Virgo

My nephew's 4th birthday party was today. My daughters and I went a little overboard with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stuff. It was fun buying for him. Last night I had my 'first date' with one of the guys I've been chatting with. We saw Black Mass. Tomorrow we're going to see a comedian.

My youngest is in third grade. In our district this is the first year that they get grades on their report cards instead of 1's, 2's, and 3's. They also start bringing home more homework, and take the state mandated testing (ISTEP.) I have her work on her homework independently and then I check it over when she's done. She is given a weekly reading log that is due every Thursday, a math sheet that is due on Friday, and a word study that is also due on Friday. The word study is for her spelling words. Right now she is required to read 100 minutes every week and write 3-6 sentences about what she read. She loves to read, so she always goes well over her minutes. She struggles with math, so we spend the most time on her math sheet. She has the whole week to work on it though. It sounds like your daughter gets a lot of homework for her age!

I guess we all find a place to escape. I have plenty of laundry at my house if you ever want to travel for your escape. I did 10 loads today!!

You all look beautiful! Congratulations!

Sex in an important part of a relationship, but it is just a part. I have a few friends in sexless marriages and they're all unhappy. It's not just the lack of sex, but intimacy too. That's important! (I miss that.)

My daughters have developed a few 'quirks' too. I am still hoping they will outgrow them as time passes. We have excessive handwashing and other germophobic behaviors here. Seeing their dad and grandma 'sick' in hospitals I'm sure has everything to do with it. I've told them multiple times, so has their pediatrician, that you can't catch what their dad and grandma had. This stuff is definitely hard!

My oldest daughter is 16. I would be more concerned about the driving situation then the concert. She would be too actually. She has already told me that when she goes out with her friends she wants to be the one driving. I would insist on transporting her back and forth. Otherwise I wouldn't allow her to go. I'm no reallyt worried about drugs, alcohol, or smoking. My daughters have seen the after effects of each one and are completely repulsed. I know that could change as they get older, but it never did for me. When I saw Metallica there was a group of teenaged boys seated next to us smoking weed. Little did they know they were smoking next to two off-duty cops. We didn't get a second-hand high. They didn't get badged until they started disrupting the concert for others sitting in our section.

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right-for you'll be criticized anyway." Eleanor Roosevelt. So true! We're going to be judged no matter what we do. I'm happy for your and Justin!!!

Congratulations!

Two officers picked up the weight lifting machine yesterday!! That has been in pieces on the floor for 10 years.

Slug bug this week. Back at it Monday!

Today is my mother in-law's birthday. (I suppose technically she's not my mother in-law anymore?) We celebrated with family. I love her! She's amazing, really. The woman fixed US dinner. She even made three different desserts. My sister in-law and I wanted to host and cook, but she insisted. After everyone left she started talking about her aunt being a widow at a young age. She said she started dating "probably to soon" and her youngest daughter (9) felt pushed away. She lived with her grandmother for awhile. I just said everyone has a different situation and grieves differently. It probably wasn't just the fact that her mom was dating. There were probably other factors. I'm not sure if this was directed at me or not. I haven't started dating, but I know it will be hard for her when I do. I know she'll be happy for me, but worried about how it will effect my daughters. I don't blame her. Anyway, my 8yo decided to stay the night. I'm hanging out with my other two daughters.

I'm 19 months out and still have waves of grief. It's not like it was in the beginning, but more a depression like what you described. When I fall into those lows I try to set goals for myself. Just little daily 'to do' lists. That seems to help me. You might want to think about long term goals too. Was there anything you've always wanted to learn how to do? Have you thought about going back to school? Maybe a house project you've always wanted to do?

I'm sorry. Hopefully it's not cancer.

It's definitely a trigger for me too. Especially the footage of memorials for fallen officers. It just takes me back to the formalities of my husband's police service and funeral. I'll never forget where I was, what I was doing, or who I was with that day. Very sad day for our nation.

1. I have asked friends before if I have a large W on my forehead. It feels that way sometimes. Almost like we stick out. Everyone knows. 2. Continue being brave and discovering new things about yourself. You get a gold star from me Jen! 3. You friend Michael needs to work more on his delivery. Although what he said is painfully true, it's not helpful and doesn't need to be pointed out to you. 4. You are not to old. You're not even middle aged. 5. You are beautiful, inside and out. 6. What baggage? If you're referring to your children any man that views your children as baggage doesn't deserve you. NEXT!! ((hugs)) Jen!

Pj's are to wear around the house, not while I'm in bed. My confession: I went back to bed after my daughters went to school today and it felt great!

I'm not familiar with Kik. Is your son's best friend's dad marrried? Maybe you should make him aware of who you are. ha!

I agree with Trying. Just go out and have a good time. Reconnect with that part of yourself. This is exactly what I've been telling myself. I tend to overanalyze things.

I think Joe would be proud of you too! I'm glad you're friend spent the day with you.

My youngest daughter (8) escaped to her grandparents house for the weekend. I saw her a little bit on Saturday and Sunday (church.) She said she missed me, but not her sisters. The age difference is hard sometimes. My older daughters (16 and 13) and I just caught up on house chores and small projects. Nothing exciting. We had plans for Saturday, but my 13yo wasn't feeling well so we cancelled our plans. Lazy weekend.

I lost a total of 5" in August. Not much, but a loss is better than a gain. Back to the gym tomorrow!

My friendships have changed too. You truly find out who your real friends are when you suffer a loss like we have. ((hugs))

Gift cards to local restaurants were greatly appreciated. A lot of my friends also brought over pantry items. Gift cards to movie theaters were nice too.

I went to a wedding reception last night. Tonight my daughters and I are catching up on laundry and watching movies. Super sexy!