I've been thinking lately, how could I avoid something like this happening again. How can I avoid getting involved with an abusive, controlling person. Everything seemed pretty good for the first 7 months (until we moved in together) and even a little while after that. There were red flags, but he explained them away. And at that point, his ( Read more... )

my goal with the kids right now is to encourage positivity - in their interactions with me, each other, themselves, the world. Unfortunately, it seems like such a monumental task that I'm feeling rather negative about the potential outcome. My own positivity feels like a raindrop in the ocean.

Alex has his first sleepover tonight! I just hope he makes it through, that I don't get a call at 2am asking me to come get him.

Dan & I found a house to rent ... it's a bit south of here, and it will be "cozy" (read, small) but it's charming & I can picture us being happy there. Big yard, and the landlords are good with me gardening & keeping chickens. And there's a fire pit in the back yard. Best of all, it's very close to where Alex, Noah, & Jessie's schools will ( ( Read more... )

of interest to mostly no one, but I got a request to post it, so here it is.

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2011 wasn't an easy year, I'm looking forward to 2012 though ( Read more... )

Matt loves my birthday present to him from last week - Skyrim. I made him a lemon-curd marbled cheesecake that was pretty good, though I think I could do better ( Read more... )

Last night I was skimming the beginning of my journal, and I want to go back and smack myself from 2003 upside the head. What the hell was I thinking?!

Because of some health issues, I'm having to give up all caffeine. Actually, I already have. No coffee, tea ... even too much chocolate is problematic. I'm grieving this. I love coffee, and tea is a close second. I love the taste, the smell. I was in denial for a while. And now that I can't have it, it's everywhere. I crave it, even though ( Read more... )

I have withstood hours of labor & given birth, 3 times, without drugs ( Read more... )