An Update of Sorts

Well, I am not really sure why I keep this thing going. Perhaps as a reminder to myself of the things I've done or am doing? Anywho, here is an update of the last 10 months!

Let's see...The holidays went great last year and I got to enjoy Christmas with my mom and dad's side of the family and also with my pseudo-family The Clark's. It was great being able to see my cousins on my dad's side. I'm lucky if I see them every 5 years or so. Not only was I blessed to spend Christmas with them, I was able to spend Thanksgiving with them too.

January came and went with not much happening other than my birthday...it's amazing how old I feel. My niece especially makes me feel old. She's a senior this year and I can remember the day she was born and all of the nights I would rock her to sleep. I was 15 then, so it doesn't seem possible that she will be graduating in the coming months! Man how time flies!

February was a big month for me. I slipped on some ice and broke my ankle in 3 spots. That's right, not one, not two, but three spots! I figure go big or go home, right?! That slip on the ice cost me surgery-lots of plates, pins, etc. and 3 months off work living with my mother! AAAAHHHHHHHHH! Just kidding it wasn't so bad. My stepdad would usually make me breakfast in bed most mornings and I was able to have Abby there. It was a long grueling recovery, but I've come a long ways. The ankle is still swollen beyond belief and most days it hurts like heck, but on the upside I can now tell when it's going to rain! Something to do with the pressure in the air.

Anywho, back to February...about two weeks after I broke my ankle my grampa died. He was tired and I know he was ready to go, but nothing can prepare you for death. Especially of someone who holds such a special place in your heart. My grampa was an amazing man with many accomplishments. We often called him the "Godfather", lol! He was the glue that kept our family together and whatever grampa said was considered the law. I miss him dearly, but it comforts me to know that he is with my grandma at last. It's all he's ever wanted since she died 17 years ago. I can picture them in heaven just smiling down on us, so happy to be together forever.

One good thing that came out of his passing is I was able to reconnect with my 2nd ex-husband's family again thru their condolences they sent soon after his death. It's been almost 3 years since we last spoke or were together. It was great catching up with them. My niece has become such a big girl, no longer the toddler I remember. I've been able to interact with them on a regular basis now and am so grateful to have them back in my life. I may have lost a husband or two, lol, but I have gained a great family from both of my former in-laws.

The rest of the year has been pretty much uneventful, which in my case is a good thing! I became an auntie again in May. That totals 15 nieces and nephews if I include Julia and her kids. I love being an auntie! Also with the birth of my new nephew I became a Godmother! I am now the proud godmother to two wonderful boys!

I vacationed in Pentwater this year with my nieces. It was nice to get away for a week and just relax at the beach. I got to soak up the sun and enjoy many BEAUTIFUL Lake Michigan sunsets! I will post pics when I get a chance.

I start school today and I am so excited! I love to learn! Hopefully I will be getting my degree in Convention/Event Planning from Dakota County Technical College in the next few years. I feel my life is finally turning around and it feels sooooo good! Hope everyone is doing well and I will definitely have to update this thing more. Ciao for now!

FOREVER I'M A SPARTAN!

Life Lately

Yes, it's been almost 9 months since I last posted. I was doing pretty good at this blog thing when I started out originally, but have not had the motivation for an update.

Not too much has happened. I moved back to Eaton Rapids and am loving it! I am back in my old apartment and enjoying every minute I get to spend with my best friend Julia and her kids. The kids can always put a smile on my face, no matter what mood I'm in. I did have to get rid of my St. Bernard, Klaus, but I found an AWESOME home in Lansing near my dad. They give me updates on him and I am so happy he is providing them as much joy as he did for me.

I got a part time job working from home at night to make some extra moolah and am going back to school online to get my degree in Emergency Management from Frederick Community College in Maryland. Super excited about going back to school! I love to learn!

Heading back to North Carolina tomorrow for a week and I can't wait! My two nieces and good friend Anna and I will be going to Wilmington for most of the week. I found a great little house that we will be staying at. You can check it out here. We plan on hitting the beach most days, visiting the outer islands and will also be visiting two colleges for my oldest niece while we're down there. I also plan on taking them back to where they lived when their dad was in the Marines. They are excited to see their hometown. On our way back home we will take a slight detour to stop in Gatlinburg, TN to check out places for the Allen Family Reunion next year. I've never been to the Smokies and am really looking forward to it!

Other than that, things have been going great! I am finally at a point in my life where I am happy, just where I am. Life is good! I've found a new Bible verse to complete my "sandal" tattoo on my right foot. It's Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God". I've learned that is exactly what I need to be doing. God knows what he is doing and what he has in store for me. I've found going against his will has only made my life a lot more difficult. I just had to learn to be still and let him take charge.

Hope everyone's summer is going good and I will post pics of my trip to NC when I get home. Ciao for now!

A look back at 2009

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Did You Know?

This video really makes you think about technology and how it's taking over our life. Sometimes I think it's a good thing, other times not so much. Watch it and tell me what you think.

Some Good Advice

Father's Day 2009

We ventured down to IN for Father's Day this year. We went camping at Yogi Bear's Jellystone campground. We had a great time, especially the kids, but missed not having Alexa there. Weather was decent as was the company and it turned out to be a great weekend!