Me & My New SUV

No, it's not the BMW X5 that just makes my heart melt when I see or think about it. But it's mine and is financed in my name. The car I've been driving for about 3 1/2 years was in a friend's name (long story that I really don't feel like getting into). After I purchased my house in 2003 she started asking me about getting the car in my own name. I had drawn up a contract that we both signed and I had it notarized when I agreed to take over the payments for her. The agreement was that I would pay on the car until it was paid in full.

Well, towards the end of last year she started asking me again about getting the car out of her name. I could see that this was going to be a problem. I had always made the payments on time and have taken good care of the car (o.k., maybe I shouldn't go as long as I've been known to between oil changes). I attempted to purchase a Jeep Liberty in January of this year but the payments would have been more than I felt I could comfortably afford so I did not purchase it.

I get an e-mail on Tuesday from a dealership that I had e-mailed earlier this year when I was seriously considering buying a new vehicle. The e-mail from the Internet Sales Manager stated that they were having a Memorial Day Sale and would have big deals on their vehicles. We exchanged a few e-mails and I eventually went to the dealership that evening. Over the course of the next 2 days I was totally stressed out. One minute he is certain he can get me into a Liberty regardless of my situation (car not in my name, upside down on car, almost no money down, not enough credit since my bankruptcy). Yeah, I know my situation was a bit challenging but the way I feel regardless of a person's situation is -- either you can or you can't make a deal. Don't string a person along. Don't act like you're having to walk over hot coals to get a person financed. Well, after what felt like a see-saw ride (up & down -- one minute everything looks good, the next minute, there's an issue with this or that) I received a call Thursday afternoon from the salesman saying that everything looked great and the paperwork would be ready for me to sign when I arrived. The only thing they needed from my friend was for her to sign a Power of Attorney form.

I am continuing to re-establish my credit since my divorce. Apparently, owning a home is not enough (I've heard this more than once). The salesman actually said that it's easier to purchase a home than a car due to the fact that you can't hide a house. In spite of the stressful state I was in this past 2 1/2 days -- I am overall pleased with Preston Chrysler Jeep and I am loving my '05 white Liberty Sport. It doesn't have all the fancy upgrades but I'm pleased with the standard options. I'll be hitting the highway headed North to Oklahoma this weekend and for once this will be a drive that I'm looking forward to.

As they get older, I will make it a point to drill into my children's heads the importance of good credit.

2 more days. . .

until my son graduates from 4th grade! I'm getting a little excited. The only thing I don't like is that he and his sister will be attending 2 different schools. My daughter is somewhat clingy. They argue over the most stupidest things but, they miss each other when they're apart.

We had a busy evening yesterday. I took my son to get his hair cut. Next we went to Burlington's to find him a nice suit (his idea). Since he's outgrown all the others I felt that he needed to have at least 1 suit hanging in his closet (that he can still wear). It looks really nice on him. I'll need to take the pants somewhere this evening to be altered -- they're about 3 inches too long. It's amazing how fast children grow up. An important reason why parents should spend as much quality time with them as possible. I know for single parents its not always that easy, but at least 15 to 20 minutes here and there will create positive, lasting memories for them.

For example: I woke up early last weekend and began washing my car around 8 a.m. As I walked in the garage and hit the button to let the garage door up I saw a sudden flash of movement. I automatically yelled for my son. It was a small, very light colored lizard -- ewwwww!! I felt bad afterwards for waking him up & told him so. He said it was okay and chose to stay outside with me to help wash the car (even after I told him he could go back to bed). My daughter was still in bed -- getting her beauty rest of course! This wasn't a big event but it resulted in bonding time for us.

Thursday morning at 9 a.m. my little man will be walking across a stage to accept his diploma. I hope that he will mature and become more responsible for his actions as he grows older and understand that for everything that a person does in life, there are consequences to be faced. I pray that he will choose the path less traveled and live for God and not the momentary pleasures of this world.

Just thinking . . .

I had a nice weekend. The weather was extremely hot (99 degrees on Saturday, 98 on Sunday). I attended a singles function referred to as 'Friday Nite Live'. It was great. There was a speaker from a nearby church, praise & worship singers and members of a drama team performed a skit. This is the 3rd event that's been held (I missed the first 2). They are held on the 3rd Friday of each month. The best part for me is -- child care is provided. Afterwards they serve a light meal with refreshments. It's a great opportunity to meet others (being that the church has such a large congregation).


Quote for the day. . .
Small Minds talk about People.
Average Minds talk about Events.
Great Minds talk about Ideas.

Which category do you fall under?

I love to walk. . . but not this much

My day was off to a good start yesterday. I decided on my drive home from work that I would skip my class at church since I hadn't purchased the book we were supposed to read. Even if I would have stopped to buy it on my way home, I wouldn't have gotten to read the chapter that was assigned to my group. The class starts at 6:15 pm., I usually make it home between 5:15 and 5:30. I decide to go to the park so that I can walk around the trail there. The kids and I get there maybe around 6:30ish. I put my purse on the floor of the back seat, I place the car keys under the armrest, open my door, lock the doors and then close my door. Everything is going great. I stretch a little and start my fast pace walk. After a while my daughter joins me. She takes a break every now and then as I continue my 8 lap walk.

We start to leave and approach the car. I soon realized that I HAVE LOCKED MY KEYS AND MY CELL PHONE IN THE CAR! This is NOT happening to me. I had told my son to grab his keys because they can hook onto his belt loop and I wouldn't have to worry about carrying my keys or tying a key on my shoelace. What I didn't stop to realize was that the key that he has is the HOUSE key! On the brighter side of things, at least I had him bring it. It would have been much worse if we were locked out of the car and our home.

So I'm standing there, just dumbounded (o.k. and pissed off too). I'm trying to think how to get in the car (without breaking a window). I pull on the door handles -- yeah right, as if they're really going to unlock on their own. Then we did what I was dreading -- we walked home (another 2 miles in addition to the 2 that I had just walked). My poor daughter was tired. I had to carry her on my back several times. My son was a true hero. He handled it just like a man :). No whining or pouting from my big boy.

Well, we made it home and I called a friend. She called her brother (who works for the cellular company that I have service with) to get a number for roadside assistance. We're talking to one of the reps and I make it a point to tell her that my cell phone is locked inside my car and I am unable to be reached at that number. I give her my girlfriend's cell phone number as a contact. She said that someone would be there to assist me anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and to make sure that I was with the car when they arrived (not a problem). Me and my darling children leave our home going back to the park (another 2 miles). This time I got the bright idea to let them ride their bikes so that it won't be as tiring for them (good thinking, VERY good thinking). So off we go, mama walking and the kids riding. Just to make sure that I don't miss them I tried to jog more than walk. We get to the car I'd say about 8 p.m. or a few minutes before. We wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. Soon, it's dark and the street lights are on. O.k., I am extremely pissed now. My kids are tired & hungry. Luckily there was a water fountain at the park that I let them drink from (only under these circumstances -- otherwise they would have had to wait until we made it home or went by a store to buy bottled water).

I get tired of waiting and we leave the park to go back home (another 2 miles). The kids riding their bikes and mama walking & jogging behind (much more jogging now). We decide to go a different route this time due to the large rottweiler that we had passed twice (leaving the 1st time and coming back). Some idiot, God forgive me, but hey -- this person had this big dog tied to a tree on some type of rigged up rope/chain combo. The thing was red whatever it was. And, it wasn't tied around the bottom trunk of the tree. The dog was chained to one of the branches! Come on, now -- a 100+ lb. dog tied to a tree BRANCH -- not a very thick branch either. There is no fence or enclosure that would keep the dog contained if it were to break a branch or the chain. I decided that we would not chance it.

We made it home around 9:45 p.m. I called roadside assistance to find out what happened. They said that someone came but I was not at the car. I point blank told them that I didn't believe that they showed up & the reasons why. This morning my children's father dropped them off at school and took me to my car once again after I called roadside assistance again. They finally showed up and took less than 5 minutes to unlock the door. Just as I had already suspected, they were unable to find the park yesterday and the only contact number they had was my cell phone number!

I am sure that today will be much more pleasant than yesterday. If I do decide to go walking today, I will have my spare key tied to my shoelace BEFORE I leave my home.

Too much drama for a single mama :) !

When Temptation Abounds

It is hard enough staying on track without distractions. Just imagine the struggle one incurs when faced with distractions that can/will cause you to lose focus, get off track and/or stumble. I feel like I've taken more of a tumble. There are things in my life that I consider highly important and require my constant attentiveness. Health and fitness is one of them. I refuse to allow myself to fall into the category of being considered 'over-weight'. At 5'3 1/2" tall, I become alarmed when the scale tips past the 140 mark, which leads me to the reason for this post.

I had a regular routine doctor's visit last week, which I was not looking forward to. The #1 reason being the procedure itself, which I won't get into and I am soooo glad that it's over. The 2nd reason for my dreading to go to the doctor was because I knew I had gained weight. I just underestimated how much. The last time I stepped on a scale (when I was vigorously keeping in shape by weight training & jogging) I weighed 137 lbs. Now, I am at 144 -- NOT acceptable. I am seriously trying not to let it get me down. It seems that after the doctor's visit, I am noticing my clothes fitting tighter. But, at least I can still get into most of them.

One of the main causes of my weight gain is the abundance of unhealthy snacks at my job (too tempting). This doesn't even include the cakes/cookies/ice cream or pies that are brought in at least once a month in celebration of that months birthdays. Yeah, I'm a strong woman -- but hey, at times, I am not that strong (well, at least I haven't been the past couple of months).

But, as of yesterday, Monday, May 16, 2005 -- I will NOT, I repeat, will NOT allow myself to give in to the aromatic fragrances of fattening foods, delightful looking donuts, mouthwatering cakes, cookies, chips & dips that are displayed on a table in the copy room, (that I regularly have to venture into, at any given time. My first test will be this morning. There are 2 different types of cakes, chips and dip to celebrate several May birthdays. Tomorrow we will have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Oh, but I've planned ahead. There is nothing like an accountability partner. I took care of that yesterday. She will be checking on me to see that I don't give in. I went to the grocery store yesterday and purchased fruit to snack on instead of grabbing a bag of cheetos or a rice krispie treat. I also brought yogurt this morning.

I am serious about this. I will be eating healthier on a more consistent basis (I can indulge every now & then -- just not often). Exercise will be just like breathing (a natural thing) regardless of what's going on in my life. Growth & development applies to all areas of our lives; mental, spiritual and physical. This is what I consider a balanced life. One that includes spiritual growth and maturity, constant learning to stimulate your mind and maintaining a healthy & fit lifestyle.

There's nothing wrong with being tempted -- as long as you don't give in!

Lifestyles of the wealthy college student

I know that those with wealth are not perfect but I would have never imagined some of the things written by an adjunct professor on her blog about students at a local prestigous college. I admit, I visited the blog, read a few posts and found myself wanting to read more (hey, it is quite interesting, somewhat frustrating as well, due to the fact that I work my butt off -- without outside assistance -- to finish college assignments and turn in reports by the due date. Not to mention that I'm doing this while maintaining a full-time job and performing parental duties).

I found out about the blog after reading an article in today's local newspaper (on-line version). Although the stories are quite interesting, it is a shame that this professor wrote about very private/personal conversations with students. She could have been more discrete in describing those she talked about (at least enough to the point that whoever visited her blog would NOT be able to figure out that she is talking about their college and possibly the person reading at the time as well). Now that the college administrators (and students and other faculty members) are aware of her identity, she is no longer employed there.

I can't help but wonder, what made them feel so confident & secure that they would share such personal information with a professor. I guess I'm not so quick to share the most intimate or private details of my life with others. To me, some things are better off kept between you and God.

Do I see a movie in the making???

Oh well . . .

what else can I say. I've gotten my final grade for Biology -- a C. A stinking C. According to my miscalculations (and several different ways I might ad) I figured I was going to get a B. Well I did manage to get a B in the lab class, but that's only 25% of the final grade. I know, I know, it could be worse.

My heart is seriously aching. I think I'll call the Thai restaurant down the street and order my favorite dish, chicken-fried rice (Thai style of course -- believe me, there is a different). Hopefully this will lift my spirits. If not, I'm sure my children's smiling faces will do the trick when I see them this evening.

I'll just have to study harder next semester.

2 Down & 1 To Go

What a relief! After about 6 p.m. (CST) today my brain will no longer be operating in overdrive. I have taken 2 finals this past weekend and will take the last one today. I enjoy learning and I am always wanting to better myself but this semester has left me mentally weary.

Maybe the fact that my 4th grade son had just as much homework as I did has something to do with it. Before I started my classes in January, I felt like I was already in school due to helping him with homework. I'm just as happy that the school year is over for my children as well. No more Thursday folders coming home with tons of graded papers and notes to parents. No more planners that need to be signed each weekday (not that I always remembered to sign them). No more writing checks for breakfast and lunch at school. And last, but certainly not least, I don't have to get up quite as early (especially when they're out of town for 2 to 3 weeks)!

For the next 2 months I will be living carefree (to a certain extent). Summer II starts in July and I've enrolled in an on-line math course, which shouldn't be too strenuous since math is one of my stronger subjects. I am ready for the summer heat & swimming pools. Bally's here I come!!

Just Rambling

My kids are the greatest. I finally got tired of looking at a few stains in my carpet and started to remove them with some Awesome carpet cleaner (that really is awesome -- I mean the stuff works good). Well, I got a phone call which meant that I had to take a break from my carpet cleaning. I was on the phone for quite some time (went in my bedroom and sat down to continue talking). When I get off the phone and walk into the living room. . . . the carpet is CLEAN! Oh, my sweet, sweet babies. They have scrubbed the carpet better than I could have done myself. I managed to step in a very wet spot by mistake - but I didn't care, I just turned the ceiling fan on to help it dry quicker. My heart was really touched at their unselfish act to help their momma out. This is the kind of thing that remains in my memory when they do something to disappoint me. There are so many other times when they have touched my heart, lifted my spirits and/or made me smile that overrides the bad days they've had at school.

How coincidental that Mother's Day is just 2 days away. I hadn't thought of it when I started this post. This has always been a somewhat difficult day for me. Some years are not so hard as others. After about 23 years the hurt is still there. My mother died of cancer when I was about 13 years old. I don't know if the length of her illness had an effect on the intensity of my hurt or not. There's nothing worse than watching someone you love (and who loves you) suffer day after day after day, before eventually having to be confined to a hospital bed, where you eventually breathe your last breath.

My mother gave birth to 4 daughters. All with different fathers. This has at many times puzzled me. Regardless, I loved her with all of my heart. For one, she kept us ALL together. Although we loved visiting my grandmother and spending the night at her house, she never raised us until my mother died. My mother was determined to raise her children. She married (someone other than any of our biological fathers) when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Our stepfather was strict and we really didn't like him. Aside from that, we were extremely well cared for. We were not considered a middle income family, but I didn't feel as if we were 'low-income'. We ate full-course meals everyday (except weekends, which were hamburger & fries days or something similar). We received new clothes for every major holiday and at each beginning of a school year. We received the majority of things that we asked for on our Christmas lists. Overall we were happy. My mother kept a clean house and taught us the importance of being clean and neat as well.

I miss her today just as much as I did the day she died. I pray that I can be just as devoted, encouraging and loving to my children as she was to me and my sisters. I thank God for the short time that he shared her with me, allowing her to positively mold me during my childhood, which would prepare me for motherhood later in my life.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers.

Gettin' My Swing On

I've been comtemplating taking swing out lessons for the past several months. The biggest issue was not having the time and/or not having a babysitter. A friend called me yesterday evening as I was working in my yard and convinced me to meet him at a skating rink about 15 miles from my home -- and I could bring my kids. I quickly changed clothes, put on shoes with a slick sole and headed out the door.

The instructors were very nice. There were only 3 of us there, which didn't matter to me. I loved it! And for only $5 bucks a lesson -- I can do that :). The difference about these lessons are that we're dancing to gospel music -- which is different but uplifting, especially since I looooove me some gospel music. I believe the instructor is just now offering lessons at this location so maybe the attendance will increase soon. We were there for about an hour (I made it an hour late -- so it would have been a 2 hour lesson). I learned half of the moves last night (yeah, I have rhythm). The instructor and my friend said that I did very well for my first lesson. Lessons at the skating rink will be on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If you have children, they will be able to skate on Saturdays. Sounds like a treat for both me and my kids. This is something that I definitely want to continue.

A night at the ballpark

I had a wonderful weekend. I went jogging early Saturday morning (ran 3 laps non-stop). I tell you, it is much more motivating to jog/exercise with a partner (I would have definitely stopped after the first lap or lap and a half). I went to my lab class which let out an hour early (thank you Jesus!). I didn't have to go over the posted speed limit too much to make it home, feed my dog and meet the rest of my church singles group in the church parking lot so that we could go see the Texas Rangers play the Boston Red Sox.

Although the Rangers didn't win, I had a wonderful time and met some very nice people. I spent too much money on food & water ($3.75 for a 24 oz. bottle of Ozarka). We had good seats. I did the smart thing and took a small blanket in addition to my jacket. The temperature was around 62 degrees (which is a bit chilly for me).

We made it back to the church parking lot around 11 p.m. I managed to get a nap in on the bus -- traffic was horrible leaving and it seemed to take forever before we made it to the highway.

I am so glad that I went.