It has been nearly six months since I have posted anything on this blog. The only writing I have done has been limited to answering emails and a few journal entries. Life is ever-changing and new routines are in place. Let me catch you up on the life and times of Joan and son.

On October 22nd, it will be one year since a divine intervention took place, and I met my current boyfriend. We both marvel at the time that has passed and on how far we (and our children) have come. Between work and commitments with our kids, we steal our moments on Fridays and Saturdays, and occasionally get some time on a week night. We hope to combine our households some day, but most likely this will not occur until his daughter finishes high school in 2014. I am blessed to have found someone who makes my world brighter and more complete. We look forward to spending more time together as our nests eventually empty and spare time becomes more plentiful.

My son started high school this past August. The man/child is a freshman at an all boys high school. He had been on track to continue his education in the school district where he began, but he impulsively decided to take the entrance exam for the local parochial schools late last year, and was accepted to all three schools of his choice. He chose the one that best fits him and his personality, and so far is enjoying it and thriving there.

The same time M. started his new journey, I made a change of my own. I am now a full-time, 32-hour per week employee at the company I have worked at for over six years. Skyrocketing health premiums, along with ever-increasing household expenses forced me to increase my hours and give up the “have it both ways” lifestyle I was blessed to live for many years. I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to be able to put my child on a bus, go to work and be home when the bus dropped him off. In my son’s eyes, I was a stay-at-home mom.  My new motto is “Nothing stays the same, ” and so this era has come to an end. It has run its course, and it is time to move on to a new normal. It has been about six weeks since making the change. I miss my day off during the week, but am finding ways to complete the tasks necessary to run a household single-handedly. I have neglected my few, treasured friends over the past months, and have not had a consistent hospice patient since the passing of Miss Helen in April. I believe wholeheartedly that our relationships and connections with others are vital to our purpose here on earth, and intend to find the time to keep friends and my volunteer duties a part of my life. I will sort it all out in time. Baby steps…..

I hope your own life is full and complete, and that you too are finding ways to connect and keep in touch. Sitting down at the computer to write today was a goal of mine for the weekend. I got it in with only six hours to spare. Goals are a good thing to have. Be well, and as always, thanks for reading.