Moving In

Ok, so the boyfriend and I are thinking about taking that next step…moving in together. Honestly this has been a topic of conversation for friends and family for MONTHS. Literally, no joke. They’ve all assumed that this was inevitable and had us moving in together at probably 2 months or so into our relationship. At that I myself was putting on the brakes. Even if he would have asked me back then I probably would have told him no…not yet because I wasn’t ready. Not that I didn’t care about him at the time, I just wasn’t ready to make that commitment yet. We had barely made a commitment to each other for crying out loud. Getting off the topic a little but those outside influences of friends, family, and co-workers already either had us living together, married, or with a baby on the way…COME ON! Give me a little credit to put some real thought into where I wanted and how fast I wanted all of this to go! I’m not dumb all of the time! Just have lapses in judgment occasionally! But anyway…we’re kind of taking a mini-step that some people might giggle at a little but he’s moving in with me and my mom probably by the end of the week. It really just makes more sense then him living at his sister’s. He spends every night but 2 with me and pays rent to her for basically a storage area for his clothes. And there are some other circumstances that I’m not going to elaborate on but those who I’ve talked to already know why I hinted at this for him to both him and my mom. His rent is going to be cheaper and I’ll have him there every night…I can’t wait! There is just something about having that person you love laying beside you, holding you close and whispering I love you in your ear just as you fall asleep...just makes your heart feel full and complete. That last kiss goodnight and those first kisses in the morning are so precious…because in that moment you know you’re the first and last thing they’re thinking about in their day. Makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world…maybe I am. I have such a giving and sweet boyfriend, I couldn’t even begin to describe how selfless and considerate he is because words wouldn’t be enough. And it’s not just for me, he opens himself up to helping my family, my friends…and never asks for anything in return. I can’t wait for us to begin this next step in our journey together. If he can stand to live with me 24/7, then maybe he really is the “one”…only time will tell with that. Some may be wondering how we got to there…well, I had to ask him. I know…sounds like I was jumping the gun or something, but I wasn’t. Anyone who knows Rich knows you have to ask the questions if you want to know for sure. I assumed that when he found a place that I’d probably be coming with him, but I didn’t know 100% for sure. So Sunday night I said, I’m not pushing and don’t want you to feel obligated to say yes, but when you find some place to buy or rent, am I coming with you? He nearly laughed at me and said yes as if I was crazy to ask the question. It was comforting to know for sure and even more touching to know that it was never a question to him that I would be coming with him…it’s always a good feeling to be wanted and needed…in the truest senses of the words...maybe, after all, dreams do come true and this Cinderella will get her prince and her castle.

Happy Independence Day!

Well, I certainly have been a “slacker” when it comes to blog upkeep! But as I have always said, isn’t it better to be out living life instead of sitting here writing about it? I’ve always thought so…Not a whole lot that’s terribly exciting has happened anyway, which in it’s own sense can be a good thing!

Let’s see, where to begin once again? Rich and I have almost hit that 6 month mark (July 15th) and things really couldn’t be any better and I couldn’t really be happier than I am now. He’s really that person I thought I’d never find, thought I never deserved. He’s not “Prince Charming” or “Romeo” but I’ve always thought reality is so much better than fantasy and he’s proven that. I’ve finally given up on my reservations on “prying” to get to know him better and have really asked some questions and got some of the answers I wasn’t getting volunteered. I know everyone’s not an open book and Rich is one of those people, but fortunately I’m learning to open the book myself and turn the pages. He’s so special to me now and I’m constantly feeling awed and amazed that he’s in my life. I love him. It’s as plain and simple as that. There are no complications in this relationship as there has been with my previous…uhm…I’m trying to find a word that fits here. I don’t want to use mistakes, but…I guess that’s what they were. I don’t regret them, but they were bumps in the road, maybe a bit more than that…I’d have to say potholes the size of an SUV would be more appropriate! But that was then, this is now. Now is a whole new adventure, one that I’m finally finding myself able to not second guess or be suspicious about and that’s taken some time. I know he loves me too, he tells me every day and this time I know the words actually mean what they are. He’s the most patient and understanding person I’ve ever encountered, he puts up with me in all stages of my personality, the impatient, the frustrated, the sick, the grump…he takes it all and says that I’m not any of it. He’s sweet to say it but I know the truth – haha! The good the bad and the ugly…he loves me for it all. Who could ask for more than someone who just makes you happy by being there and that you do the same for? It’s taken me some time to get here, but I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next. Everyone loves him and thinks he’s such a great guy…no hesitations or questioning this time! Finally someone who is easy to accept!

I’m continuing my singing as always…sang in what will probably be the only wedding this year, Louis and Alisha’s (congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Neely!) on June 7th. It’s kind of nice to have a break from that this year actually. I’ve been in SO many weddings in one capacity or more over the last 4 or 5 years that I’m due a break! I’ve been singer, bridesmaid, bridesmaid and singer, maid of honor and singer…I think I’ve only gone to one wedding in the last few years that I’ve done nothing more than be a guest! Not that I don’t love it. I absolutely do. And it’s one of those bigger honors to be asked to sing at someone’s wedding, I have to admit. To have two people choose you to commemorate their commitment to each other in front of those most important to them, it means a lot to me. I’ve also started singing the National Anthem again, something I used to do pretty regularly when I was in High School. We started attending races at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin and I noticed they were just playing a cd or tape to do the anthem and I decided why not volunteer my services? Amazingly enough without any audition or example of my singing they accepted my offer and I’ve had the honor of singing for them twice this year, though they’ve asked more I wasn’t able to attend. It’s a great experience and I love doing it! I’ve always missed doing it and am grateful for the opportunity again! I’m a crowd lover…the bigger the better! Plus the bonus of getting to see the races for free – can’t beat that deal!

I turned (ugh) 28 a couple of weeks ago and commemorated it with a big weekend of camping and canoeing with my friends. Despite the downpour Saturday night and the drama, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. It really meant so much to me that so many people made the effort to come out and spend time with me for my birthday. And to have some that we rarely get to see make the trip over to Endeavor too, I am so grateful for their presence. Thanks to everyone who made this the best birthday I have ever had…Rich, April, Tyler, Emily, Danny, Jed, Heather, Barb, Britt, Brad, Steph, Dustin, Desi, Ryan, Bill, Nicole, Tim, Bob, Misty, Phill, Jess, Alisha, Louis, Andrea, and Codie too. It wouldn’t have been what it was without any of you. Thanks for letting me know that I count to you all too.

Other than all of that I’m still plugging away at old TPT…same old same old there and you know what? I’m okay with that. This company really is something, today Rhonda, the owner, announced to all of the fulltime employees that they would be adding an extra $20 to our pay to help with the economic difficulties everyone’s having with gas prices and other things. How many companies do that? It’s offered sort of as an attendance incentive but still, how hard is it to come to work when they’re giving you FREE money to get here? All it takes to get that extra money is not having an unexcused absence that week. It really helps prove that sometimes the businesses you think just see you as another number actually DO care. So thank you Rhonda! This will help me hugely as I have a 40 mile round trip journey to do every day!

I suppose though…that I’ve given you enough for now. I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend – enjoy that extra day off, I know I will! Be safe and Happy Independence Day!

The Way We Were, The Way We Are, The Way We Hope To Be

You know, I've been thinking about things that have been happening in this past year and I can't help but think that, already though it's not quite half over, 2008 is shaping up to be one of the most happy years I've had. So many people have come in or come back into my life and I really couldn't be more excited and eager to see what happens next. Granted, I have also lost some friends and I'll miss how much they impacted my life despite their choices but really I have been fortunate enough to meet some great new people and get to know one that I have wanted to for a very long time.

I was lucky enough on the day after Valentine's Day to find that special guy that I get to call mine, Rich. I have been a devout HATER of Valentine's Day for many years, both Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve because they are the most couple-oriented holidays there are and for many years I have never had anyone to call mine on Valentine's Day. The night before myself, and two of my co-workers, Chrissy and Chris (both ladies) decided that we would be each other's fake "lesbian" dates for Valentine's Day because we were all of the same opinion of the holiday, highly over-rated Hallmark Holiday. We went out and enjoyed each other's company, none of us thinking that our situations were going to change. But the next night, I did my usual stop at Clearview and Emily came over to me and said there was someone that she and my mom had wanted me to meet for a long time. That he was a really nice guy, quiet, and had been treated pretty badly by his ex-wife. She had him come down and say hello to me, but I was surrounded by a few people who were drunk and adamant for my undivided attention, so we didn't have the opportunity for more than that because I bailed out of there so I could get some space from those who don't get it that you don't need to be in someones face to get their attention. I ended up coming back to the Clearview with Brittany and Desiree and he was still there. Apparently he spent a lot of time there but I had never noticed him. I was sitting over at a table with the girls when he came over to talk to me for awhile amid the dart game he was playing (when I met him he was addicted to darts!) and while it was like pulling teeth to get him to talk, I actually stepped out of my own comfort zone and made the efforts at conversation. It wasn't love at first sight, but it was definitely like at first sight. We made plans to meet the next night at Clearview where he met some of my friends and family and the rest is history. We're now going on nearly 3 months of being together and while I've had my moments of stress, he's been there and accepted me as me. Something not everyone gets! Everyone likes him and more importantly...I do! And after our recent rumor issue, I've come to really appreciate him being in my life. I'm really finding myself falling for him...REALLY falling. And honestly...I couldn't be more excited. I'm coming to the point where I really want to say that "L" word, but I'm afraid to since I've been burned before and just don't want to be the first one to say it. Guess we'll see how that works out.

Another exciting development is the relationship I'm getting to start with my older sister, Kristi. I have wanted to extend my interest in knowing her for a very long time. I have met her before, have spoken to her, we even went to school together, but we never really acknowledged that we were related in the complete sense of it. I know I was always proud to know that she was my sister. She was always a great student, such a nice person, and a great athlete throughout high school. But that's where our interaction ended. Now, thanks to the small step our younger sister took in adding her to her own life, I'm getting the opportunity to connect with her and each of us become a part of the other's life. This is something I have looked forward to for a long time but have always been hesitant to make the first step. Family is so important to me and she is a part of that. I'd also like to get to know her family too, I don't ever expect to be Aunt Jessica to Konnor or Justin, but I'd like them to know me, even if it's just as Mom's friend. It's still a little awkward for me at times and I'm a little nervous about the first time we actually sit face to face and talk. I'm afraid I won't be able to say anything! But I am so excited and happy that she's becoming a real sister and I hope someday that she will be in all senses of the word. No "halves" here!

Other people that keep dropping in or finding me on Blogger or MySpace have ended up being some real surprises! My pretty much oldest friend, Cathy, recently messaged me on my blog and I'm excited to reconnect with her again. We've known each other since pretty much the day she was born, June 12th, one year after me. We've been friends on and off since then and unfortunately been more off than on as we've gotten older. I'm really hoping now that we've "found" each other again, we can really catch up on life with each other. Also, the friend I talked about in a previous blog has me very happy about the future, this is a friend I have truly missed. Someone I had a definite connection with and really enjoyed spending time with. I am so very thankful that he made the first step in extending the olive branch in wanting to be REAL friends again. His is one that I have truly missed because of it's affect on me before we made the mistake that we did. I really look forward to getting back to the way we were and feel very lucky for a second chance...with more than one person involved in that situation.

Maybe the most exciting person I've gotten to meet this year is my new nephew, Brody Andrews Sellen. Maybe he and I don't have much to talk about yet, but I love him nonetheless and his addition to our family is a celebrated one. He's such a handsome little guy and we all love him so much. He just gets more and more personality everyday. He's getting to be quite the little chub too! Almost weighs half as much as his 2 year old sister already! He's absolutely adorable and just like his sister, Jaiden, before him, he lights up a room with his happy little smile and the few little giggles we get out of him. I can't wait to see him grow and learn new things like I have with Jaiden. They are definitely a pair of the most adored children ever born, that's for sure!

All in all, this has been a relatively good year...despite hospital visits, despite family member injuries, despite lying witches, despite all the bad, I have to say that the first part of 2008 is shaping up well and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. Any year that starts off with more good than bad is always promising.

Look In The Mirror...What Do You See?

*Sigh* It's been a bit of a stressful week. Shouldn't have been and I should not have let this bother me but due to prior experience, of course it has! Earlier this week, the girl who I previously stated had made an effort to derail my budding relationship with Rich, has once again reared her ugly head and made yet another attempt at ruining what has the potential to be something really special. Unlike her, I will once again not use her name because I have more respect for my fellow person than she does obviously. I would not deliberately go out of my way to hurt someone as she has so many countless times in the years that I have known her. I, unlike her, have a heart and a conscience. This time though, instead of saying derogatory things about me and my friends, she has chosen to attack Rich. Now, for those of you who have met or know my boyfriend, you know what a kindhearted, sweet, and giving person he is. He will go out of his way to help perfect strangers if the need calls for it. He is just one of those selfless people who always puts someone else first. I know - I'm so lucky, right!? Honestly, he really is someone who one could easily take advantage of...guess he's a lot like me. Now, she is trying to say that he has another girlfriend, other than me. Now, knowing her and how much of a conniving, deceitful, and lying person she is, I should have let this mis-information just go in one ear and out the other, but due to the fact that in my last relationship that is exactly what happened to me, I couldn't help the wheels of doubt from starting to turn. I couldn't stop those sneaking feelings of suspiciousness and paranoia from seeping into my mind, no matter what I already knew as the truth. And I know how unfair that is to Rich, I shouldn't punish him for the actions of the mistakes I made before, but their mark on my mind and heart have been indelible. He and I have talked about this and were both profoundly upset that she would start such a rumor and to drag his sister in and place all the blame on her. She and his sister are very close friends and the impression I keep getting is that she isn't even giving me a chance and is in cahoots with this girl to make sure he and I don't stay together happily. I've never done anything to her to make her want to destroy this little bit of happiness I've finally found. I know the girl has to be a miserable person, to try and create this drama and malcontent. Seems like the only joy she finds in life is in the pain of others. And as much as I want to confront her, to tell her what I really think of her, to air her dirty laundry for the world. I won't. Why? Because I pity her. Pity her and the life she's leading, the example she sets for her young daughter and child to come. She is still just a child herself to behave the way she does. It's time to grow up and take responsiblity for yourself instead of butting your nose into things you really don't know anything about. We're happy, try and find some of that for yourself. Continuing as you are will only bring more darkness to your heart and if you do, you'll never find anything but that. I'd love to just unleash the anger I had earlier this week, because it's still there. The urge to grab her, shake her, slap her around a little, it's still under the surface of the calm I find now. But I know better and I know the type of person she is. It's a shame she comes from such a nice family and should reflect what her parents taught her instead of trying to hurt so many people with lies. I really do pity her and that's what saves me and her for not doing what I'd really like to. So I forgive you. I forgive you for all the rumors you've started now and from years before. Because those who know the truth, those who know you, know your lies. And those who know you, will never believe a word that comes out of your mouth. Especially anything good. I'd really like to know how you can look at yourself in the mirror every day and not see the ugly person you have become. Your face maybe pretty but inside you're the ugliest person I have ever met. Goodluck in life, you're going to need it.

One positive thing to come out of all of this is it's made me appreciate what I have with Rich just that much more. I think I was already starting to take it all for granted. Like I've said, I thought our honeymoon period was pretty much over in the first week and I went through a period of "grumpiness" with him where I found myself getting annoyed easily, but recently even before this, we started, atleast I did, finding a comfortable place with each other. Like it had been a lot longer than just 2+ months that we'd been together. After this week though, even though those little questioning fears are still lingering a little. I find that I'm appreciating him, just being around him and just what we have. I find myself slowly getting close to the big "L" word. I don't use that term loosely. I used too quickly before and I knew then I wasn't ready for it but said it to make the other happy. Now, I find myself wanting to say it but am afraid to be the first person to do it. Guess we'll have to wait and see. I do know that I care for him a lot and I'm really looking forward to where all of this goes. I know I'm lucky to have someone like Rich in my life. You don't come across men like him that often anymore.

Off The Top Of My Head

Wow...I've been slacking again. But in retrospect, that's a good thing, right? Means I'm out living life instead of writing about it! Let's see...what's been going on?

Well, I tried to have one of "those" talks with Rich, but it definitely didn't go the way I wanted it to. I breached the subject of not knowing much about his past or more personal life and asked why he didn't talk about it. All I got was "I don't know." *Sigh* I then continued by saying that I'd like to know more about him, because after more than 2 months of seeing each other, I feel like I've opened up a lot in showing who I am and where I come from but still don't know much about him. This lead to him just putting his arm around me and again coming up with "I don't know why." I really don't think it should seem like pulling teeth to get to know someone who's supposed to care about you. I don't think it should be so hard to share who you are with someone you care about. Am I being pushy? Am I being selfish? I don't know. This isn't the only issue I have but the other seems...well, it really does seem like a superficial and selfish reason to be "upset" about. I'm not really angry about it. It's just that I am someone who makes an effort to make others feel good about themselves by telling them they look nice and while I don't REALLY need the validation, we all like to hear it sometimes. Not once since we've been dating have I heard a "you look nice tonight" or a variation of it. Not once. I feel childish even writing about it, but sometimes when your self-esteem isn't that great to begin with, you need that little something from especially your significant other, that your efforts to look good for them actually pay off. I get that he's a guy and they just don't really pay attention to stuff like that sometimes but I'm a girl that needs it every once in awhile. I can't bring something like that up because if I hear it from him after that it seems like he's just saying it because I did. Lose lose situation....oh well.

Let's see what else...OH for EVERYONE to know - don't go to Donovan and Bauer Auto Group in Titusville for anything! No service, no cars...they don't know what quality work is! Around six months ago I had a wheel bearing/hub replaced on my car. Granted these parts are crap on all Grand Ams and I've gone through so many on the 2 I have owned that its ridiculous, but six months was definitely a record! I had Rich replace both of them on the front of my car recently and he called to tell me during the process that when I had the one replaced at the dealership they failed to put in 2 of the 3 bolts that hold the wheel on the car. I asked if this was something that could have just fallen out accidentally and he said no, that that's a secure piece and that where they should have been was rusted proving that they had not been in the wheel for awhile. Huh? Interesting. I asked if this was something dangerous and he said absolutely, it only had one bolt/screw holding the whole wheel on the car and it could have easily snapped off. I was pissed! I could have been seriously hurt or even died! And what if I had had someone else in the car with me? What if I had Jaiden or Brody with me? I was so angry, I wanted to march into that service department and tell them exactly what kind of workers they had employed there but after talking to my mom she said I couldn't really complain because the service department manager had given her a lot of discounts over the years and I had to let this one go. Huh? Wonder if we'd have let it go had the wheel come off? So while I can't complain to them, I can let everyone I know what kind of operation they have going down there - shitty! Avoid Donovan and Bauer Auto Group - they don't know quality!

Had another disappointment last week...found out Black Widow will not be at Clearview on my birthday. :( I was so looking forward to that! I've seen them come and go on everyone's birthdays and couldn't wait for them to be there on mine! Especially now that Lana knows I can sing and would have most likely pulled me up there to sing again! Definitely puts a damper on my canoe and band plans! I'm going to suck it up though and have decided I want to go camping after canoeing now. And while some friends have offered their backyard...No thanks...that's not camping! I want us all in tents out in the middle of no where! It's been so long since I've really camped and am definitely up for it!

So much is going on in the next couple of months...just don't know how I'm going to afford to swing it all! This weekend is Alisha's bridal shower and I have yet to get her a gift. Next is Rich's birthday...and I have sworn NO John Deere! The boy is obsessed with it and anything I'd get he'd probably already have. I think I'm going to add some Old Navy to his wardrobe! Just stuff I think he'd actually wear, so T-shirts or Hoodies, don't worry honey - no polos yet! Next is Alisha and Louis' Stag n Drag - and that's $15 for both me and Rich to go. Never heard of paying for a bachelorette/bachelor party before but whatever I guess. I don't want to miss it so I'll have to pay. The weekend after that is Nicole's graduation party...which will probably just involve a card and some cash but there's still that. Following that is Alisha and Louis' wedding, involving yet another gift! I'm going to be broke by the middle of June if not sooner. Thankfully after that is my own birthday - so money will be appreciated! Hahaha! I think that's all I've got going right now, but of course it's always subject to change and additions!

I've been trying to change my life healthwise a lot lately, especially since being in the hospital. It's so damn hard though! I've been making myself excercise in some way every day before I go to work and so far it really hasn't been that hard pulling my butt off of the couch yet. I really like the dancercise DVD I have right now (think the same one as you, Jen!). Boy, when I started I was so uncoordinated! I actually put it away for almost a year because I just didn't think I had the rhythm for it but when I pulled it out this past week, I've found that it is there after all! I've also been walking a little and went out and bought a bike that I try to ride a couple times a week. Over did the first day with 2 miles...boy were my muscles sore and my legs wobbly! Had to remember I wasn't a kid anymore who could just hop on the bike and go! So I'm working up to going a little farther every day. Of couse none of this is going to help really until I completely change my diet. That's been my toughest challenge. Just can't bring myself to totally give up that good stuff that's so bad! I'm supposed to be on a 2000 calorie diet per my doctor due to my diabetes but I'm having such a hard time following it. Starting next week though, I'm getting that diabetic handbook out and trying to set myself up the right way. Wish me luck! I'd like to lose atleast a few pounds before we go on vacation to Topsail Island, NC the end of September so I don't feel quite so whale-like on the beach!

Guess that's it for now...till next time! Oh and hope you enjoy the music and all that I've added...it was just for you wonderful visitors - if there are any!

Better Luck...This Time?

I have had a lot of confusion in my life thanks to the opposite sex. Mostly I have thrown myself blindly into any opportunity given, something that has brought me more pain and heartbreak than any real joy. Most of my naive experience has been met with being taken advantage of or being walked on, something I really bring on myself more than anything. Always one to give every bit of herself to just get some sort of appreciation in any form, some sort of acknowledgement. One who at times lost the word 'no' from her vocabulary. A lot of times I'd give more than I had just to make someone else happy.

I guess maybe that's why now, now when I've met this sweet person, that I'm having a harder time than I thought with accepting him at face value. After being kicked around for so long, you tend to grow a thick skin and start to not trust those that are just genuinely GOOD to you and he really is. He's everything (REALLY everything this time!) I've ever really looked for in someone I've wanted to date. Personality and interest wise. And right from the beginning everyone LIKED him, which didn't happen before with others I've dated. Hell, my mother was one of the people who wanted us to meet and she has NEVER liked anyone I've been interested in, well, I take that back, she liked them, just didn't want them with her daughter. He's the type of guy that I've always been attracted to, the "manly man" kind of guy. Mechanic, into the outdoorsy stuff like 4-wheeling and snowmobiling, addicted to John Deere, your typical garden variety Redneck. But he also has a very sweet and soft side that he constantly shows to me with affection, holding hands, kisses, and just holding me, sometimes a little TOO affectionate, but I'd rather have that than someone cold. He seems to like doing things for me, seems to be the genuine gentleman type. He's fixed my car, cleaned my car, always wants to pay for things, even getting me to try new things (taking me skiing this weekend!). So why am I still so leery? Why do I still find myself wondering why he's like this? Why he's so nice to me? I wonder all of the time what's in it for him? I just can't bring myself to think that maybe, just maybe there is something in me that makes someone want to be with me. I was told last night that he's never really been like he is with me, happy and affectionate, to use the exact words from a friend last night, that I put a "whoop de doo" on him. Hahaha! I wish I didn't feel so on edge about his intentions because he definitely strikes me as the type of person who is straight with you, doesn't pretend, someone genuine. I wish I hadn't made the mistakes that I've made before, then maybe I wouldn't be so suspicious of the people who make the real effort to be as they are to me. I hope that in this relationship I'm able to have all that I didn't get before, that I'm able to give that I couldn't before. That I get ALL that comes with it. I just really hope that I have found what I really have been looking for.