I am so excited - An Answered Prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I have found a new job, or should I say a new job found me. I received a call from my younger brother, who is an attorney. Another attorney I had interviewed with prior to arriving in hell (a/k/a my present job), had contacted him. He is letting his secretary go, and wants me to come work for him!!!! My salary increase will be around $9000, plus I will have insurance, vacation and sick time. The attorney and I really hit it off during my prior interview, but he had decided to go with the other girl. He told me when I spoke to him today, that he had obviously made the wrong decision.

FINALLY!!!! Something great has happened for me. You guys have NO idea how much I needed something positive to happen in my life. It's even better since this is something pretty big!!!

I'm a lyrical genious!

Since, I have been publishing some pretty depressing posts, I decided to give you a taste of the lighter side of things. For those of you who do not know me very well, here's a look into my witty, dry, sarcastic sense of humor, and my talent for writing. LOL Please pardon any offensive language.

(to the tune of Farmer in the Dell)
I really hate my job.
I really hate my job.
My boss is an Ass Wipe.
I really hate my job.

He bitches & he gripes.
He bitches & he gripes.
My boss is an Ass Wipe.
I really hate my job.

I really hate my job.
I really hate my job.
Aaz Weepe’ won’t buy a microwave.
I really hate my job.

I treat my dog better than this.
I treat my dog better than this.
He doesn’t purchase writing utensils.
I really hate my job.
_____________________________

Hi, Ho. Hi, Ho.
I hate my job, you know.
We have no pens,
He’s a stupid man.
Hi, ho. Hi, ho. Hi, ho!

Hi, Ho. Hi, Ho.
I hate my job, you know.
No microwave.
It’s money he saves.
Hi, ho. Hi, ho. Hi, ho!

Hi, Ho. Hi, Ho.
I hate my job, you know.
My pay is crap.
That’s a wrap.
Hi, ho. Hi, ho. Hi, ho
__________________________
This poem was written the day I ran out of coffee at the office:
Oh, Coffee. Oh, Coffee.
Wherefore art thou, my beloved Coffee?
I miss thou comforting aroma.
I miss thou soothing color.
I miss thou in my coffee cup.

Oh, Coffee. Oh, Coffee.
Wherefore art thou, my beloved Coffee?
__________________________

Thoughts to ponder...

Now, here's a little look into how my mind works:

How come when we close a letter, we put “Sincerely,” “Sincerely yours,” “Very truly yours,” etc.? Are we really sincere, sincerely theirs or very truly theirs?

Why do they say dogs travel in a pack, livestock are herds and birds are flocks? Did the dogs, birds or livestock actually tell someone what their groups are called?

How come when we get off the phone we say “Good-bye,” “Bye, Bye,” or “Thank you?” Is “Bye” ever really good for both parties? Are we thankful for their help, or are we thankful they let us off the phone?

How come when we get paid we thank the management for the paycheck? I thought we were here to do a job and get paid. Why should we thank them for something we are owed?

Why do they call a softball a “soft-ball?” If you have ever been hit with one, you would know it’s not that “soft.” (Just ask Maggie - lol)

Why is it called a hot dog? They are not always hot, and they are not made from dog.

Why do they call it a drive thru? Our insurance would not be happy if we truly drove thru.

Why is it a hurricane in the US, but a cyclone in other parts of the world? It’s all the same damn thing – a lot of wind and water!

If you are divorced, your previous spouse is not an ex. If he were an ex, you could mark him out & he would be GONE!

If the kids on the bus truly go “Up & Down,” wouldn’t there have been a lawsuit filed by now?

Why is it called a “Live Oak?” Duh? What do you want, a “dead oak?”

If it’s a freeway, why is there a speed limit and why do we have to pay for a ticket. It’s a “Free-Way” and we should be free to go way over the speed limit.

Why is it called common sense? If it were common wouldn’t everyone have it?

As we get older, are we sure we should be brave enough to tell our friends “Happy Birthday?”

When you visit someone in the hospital, should we really say “Good bye?” Remember, “Bye” is not always good for both parties.

Frustrated, Angry, Mad, etc...

For the last couple of days, I have been in one of my "moods." I'm just fed up with life in general.

I did not get paid for any of the "hurrication." I did file for the emergency unemployment, and will be compensated in the amount of $155/wk. Gee... That's a little less than 1/2 of my weekly pay. That's gonna go really far. NOT! My paycheck for this week was a net of $116, since I didn't return to work until Thursday, when the kids went back to school. My ex is only planning on paying me $150 for child support for this month. I do not have money for rent, utilities, etc., for this month. Miller's b-day was Thursday, and I couldn't even afford to get him anything. I was able to send cupcakes to school and get him a cake - Thanks Food Stamps. It's amazing, food stamps pay for candy, sodas, cakes and any other kind of junk food, but not for necessities, such as toilet paper, toothpaste and other toiletries.

Today, my gorgeous 9 y/o is at a birthday party for one of her best friends. She was soooo excited! They were riding to Houston, via a Ford Excursion Limousine, and going to Dave & Busters. I got her all dolled up - curled her hair, put on some sparkly eye shadow, perfume, jewelry. She looked fabulous - I was amazed I was able to improve upon utter perfection. So, I take her to her friend's house, which is absolutely beautiful from the outside. I have been there before, but have never really looked around. Her friend's little brother's nursery is beautiful, her friend has a precious room that any pre-teen would love. She also has her own bathroom, and another room with a larger bed and larger TV, for when she has friend's over. At the end of the hall, you go up a set of stairs, and there is literally a miniature movie theater. Two small rows of stadium seating and a screen that takes up an entire wall. I was floored!!!

On my way home, I begin pondering things. I absolutely ADORE my children, and want nothing more than to provide them with a wonderful life. I kept thinking about her friend's room and the fact I could never provide my kids with something so nice. I looked at all of her friends and the cute clothes they were wearing, and then thought of my beautiful daughter in her payless shoes, hand-me-down pants and Wal-Mart shirt. I know this is all material stuff, but it just seems to re-enforce the fact that life is such a struggle for us. I admit that I do get jealous. I'm not so much jealous of all the material possessions of friends and family, but from the fact they can provide the necessities for their kids. I can't even afford to provide a roof over my kids' head, nor feed them, without government assistance.

Some other issues that have placed me teetering on the edge are the theft of some things around my house. A friend of mine that lives in an apartment had his bike stored in my garage. Well, it went missing this past weekend. Monday, during broad daylight, while we were at my Mom's, someone walked into our garage and stole one of the kids bikes we received through the Reaud Foundation last year. Then, I get home yesterday, and someone had taken the Little Tykes playground from our back yard. The playground was not that big a deal, just the principle of it. The bike was HUGE. We received it though a wonderful charity last Christmas, and it was something I definitely cannot afford to replace. It's all so frustrating.

At what point will all of this ease up? When will things become easier? I do NOT need a lot of money or a fancy house. I just want to provide a better life for my kids. I just want them to have a few of the things they want, and a nicer home. The only way I have found I can do that is to move back in with my mother. I appreciate her generosity, but feel like I am admitting defeat. However, as I can come up with no other idea to make things better for them, I have no choice. God has entrusted them in my care, and I can't provide for them worth a flip! I have failed him, as well as the kids...

There is so much more to all of this. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. So, if any of yo have any suggestions on how to make things better in my life, I am soooo open to hearing them.

Finally Home...

Well, we got our electricity back Friday, and returned home late Friday nite. The kids were absolutely WONDERFUL the entire time we were gone. I was so proud. Miller was so cute on the way home. He said all he wanted was to get in his own bed.

Our home was fine. We just had some rathr large (tree size) branches snap off the trees. Our trees are really old. Anyway, the kids and I moved a lot of the smaller branches. The majority of what's left are the larger ones, which some men from the church will cut.

My heart is truly with my friends and family whose homes were damaged or a total loss. I feel so helpless and wish there was something I could do. How do we help them pick up the pieces? I know it's all just "stuff," but this stuff holds a special place in most peoples' hearts. There is a difference between a house and a home - a house is the place you live and a home is not only the place you live but the place that lives in your heart. It's that place where you feel comfortable and safe. The place where, when you go there, you know you belong there. To lose a home is like losing that sense of safety, peace and belonging. I have been there, but mine was not lost to a storm...

The boss' office was not damaged (unfortunately), but is still without power. I am somewhat glad, because I am not ready to go back to work for him. Just the thought of it makes my stomach turn and makes me nauseated. I am more than tempted to not even return. I have filed for emergency unemployment, but it will not pay much. I am going to spend this time searching for something else that will provide for us. Please pray that God leaves me in the right direction.

Also, we will soon start packing up and getting ready for the move back to Mom's. We will be moving to her house after the first of October, once my nephew has moved to California. Let the fun begin! You know what bites? Trying to pack up a family of four BY YOURSELF!!!! It's stressful, exhausting and overwhelming. I also ask that you pray for peace for all of us both during and after the move.

I feel like I'm rambling, but I have so much on my mind. My next concern is for my older brother out in California. He is going through an EXTREMELY messy divorce. Unfortunately, his 2 children from this marriage are having a really rough time with it. My 12 y/o nephew refuses to go to his mother's. My 7 y/o niece is not too keen on going to her mother's, either. Presently, my brother has custody of both of them. Let's pray it stays that way. I so wish I could be out in California with them.

My prayers are with you...

Hello, ladies! I wanted to let everyone know that we did leave. We are in Dallas, staying with a friend of my Mom's. I am so thankful that she was so willing to open her home to us. I know the kids and I are quite and imposition. However, she has been more than gracious. The only down side is that my sweet Prissie Dog is having to stay outside. Since Prissie has never been told she is a "dog," she is quite traumatized. LOL I also miss her company around the house.

I do know that God must have truly had a hand over Nederland, as I believe we suffered the least damage. However, there is one family in our church that we need to be praying for - Kathryn and Bryan Alvis. Their home in LaBelle is in the back of the same subdivision as my cousin, right off Hwy 365. The Alvis' home is close to the bayou, which flooded. My cousin has 4 feet of water in her home, which is at a higher elevation than the Alvis'. This means it is likely the Alvis' home is flooded, as well.

Please remember to pray for one another, especially those that were in the flood areas.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to bring you hope and a future."

Maybe this time will be better...

As most of you know, my kids and I have been struggling financially, ever since I was laid off from a job, which I loved, last April. Unfortunately, I am working at a job I absolutely hate, for a boss who has ZERO respect for me as an employee, nor as a person.

Prior to moving out 2 years ago, the kids and I had lived with my Mom, 2 teenage nephews & their dog. That's 7 people and one annoying mutt living in a 3/2 1/2. Not a lot of fun... Presently, my younger nephew has moved out of Mom's, and the oldest one is finally getting to go live with his Dad (the mutt will go too). I will miss him terribly, but I am thrilled he FINALLY has this opportunity. In light of this, my Mom has made me the offer to let the 4 of us, and our dog, move back into her house. This will not only help us, but will help her as well. I will be able to help with her utilities, laundry, etc. In turn, we will be able to afford to do a little more. This time, she has agreed to allow me to make some changes, so we will feel more at home. Plus, they will help when it comes time for her to sell the house.

All that being said, I'm really scared. I do not want my Mom and I to get back to that awful relationship we had when the kids and I were there before. I am also afraid I am trading one crummy living situation for another. Not having to worry about all of the bills will be wonderful, as will having some adult company. I just do not want to end up with an entirely new set of stressors.

I have discussed the move with Maggie and Miller, and they were both happy about it. I knew Maggie would be, but I was sure Miller would have an issue with it. However, he had a huge smile on his face. I think they are just happy that we will be in a decent home again - our house is kind of a dump. Maggie is excited about having more than one bathroom. LOL The kids will all sleep in the same bedroom - the girls have bunkbeds - but I think we can do this. BTW - does anyone know if it's possible for a tiny 4 y/o girl to jump from the top bunk to the ceiling fan? I can just see this happening @ Mom's. LOL

So, if I do decided we should do this, here is my requests - prayer! Please pray that this situation will work for ALL of us. Pray that God blesses this time in our lives and that we are all able to live together in peace.

Who is that person?

So, this morning, I get to work, with only 1/2 my make-up on, as usual. After the boss-man walks out, I go into the restroom to put on the mascara. I look at the person looking back at me from the mirror, and I think to myself "Who in the heck is that?There is absolutely NO WAY that can be me." I do not have that many wrinkles around my eyes. I mean, I KNEW I had grey hair. I've had grey hair since my 20's. What is the deal with the right eyelid starting to droop a little bit. When in the HECK did that happen (now all of you will be staring at it to see if it really is drooping, LOL). What about the ding-dang frown lines? Gees, when I smile, there are even wrinkles around the dimple on my left cheek. What is up with this?

Turning 39 this summer was quite difficult. Every birthday finds me reflecting back on my life, and I truly hate what I see. When you're divorced, your life is categorized like this: (1) Before I was married; (2) While I was married; and (2) Since the divorce.

(1) Before I was married - I was the strong, independent type. I had a new car every three years (just before the warranty ran out), I had my own home and a well-paying job.
(2) While I was married - I was a loving/doting wife & mother, the picture-perfect stay-at-home Mom, and not to mention a fabulous cook and housekeeper.
(3) Since the divorce - I have fallen on my backside, time after time. I am now an overweight, grey-haired, wrinkled, single, working mother with 3 young children. Among my accomplishments are: ???? I'll come back to this one. LOL

The other day, Matt handed me a picture of myself from just about 3 yrs ago. I thought I was going to cry. I hardly recognized myself. I was smiling and truly happy. Where did that person in the picture go? Where is that smile? Where is that happiness? I think they are buried beneath the mountains of dirty laundry, the baskets of clean laundry, dirty dishes, messy bedrooms and piles of bills. Replacing that smile and happiness are the stress of providing for three children, trying to make sure there is enough of me for all of them, trying to juggle our finances (or lack thereof) in order to get everything paid, the grief from the death of what used-to-be, the loneliness and the hectic schedule and routine I now enforce alone. I am downright determined to find that person again. BTW - does anyone know a plastic surgeon that will get rid of the wrinkles, for free. LOL

Now, back to my accomplishments. I have been blessed to raise three GORGEOUS children, that I absolutely adore. I have taught them sarcasm, to be goofy, sensitive, playful, loving and kind. They are 3 unique individuals, with 3 distinct personalities. They may not always mind me, but they are almost always respectful and polite to others.

Nope, we didn't evacuate!

So, for those of you that did evacuate, I hope you arrived at your destinations safely, and also returned safely, nerves and sanity intact. Personally, I chose to ignore the mandatory evacuation order. Don't get me wrong, I had no intention of riding out the storm. However, I also had no intention of spending 9 hours to travel 80 miles, with 3 kids and a dog, ALONE! That was not my idea of a relaxing long weekend.

There were two other reasons we didn't evacuate:
(1) As my boss' policy is "You don't work. You don't get paid." I didn't want to evacuate only to find out it was unnecessary, and then have to bust my booty to get back here to return to work today. So, I monitored the storm closely, with full intentions of leaving yesterday morning if it became necessary; and

(2) The only option we had for evacutation was, please don't laugh, going to stay with my ex-husband. Now, typically, this would not really be a bad idea, but our situation is not typical. I did not relish the thought of going to his boyfriend's house and spending quality time with them and my kids. No need to re-read that sentence. You read it correctly the 1st time. Anyway, it was just a little bit more than I could deal with emotionally.

Well, obviously, God was watching over us, because our area remained unscathed. We should all be thankful. However, now we have Hanna, who looks like she's contemplating her path, Ike (he sounds mean, i.e. Ike Turner) and Josephine. Would anyone like to place any wagers on which of these will arrive to spend time with us in the next week or so?