One of the worst things--actually I take that back--THE worst thing about getting divorced is joint custody. You're kids spend half the week (3.5 days) with you and half with Dad. I am so glad they are doing so well. They're great kids and well-adjusted. I contribute alot of that to the fact that the three of them are so close. The twins are 6 and Lane is 4. They have their very own family nucleus and everything else is an extension of that.
Last night I had to take them back. Nothing can break your heart more than feeling like you don't get to be a real mom and raise your kids every day. And trying to explain to them why you can't buy them this, go there, and get that, or have air conditioning in your car. Especially when Dad lives in a big house with a pool, buys them the majority of their stuff, and the big one--he has air conditioning in his car. (Of course it's his girlfriends, but they see it as Dad's place nonetheless.) It's tough.
Every minute of pain I have, I try so hard to let it motivate and drive me to get to a better place. I have had great jobs and made a good income before and know I can do it again! Part of being a mom--and I know this is true for almost every mom--is the tenacity and perseverance you have fighting for your kids. I've never in my life had something that has driven me so much.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Making It Work
Since I failed to write much during my six months of my marriage finally detoriating and ending in divorce, I guess I should catch up on where I'm at now. Prior to making the move to Las Vegas last April, we were living in St. George. I had a good job. We lived in a 3 bedroom home with a two car garage and a community pool. I had three siblings living in town and many, many friends.
We moved to Vegas so Brant could get his job back at ob Yesco. With the economy down, I struggled to find a decent job. I was hired at Blockbuster at an entry level. Since then, I have still been applying for jobs and am lucky if I get an interview. Of course, following that someone else is hired. A customer at Blockbuster offered me a job at his travel agency. It's a big company and has three worldwide call centers. Although more than Blockbuster, it's still only $23,000 a year. I can't believe that's all I'm making. It's been almost twenty years since I made that wage. But considering others have no job, I'm grateful.
I moved into a studio apartment. I've had people say why do you have such a small place? Don't you have three kids. Yes, I do. But it's all I can afford right now. So for the 3.5 days a week I have my kids, we get to be around each other alot! I can say we are very close. I do try to plan alot of activities outdoors--which is good for activity and keeps us out of the cramped space. The other bummer--have to use a shared laundry room. Makes me so grateful for having a washer and dryer in my house. The kids are really good sports about it and don't complain. They always tell me they want their own house with their bedrooms again. I tell them that's my dream too.
We moved to Vegas so Brant could get his job back at ob Yesco. With the economy down, I struggled to find a decent job. I was hired at Blockbuster at an entry level. Since then, I have still been applying for jobs and am lucky if I get an interview. Of course, following that someone else is hired. A customer at Blockbuster offered me a job at his travel agency. It's a big company and has three worldwide call centers. Although more than Blockbuster, it's still only $23,000 a year. I can't believe that's all I'm making. It's been almost twenty years since I made that wage. But considering others have no job, I'm grateful.
I moved into a studio apartment. I've had people say why do you have such a small place? Don't you have three kids. Yes, I do. But it's all I can afford right now. So for the 3.5 days a week I have my kids, we get to be around each other alot! I can say we are very close. I do try to plan alot of activities outdoors--which is good for activity and keeps us out of the cramped space. The other bummer--have to use a shared laundry room. Makes me so grateful for having a washer and dryer in my house. The kids are really good sports about it and don't complain. They always tell me they want their own house with their bedrooms again. I tell them that's my dream too.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Lane Brain
I think that's going to be my new blog name. It's a little more positive than Unhappily Ever Hibbard. I am so ready to write again! Lots has happened and I think I'm past the darkest part of the divorce. I'm not digging myself out of a whole anymore, but I am still climbing uphill. My kids are the most amazing part of my life and bring me smiles every day. Lane says, "Mom, my heart hurts when I'm not with you." I think that's how I feel about them. But always, eventually, we see each other again and it's as if no time has passed. So...not today, but soon my spewing will begin again and I'll have a new blog heading. I'm walking towards the light.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Isn't Ironic
My last post mentioning the divorce happened to be the official date the papers were entered and official. It all happened very quickly--He moved out in April and two months later--voila! A lot of people that know us both have been contacting me--surprised that we were divorced because it did happen so quickly, no one really had time to find out about it.
I don't really know what to say about it, but I feel like I want to process all of it. Alot of it I've already gone through--talking and talking and talking to friends who have been willing to listen. Fortunately, or unfortunately I have a few friends who have been through divorce. New friends and old, have offered a lot of helpful advice. I am so, so, so grateful for the support they have offered. I never had much understanding or empathy for divorcees. It seems as if you are both glad the relationship is over, then it should be easy.
We have both talked to each other alot about it over the months. We've been much better friends than we were spouses. Although, I am still not settled about how everything ended up. I certainly have had my hand in deception and failing to communicate. But knowing I was trying as hard as I could and it I couldn't compete with other interests did take its toll. Having to harbor a lot of the mistruths that were put out there have also been difficult. Do you lie for someone who betrayed you? Or, make sure the truth is known to someone who is a stranger? Where do your loyalties lie? I can't pretend to say I am loyal to the truth, because I have done my share of lying. In the end, I was loyal to the lies of the betrayor because I do believe that all truth eventually comes to the surface.
I am coming to learn that it is not up to me to right everyone elses' wrongs. I have plenty of my own to work on. I have a couple of good "Anti-Drama" friends who keep me in check when my actions start to be driven by my emotions. They're men, of course, it's so much easier for them. Emotionally, things get better every day. I am starting to get in a routine with life; adapting to not having my kids at home every day has been the hardest. But, I am working harder on myself than I ever have before and that feels good.
I don't really know what to say about it, but I feel like I want to process all of it. Alot of it I've already gone through--talking and talking and talking to friends who have been willing to listen. Fortunately, or unfortunately I have a few friends who have been through divorce. New friends and old, have offered a lot of helpful advice. I am so, so, so grateful for the support they have offered. I never had much understanding or empathy for divorcees. It seems as if you are both glad the relationship is over, then it should be easy.
We have both talked to each other alot about it over the months. We've been much better friends than we were spouses. Although, I am still not settled about how everything ended up. I certainly have had my hand in deception and failing to communicate. But knowing I was trying as hard as I could and it I couldn't compete with other interests did take its toll. Having to harbor a lot of the mistruths that were put out there have also been difficult. Do you lie for someone who betrayed you? Or, make sure the truth is known to someone who is a stranger? Where do your loyalties lie? I can't pretend to say I am loyal to the truth, because I have done my share of lying. In the end, I was loyal to the lies of the betrayor because I do believe that all truth eventually comes to the surface.
I am coming to learn that it is not up to me to right everyone elses' wrongs. I have plenty of my own to work on. I have a couple of good "Anti-Drama" friends who keep me in check when my actions start to be driven by my emotions. They're men, of course, it's so much easier for them. Emotionally, things get better every day. I am starting to get in a routine with life; adapting to not having my kids at home every day has been the hardest. But, I am working harder on myself than I ever have before and that feels good.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The chapter closes
Hmmm...have wanted to start writing again, but life hasn't been very rosy since February. I think writing is therapeutic for me, and I have debated whether or not to publish what has been happening. However, I pretty much can't keep my mouth shut, even the clerk at the gas station knows my life story. A Lane trait, I suppose.
Anyway, as Barbara Mandell sang in her hit song, D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Mine is about to be official. February was when everything started to go bad and hence the lack of blogging. I just had a hard time writing on a blog "Happily Ever Hibbard" when everything what quickly turning into Unhappily Ever Hibbard. I have to rename my blog now.
Anyway, as Barbara Mandell sang in her hit song, D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Mine is about to be official. February was when everything started to go bad and hence the lack of blogging. I just had a hard time writing on a blog "Happily Ever Hibbard" when everything what quickly turning into Unhappily Ever Hibbard. I have to rename my blog now.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rotten eggs, Rotten Mom
We got in the car and there was a horrendous smell. The kids and I were headed to school to drop the twins off to kindergarten. All of us were dying over the stench. I really thought it smelled like a dirty diaper. And not a fresh one, one that had been sitting for a couple of days. I know you know what I'm talking about.
I was saying to the kids, "I don't know what that smell is. It didn't smell this bad when I got out of the car last night. What could that be? Maybe the car just needs to be aired out."
We got to school and I rolled down the windows. I had to walk up with the kids so I could carry their vegetable tray they were supposed to bring for their Valentines Day class. We said goodbye--and I had to rush out as I had forgotten their Valentines at home and had to return with them. And, low and behold, my car smelled fine. Hmmm, I thought to myself--just needed to be aired out. I rolled up the windows and headed back home.
Later that day...Madison and Porter come home from school. Madison says, "Mom, we figured out what that smell was. When I got into class Ms. Hauser said, 'What is that smell?' She started smelling around the room and her nose led her straight to my backpack. She said, 'Madi, that smell is coming from your backpack.' So we opened it up and there was a bag full of some kind of yellow stuff and boy did it stink!"
I could not stop laughing. I realized what had happened. A couple of days ago I was rushing the kids out the door so that I could get them to Grandma's before work. I try to let the kids wake up on their own so they don't get tired in school. For some reason Madison woke up late, which is really unusual. I had make scrambled eggs for the boys so I threw some in a bag and told Madi to eat them at Grandma's. Apparently, she did not. I think I'm out of the running for Mother of the year....and it's only February.
I was saying to the kids, "I don't know what that smell is. It didn't smell this bad when I got out of the car last night. What could that be? Maybe the car just needs to be aired out."
We got to school and I rolled down the windows. I had to walk up with the kids so I could carry their vegetable tray they were supposed to bring for their Valentines Day class. We said goodbye--and I had to rush out as I had forgotten their Valentines at home and had to return with them. And, low and behold, my car smelled fine. Hmmm, I thought to myself--just needed to be aired out. I rolled up the windows and headed back home.
Later that day...Madison and Porter come home from school. Madison says, "Mom, we figured out what that smell was. When I got into class Ms. Hauser said, 'What is that smell?' She started smelling around the room and her nose led her straight to my backpack. She said, 'Madi, that smell is coming from your backpack.' So we opened it up and there was a bag full of some kind of yellow stuff and boy did it stink!"
I could not stop laughing. I realized what had happened. A couple of days ago I was rushing the kids out the door so that I could get them to Grandma's before work. I try to let the kids wake up on their own so they don't get tired in school. For some reason Madison woke up late, which is really unusual. I had make scrambled eggs for the boys so I threw some in a bag and told Madi to eat them at Grandma's. Apparently, she did not. I think I'm out of the running for Mother of the year....and it's only February.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
FREE Carseat Canopy
This is a killer deal. Get a FREE carseat canopy. It is retailing for $50, you get it free but you must use PROMO CODE: cute4u at www.carseatcanopy.com It covers the seat, has a detachable shade that can also be used as a blanket. I got one for a friend’s baby shower. Pass this along to new moms, I don’t know how long they are offering the discount.
Post this on your blogs so that all Mom's you know can take advantage of this offer.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Kid-isms
These are just random conversations I have had with my kids. Nothing earth shattering, just something that will be fun to laugh about in 20 years.
* * * * *
I have often referred to the internet when I can't find something, need a recipe, or had to find a way to get a sliver out of Porters foot without hurting him. One time I couldn't figure something out and Madison said, "Mom, why don't you go ask the computer."
* * * * *
I asked Porter how he liked being five years old and if he was looking forward to turning six. He said, "It's fine. I just thought I would be a lot older when I was five." I told him that doesn't change much. Every age I looked forward to, I thought I was going to be a lot older. In fact, I was sure that by my forties I would be really, really, old. And I'm not! Unless you ask my kids.
* * * * *
Madison likes to give me "a makeover" with her makeup she got for Christmas. It is a palette of clown colors. I have my eyeliner and mascara in my purse so I was just going to finish up in the car. I only had on eyeshadow so I'm sure I looked a little different. I was walking out the door and Madison said, "Uh, Mom...are you wearing my makeup?"
* * * * *
We FINALLY got a dining room table. The kids have been eating at a little miniature kids table and it is really hard to even have room for their plates and cups. I was really excited about the table too, so I have been making an effort to have real meals. After the first time, Madison said to me, "Mom, that was so fun. Can we do it again?" I said, "What?" She said, "You know....have real family dinners."
* * * * *
On the way to school one day we had this conversation:
Madi: Mom, is Nephi real?
Before I could even answer, Porter said, "Of course he's real! Madi."
I interjected and explained that yes he was real. He just lived a really, really long time ago. Before houses, air conditioning, roads and cars, and even cell phones.
Madi: Well, if they didn't have phones then how did they call people when they wanted to talk to them?
* * * * *
Brant and I were arguing, well just a simple disagreement. Lane came and put both hands on my cheeks, like he always does. He made me look him in the eye and then he said, "Mom, just walk away." He's so funny. He always breaks the tension.
* * * * *
I have often referred to the internet when I can't find something, need a recipe, or had to find a way to get a sliver out of Porters foot without hurting him. One time I couldn't figure something out and Madison said, "Mom, why don't you go ask the computer."
* * * * *
I asked Porter how he liked being five years old and if he was looking forward to turning six. He said, "It's fine. I just thought I would be a lot older when I was five." I told him that doesn't change much. Every age I looked forward to, I thought I was going to be a lot older. In fact, I was sure that by my forties I would be really, really, old. And I'm not! Unless you ask my kids.
* * * * *
Madison likes to give me "a makeover" with her makeup she got for Christmas. It is a palette of clown colors. I have my eyeliner and mascara in my purse so I was just going to finish up in the car. I only had on eyeshadow so I'm sure I looked a little different. I was walking out the door and Madison said, "Uh, Mom...are you wearing my makeup?"
* * * * *
We FINALLY got a dining room table. The kids have been eating at a little miniature kids table and it is really hard to even have room for their plates and cups. I was really excited about the table too, so I have been making an effort to have real meals. After the first time, Madison said to me, "Mom, that was so fun. Can we do it again?" I said, "What?" She said, "You know....have real family dinners."
* * * * *
On the way to school one day we had this conversation:
Madi: Mom, is Nephi real?
Before I could even answer, Porter said, "Of course he's real! Madi."
I interjected and explained that yes he was real. He just lived a really, really long time ago. Before houses, air conditioning, roads and cars, and even cell phones.
Madi: Well, if they didn't have phones then how did they call people when they wanted to talk to them?
* * * * *
Brant and I were arguing, well just a simple disagreement. Lane came and put both hands on my cheeks, like he always does. He made me look him in the eye and then he said, "Mom, just walk away." He's so funny. He always breaks the tension.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
3 months already?
Can't believe how fast time goes by. I missed blogging about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Not much happened, just the usual. Actually, I can't really remember so that's why I can't write about it. And, that's why I have to write as things happen or I will forget. I've read stuff on my blog from a couple of years ago and don't even remember some of it.
So to update...
About Madison--I hope she doesn't read this until she's older. We had a high hopes of her being our intellectual child. She is struggling at school much more than Porter. Her teacher talked to us about how slow she is with her work and that she is constantly having to nag her to finish. She has an uncanny ability to memorize, so she will memorize her book assignments instead of actually reading them. Which, I guess works out okay if she can learn to memorize each word. She hates sounding out letters and just wants to know what the word says.
She is still headstrong and loves Barbie and Princesses. She is determined that she is going to be a firefighter when she grows up. She is a total Daddy's girl and wants Jayley to be her older sister. Not sure why since she has only met Jayley a couple of times. Maybe because she heard that Jayley was Dad's first-best girl before she was born.
She can be extremely helpful--can be the operative words. She is either a pain in the arse or a loving, sweet little girl. No in between for her. I enjoy her the most when it is just the two of us. She loves to talk forever and especially to me. She has been planning the next Fathers and Sons outing for the last three months--yes it does not happen until May. Reason being, we were able to have a girl party while they were gone. She was so excited she can't wait for those boys to leave. I thought she was going to feel left out because they went and she couldn't.
P.S. She has developed a terribly annoying laugh.
Porter is such as sweet boy. He loves everyone and everything so much. He is complimentary, sensitive and caring. To illustrate, we were watching a music video on YouTube about the Savior and what if he came to your door today. How would you react, what would you do differently. Porter said, "I would do anything different. I would do the same thing." Truer words could not be spoken. He truly is living the way he should be.
Today I was showing the boys a faster way to butter toast. Porter said, "Mom, you are really good at buttering toast." He is always full of compliments. I feel bad about getting frustrated a Porter the most. When I lose my temper, I always feel like I should apologize to him. He is kind hearted. He hates to go to bed at night and hates to get woke up in the morning. I started playing a Christmas Cd for him at night to go to sleep. It has all Christian music which is very soothing and spiritual. Two songs are from Josh Groban, so you get the idea. Porter told me his favorite song was about the baby. (Away in a Manger).
Porter says he wants be a lawyer so he can protect people that need help. Not sure about that one, but he's going a couple more decades to decide.
Porter is doing great in school. He has caught on so quick and really digs into his school work. He is above average in most of his learning. He keeps asking me to teach him Spanish because all of the "brown" kids at school can speak it. Uh...what do you say to that. I am going to try to get a copy of Rosetta Stone from Grandpa Smith.
Both Porter and Madison want to know who to do everything. They are proud that they can rinse dishes, make toast/cinnamon toast, top ramen, oatmeal, and cold cereal by themselves. I am happy I can sleep while they do that. Their primary president stopped me in church and told me we could never move out of the ward. She adores the twins and said that primary would not be the same without the two of them. I don't know if she was just being nice or not, but I'll take that. Most people in the ward tell us that.
Lane, Lane, Laner. Where do I start? He is a handful. He is so full of jokes and laughs and giggles. The party really doesn't start until he gets there. The kids love him and we all could just stand around and watch him for entertainment. He is also very diplomatic. He tells me I am his best friend when he is alone with me and he tells Brant he is his best friend when he is alone with him. When we get together and call him on it, he snuggles between both of us, puts a hand on both of our faces and pulls us close. Then he says, guys we're all best friends.
When the kids are in school and I'm not working we get to have alone time. It is so much fun. I love to hang out with him. He will talk and talk and talk when he has my full attention. I usually take him on errands as one is much easier than two. We were out the other day and a security guard was talking to us. He looked down ant Lane and said, "Are you her bodyguard." I could tell he was mad when he didn't say anything and looked away. We chuckled. After we walked away, Lane said, "That guy hurt my feelings." I said, "Why?" He said, "Because he called me a Potty Guard. I don't potty all day." I tried not to laugh and explained what a bodyguard was and that he was giving him a compliment because he looked so big and strong.
Lane will sneak into bed with me any chance he gets. I wake up with him cuddled up next to me all of the time. I don't mind. Lane is the biggest Momma's boy--more so than Porter if you can imagine. He says I am his best friend...wait he says that to everyone. Lane is a touch little cookie, he takes a beating. He got hit in the face with a baseball bat. He has bruises from his eye to his cheekbone. I'll have to take a picture before the bruises go away. He was playing with the neighbor kids at Rhonda's. One of the boys was swinging a bat...and you know the rest of the story.
Other than that, Brant and I work most of the time. Thank goodness for Rhonda who takes the kids all of the time. The kids adore her. She is so amazing with them. The biggest problem we have is she so much more righteous than the rest of us. So the kids will correct us on our behavior because of what grandma taught them. Oh boy! We have a lot of work to do to get where grandma is. Good thing she's around to set a better example.
So to update...
About Madison--I hope she doesn't read this until she's older. We had a high hopes of her being our intellectual child. She is struggling at school much more than Porter. Her teacher talked to us about how slow she is with her work and that she is constantly having to nag her to finish. She has an uncanny ability to memorize, so she will memorize her book assignments instead of actually reading them. Which, I guess works out okay if she can learn to memorize each word. She hates sounding out letters and just wants to know what the word says.
She is still headstrong and loves Barbie and Princesses. She is determined that she is going to be a firefighter when she grows up. She is a total Daddy's girl and wants Jayley to be her older sister. Not sure why since she has only met Jayley a couple of times. Maybe because she heard that Jayley was Dad's first-best girl before she was born.
She can be extremely helpful--can be the operative words. She is either a pain in the arse or a loving, sweet little girl. No in between for her. I enjoy her the most when it is just the two of us. She loves to talk forever and especially to me. She has been planning the next Fathers and Sons outing for the last three months--yes it does not happen until May. Reason being, we were able to have a girl party while they were gone. She was so excited she can't wait for those boys to leave. I thought she was going to feel left out because they went and she couldn't.
P.S. She has developed a terribly annoying laugh.
Porter is such as sweet boy. He loves everyone and everything so much. He is complimentary, sensitive and caring. To illustrate, we were watching a music video on YouTube about the Savior and what if he came to your door today. How would you react, what would you do differently. Porter said, "I would do anything different. I would do the same thing." Truer words could not be spoken. He truly is living the way he should be.
Today I was showing the boys a faster way to butter toast. Porter said, "Mom, you are really good at buttering toast." He is always full of compliments. I feel bad about getting frustrated a Porter the most. When I lose my temper, I always feel like I should apologize to him. He is kind hearted. He hates to go to bed at night and hates to get woke up in the morning. I started playing a Christmas Cd for him at night to go to sleep. It has all Christian music which is very soothing and spiritual. Two songs are from Josh Groban, so you get the idea. Porter told me his favorite song was about the baby. (Away in a Manger).
Porter says he wants be a lawyer so he can protect people that need help. Not sure about that one, but he's going a couple more decades to decide.
Porter is doing great in school. He has caught on so quick and really digs into his school work. He is above average in most of his learning. He keeps asking me to teach him Spanish because all of the "brown" kids at school can speak it. Uh...what do you say to that. I am going to try to get a copy of Rosetta Stone from Grandpa Smith.
Both Porter and Madison want to know who to do everything. They are proud that they can rinse dishes, make toast/cinnamon toast, top ramen, oatmeal, and cold cereal by themselves. I am happy I can sleep while they do that. Their primary president stopped me in church and told me we could never move out of the ward. She adores the twins and said that primary would not be the same without the two of them. I don't know if she was just being nice or not, but I'll take that. Most people in the ward tell us that.
Lane, Lane, Laner. Where do I start? He is a handful. He is so full of jokes and laughs and giggles. The party really doesn't start until he gets there. The kids love him and we all could just stand around and watch him for entertainment. He is also very diplomatic. He tells me I am his best friend when he is alone with me and he tells Brant he is his best friend when he is alone with him. When we get together and call him on it, he snuggles between both of us, puts a hand on both of our faces and pulls us close. Then he says, guys we're all best friends.
When the kids are in school and I'm not working we get to have alone time. It is so much fun. I love to hang out with him. He will talk and talk and talk when he has my full attention. I usually take him on errands as one is much easier than two. We were out the other day and a security guard was talking to us. He looked down ant Lane and said, "Are you her bodyguard." I could tell he was mad when he didn't say anything and looked away. We chuckled. After we walked away, Lane said, "That guy hurt my feelings." I said, "Why?" He said, "Because he called me a Potty Guard. I don't potty all day." I tried not to laugh and explained what a bodyguard was and that he was giving him a compliment because he looked so big and strong.
Lane will sneak into bed with me any chance he gets. I wake up with him cuddled up next to me all of the time. I don't mind. Lane is the biggest Momma's boy--more so than Porter if you can imagine. He says I am his best friend...wait he says that to everyone. Lane is a touch little cookie, he takes a beating. He got hit in the face with a baseball bat. He has bruises from his eye to his cheekbone. I'll have to take a picture before the bruises go away. He was playing with the neighbor kids at Rhonda's. One of the boys was swinging a bat...and you know the rest of the story.
Other than that, Brant and I work most of the time. Thank goodness for Rhonda who takes the kids all of the time. The kids adore her. She is so amazing with them. The biggest problem we have is she so much more righteous than the rest of us. So the kids will correct us on our behavior because of what grandma taught them. Oh boy! We have a lot of work to do to get where grandma is. Good thing she's around to set a better example.
Friday, January 13, 2012
You Are Hired
Business has always been my passion. I was involved in business management at a very young age and fell in love with every part of it. Interacting with customers, motivating employees, accounting, marketing, advertising, operational management, growth, and most importantly profit margin. I worked with employees, upper level management, vendors, customers, and technicians. I did everything! I had to fix the toilet, sprinklers, water heater, pilot etc. I volunteered or did side jobs for business projects (outside of my regular work schedule) over the years and oversaw the following:
VOLUNTEER WORK
1. Participated as Vice President on Junior Chamber of Commerce
2. Invited as a guest speaker to the UNLV Business Masters Program
3. Organizer for Vibesfest musical festival
4. Created high school newspaper for local community
5. Invited to speak to High School English class about journalism
6. Filled in as a substitute teacher for college journalism teacher/advisor
7. Fundraiser project for Muscular Dystrophy
8. Created blog journal for parents of a 2 year old cancer patient
9. Editor-in-Chief of University newspaper
10. Various public speaking requests
SIDE JOBS
1. Published and wrote for annual newspaper for Modified Motorcycle Association Octoberfest
2. Wrote a newspaper column for 2 years
3. Wrote a technical manual for a money management group
4. Provided business consulting
5. Created a yearly billing spreadsheet for HOA
6. Wrote speeches and consulted for facilitators
7. Taught business classes to cosmetology students
The past five years my full-time work has slowed as I stole a few years to be a mom to my twins who are now 6; and my youngest child who is 4. I was divorced last year, which caused quite a setback in many areas of my life. But I'm a fighter and there is no challenge I have not been able to overcome. I am also great at putting a smile on my face and keeping a positive energy regardless of how hard life can get. I think that is very important. I like to refer to the quote, "Make your smile change the world, don't let the world change our smile."
This past Christmas was the first year without any family or my children. I was initially overcome with a sense of great loss and sadness. But I knew I needed to take ownership for that day and how I would feel at the end of it. I decided to spend the morning cooking. I spent the day delivering lunches and homemade Christmas candies randomly to people who had to work on Christmas day. What I expected to be a sad day, ended up being one of the most rewarding Christmas' of my life.
As a recently divorced mom, I am focusing on creating stability for my children. I would like to make St. George our home as I have several family members and friends for support. I have two sisters who are full-time moms and readily available to assist with my personal child care needs. I have never made excuses for not getting the job done and have not let motherhood interfere in that either. I believe with strong organization and management you can plan most of your time.
I have unbelievable experience for this position. I know I would be an asset and most importantly dependable. My organizational skills are insane and borderline compulsive. I believe strongly in planning and preparing. Over my lifetime I have dealt with angry or disgruntled customers. This has been something I am very proud of--I have never had an angry person that I have not been able to calm down and negotiate a resolution. I am very diplomatic, professional, and can work with all levels of social/economic people.
I hope I've created enough interest for an interview. I can be contacted at (702) 539-7571 or lizlane717@gmail.com. I would be ready to work with a week's notice.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Dirty Madi
Madi came in very upset because Lane started dumping bowls of garden dirt on her. I'm sure she didn't do anything to deserve it.
Random Pics
Sometimes just the pictures tell the story...and give a quick update. Lane loves to wear sunglasses and sport a mohawk. I don't know why. He used to like his hair "spikey." I don't argue with him. He is so OCD that it is useless. Everything has to be a certain way.
The kids love to hang out at home in their underwear. Probably get it from their Dad who does the same thing. What can you do? Join 'em I guess.The kids are at a stage where they want to help me with everything. Sometimes it is more trouble than it is worth. Why is that when they want to help, they aren't much help, but when they are actually big enough they don't want to help? Hmmm....
I took some pictures of the kids outside when they thought winter was here. I think it was 71 degrees outside. Lane put on a down jacket but still wanted to wear shorts.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Porter and the people
Porter told me that he knows Jesus is very happy with him, because he has been taking care of Jesus' people. I said, "Hunh?!" He informed me that he takes care of those who are sad, lonely, or don't have friends and those people are Jesus' people. Wow. I've got nothing to say...except maybe he's not really my kid. Where did he come from? Okay, so I do have something to say...just a little stunned at his non-stop compassion for people. I admire it.
Madison and the friend-boy
Madi and Porter have been such a joy to watch as they go through the routine of kindergarten. They really think they have a "job." They say they have the day off on Saturday and Sunday. For some reason they are very concerned about who their best friends are. Apparently, you can have more than one best friend.
Madison is enamored with a boy named Xander. He started school with a 4-inch mohawk and sits at her table. She has said for some time that they are best friends. She was very upset one day when Xander told her he didn't want to be her best friend anymore because she didn't color very well. And, to put more salt in the wound, he added that he was now going to be best friends with Amy because she colors better than Madison.
I thought, well it won't change much when you get older. The boys will want to be "best friends" with the girls that do something better than you. Rejection should be embraced early in life. I did kinda feel bad for her as this was her first "dump." I tried to talk to her about to see how she was feeling. Apparently, she wasn't upset that Xander wasn't her best friend anymore. She was upset because she KNOWS she colors better than Amy. That's my girl--forget the boy--be right and know you color better.
Needless to say, the next day Porter had a talk with Xander and told him he had hurt his sister's feelings, he needed to quit teasing her, and apologize. Xander apologized and he and Madison are best friends again. Aaah....the trials of young love. (We can't call him boyfriend or Madison gets really upset.)
Madison is enamored with a boy named Xander. He started school with a 4-inch mohawk and sits at her table. She has said for some time that they are best friends. She was very upset one day when Xander told her he didn't want to be her best friend anymore because she didn't color very well. And, to put more salt in the wound, he added that he was now going to be best friends with Amy because she colors better than Madison.
I thought, well it won't change much when you get older. The boys will want to be "best friends" with the girls that do something better than you. Rejection should be embraced early in life. I did kinda feel bad for her as this was her first "dump." I tried to talk to her about to see how she was feeling. Apparently, she wasn't upset that Xander wasn't her best friend anymore. She was upset because she KNOWS she colors better than Amy. That's my girl--forget the boy--be right and know you color better.
Needless to say, the next day Porter had a talk with Xander and told him he had hurt his sister's feelings, he needed to quit teasing her, and apologize. Xander apologized and he and Madison are best friends again. Aaah....the trials of young love. (We can't call him boyfriend or Madison gets really upset.)
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