In the course of one week I got a job, did arts and crafts with the kids every day, and got a chance to do Ian's sight words and math books with him. I got almost all the laundry done, and I even cleaned out a lot of my office room too so it looks more like and office and not a store-it-all-here room.

Friday began my formal training, and it's all done on-line. I had computer issues, and then I wasn't formally added into a chat room for official training, so I sat around almost all day wondering what was going on. I was freaking out a bit because it was like I was sitting on the edge of the very thing I have been dreaming of for 2 years, yet wasn't allowed to actually participate in it!

I got everything resolved though, so it looks like Monday will be the "real" day I start. I'm busy listening to all my training material again (there's a lot to learn on their system with regards to templates, software, and account specifics), and I'm making index cards to tape to my desk to help remind me of shortcuts on my first day.

Last night I went to see Eat Pray Love with a good friend of mine, and I wasn't too impressed. I think it was had to make a book like that "big screen" worthy, and a lot of the things I thought were important to the main characters self-discovery were either not put in the movie or were unable to be put in. I think that made the whole "experience" seem a lot less moving and amazing, yet I understand that they had to draw in "regular" people who aren't interested in the amazing outcome of mastering meditation or finding a piece of your soul you didn't even know existed. It was worth seeing though, and I plan to finish the book (I was re-reading it again before the movie came out but ran out of time), because this time around I'm getting even more out of it than the first time I read it.

Yesterday was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I ended up not being able to do much in the morning because I needed Sean to sign a check for deposit. After going to the bank it was almost time for Roo's nap, so we just played until around 11am and I put her to bed. I called DCF and left a message for the debt recovery guy, worked on some resumes and such, and then when Roo got up I realized I had missed the return call from DCF. Called him back, left a message, and fed Roo. He called during that, so I was able to discuss some things with him while she ate.

The short version is that, even though it was all their error and we would have kept our insurance for the kids the way it was except for them telling us we qualified, we still owe them everything. There is no longer the choice to "request for compromise" unless you are in collections, or in jail (no thanks). However, we do qualify for some benefits at this point (seriously this time. Really), so they'll reduce what we get by 10% to work towards repayment. As for the the health stuff, I was told: "They can't come after you for this. It cannot hurt your credit, so if you don't want to bother paying it, don't." Erm, neither Sean or I am comfortable with this idea. I think it's been proven that we're honest people (as proven by the very honesty that got us into this mess in the first place!), so we're going to attempt a deal for about $10 a month. Granted, we'll be paying until the end of time, but so what?

Since I felt great that I had dealt with this issue like a big girl, I decided to do some sidewalk painting with Roo. Man, I wish I had my camera with me while we did this! We had so much fun, and she actually cried when we were finished with the paint. We just sat on the driveway and "talked," and she would literally take my hand an put it in the paint if I stopped for even a second. It was a terrific bonding experience!

I cooked Grape Jelly Meatballs for dinner, and I even made my own chili sauce to simmer. Martha Stuart, watch out!

This weekend has been amazing! I'm sure it's because I am so much more relaxed about everything, including school. I have only 2 more tests to go, and then it's time for my final. I can't believe it! It's been a long road, but I'm finally almost done. Would I do it differently? Perhaps, but I'm pretty excited that I stuck with it and completed it all.

Friday night we were supposed to grill out, but I had the urge to go to Toys R Us and get the kids a new swing set, LOL! The best part of that was we ended up getting it even cheaper than the advertised price. Can't beat that!

On Saturday we went to the beach with my parents, and we had a blast. We got there around 8am and then had lunch by 12pm. We got stuck in a rainstorm, but it was still great. That afternoon I mowed the backyard (yes, I was allowed), and we chopped up the old swing set. We were low-key that night and I just studied.

Sunday we got up early. Sean got right to work building the swing set while Roo, Ian and I played in the front yard together. Roo ended up napping from 10am to about 1pm, so Ian went over to my parent's house to ride his bike and play. They brought him home around 5pm, so we had my parents stay for a few beers while they watched Ian and Roo tear up the backyard. It was so much fun! The kids played on the swing set, in the water table, and in their outdoor playhouse. They drew with chalk on the patio, and then it began to pour so we called it a night. I ended up studying for over 4 hours, so I got a lot done, which made me feel relaxed and accomplished.

Today we had the kids outside again, and then Roo napped while we cleaned the house and I studied a bit more. Then we headed to my in-laws house for a b-b-q where we sat on the deck and watched the river, took the boat out, and just relaxed. We just got home about 30 minutes ago, and I'm ready to hit the books again.

I feel like a new person. I really, really needed to have this time with my family...

This holiday season has been amazing. I am a Christmas whore, yes, but this year it's been something special. I feel so complete and so happy, and this Christmas seems to be a time for me to reflect on all the wonderful things that I have in my life. I find myself with this bubbling excitement in my chest, and I want to spread my happiness to everyone!!

A lot of this is because of the kids. My Roo has completed my heart; the hole I had in my soul is completely filled in by her presence. And Ian, well, he is my guiding star. I love the person I am when I'm with him; he truly is something amazing and special. Sean and my relationship isn't perfect, but I love him and who he is. Our relationship is getting better, and a lot of that has to do with me and my acceptance of what is and what I cannot change.

The weekend was great, complete with going to the movies with a wonderful friend on Friday, going to the mall Saturday night followed by sushi and Four Christmases, then a trip to Brooksville to Rogers Christmas Village, making cookies with Ian, and even some studying!

I am content.

I've had the best two days! Yesterday was the first day both kids seemed to be like their old selves, so we did Christmas crafts and made our plans of Christmas-type-stuff for the next week. I spoke to a friend of mine I have spoken to in FOREVER, and it made me so happy to talk to her! I even got to study, and I slept better than I have in days since Roo didn't have any coughing fits at night.

Today I had a meeting at work, saw 3 clients, and then met my good friend to see New Moon again for the 3rd time. We had a fantastic time, laughing and joking the whole time, and now I'm getting ready to go shopping with my Mom (I'll be window shopping for the time being, seeing as our account is once again in the double digits).

I couldn't ask for more.