So I had a brief break in the dating world because of my fabulous family reunion! It was so good to see everyone and even more wonderful to have my Aunt Laurie stay here at my house with her family. I love my family...and truly believe they are the best!!

Well I have hit the week back into the dating world hard...Tuesday was date #2 with the first and only guy I have been out with. The night was perfect...but our conversation had me thinking a lot about how I always tend to put all my eggs in one basket right away with guys. I really should date several and then narrow it down...but I don't! I honestly suck at dating.

So as the week went on I decided to really open myself up and consider going out with another guy that had been contacting me. After several conversations he asked what I was looking for. I responded by saying that I was looking for someone that would be my best friend...that I could eventually spend the rest of my life with. He responded by saying that he was looking for something significantly less serious. He then proceeded to inform me that he was looking for a friend with benefits. Well...nothing like being straight forward!! I informed him that I was looking for more of a commitment before I started handing out benefits! That was then end of that!

So that leads me to date #3 with the original. I don't know that I can say I know a good thing when I see it...because that has not proven to always work for me. But for now I like what I see. And when I really think about it...if I am looking for the rest of my life partner...I am hoping that I have a lot of time to get it right!!

So my girlfriend Amanda has signed up for match.com and has motivated me to do the same. It's week one and I have been on one date. So far so good! The thing about love is that you will never find it if you give up...so I will keep an open mind and continue to put myself out there! I will try to keep you posted!

something new

I haven't had bangs since who knows when...so far I like them but when I wake up in the morning I am finding that I look like someone from a big hair band!

good times...

Ok...so last Friday was my last day of work before the summer vacation. My sister and her kids arrived to help prepare for my Dad's big surprise party at my house. We worked our butts off to have everything just the way we had pictured.

Our hard work paid off! Dad was surprised and everyone had a great time. My Dad doesn't have a lot of friends but what he lacks in quantity he makes up for in quality. I think that is a true sign of a life well lived. True friends!

Most of the guest left on Sunday...Monday my sister, Dad and I took the kids to the Royals game for my nephew's birthday. Sunday evening my mom and Aunt Julie ended up coming over and we watched a movie. Tuesday morning was here before I new it and my house was a train wreck! I can not remember the last time that my house was such a mess.

Here I sit on Wednesday night and I am finally beginning to make progress...slow...but sure! So for five days now my house has been a place of love, celebration, friendship and mess! Fortunately I have realized in life that somethings are more important than others. In this case love, celebration and friendship are far more important than the mess.

stepping stone...

It seems despite my best efforts to move on and be strong I continually put myself into positions that have me feeling like a stepping stone. Something has to give...something has to change...I will keep you posted!

Duffy - Stepping Stone

too busy living!

I have completely fallen off of the blogging wagon and been just living day to day. Just recently both of my sisters have drawn attention to the fact that they are both blogging and I thought I better get busy again!

This has been a pretty good weekend...I can't complain. I was to sleep by 8:30 last night and then met up with some dear friends for a mudslide and a movie...oh yeah and a little shopping today. Unfortunately they all had lives and had to hurry home and I came home to an empty house. Aneesa is at my sister Heather's with my parents for the day. So it was just me and my yard! Something I love and hate all at the same time!

Just when I think I want to complain about having to weed and feed I get a phone call from another social worker in the district. She needs me to be at her school first thing Monday morning to help counsel kids because a 3rd grader has committed suicide...pause...a 3rd grader! Suddenly the stress that I have felt for the last couple months is lifted...who cares if my house didn't sell...who cares if I fell in love and had my heart broken...who cares that I am broke!?! I have so much to be thankful for...those days when I wanted to just burst into tears walking down the hallway now feel like a distant memory and I have come out stronger on the other side.

I pray for this child's family...I pray for this child's friends. If only this child could have come out stronger on the other side!