attend. I could just go with him was my logic, but my dad didn't let me. If I remember correctly, my sister was driving by this time, and she would take all of us to Sunday school, and then church. I don't ever remember my parents going...but that could just be my failing memory. I didn't like this new church. It was big, and the friends I loved were not there. I grew up in that other church, and that is where I wanted to be.
It wasn't too long after this that we stopped going to church altogether. I truly believe that my life would be so different right now if we had never left that little church. I was on the right path back then. Not that I am on the wrong path now, because I wouldn't trade one second of the past 20 years for anything. I just think that I would have made different choices along the way.
Like staying in church.
So, I found one of my closest girlfriends from back then on Facebook. She is married to one of the guys who was in our tight little group of friends at church, and they have four daughters. She is still very involved with her church, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous of her.
And I can't for the life of me figure out exactly why. I mean, I think it is because I wish I was part of a church again. I want my kids to go to Sunday school, but with Junior and I, not my parents. I just can not get Junior to go. You see, we have a difference of opinion when it comes to choosing a church. I want to go to a Baptist church, and he doesn't. He wants to go to a Church Of God. I think that because I was raised in church, and I have pretty strong beliefs, that he should do what I want. Selfish? Maybe. But he went to church only on holidays, and it was never a good experience for him. I think if he will just try a Baptist church, he will like it. I know the kids would love it.
My mom has been talking about finding a new church, and I seriously think that we should all go together. I mean, church is all about family, so why not go with family. Right?
I need to stop making excuses. I need to go out and get some church clothes (now that I have lost some weight I can get some stuff in smaller sizes :) ) for myself and the kids. I need to make an effort to get my family into a church.
I think maybe that is what I have been missing, and maybe seeing what my old friend has makes me want it all the more. Does that even make sense?
A little back story:
Growing up in New York, it was considered different not to be Catholic. I was, and still am, Baptist. There were not very many Baptist churches on Long Island, but my grandparents went to one, and every Sunday they would pick up me, my brother and my sister, and off we would go. I remember doing this as far back as i can remember. My parents would show up for services sometimes, but never Sunday school.
I loved this church. Being just 14 months younger than my sister, i kind of gravitated towards her friends, and never really had any of my own. Except in church. In fact, my best friend growing up was a boy whose parents were best friends with my grandparents. (they adopted him later in life, so they were my grandparents age by the time we were in high school) I was allowed to sleep over his house, and it was never questioned. Of course, nothing ever happen, though everyone would have sworn we would have gotten married someday.
Anyway, the church we went to was small, and the youth group was even smaller. I think there were maybe ten of us, and we were all really close. I used to go every Sunday, day and night, and Wednesday nights just to hang out with my friends. I remember sitting in the back pew, passing notes while the pastor preached his sermon. We got busted a few times, if I remember correctly, by leaving our notes in the hymnals.
We went on youth retreats. We took day trips into the city with the church bus (which was nothing more than an old school bus that barely ran). We did Christmas programs. And Pioneer Girls. And potlucks.
I really do look back on those years as some of the best from my childhood. Then one day, my dad decided that he wanted us to change churches, and I was so angry with him. By this time my best friend was driving, and I thought I was old enough to decide which church I wanted to attend. I could just go with him was my logic, but my dad didn't let me. If I remember correctly, my sister was driving by this time, and she would take all of us to Sunday school, and then church. I don't ever remember my parents going...but that could just be my failing memory. I didn't like this new church. It was big, and the friends I loved were not there. I grew up in that other church, and that is where I wanted to be.
It wasn't too long after this that we stopped going to church altogether. I truly believe that my life would be so different right now if we had never left that little church. I was on the right path back then. Not that I am on the wrong path now, because I wouldn't trade one second of the past 20 years for anything. I just think that I would have made different choices along the way.
Like staying in church.
So, I found one of my closest girlfriends from back then on Facebook. She is married to one of the guys who was in our tight little group of friends at church, and they have four daughters. She is still very involved with her church, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous of her.
And I can't for the life of me figure out exactly why. I mean, I think it is because I wish I was part of a church again. I want my kids to go to Sunday school, but with Junior and I, not my parents. I just can not get Junior to go. You see, we have a difference of opinion when it comes to choosing a church. I want to go to a Baptist church, and he doesn't. He wants to go to a Church Of God. I think that because I was raised in church, and I have pretty strong beliefs, that he should do what I want. Selfish? Maybe. But he went to church only on holidays, and it was never a good experience for him. I think if he will just try a Baptist church, he will like it. I know the kids would love it.
My mom has been talking about finding a new church, and I seriously think that we should all go together. I mean, church is all about family, so why not go with family. Right?
I need to stop making excuses. I need to go out and get some church clothes (now that I have lost some weight I can get some stuff in smaller sizes :) ) for myself and the kids. I need to make an effort to get my family into a church.
I think maybe that is what I have been missing, and maybe seeing what my old friend has makes me want it all the more. Does that even make sense?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Therapy, Moving Mom, and Swimming
Therapy Wednesday...the first time in six weeks.
The funny thing is, nothing has happened that is worth talking about.
And that is a really good thing. The only bad thing is that Junior sees this as a reason to quit going. I think that's a bad idea. I know nothing has happened lately, but he still hasn't gotten to the bottom of all his issues, and I think he needs to before he stops.
Besides, I am sure it is only a matter of time before his dad shows back up at his work. Just today Ryan was outside with him, and they saw his dad drive by our house really slow, checking things out. He thinks he's slick because he bought a new vehicle. What he forgets is that my kids bus goes by his house every day, and they are not stupid kids. They told Junior the day the new van showed up. I really don't care, but this bothers Junior that he is driving by again.
I personally think the man needs to get a life. He should be focusing on the two kids who still speak to him, and leave us the hell alone.
Just my opinion.
Anyway, I can not believe Christmas is only three weeks away. Talk about stress! Junior gets paid next week, and we have to shop for all the kids out of that. I am hoping to put off a few bills, but there are some that need to be paid. I have accepted the fact that the kids will be disappointed, but I know my mom is getting them the big things they asked for, so I know they will be happy about that. Somehow Brandi talked her into getting her a hamster, which we all know will become my responsibility. It's a good thing I have experience in this area.
My mom is moving this weekend, which should be fun. It looks like it will be my brother, Ryan and I doing all the work. Colleen can't help because she had surgery recently, and isn't fully healed. Junior has a transmission he already agreed to fix for a coworkers daughter, and Mike has to work. But, I am sure we will get it all done, and mom can start settling in to her new place. Did I mention it has an in ground pool? I will be over there all the time this summer. I love swimming, and it's been a long time since I have been in a "real" pool. Now to focus on losing some weight before wearing a bathing suit in public.
I guess that's about all for this rambling session. I know I keep promising to do better over here, but it's hard. For a stay at home mom I am so busy these days. I have a hard time finding the time to do anything. Hopefully once the new year is here, I can slow down a little.
Maybe then I won't have so many migraines.
The funny thing is, nothing has happened that is worth talking about.
And that is a really good thing. The only bad thing is that Junior sees this as a reason to quit going. I think that's a bad idea. I know nothing has happened lately, but he still hasn't gotten to the bottom of all his issues, and I think he needs to before he stops.
Besides, I am sure it is only a matter of time before his dad shows back up at his work. Just today Ryan was outside with him, and they saw his dad drive by our house really slow, checking things out. He thinks he's slick because he bought a new vehicle. What he forgets is that my kids bus goes by his house every day, and they are not stupid kids. They told Junior the day the new van showed up. I really don't care, but this bothers Junior that he is driving by again.
I personally think the man needs to get a life. He should be focusing on the two kids who still speak to him, and leave us the hell alone.
Just my opinion.
Anyway, I can not believe Christmas is only three weeks away. Talk about stress! Junior gets paid next week, and we have to shop for all the kids out of that. I am hoping to put off a few bills, but there are some that need to be paid. I have accepted the fact that the kids will be disappointed, but I know my mom is getting them the big things they asked for, so I know they will be happy about that. Somehow Brandi talked her into getting her a hamster, which we all know will become my responsibility. It's a good thing I have experience in this area.
My mom is moving this weekend, which should be fun. It looks like it will be my brother, Ryan and I doing all the work. Colleen can't help because she had surgery recently, and isn't fully healed. Junior has a transmission he already agreed to fix for a coworkers daughter, and Mike has to work. But, I am sure we will get it all done, and mom can start settling in to her new place. Did I mention it has an in ground pool? I will be over there all the time this summer. I love swimming, and it's been a long time since I have been in a "real" pool. Now to focus on losing some weight before wearing a bathing suit in public.
I guess that's about all for this rambling session. I know I keep promising to do better over here, but it's hard. For a stay at home mom I am so busy these days. I have a hard time finding the time to do anything. Hopefully once the new year is here, I can slow down a little.
Maybe then I won't have so many migraines.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
For All Things...
...there is a reason.
The past few days I have been trying to figure out why my luck has gone in the crapper. Maybe luck is a wrong word choice, so let me explain.
I was doing really well with the paid posting. For a couple of months in a row I made over $750 a month. Then google took away my PR3. I thought this would be the perfect time to change that blog to a dot com. I do that, and the next day I get the PR3 back, but my blog no longer has that Url. That particular blog is now a PR0, and as most of you paid posters know, you don't get a lot of opps for with that ranking. I still have a PR2 on my kids blog, and have gotten a few opps for that one, but no where near what I was making.
I have been thinking about it, though, and believe there is a reason. All summer I have been tied to the computer, trying to grab opps when they become available. Maybe this is God's way of making me back off a little, and spend some quality time with my family. The past week has been great. I've been swimming with the girls, last night I sat on the kitchen floor with them and played with playdough. Today we went out to lunch and shopping, and I wasn't preoccupied, thinking about what opps I was missing. I enjoyed the time with my family, and the kids had a great time playing at the Chick-Fil-A playland. We seldom go here, so it was a treat for them.
My point? I am hoping that when google does another re-rank in the next couple of months, when the kids are back in school, that I get my PR3 back. Until then, I am going to enjoy my kids.
The past few days I have been trying to figure out why my luck has gone in the crapper. Maybe luck is a wrong word choice, so let me explain.
I was doing really well with the paid posting. For a couple of months in a row I made over $750 a month. Then google took away my PR3. I thought this would be the perfect time to change that blog to a dot com. I do that, and the next day I get the PR3 back, but my blog no longer has that Url. That particular blog is now a PR0, and as most of you paid posters know, you don't get a lot of opps for with that ranking. I still have a PR2 on my kids blog, and have gotten a few opps for that one, but no where near what I was making.
I have been thinking about it, though, and believe there is a reason. All summer I have been tied to the computer, trying to grab opps when they become available. Maybe this is God's way of making me back off a little, and spend some quality time with my family. The past week has been great. I've been swimming with the girls, last night I sat on the kitchen floor with them and played with playdough. Today we went out to lunch and shopping, and I wasn't preoccupied, thinking about what opps I was missing. I enjoyed the time with my family, and the kids had a great time playing at the Chick-Fil-A playland. We seldom go here, so it was a treat for them.
My point? I am hoping that when google does another re-rank in the next couple of months, when the kids are back in school, that I get my PR3 back. Until then, I am going to enjoy my kids.
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