Three years of shots...

Hi all! An update on my baby boy, Jack.  He is still going strong after over three years after being diagnosed as diabetic.  So far he has endured two pancreatitis (mild) attacks (where he gets sick for two days and we have to give him pills for anti-nausea and one to stoke his appetite), and over 2,000 shots!!!! (one shot every 12 hours) and a move to another state.
Still...this little trooper keeps going strong.
He just turned 13 this year and we didn't know if he'd make it to 10. (sniff)!!!

I love you baby boy!!! You are mama's 20-lb angel 💖💖💖

Sick of the Rat Race

The rat race. The 9 to 5. The daily work that gives us the ability (mostly) to buy housing, food, clothing, and all the things we need (and hopefully some we want too).

Since the early 1990's I have been firmly ingrained in the corporate world. From receptionist to file clerk and working my way up (and sideways) to learn all the MS Office you can handle, plus I was a top number-cruncher. At one point in time my then husband and I were doing just fine...until 2006 when the world as we knew it ended and I became the sole breadwinner. I earned two degrees in seven years...but now I need to leverage that knowledge.

As I type this during my now third month of unemployment I wonder...what did it get me? Where am I in my life? I am 40+ years old, no children, but I have a very hard-working fiance who is blue collar. (a shrinking field in its entirety for manufacturing in this country) but at least he has a job. My now ex-husband is still draining me a little at a time (no worries, there is a light at the end of that tunnel) but I'm still making next to nothing. I either have to learn an entirely new job or...

I need a non-traditional job.

All my life (working life) I wanted the 9-5, secretarial role, do my bit kind of gig. I quickly found out that's not what I wanted at all and was typecast (after being Speedy Gonzales on a 10-key) in the accounting world. A stigma that haunts me to this day. I cannot get away from it, as much as I try. (I had been pursuing a 3rd degree in accounting when my personal life blew up. So much for concentration! Plus, I decided, that was not what I really wanted. It was a great distraction, but the mission failed.)

I have many skills and talents, but none of which the modern labor force seems to pick up in their keyword searches of my resume. In three months I've had one phone interview and two agencies call. Let me tell you, I've done the agency bit since I was 18 years old. It's time to stop that altogether, (but that's another post.)

So...I am saying here and now that while I am forced to look for something "traditional" I will work my side gigs and try to keep writing so that my books are at least seen and some fresh material is out there.  Plus I'm a knitting fiend and may open an Etsy shop or sell on Facebook.  I may pick up other crafts just to sell my wares if I find that there's a market.

OK, rant over.

To all my fans and friends through these tough years, Thank You a millions times over! Without you, I don't know what I'd do. You've fallen for Phillip or Sam or maybe even Mark. We love you and appreciate you all deeply.

Wedding...take two

For those who might not know my story; I am a second-time bride coming this fall.
My first marriage ended amicably (we are still best buds) but he went on to become what he really wanted to be...a she.

So, that aside...my wonderful man (of nearly two years) asked me to marry him this past winter and I'm thrilled! But now the extra fun part...the planning.

If you've never been married before, let me warn you now. If you are not a planner or an organized person, or even have an idea of what you want...then start finding someone who can and get some ideas together.

Even though this is not my first rodeo, it has been 20 years since I last marched down the aisle. Lots has changed...from styles of gowns to cake toppers, and even tuxes.  This time around I am holding to what I wanted all along...an outdoor, small ceremony. No more super-long church aisle and close to 100 people. That's fine...if it's your first. But I'm middle-aged now (cough) and we want things a bit simpler.

I will wrap this up with some sites (and stores) that I am using to help me prepare. Go with your own style and don't let anyone persuade you to what you don't want.

Party City (great for all kinds of wedding stuff)
Hobby Lobby or Joanns, Michaels, Ben Franklin
Etsy (artisans galore!)
Amazon (found the gown here)
Thumbtack (where I've found the photographer and minister)
Ulta

Also never count out your local businesses. Bakers, florists, dressmakers, and corral friends and family who are gifted with hair and makeup, and even the shutterbugs.

Cheers!

Steph