Farewell 2005, Hello 2006

As I sit here waiting for some of my relatives to arrive at my house for a New Year's luncheon, I can reminisce on the past year and look forward to the new year to come.

2005

1. Bring in the New Year all alone, I don't even have my little man.
2. Celebrate my first Valentine's Day all by myself in a very long time.
3. Celebrate my birthday with just my son, no dinner in Chicago.
4. Enjoy mother's day with just me and my little man.
5. Go to a high school prom/homecoming dance-chaperoning of course.
6. Survive my first year teaching in a high school setting.
7. Become officially divorced June 13, 2005 with of course a name change.
8. Buy my first home in my name.
9. Had a one night booty call that was out of this world!!! Fireworks I never experienced.
10. Go on a short trip with my little man and parents.
11. See my little man grow up while attending pre-school.
12. Endure swimming lessons with my son.
13. Coach the junior high spell bowl team.
14. Appreciate friends who listen to all the shit I go through with the mother f***er.
15. Subscribe to e-harmony.

2006

1. Get more organized.
2. Lose the weight I gained during my divorce.
3. Get fit/healthy.
4. Go back to school.
5. Date.
6. Blog.
7. Continue to appreciate my friends I love so much.

And with that we will see what else will happen. Happy New Year everyone! Have a blessed, healthy, and prosperous 2006.

The Man in My Life

I had to share a picture of my little man on my blog so everyone could see who the man in my life is. Born in 2001 he has been my pride and joy. I thank God for him everyday. He is very loved-I'm not a fan of being called spoiled.

My little man started pre-school at our local YMCA this past fall. He goes two mornings a week. Due to his birthdate, he will not enter kindergarten until he is six. I am totally fine with that. Boys are more immature than girls, not to mention all the stress he has had to undergo with his parents divorcing, him having to move to a new home, and probably more. He is doing well though considering all the new transitions.

Back to pre-school. Thankfully for me, I had him attend a summer camp at the Y with the same teachers he has now. One less transition to worry about. Although his father did not "approve" of my little man attending pre-school (that is why he won't pay any money towards it-don't even ask) I have noticed a whole new child. He is more structured, he can write his name and some numbers, he colors in the lines, and I got my first ornament made by him this Christmas.

My little man has also been involved in pre-school sports at the Y such as basketball, t-ball, and soccer. This was not only to keep my little man "busy" while his parents were going through some trials, this was a great way for me to network with NEW people! Through these sports he has learned not only the skills and rules, he has learned how to have good sportmanship.

Finally, doesn't he look like me? Thank goodness!

My Little Man

Who am I?

I am a...

• daughter
• mother
• teacher
• friend
• investor

I am a thirty-something gal who has lived in the mid-west all her life. The oldest of two children, I am blessed that my parents are still alive and well. They have been an intricate part of my life especially within the past two years.

I am a mother to a son who is now four. As of this fall, my little man started pre-school. He absolutely loves it and can't wait to do his homework. My little man is also involved with the pre-school sports at our local YMCA which include basketball, soccer, and t-ball. He is the man of my life.

I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with minors in English as a Second Language and Special Education. I also have my Masters degree in Education. I started working on my principal/administration license however that is when things weren't going so great in my life so I decided to take a break. Currently, I teach in a high school setting to students who have learning disabilities, mild mental handicaps, visual impairments, and emotional disabilities. This is my second year in the high school. Previously, I taught special education at the elementary level for five years.

A friend to many. I feel that I am thoughful and giving to those close to me. It has been difficult this last year to be on that other side of friendship when you have to ask for things. But you know what, that is what friendship is all about.

Although I was born and raised Catholic, I am now an active member of a non-denominational church I attend. I am an investor in the children's ministry program as well. It is by God's gift to me of strength, courage, and wisdom that I have "expanded my wings".

In 1994 I fell deeply in love with whom I thought was my soul mate. Married in 1996. Had a son in 2001. Separated in 2004. Divorced in 2005. Now I am a single, divorced parent trying her damn best to raise her son with the morals, values, and beliefs I was raised by.

expanding my wings

I have this tatoo, a butterfly. I can't exactly say I was coerced to get it, however it wasn't exactly my idea either. Anyway, I was in the mist of trying to decide whether I file for separation or whether I file for divorce or do neither.

So a friend of mine and I go to look at tatoos and nothing is catching me except for butterflies. First, all I could think of was Mariah Carey. She went through a divorce, she goes on this butterfly kick, amongst other things. Well, I did the butterfly thing, filed for separation, which then I get served divorce papers, and the drama begins.

Then it totally hits me. The development of a butterfly has different stages. A butterfly with its wings can spread open and fly. It first starts off as a catepillar in a cacoon and turns into this beautiful, yet fragile insect. However it is released and free. I am free to be myself once again...to be just me. Although I may have been fragile a year ago, I am stronger now than ever. Best of all, I am once again the person who I once was-me!

So I have this blog to journal my new experiences as I "expand my wings" in the next phase of my life.

I Can't Believe I Am Doing This

A friend of mine, Number Twelve, started this blogging thing a few months ago. I became intrigued with it. In fact, I make sure that I check her blog daily. So after some post Christmas shopping with her today, I have dedcided to take the plunge.

All I ask is that you be patient as I get a feel for what I have gotten myself into.