Here it goes (cracking my knuckles).
I am a 41 yo single mom of 3. I have two boys, 18 and 11, and a girl that is 14. I absolutely love my life. I don't have a lot money, but I have a roof over my head, a job that I love, a car to get me to that job, and my kids and I are healthy. It's a struggle to make ends meet, but somehow, I always do.
My youngest child is not mine biologically, but he is mine in every way possible. He is actually my nephew. I have had custody of him since 2001 when he was not quite 2 yet. Even though I did not want any more children, after all I had my boy and girl, I am thankful he was put into my life. It was a very difficult decision to make, to take your own brother to court and take away his child, but it was the right decision. I had the support of my entire family, along with the family of the bio mom. That definitely made that decision easier. I know now, it was the right thing to do. He is in his first year of middle school, and is almost always on the all A Honor Roll. He was asked to come to summer school for the College for Kids program at Mercer University, and loved it. He usually speaks over my head.
Of course, I love all of my children and proud of each one of them. I also get very frustrated with them. Seems they are all going to have to learn life's lessons the hard way. So far, I am still the one they turn to for everything. I hope that never changes, but I also hope they grow up to be respectful, honest, hardworking, and independent individuals and adults.
I absolutely love my life. I have been single for almost 2 yrs. I spent 19 yrs with a man who was controlling, a bully, mental and emotional (and occasionally physical) abuser, alcoholic/addict and cheater. I felt stuck and was in survivial mode most of that time. In the past 2 yrs, I have done more living and been happier than I can ever remember being. I have learned to do some things for myself now instead ALWAYS doing for someone else. My stomach is no longer in knots ALL.THE.TIME. Instead, I am laughing and smiling ALL.THE.TIME! I have found so much strength inside me that I never knew I had. For once, I am in TOTAL control of my life. I make all decisions and have all the power. Whatever happens, good or bad, is on me now. It's up to me to make sure I am always moving forward, making improvements, and building a secure future for myself and my kids.
I have said since the day I broke away from that relationship, I would never marry again. I will never allow someone to have control over me again. Some say I am a man hater because of this. This is not true. Although I have not been "in a relationship" in the past 2 yrs, doesn't mean that I have ruled them out. I will date, when *I* get ready, and not because society thinks everyone is supposed to be in a relationship with someone. When I decide I have found someone worth a "relationship status" then I will venture out again. However, I will live in sin forever. LOL If it doesn't work out, I want the freedom of being able to walk out the door without a $12,000 court battle. I don't want a piece of paper standing in the way.
Wow. That got a little bit serious. Time to lighten things back up a bit.
I am an office/accts manager for PODS in Powder Springs. I have been there for 4 1/2 yrs and love my job. I have the most amazing bosses, who love and appreciate me. They take great care of me, and in return, I try to do the same in return. I have never left my job a single day unhappy. I get up in the mornings looking forward to going to my job. Not many people can say that. It's a job full of men, but I am just one of the guys. We laugh and tell dirty jokes, and THEY do some burping and farting, and I tell them how disgusting they are. I do draw the line with taking your false teeth out of your mouth to pick the food out from in between them however. Really? PUKE!
Oh... and I have a few OCD tendencies, like my bed MUST be made before I leave for work in the mornings. I will NOT come home to an unmade bed. That's just one example.
And I cook dinner Sunday - Thursday. Friday and Saturday you fend for yourself.
And I bought $3 worth of Mega Million tickets tonight and I am going to win it. There ya have it. That's me in a nutshell.
) )
