Life is Good.

I received the nicest compliment today. A coworker of mine stopped at my desk this morning, and said:

“Ya know, I am so impressed with how much energy and enthusiasm you have with everything you are doing. You are a single mom, you work full time, you are in college, AND you’re coaching your son’s t-ball team…and you always seem to have a smile on your face.”

I was (and am) extremely flattered. My only response to him (besides saying Thank You) was “Well, I guess I’m extremely lucky that I’m doing things with my life that I love.”

And that’s the honest to god truth.

· I am fortunate to go to a job that I love…while I might not always like my assigned tasks, I absolutely love the company I work for, and the people I work with. Almost every day the stress of the traffic on Highway 100 fizzles knowing that I get to spend my day with people who are kind, and whom I have a LOT of respect for.

· I am lucky to be able to keep working towards my life goal of earning my bachelors degree. I have support from both of my parents (in that they are helping me with little man while I have classes), and it’s absolutely priceless.

· I have been blessed with a little boy who has changed my life in so many wonderful ways. He has kept me grounded, and reminded me that jumping in puddles and getting a little dirty. I’ve been graced with generous support from my friends and family, who have embraced my son with open arms, and are just as fond of him as he is of them…another gift that is truly priceless.

Sure, there are things in my life that would make it even sweeter, but I don’t have the time to focus on that. Heck, if anything, I need to reevaluate the lack of communication I’ve had with my friends from being all too consumed with school, work and being a single parent, I digress. All of my energy is being spent cherishing the things in my life that are current and tangible; friends, family, and work. I’m far from perfect, but I’m happy with me…and it feels good.

Undivided Attention

It's almost the middle of February and the weather in MN is crazy warm. So warm, that the grass (in some areas) is starting to get a green tinge. Weird.

On another note, I've decided to pledge one night a week for me time. I'm going to take one night, and leave the confines of motherhood for two hours or so...most likely I'll wind up at a coffee shop or book store. The time will hopefully be peaceful, rejuvenating, and worthwhile. Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited.

Pre-little man, I never realized how valuable alone time can be. I'm not talking alone time after little man is in bed. I'm referring to alone time that is unrestricted and unconfined. Time where I can do this or that, and not have to worry if someone has to go potty. It amazes me how the simple things in life can be so amazing, but so complicated.

Since pledging time strictly for myself seems a bit selfish, I'm also pledging one night a week for special little man time. No tv (unless we're watching a movie together) no telephone interruptions. Just the two of us.

Don't get me wrong, I try my best to give him attention every single night...but I feel like now is the perfect opportunity to make our family bonds a bit stronger..and what better way to do that then to commit my undivided attention to him once a night :) Wish me luck, I don't think it's going to be as easy as it seems!!

Life is Good.

"None of my past relationships have worked out...but it only takes one to work! The rest is just a combination of practice and learning experiences!"

~K. Dohman

That's honestly how I am trying to live my life. With each day of my single-hood that passes, I start fearing that the light at the end of my single tunnel will fade to black forever...I'd be lying if I said this wasn't true. I am making an honest attempt to focus on the positives in my life, and not worry about my light fading. Life is too short to sit and reel over a future that you can't predict. So this is what I'm going to do:

Focus on now, not tomorrow.
Enjoy my single freedom of being able to do, say, wear, go and spend whatever I want, whenever I want.
Be thankful that I have a job which (not only) entertains me, but provides me with steady bi-weekly income so I can pay my bills, and afford a warm, safe place to sleep at night.

It will happen for me and my little guy (hopefully before the Vikings win a Superbowl). I'll keep my fingers crossed...and when it happens, I'll be sure to let you know.

Price Check Please!

I'm honestly bored with dating. I want to find a "soul mate" (ugh, that sounds so cheesy!). The dating pool feels like it has dried up for me.

I've tried networking through my friends...it didn't work.

I've tried the online dating thing....met three guys...I'm still single

I'm not a church girl....so it's not gonna happen there.

I'm at a point where I feel like I need to hang up my dating shoes for a while. Honestly, my dating shoes feel like they have failed me, big time.

So I ask you this....where the hell can I buy a new pair of dating shoes since my off brand kicks have OBVIOUSLY failed me? Thanks...

OH! p.s. I'm a girl on a budget. k-thanks!

Questions and Life

This morning, I firmly believe pandora's box has been opened. While walking little man into school, I reminded him that he needed to hold mommy's hand while in the street. He graciously listened, but then let out a "Why mom?"

I almost peed my pants.

This was his first "Why" question...and I have a STRONG feeling it's not going to be his last.

I don't think I was much of a "why-child", but I know for certain that my brother was. I'll be the FIRST to tell you, it drove me nuts 22 years ago, and I'm convinced it's going to drive me nuts now!

Wow..saying something was bad "22 years ago" really makes me feel old.

When I was in my pre-teens, I remember hearing (on some television talk show) that statistically, if a woman truly believes she will be married by a specific age, her chances of being married when she was that specific age increases. Maybe this falls into line with self fulfilling prophecy...but I'll be the first to tell you that my prophecy was not self fulfilled.

I had always imagined I would be engaged at 24, and married by 26...with my first baby at 28. As a 13 year old, I had my life planned out perfectly. Little did I know I'd be a single parent of a 1yo at 24, still not engaged at 25...and who the hell knows WHERE I'll be at 26.

Although my life hasn't turned out the way I originally planned, I'm quite alright with that. I am a firm believer that good things come to those willing to wait... I've put in my time, and continue to pay my dues. I'm happy, and I think that's all that matters!

Notes from the Heart

Dear Justin,

You've definitely proved to me why you are the hottest, funniest most amazing man.

Love you long time,
Miz

Consumed.

Sugar, weight, calories, fat, dating and exercise. That's all my brain has been consumed with this week. Why, you ask? Because I really really really want to slim down. For myself, for my social dating life, and also, because I am sick of being the fat girl.

Now...those of you who know me IRL may argue with me that I'm not "fat" and to this, I say "Well, I'm not skinny!" I could be categorized as healthy, curvy, busty, thick...thin and in-shape does not fit into that mix, and I want it to!!

I've signed up for an online calorie counter, and am participating in a weekly training session that also gives me support through homework and email contact in between workouts. So far, I'm slightly down in weight. Hopefully I can keep it up. I firmly believe that once I REALLY start going, there will be no stopping me!! :)

I also purchased a scale as a gentle reminder to mind what I am putting into my body. This is the first time in my entire life that I've had a scale at home. I hope it helps me unlock the magical key to weight loss success!

Wish me luck!!! (Lord only knows, this girl is GONNA NEED IT!!)