Obligatory Post 2012

Yup, end-of-year post--the obligatory blog post that talks about the review of the last year & what the hopes (resolutions) are for the New Year.  The events of 2012 for me & my family (both blood & blended) have been quite tumultuous to say the least.  From getting a house ready to sell, to selling, to moving in together--2012 was a very big year for all of us.  Adjustments all around--we are still figuring this thing out.  But over all it has been a good decision & as my son said, he is used to his "step" sisters being at the house & that when they aren't, it feels weird.  Good--that is what we're working towards.  

winter at the beach

A good example is what all of us did a few days ago (yikes, this vaycay has flown!).  We went to the beach for a few days.  Not so big a deal when written like this but we had 11 people at the beach!  BFF(J) & family, us (blended, less one skid), & two friends of skids.  I think it was a good time for everyone & we managed to fit all 11 of us around the table for a "family" meal.  And we all experienced the beach in the winter--some of us a little more than others--BFF(J)'s hubby decided that he had to wade up to his knees in the water---brrrr!  Like I said--this is an example when things work in the new family--there are many other examples when things don't quite, but hopefully there will be less & less of that into 2013....

So 2013....

My hope for us is that we continue to grow together as a family & that the bumps along the way get less & less bumpy....

A Happy & Healthy New Year to ALL!!

The Jumper

It is so tragic it's funny. I live near a new development that is built around an old quarry. The water hasn't filled up entirely, at least a 1/2 mile down from the top to the surface of the water but rumor or urban legend has it that it is about 500 or more feet deep. At the bottom are supposedly a ton, at least, of heavy equipment--somewhat like the canals in Amsterdam--supposedly a mile thick in mud & then a mile thick in bikes before the water on the top.

Anyway, yesterday I was driving home with my kid about 9:15 pm or so & we see an ambulance drive into the quarry development. We glance up & there is a helicopter circling over the quarry with its spotlight on. My son says, "what's going on?" I reply, "Looks like someone jumped into the quarry." I was right. The entire street next to the quarry was lined with police & emergency vehicles. We drove into our neighborhood & pulled into an overlook street but we couldn't really see anything. My son asked why would anyone want to jump into the quarry because it doesn't go straight down--you'd have to bump down the side until you hit the water. He figured the person would really be injured or dead.

The next morning I visit the Starbucks in the shop part of the development & ask the manager if she knew what happened. She told me that a guy jumped in--I knew that, but the tragically funny part of this was that apparently the same guy jumped last year--on the same day! It had to be a water rescue because the ropes weren't long enough to reach the guy, which cost the county even more. I just couldn't believe it--the audacity of this guy--and the vast amounts of money it cost to rescue his sorry ass! I want to send a bill to him, after he gets released from Sheppard-Pratt of course, for the expenses he incurred as a result of his SAD--my tax rate will be impacted--they shoulda let him drown! OK--maybe not, but still....

Call me Crazy but....

you only live once! I'm leaving for Amsterdam in 8 days. It has been a dating blitz since my kid was deposited at camp (received the shortest letter--5 lines) and one of my dates ( a very nice father of 3) offered to take me to Amsterdam. Yes, I know it's crazy and I may be insane for accepting, but when will I have the opportunity to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Amsterdam again? Huh? Huh? Like NEVER!!! Therefore, against my mommy's warnings but with the blessings of my BFFs, my sis, and even my principal at my school, I am going. And yes, I do have rules that must be adhered to or I will not go. Rest assured that everyone & his brother will know where I am--laptop comes with--gotta blog next to the canal! OMG!! I can't believe I'm even considering....so anyone who thinks I'm certifiable--you may be right, but as I said, "you're only given one life--gotta dance!"

Another new date tonight--should be interesting--I'm quite sure that he won't be offering me a trip somewhere though--his car died so I'm driving. Never a dull one!

Racing this weekend--Corsica River & back--going on an old Triton--experienced crew & opportunity to learn other positions besides pit. I see a positive learning experience ahead. Sounds like a nice party as well but I don't anticipate drinking like I did when I was at Miles.