tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230647662024-03-13T13:30:43.772-07:00Diary of a Rebellious ChildThis diary chronicles the places I have been, the decisions I have made, and the consequences for both.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.comBlogger416125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-40567940929086575492014-05-21T10:39:00.001-07:002014-05-21T10:54:42.139-07:00Moving on... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting a new blog. I will slowly move some of my favorite posts from here to there, but my days of feeling guilty about being a Rebellious Child are done and this blog will eventually be archived. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The new blog is <a href="http://followingmyarrowwhereveritpoints.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://followingmyarrowwhereveritpoints.blogspot.com/</a> . </span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-26176385486863258072014-04-27T09:59:00.001-07:002014-04-27T09:59:21.097-07:00ResponsibilityHave you ever scrolled through social media & thought 'that person has clearly lost it' & then kept scrolling? <br /><br />I saw a post this morning that made me question someone's mental state. But did I message them & check on them? Well, no of course not.... I don't have time to deal w/their crazy. Did I message their spouse & ask if they were ok? Well no, it's just really not my business. <br /><br />Mental illness isn't a joke. It also isn't something to be ignored. So why don't we check on the metal health status of our friends? Why don't we say 'hey, you seem to be in a funk lately' to someone that's clearly not acting like themselves?!<br /><br />Who's responsibility is mental illness? If your friends & family aren't willing to address your crazy, who's responsibility is it? The person who's obviously losing it? Yeah, because that's going to happen! <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-16905128298107682382014-04-16T11:09:00.002-07:002014-04-16T11:09:59.255-07:00This. This. Is. Important. <div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
This. This. This. This. This. This. This. </div>
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<a href="http://jezebel.com/the-most-important-thing-teen-girls-should-do-but-dont-1563444100?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow" style="color: darkblue;" title="http://jezebel.com/the-most-important-thing-teen-girls-should-do-but-dont-1563444100?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow">http://jezebel.com/the-most-important-thing-teen-girls-should-do-but-dont-1563444100?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow</a></div>
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I have had this very conversation so many times. I love this quote from the article: "<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">If you're wondering why any of this matters, I'll tell you. Orgasms are good for you. And masturbation means no partner or drama required. Have a migraine? Masturbate. Feeling stuck creatively? Masturbate. Feeling blue? Masturbate. Can't sleep? Masturbate. Mired in stress? Low self-esteem? Sex drive in low gear? Chronic pain? Masturbation is good for what ails you" (Block 2014). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Last semester, several female students and I had this EXACT conversation before Qualitative Theory. I left class, went home and talked to my daughters about masturbation. I even offered to put <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A3777831%2Cp_n_location_browse-bin%3A5904934011" style="color: darkblue;" title="http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A3777831%2Cp_n_location_browse-bin%3A5904934011">bullets</a> in their stocking. The responses I got ranged from hands over their ears to "too far Mom, too far" (which is the standard response when I say something shocking to my daughters). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">We joke about boys masturbating on TV, movies and even in casual conversations with friends. My friend Jess and I have joked a lot about how she doesn't pick up her sons socks off the floor anymore after watching a <a href="http://bigscreenlittlescreen.net/2006/08/29/weeds-recap-season-two-episode-three/" style="color: darkblue;" title="http://bigscreenlittlescreen.net/2006/08/29/weeds-recap-season-two-episode-three/">Weeds episode</a>. If we are all about equality, why are we not all about sexual equality? What is it about female masturbation that freaks us all out... both male and female? Our bodies are not gross. Masturbating is not gross. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">I sent the article to just about everyone I can think of... my best friends, my daughters, my more liberal friends with daughters and then I got the courage to share it on facebook. Crickets I tell you, crickets. I share an article about anything else and people BLOW UP MY FEED. But masturbation... crickets. O_o WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY????? </span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-77853344574560492192014-04-08T07:36:00.001-07:002014-04-08T07:37:03.909-07:00I'm not that different than you... <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This morning, I was discussing with a friend the reasoning behind why I share what I do on facebook, knowing that it is going to make people dislike me or cause conflict (and if you know me, you know I HATEEEEE conflict). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My answer? Because my posts are usually about educating people to things they may have not been aware of before. I mean, I wasn't aware 10 years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guess what guys... I am not all that different than you are. I grew up in those same religiously conservative families as you. Hell, my parents had a poster of Ronald Reagan laminated & on the wall. I was also in church EVERY TIME THE DOORS OPENED. I truly believed all that I was indoctrinated into both politically and religiously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's the thing though... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. I didn't know I was in an abusive marriage or that my family had verbally abusive tendencies until I took an interpersonal communication course that enlightened me to how people really should speak to each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. I didn't realize the damage that could be done by using yelling as a communication technique, until I did research for a graduate class. I was in my 20's with two kids... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. I HONESTLY thought the people who used welfare came from generational users of the system... until I started to do research into who uses the system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. I was pro-life, until I REALLY looked into abortion and who uses the services and why they use them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. I was a good ole Southern Baptist, until I researched <b>how</b> the denomination came about (racism) and did a little reading of my own and realized how WRONG we are about what the Bible really says. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are always free to ignore my posts. You can dislike me for who I've become. I won't say that it doesn't bother me, because it does. I don't like knowing that some of you think I'm just an idiot liberal who has been manipulated by the education system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But here's the thing. That abortion post I posted this morning? Yeah... I had three people text me their stories and tell me that they agreed with my about education. Why did they text me? Because they didn't want to deal with the persecution of their family, peers and even jobs. O_o THIS. IS. A. PROBLEM. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I will continue to annoy you with my posts and you can continue to think I'm a liberal idiot. BUT... if one person reads something I've posted and it causes them to rethink their previous way of thinking... I feel that it's worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-34665422831567074592014-03-17T10:45:00.001-07:002014-03-17T10:45:26.851-07:00HolidaysI have been trying to figure out why St. Patrick's Day is my favorite 'holiday' all morning (instead of doing my homework). I think I finally figured it out. <br /><br />No, it's not the beer, even though I do love a couple of beers, I'm not the lush many of you think I am. <br /><br />It's not all the green clothing & accessories, even though green is my favorite color & I'm all about waking up knowing what I'm going to wear for the day! <br /><br />It's not even my Irish roots (biological last name is McCubbin), that I know very little about, other than everyone dies from Diabetes & Alcoholism in that family tree.<br /><br />My love of this day has everything to do with friends & fellowship. Most other holidays remind me that my family relationships are complicated & frustrating. But this day? This day is all about friendships. It's all about being around the people who encourage me daily & acting silly. (I mean, come on, green glasses & shamrock headbands?) <br /><br />So enjoy your 'holiday' & love the people who brighten your day! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/17/805.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/17/s_805.jpg' border='0' width='216' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-83884256696476347382014-02-16T15:53:00.002-08:002014-02-16T15:53:36.594-08:00Perception... <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The girls have been complaining a lot that Jasen is cranky. While I have witnessed the behavior that the girls refer to as 'mean' or 'cranky,' I would not describe it as such. I mean, maybe it's that I think he has every right to 'get onto' the girls for not picking up their crap, that I think he isn't cranky? Maybe it's because I have recently become more aware of the fact that the girls are entitled and spoiled and lazy, that I haven't been bothered by his tone of voice? Maybe it's because I realize that he is doing his best to quit smoking and as long as he isn't yelling, I could honestly care less about his tone, as long as he doesn't pick up a cigarette? Idk. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It seems to me that 'cranky' is all about perception. The girls do not like to be in trouble, but they like to be lazy more than they don't like to be in trouble. If that weren't the case, they would likely PICK UP AFTER THEMSELVES so that neither Jasen, nor I, had to get onto them? Right?????? Additionally, it is our job (Jasen and I) to parent the children. Parenting means pointing out habits that will make you a bad adult... LIKE LEAVING YOUR CRAP OUT EVERYWHERE. Right? Perhaps instead of pointing fingers at the person who loves you unconditionally, YOU SHOULD PICK UP YOUR CRAP??!!!??!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm sure you are sensing a theme. We would like the girls to pick up after themselves. We would like a clean house. Neither of us thinks this is an unrealistic expectation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Additionally... the girls seem to have forgotten what life was like pre-Jasen. They seem to have forgotten how TOXIC the house they spent much of their childhood in was. They seem to have forgotten the negativity. They seem to have forgotten cowering in the corner. It's not bad that they have forgotten, but I have not. I have not forgotten the hate. I have not forgotten taking the brunt of their father's wrath, because I was protecting them. I have not forgotten the fear in their eyes and in mine. I remember. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe Jasen is being 'cranky' and 'mean' and I just can't see it, because I still remember how bad it was in our old life, but I doubt it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Again... it's all about perception, huh? </span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-86358528782752961432014-01-16T06:14:00.001-08:002014-01-16T06:14:27.139-08:00You're not my type...Such a hard lesson to learn when a boy says those words to a teenage girl. But here's the thing kiddo, you don't want to be his type. <br /><br />1. He made fun of the little emo girl, which says he's a bully & doesn't understand differences. <br />2. He accused you of cutting, just because you defended little emo girl, which says he lacks compassion. <br />3. He said skateboarding was not for girls & that it was a manly thing to do, which quite honestly says he's either got some insecurities or is being raised in an awfully sexist home. <br />4. He called you Malibu... Like the Barbie. Yes it's a cute little nickname, but you are so much more than your long legs & blonde hair. <br /><br />So sweet girl, be his friend. Show him compassion. Model for him what it means to be a caring & compassionate person. But do not waste any tears over this boy, because quite honestly, he's not YOUR type. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-57420468199304647912014-01-08T07:17:00.001-08:002014-01-08T07:17:24.321-08:00Selfishness The girls told me this morning that moving was only for Jasen & I and not for them. They also said that they hated it here & are only here to be with me.<br /><br />Yay. <sarcasm> They wanted to be with me. I've ruined their lives, but they are here, because they need to be with me. <br /><br />I've never really done anything completely for me, since they've been born. I stayed married to their dad for them. (You know, the whole stay married for your children thing.) I divorced their dad for them & me. (You know, protect your children from the abusive, toxic house they live in thing.) I stayed in the town I hated for them too. <br /><br />Yes, this move is about me continuing my education. (How selfish of me.) But this move is also about a lot more. It's about showing my kids that there is life outside of conservative hell. It's about showing them a place where being a feminist is ok. It's about showing them a place where people can be whoever they are without judgement & discrimination.<br /><br />They don't see any of that yet. I hope they do at some point. <br /><br />For now, I'll just sit here and cry because I've ruined my children's lives, because I'm selfish. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-73611322405790154642014-01-03T08:42:00.001-08:002014-01-03T08:42:17.754-08:00Introverts vs. ExtrovertsI get it. Introverts need time at home. That's how they recharge their batteries. I am an extrovert. My batteries get recharged by being around people I like. In theory, this should be no problem. <br /><br />BUT IT'S A BIG PROBLEM... <br /><br />But only because I ATTRACT introverts. <br /><br />About 98% of my friends describe themselves as introverts. While I understand what makes an introvert tic, it's VERY difficult for me not to get my feelings hurt. I like my friends. I want to spend time with them. I want to dooooooooo stuff with them. I'm not even picky about what we do!But because they are introverts & need to recharge at home, I get a lot of nos. As an extrovert, these nos scream out 'I don't want to be your friend.'<br /><br />I know that is not the message my friends are trying to send me, but repeated nos send that message. (At least I think I know...maybe it is the message they are trying to send me.) I'm not saying it's not ok for introverts to stay home & recharge. I do totally get it. I even have my moments when I just want to be home. But if the answer I most often get is no... It makes it really difficult to know whether or not I'm getting the brush off. Eventually I just quit trying, because continued nos translate to 'they don't like me' in the extroverts mind. <br /><br />So my dear introverted friends, I'm sorry I annoy you with my repeated requests to dooooooo things. With people. With you, because I like you. I'm sorry. I honestly don't know how to make this better. In the same way that introverts say 'it's who I am,' I have to say 'it's who I am.' <br /><br />Maybe I need to make a bigger pool of friends, so that I always have people to hang out with?!?!? Sigh. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-43995171839668197282014-01-02T14:32:00.001-08:002014-01-02T14:32:29.104-08:00BreatheOh Abilene. Can a town cause a person to have anxiety? I roll into Abilene to pick of the girls & pretty much the entire time we are here, I spend trying to calm myself as I am as wound up as a person can be. In fact, we are almost to Clyde & I still can't breathe right. <br /><br />I know that many of you LOVE Abilene & that you'll look at this post like I need a place in the looney bin, but I don't love Abilene. Abilene may not hold more negative memories than positive, but the negative memories are indeed the strongest, apparently. <br /><br />I tried to make a list of things I'll miss, but that list was very short & was just the names of a handful of friends that I wish I could take me. I've lived in Abilene for 32 years and what I'll miss are a HANDFUL of friends. Did you catch that?! It is very clear to me that I don't 'fit' in Abilene. I never have. I ask too many questions & am too outspoken to every truly fit. <br /><br />So as I watch Abilene disappear in my rear view mirror, I just wanted to say 'goodbye for now' to that handful of friends. Our paths will cross again. I'm sorry if you felt like I snuck out without saying my proper goodbyes, I just simply needed out. <br /><br />Almost to Baird & I can finally breathe again.... <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-92169846858956745272013-12-01T09:44:00.001-08:002013-12-01T09:44:41.331-08:00Relationships..My fb feed has been full of people who gave it their best shot, but couldn't make it work. Friends that have been married since high school. It's sad. But what's even sadder, is that these marriages have been over for a long time & the only one that was doing anything to fight for the marriage was the wife. I've lent these women relationship books, spent hours talking to them about how to fix things & ultimately the fault wasn't theirs. They prayed, changed their attitudes, asked for the changes that needed to occur & got nothing in return. These guys are acting like victims now, but truthfully they did this. They treated their wives like crap. They let their friendships, hobbies & jobs take priority over their relationships with their wives & children. When asked to go to counseling, they said no. When asked to be more affectionate, they said no. When asked to spend quality time with the family, they said no. But instead of owning up to that, these guys are now the victims. Eh... That's not how it works guys. If you don't make your wife feel loved, ultimately she will leave... or cheat. It seems to me that it would make a lot more sense to make a few changes than to lose your family. <br /><br />And while all of the above is hard to watch, what's even harder is watching the couples who haven't gotten to the point above, but to anyone looking in, it's clear it's going to happen eventually. If you aren't working for your relationship, you are working against it. Spend time together. Do what she wants to do, even if it isn't what you want to do (and vice versa). Touch each other often & not just for sex (yes...the anti-touch person just said that). Make sure the other person knows that you are the most important thing in the world to them etc. So much of making a relationship good is consciously choosing to be active in that relationship. It's when we get lazy that problems occur. <br /><br />On the other side of that token, I also think you need to know when to quit fighting. Know when to walk away. I knew within a week of my first marriage that I'd screwed up... I remember the moment with clarity, even though it was almost 20 years ago. (Having a very large dictionary thrown at your head somehow never leaves you.) I wish I'd had the self-worth & determination to walk away then. Instead, I stayed in a relationship for 14 yrs, because I was worried about disappointing my family & friends. You know what, I did disappoint my family & friends, but the ones who let my divorce be the defining moment in our relationship, weren't worth staying in a relationship with, I've since learned. I have several friends who left their husbands around the same time I did & a few have told me that watching me survive, helped them have the courage to walk away themselves. So many times we stay in unhealthy relationships because we don't think we could do it alone... If I could do it, anyone can... Seriously. Love yourself enough to realize when it's time to walk away, or your children will pay the consequences. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-34380348066900665342013-11-28T07:23:00.001-08:002013-11-28T07:23:29.668-08:00ThankfulnessIf you've known me for any length of time, you know that I used to love the holiday season, but after the divorce & everything that happened with my family. I hate the holiday season. <br /><br />Trying to find my happy today though... So here's my list of thankfulness. <br /><br />My husband...he's amazing. He puts up with my crazies, he loves me unconditionally, & life with him is just pretty amazing. <br /><br />My daughters... They are good kids & they each make me proud. They both work hard in school. They both try to be good people. The love & do not discriminate. <br /><br />My friends.... I have many acquaintances, but very few friends that I trust with all of my secrets. I'm thankful for those that I can count on to be there for advice & support. Thankful for those that love me no matter what. <br /><br />My in laws... Love that my husband's family has welcomed the girls & I into their family. Miss them all greatly! <br /><br />My family... While I speak to very few of them, I am thankful for the things I learned from family... Even if some of it is who not to be. I miss my grandma daily, as I think the world would be a different place if Gma where here. But it is what it is... <br /><br />Education.... Thankful for the opportunity to be back in school. Love my classes. Love my classmates. Excited for what the future holds. <br /><br />The rest of what I'm thankful for is stuff.... Technology, toilet paper etc. Or things like progress & freedoms. I'm often quite thankful that I wasn't born 100 years ago or in another country. <br /><br />I hope everyone enjoys their turkey day. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-9416958917149179492013-11-26T07:01:00.001-08:002013-11-26T07:01:18.996-08:00Time MachineIf you could go back in time, would you change what you did or that you got caught? <br /><br />I would change none of the decisions that I've made, only that I got caught. The choices that I've made, make me who I am. The experiences I've had shape who I am. And honestly, some of the worst decisions come with the best memories. So live your life with no regrets. Keep people around you that will love you unconditionally. Above all... Follow your heart... Not the heart that is clouded by tradition & guilt... But the heart that speaks the truth. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-10242279102956175562013-11-12T13:42:00.000-08:002013-11-12T13:42:29.790-08:00Yelling...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This may be a recycled post, I don't remember. But even if it is. It's important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I follow a <a href="http://jezebel.com/" target="_blank">forum</a> that posts articles that I find interesting. To be honest, I started following the site, because Jezebel just happens to be one of my most favorite names. But... out of that follow, I have read many articles that have caused me to stop and think about who I am and the choices I make. One such article can be found <a href="http://jezebel.com/if-yelling-at-kids-is-as-harmful-as-spanking-what-the-1455310255?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are too lazy to read the article, it essentially says find another way to deal with your children, because yelling is bad. If that article isn't enough for you to change your ways, keep reading... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am a recovering yeller. I was raised in a home where my mother yelled and it was pretty much her only form of communication. When I got married and had babies, I knew no other way to get my point across, but to yell. And I was good at it. Now, I knew better than to yell demeaning things to my child... having a mother that yelled had shown me that. But I yelled when I was upset and yelling was the only form of communication between my ex and I. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One day, when my oldest was a toddler, I looked into her eyes and saw terror. It was at that moment that I realized that there had to be another way to get my point across. I tried to convince my husband to quit yelling... even did a lit review in grad school and wanted to do my thesis over the consequences of yelling in the home. And although I couldn't stop his yelling, I did my damnedest to quit yelling at the girls and to only yell at my ex if he started it. (Real mature, I know.) Eventually, I escaped that marriage and have since remarried. There is little yelling in my home now. But the consequences of the yelling that happened so many years ago are great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 16 yo has PTSD. No, I haven't taken her to be officially diagnosed, but I've read enough to know. If anyone even comes close to sounding like they are yelling her face turns red, her eyes widen and she starts to sweat. If the yelling continues for any length of time (you know, 30 seconds or more), she begins to tear up and breathe quickly. Generally the end result of all of this is her hiding in a bathroom and having a panic attack. Now here's the thing.... I did this to her. Or rather, her father and I did this to her. We had a house that was so ridiculously toxic that it was like living in a war zone And even though I quit yelling many moons ago... the consequences are still there. I cannot undo it. I cannot change it. I cannot fix this for her. I did it. And it breaks my heart when I pick up my phone and see that it's her (during school hours) and know that I have to talk her out of a panic attack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 12 yo doesn't have PTSD. In fact, for the most part, she fared pretty well for someone raised in such a toxic environment, but what my child has is a yelling problem of her own. Many, many times over the last few weeks I have had to point out to her that I left a home where people communicated by yelling and I will not live there again. I have talked to her about tone of voice and how very wrong yelling is. But you know... she is communicating exactly how she saw her parents communicate (and still sees her father communicate). She uses her angry voice to get her way and to intimidate those around her. I did that to her. I taught that to her. I did it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To sum up this post: I did it. I yelled. I can make excuses all day long about how I didn't know any better and how I changed as soon as I did. BUTTTT it doesn't change the fact that I didn't stop in time and my children are paying the consequences for that. So people... stop yelling at your kids. Learn another way. BTW, I'm not perfect. That yelling tween of mine can get me going, but for the most part, I rarely yell. And of that... I am proud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-38815115174206033792013-11-12T13:00:00.001-08:002013-11-12T13:00:50.574-08:00New Friends<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I mentioned to a new-ish friend that I have a blog. She asked where it was and I told her. I also mentioned that I am not the same person that I was when I started my blog so long ago. Which leads me to the question... what does one do with old blog posts? I mean, for some, a blog is a journey through time that enables you to go back and see where you've been. For me, the where I've been, isn't really anything I need to be reminded of. No really... it's not. I do not want to think of how I struggled as a person in a toxic marriage. I do not want to look back and remember my struggle with ridiculously conservative doctrines that told me that I had to change in order to fit in. My friend told me that reading my posts helped her work through some of her own struggles, so I guess the posts will stay where they are. <b>But...</b> if you are new to this blog, please know that if I were to run across this blog and read the earlier posts... I wouldn't have liked me. I am not that person anymore. Well most of me isn't... </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still believe in love. I still believe things happen for a reason. I still believe that I am stronger, because of the shit I've been through. </span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-32552372288443659282013-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:002013-11-05T13:42:36.830-08:00been a while...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a while...lot's of changes in my life and yet after reading the blog I posted last April little has changed. Laws get changed and the government tries to get rid of discrimination, and my fb feed still stays the same. I think what makes me the most sad regarding the hate I see daily in my feed, is that there was a time when I was closer to thinking the same way as some of those people. A time when I would have said that while God loves homosexuals, He would never make someone that way. A time when I would have said love the sinner, hate the sin. I apologize for who I was. My only excuse is ignorance and indoctrination. </span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-15583069536368556582013-04-09T07:13:00.002-07:002013-04-09T07:13:41.172-07:00Your God<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the last few weeks, I have found myself (once again) struggling with my faith. This struggle isn't new, but the reason behind the struggle is new. I mean, usually my faith crises come from questions of women's roles in church and if I really want to be a part of something that obviously hates women. I have come to realize that there are some denominations that my daughters and I have no business being a part of much like <a href="http://www.redletterchristians.org/jimmy-carter-vs-the-sbcdriscollvictorias-secret-a-sea-change/" target="_blank">Jimmy Carter</a> has done</span></span>. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This new crises of faith comes from the gay marriage debate that is front and center in our nation right now & all across my facebook page. Don't get me wrong, I have seen MANY, MANY posts preaching love and acceptance, but I have seen just as many preaching hate and intolerance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I read <a href="http://dannikanash.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/an-open-letter-to-the-church-from-my-generation/" target="_blank">this article</a> yesterday... and in a sense, the writer put into words what I have been thinking (and saying out loud only to people closest to me) for a long time. I don't want any part of the 2nd group's (from above) God. I don't want to worship a god or be a part of any religion that preaches hate/intolerance/bigotry. I beg of my friends posting hate, that they go watch "For the Bible tells me so" on Netflix. I pray that you see that there are many ways to read scripture and that the hate you are preaching does absolutely no good for the kingdom of God. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The God I believe in, is a loving God and if I am wrong, then quite honestly, I want no part of Christianity.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-7557365897238258912013-03-19T08:27:00.001-07:002013-03-19T08:27:53.963-07:00Food issues...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm fat. I get it. In fact, by medical standards I am morbidly obese. For whatever reason, I cannot seem to loose weight and I am trying to take care of that. In fact, I have a dr's appt (that I am scared to death about) on Thursday. I have done my darnedest not to pass whatever food issues I have down to my children, but obviously, I have failed</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (don't you dare read this & judge me...we all have issues...I'm just willing to share mine)</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the last couple of weeks, I have noticed that Kali has some SERIOUS FOOD ISSUES. I don't know if she thinks we are starving her, or what, but she's driving me crazy. In fact, this morning, she stood in the kitchen counting kolaches in order to make sure she got her fair share. Sunday night at BWW, she inhaled the cheese fries out of the basket lest Megs get more than her & when we said she couldn't take the 2 leftover wings home, she inhaled them before anyone else could grab them. Um... child... have I ever not given you your fair share of food? Have you ever missed a meal by my choosing? The answer to both of those questions is NOOOOOOO, but for some reason, the child seems to think otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So yeah. I have obviously failed and any suggestions of how to handle this child would be greatly appreciated. I mean, I'm not about restricting her tall, skinny self when it comes to food, but she has got to quit inhaling her food like we are going to steal it from her. Maybe that's it... the skinny child thinks the fat family is going to eat her food... O_o </span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-82359510178896733982013-03-10T08:45:00.001-07:002013-03-10T08:45:39.136-07:00Pint3r3stOy. I know that for many of you, the sight of this screen <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/10/1011.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/10/s_1011.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />makes you think happy thoughts. I know this, because I have a teenager that is OBSESSED with Pint3rest. But, if I were to be honest, which I usually am, her continuous 'look at this' make me want to stab myself in the eyeball with a pencil. <br /><br />It's not because she's looking at awful things either. She finds really awesome things on Pint3rest. The problem, for me, is that Pint3rest reminds me I suck at life. I mean, the recipes remind me I can't cook creatively & honestly, I probably wouldn't eat it if I made it & neither would my children (picky eaters). The crafty crap reminds me that I am somewhat lacking in the 'girl' skills required to be crafty. Last time I touched a glue gun, I burned myself. Pretty much every category causes me to have an 'I suck at life' reaction. <br /><br />And let's talk about categories. What?!? Organization?! Who decides what goes in all of those categories? & how do I make my mind work like that?!??? I look at everyone else's boards & I'm always overwhelmed by the number of boards & the number of pins in each board. Can't I have one board where I put everything?? Why do I have to have multiple boards? As you can see, I have 5 boards: <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/10/1012.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/10/s_1012.jpg' border='0' width='158' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />1. Things my husband needs to make me---Code for these require tools I don't know how to use or attention to detail, which I do not do well. <br />2. My tummy wants these---Code for one of my friends that enjoys cooking needs to cook for me.<br />3. Fun hair---Code for oooo I wish I could, but I live in conservative hell & can't.<br />4. Things I might try---Code for & by me, I mean my child. <br />5. Things that make me laugh, cry, or think---Code for I will prob get in trouble for liking these. <br /><br />Oy. Just posting those boards makes me want to run & throw up. I'm pretty sure a social media site shouldn't give me that reaction. Am I the only one that feels this way?!? Is there a cure?!? And if there's not, can one of you come sit & listen to my child's 'look at this' so I can quit wanting to stab my eyes out? <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-70224449574821095242013-01-16T12:58:00.001-08:002013-01-16T12:58:00.629-08:00R3ligious PhilosophyHad a student ask me my religious philosophy today & I had to stop & think about it for a sec. What is my philosophy?! I told him I'd get back to him, because 'don't be an asshole' didn't seem like an appropriate response, but after thinking about it all afternoon, I'm almost certain it is how I feel. <br /><br />Let me explain... I spent a good portion of my life in churches of two very popular denominations being taught things that I just don't feel within myself are correct. I believe in music & it's ability to touch the soul. I believe STRONGLY that women can be called into ministry. And just like the views on interracial relationships has changed over the years, I think the view on homosexuality will too. I don't want our government passing laws based upon ANYONE'S religion & I'm very bothered by the amount of laws that seems to be because of religious influence (I mean, because buying beer at the grocery store AFTER church is so much more righteous than the person trying to buy beer at 10am)! I could probably write a novel about what else I believe that is different than what I was raised believing, but those are the high spots. <br /><br />So. Back to my philosophy... Don't be an asshole pretty much covers it for me! Don't tell my daughters they are limited in serving God, because they are female! Don't tell them that they can't use their God-given musical talent, because God wouldn't appreciate it. Don't tell my child's friend that is struggling with sexuality that God didn't make him that way & we can pray away those desires & worsen a struggle that you can't possibly understand. Don't tell the wife in an abusive relationship that if she were a more Godly wife, her husband wouldn't act that way. My list could go on, but I think you get it. <br /><br />Instead of all of the things listed & more here are some things we should be doing. LOVE ONE ANOTHER! I mean it is the greatest commandment, right? <br /><br />Ok...enough ranting... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/16/1317.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/16/s_1317.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-20979019395769205842012-01-19T18:39:00.001-08:002012-01-19T18:39:57.432-08:00A song...http://open.spotify.com/track/7p7lNE4QGhtR3p4DokE0qP<br /><br />Here are the lyrics to the song linked above. Megan found this song and showed it me. Her father doesn't have a drinking problem, but he does have an anger management problem and she has decided to quit seeing him. I will support her decision, because quite frankly, I'm tired of trying to repair her self esteem after he's torn her down! I don't know if he will fight her decision, but if he does, I will be behind her & will help her fight. No little girl should have to feel like this! <br /><br />For The Love Of A Daughter lyrics<br /><br />Four years old with my back to the door<br />All I could hear was the family war<br />You're selfish hands always expecting more <br />Am I your child or just a charity ward<br /><br />You have a hollowed out heart<br />But it's heavy in your chest<br />I try so hard to fight it<br />But it's hopeless<br />Hopeless<br />You're hopeless<br /><br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />I'd love to leave you alone<br />But I can't let you go<br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />Put the bottle down<br />For the love of a daughter<br />Oh<br /><br />It's been five years<br />Since we've spoken last<br />And you can't take back<br />What we never had<br /><br />Oh, I can be manipulated<br />Only so many times<br />Before even I love you<br />Starts to sound like a lie<br /><br />You have a hollowed out heart<br />But it's heavy in your chest<br /><br />I try so hard to fight it<br />But it's<br />hopeless<br />Hopeless<br />You're hopeless<br /><br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />I'd love to leave you alone<br />But I can't let you go<br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />Put the bottle down<br />For the love of a daughter<br /><br />Don't you remember<br />I'm your baby girl<br />How could you push me out of your world<br />Lie to your flesh and your blood<br />Put your hands on the ones that you swore you loved<br /><br />Don't you remember<br />I'm your baby girl<br />How could you throw me right out of your world<br />So young when the pain had begun<br />Now forever afraid of being loved<br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />I'd love to leave you alone<br />But I can't let you go<br />Oh father<br />Oh father<br />Please father<br />Put the bottle down<br />For the love of a daughter<br />For the love of a daughter<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-57201190540942690572012-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:002012-01-10T13:31:25.321-08:00Pouty and Insubordinate<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi...my name is Jessica...I am losing my mind... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You see, I am quite possibly the worst patient in the world! I am supposed to be relaxing and babying my leg...but... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THAT IS REALLY HARD... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can't drive. I can't clean. I can barely get dressed on my own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just watched Jasen take all of my heels out of my closet and put them away...I don't even wear heels that much, but I died a little inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On top of being completely bored & miserable, plant season has started & Jasen is working 6 days a week. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sniffle...So not only am I stuck home...I'm stuck home alone... excuse me while I pout... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sigh... Ok...I'll quit being melodramatic now... </span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-57959416546447688712012-01-06T08:40:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:04:45.313-08:00What was that?<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What was that? Oh yes, I remember now... another resolution totally busted before I could even start! :( </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I vowed before new years that I would begin my year in the gym and I would spend the next year focusing on not being a fatty </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> anymore. And then this happened... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'This' was an 'incident' while ice skating! :( Saw my family dr yesterday and he thinks it will need surgery and I have a 6-8 wks ahead of me being a gimp. :( </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyone else noticing the over abundance of sad faces in this post? Yeah, that would be because I am sooooo nottttt happpyyyy about this! :( Not just because being an invalid sucks arse, but because I had finally gotten to the place in my mind that I was going to focus and lose weight the healthy way & look what happens! :( Not that I can't change my way of eating or try to lose weight through diet alone, but this isn't just about the weight... this is about wanting to be healthy and fit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Edit: Can I just say that morning TV is totally depressing???<a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/"> Dr. Oz</a> has me convinced I'm going to die if I don't eat a certain diet and blah, blah, blah. </span><br />
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</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-78768629015642533652012-01-01T20:32:00.001-08:002012-01-01T20:32:48.676-08:00Coming home...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/01/3782.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/01/s_3782.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This blog might be all over the place, as I'm a little loopy from Vicodin, & I have a lot on my mind. <br /><br />We've been gone from the grand ole city of Abilene for about 3 weeks and it's been amazing! The girls have gotten along better than ever~~they've been helpful around the house, they've been kind to each other, they have basically been no trouble at all & a pleasure to be around! They've tried new things & had new adventures & I'm sooo proud of them!! I do have to question why things have been so different??!!?! Oh wait...I know...they've been mine & mine alone for 3 weeks. Funny how lack of contact with their dad makes them so much calmer!! My girls are amazing & they are turning into beautiful young ladies...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/01/3783.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/01/s_3783.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I just wish I could protect them from all that he is...sigh... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/01/3784.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/01/s_3784.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As for the Vicodin loopiness, that would be from an incident I had during one of our many adventures... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/01/3785.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/01/s_3785.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Don't you like my new immobilizer?! Won't really know what's wrong until we get home & see our own dr, as the ER was rather incompetent here! :( <br /><br />Anywho...guess I should get to the real point of this post... I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME!! I mean really don't want to!! I've sat in this chair all afternoon thinking of ways to stay here! I know it's not physically possible~~we have to go home, but I don't want to! I don't want to go home to the drama of the ex, to the religious persecution of the city, or to the judgementalness of my own family! I want to stay here where I have an amazing mother-in-law that loves my girls & I. I want to stay here where the girls are so much more relaxed & theres a freedom to be whoever we want to be! Sigh...guess I'll quit whining & start packing! But...I DON'T WANNA!! <br /><br /><br />--Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23064766.post-74502046523766149542011-11-13T17:54:00.001-08:002011-11-13T18:11:33.982-08:00My Family...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmkIj9QUyyexsPk1H5GwfS8k8qxeJXq1F37JqrWX_WLCSLzWCUpFiGPPQ526Iagstj2OY9DT77eQgD0QXDIPTvSQB_GPQmKymfnaFaDIMeQkJx8AkAVrrPm5zOjw1ebuFN6p04g/s1600/my+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmkIj9QUyyexsPk1H5GwfS8k8qxeJXq1F37JqrWX_WLCSLzWCUpFiGPPQ526Iagstj2OY9DT77eQgD0QXDIPTvSQB_GPQmKymfnaFaDIMeQkJx8AkAVrrPm5zOjw1ebuFN6p04g/s320/my+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ever been walking along and have one of those moments where everything makes sense? Happened for me tonight during our walk at the park.... actually happened while I took the picture that you see...<br />
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My little brother posted that he celebrated his birthday yesterday at a local restaurant with his 'family' and it broke my heart. You see, I wasn't invited to the birthday celebration. This isn't the first time since I left my ex husband that I haven't been invited to family get-togethers and it definitely won't be the last. BUT my 'ah ha' moment, during our walk, was this...<br />
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THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE ARE MY FAMILY!<br />
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I need to worry less about activities and invitations with the family that has made it clear they don't want anything to do with me & worry more about creating traditions with my husband and my daughters. You see, those parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that want nothing to do with me, because I left an abusive marriage, aren't worth crying over. It is simply time to move on.<br />
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So this is me... moving on...Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09851516852287431838noreply@blogger.com2