Laissez les bons temps rouler

It's been a while. I'm still alive and kicking.

2005-04-07T01:02:00.000-05:00

We are settling into our new area. The best thing about it is that while it's an "edge" city to Orlando, it has a country setting feel and with that comes a certain feeling of freedom. The freedom of not conforming to deed restricted communities or homeowners associations,,, I had forgotten what that feels like and I've missed it. I like the fact that the neighbors can park their fishing boats on their property and that I can wash my car for all the world to see.

It's been an excruciatingly rough past few weeks. I'm anxious to get my realtors license and I'm anxious to meet people in my area. It's a very lonely feeling to not know a soul where you live.

I took Gregory to the playground yesterday. It was his first time on playground equipment other than a swing. He had the time of his life. He played so hard for two straight hours and it was if he didn't want to miss out on a single moment of it. He'd spot a kid and would follow and do everything the kid did. It was definately a game of follow the leader for him. A little while into it, he'd spot another kid and off he went to follow that one. The playground was full of kids so it was quite a bit of stimulation for a boy who has really only had one on one time with other kids. He has absolutely NO fear of anything. He didnt think twice about the big slide as he sped down it squeeling with delight for all to hear and landing with the brightest of giggles. He'd then glance over to me with a smile so wide I thought my heart would burst from his momentary happiness with the world. He had me so nervous as he climbed up rungs or down rock-like steps. He was careful and amazingly coordinated for having never played on such equipment before. Every now and then I'd feel those pangs of guilt for having to keep his activity limited,,I mean heart wrenching guilt and feeling like I would do anything in this world for him to be able to do the things that make him happy. But then after playing hard for a while, I see the color of his face change and the panting and I wisk him off to the toddler swings to confine him for a while so he can catch his breath and recover and then I'm reminded of why I must be so careful with him. While it's such an awesome and rewarding thing to see him grow into the little person he is becoming, it's also so painful to watch my baby turn into a boy and become less dependant on me and venture off into the world to discover new people. Will others be as careful? I pray that the lord will always keep us in the company of compassionate people who Gregory might touch in a way that he will always be cared for in his life. Motherhood is such a consuming love that I struggle to describe but I'm sure every mother feels that wish and hope that their child never feel an ounce of pain.

I met a man in the park who I mistakenly took to be a grandparent of a little boy in the park. He was probably in his early 60's and disabled with a cane. I soon discovered that the five year old boy was his son. He didn't marry until he was in his 50's and he is a member of the parks commission. I got some great info about the community and found out that our city is only 10 years old which would explain why the parks and city buildings are so new yet the housing is abundant and quite old. The area had not been incorporated prior to the formation of the city. It was interesting information and I now have some ideas on where to start to get to know the community.

Wild Kingdom

2005-03-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, all moved in and still in a world of boxes. My geese friends come
looking for me everyday. There are three geese and two ducks that
frequent my backyard. Gregory and I were invited to pick some
grapefruit from the neighbors tree so we did and got some wonderfully
sweet ruby reds. I wish all this unpacking was done so we can play.
We're slowly connecting with the real world again. It was kinda nice
there for a while without internet or phone,,lol. Other than the ants
taking over and being followed by geese,,oh and finding a bat, the
backyard is pretty nice place to hang out. The weather is cool and dry
and damn people sure are nice here! I am actually glad to be away from
South Florida. I forgot the meaning of hospitality and customer service
living down there. I've been glad to be reminded since moving to
central florida. :)

I sure hope today is better than yesterday.

2005-02-24T08:19:00.000-05:00

I don't want to say it can't be worse because in my experience, it would be. LOL I got ran off the road yesterday by a big truck. I had to jump a curb so I have to go have the van looked at today. The company the driver works for is paying for it. My landlords don't remember getting a deposit and are denying they owe it. I have two days to finish moving. I am finishing my root canal today. Too much going on, too little time.

Dez's mom finally lost her battle to cancer but she was an amazing mom who will be remembered by many, many of whom did not even know her. I know she has found the peace that she deserved and I pray that Dez's family can find healing during this time.

Gregory is doing the cutest things. He has no fear of anything! He'll go to any stranger he comes across and will demand that he be picked up by everyone he meets. He slept in momma's bed last night and was so sweet it just melted my heart. It's amazing to me that he's my son. There is no greater blessing in this world. I never knew I had the capacity to love like I do now.

And the moving continues.

2005-02-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

This is the slowest move ever attempted. While having a whole month is nice so that I can pack and unload as I go along, the traveling is tiresome and I'm ready to be settled already. The only thing left is big furniture and office stuff. The boxes have mostly been moved already and unpacked at the new house. It's fast food and tv dinners right now as I've already moved the kitchen to the new house. We're living out of boxes at the old place and I'm showing the villa to a prospective renter tomorrow. Gregory is bored out of his mind and is taking much pleasure in taking things apart right now. I'm off today to get a few more boxes and I scheduled his next cardiology checkup for Tuesday of next week with Dr. Rhoden and will discuss how we will continue his care then. I'm not sure if I'll get him a new doctor in Orlando or if I will continue to drive him down here to Dr. Rhoden. We trust her so much it's hard to imagine going to anyone else. The biggest plus in moving up to Deltona right now is that everyone is so friendly there. I hope I can find a church I like.

Jen

Lost in a world of boxes.

2005-02-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

Starting my blog in the middle of moving. 3hours this way,,3 hours that way. A box here, a box there. What's in them? Your guess is as good as mine. One would think we'd find a comfortable, suitable place to live for at least 10 years so that we wouldn't put ourselves through this hell so often. This move has turned out to be more than we had anticipated as now we need more furniture to fill this house and we must now buy lawn equipment. Ah the joys of moving. I am loving the extra storage space however,,,it's a hoarder's dream. :)

Jenifer