I haven't blogged since 2013...this floors me. For me, writing is cathartic. I have always expressed myself better on paper versus an actual conversation. With that said, so much has changed-where do I even begin? I suppose I'll start with a list of the basics:
1. My son is now 14 and will be a Freshman this Fall. I have yet to accept this.
2. I now have a fabulous job. In the interest of keeping my personal and professional lives separated, I'd prefer not to name my current employer. I will confess that I work from home in my PJs and love it. My job is amazing-it's exactly where I'm supposed to be at this time.
3. I got remarried on February 28, 2014. He is without question my perfect match.
4. I have 5 pets (yes, I've become THAT lady). Three are indoor pets (2 cats and 1 dog). The second two are outdoor cats. One of which is feral (it took 6 months before I could touch her. Now she is my shadow). I have a serious problem with collecting strays.
5. One of the indoor cats is my former hairless cat, Max. My ex husband, Matt, asked me to take him back last year due to his living situation at that time. I am so glad I did-we love him dearly.
6. Last year I quit smoking for 10 months. I went back to smoking for 5 months and now have 90 days nicotine free. Freedom-it's a beautiful thing.
7. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in nearly 4 years. Sobriety is amazing and I thank God for it everyday. My life is infinitely better. Who would have thought?
8. I live two streets over from my mom and youngest sister. We now walk together nearly every evening. I feel so blessed to have family close by.
9. I've recently gained a significant amount of weight and have since embarked on a wellness plan (disclaimer: quitting smoking equals added pounds). I feel and look better already.
10 To be completely transparent, I've not blogged because I've not had my own personal laptop (lame excuse but it's true). I bought one today and it's pissing me off right now as I type (why the hell can't I find spell check?)
11.I religously go to bed at 10 every night--no more "Gina sometimes" stories (my apologies to those who lived vicariously through her). Waking up with peace of mind is priceless.
12.I wrote a book about my life in 2012. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to publish it someday. Maybe I won't. I'm okay with whatever may be.
13.I love my family and my home. I no longer feel trapped or feel the need to escapee. To those who know me well this is a miracle in and of itself.
14. Somehow spellcheck has begun working. Ha! Not today Satan (insert smirk).
15. My ex husband Matt and I remain good friends. This makes me smile.
16. My son is 5'10" and wears a size 14 shoe. How.
17. I am still scared of the Mothman and probably always will be. If you don't know what it is, watch the movie "The Mothman". Even better, read the book.
18. My love of books and voracious reading returned once I quit drinking. This has been one of the greatest gifts restored to me. I missed books more than I could have possibly imagined.
19. I struggle daily with guilt. I remain haunted by my two years of alcoholic spiraling. I wouldn't have classified myself as an excessive drinker because I didn't become one until 2010. Only then did the grip take hold. It lasted for two and half years and was a journey to hell and back.
20. Never before have I shared my alcoholism on a public platform. It's scary.
21. The first thing I gained in treatment was my faith in God and the Universe. Without that light, I wouldn't have made it.
22. This list will now contain less heavy material.
23. My sister who lived in New York moved back two years ago. I don't have the opportunity to see her often but I feel better just knowing she's here.
24. My husband can fix anything.
25. We keep my husband's granddaughter every other Saturday. I love her dearly but cannot refer to myself as a grandmother. Not yet anyway.
26. I have amazing step children. The oldest, Casey, is now married and has the most gorgeous months old daughter. His wife is nothing less than wonderful. The second oldest, Courtney, is a hard worker and a good mother. Her daughter, Sophia, is nearly four years old. Soph is hilarious (case in point: she told me this past weekend that "Jesus died on the croc"). Katie is my husband's third child. She's in college and majoring in Nursing. She's so smart and strives hard to do well. And last, their is Olivia who is adorably sweet and kind.
27. I am an introvert (though I can play the role of an extrovert for long periods of time). I will always prefer to stay home versus going out. It is a very real struggle for me to socialize in large groups.
28. I never get lonely. I am completely content to spend time alone.
29. I remain a liberal Democrat but no longer engage in debates with Republicans. I can't change their minds and they certainly can't change mine.
30. I believe all paths ultimately lead to God. I believe in the saying that "Religion is man made and Spirituality is God given". It's okay if others don't agree.
31. I have found that I am far more relaxed and accepting at 37 than I've ever been before. I look forward to the years to come.
32. Even so, I still get Botox. Vanity is my downfall.
33. My third sister, Erica, lives in AL. I miss her.
34. My youngest sister is learning to drive. This terrifies me.
35. I have a hedgehog named Henry. He is not friendly.
36. Someday I want to live in the country. I plan on getting two goats, chickens and at least one pig. I miss my former pig, Lola.
37. I could go on and on with this list. This is enough for now.
38. My paternal grandmother died four years ago. I miss her more each year.
XOXO
