Sorry I've been gone for awhile and my update

I'm not sure when I was last on here seriously. My life has been very hectic for the last year, and though I really love this site, it's one of the things that got pushed to the side. So I figured I should bring people up to date on what's been going on in my life.

My life has changed direction so many times in the last year that I'm still not sure exactly where I am. Some of you would have been involved with my need for help last October when I was taking care of the 11 year old sister of a friend of mine. So, I think I'll start there on the update for what's been going on in my life. So, I took care of an 11 year old last Oct. - Nov. I really love the child and still wish I could do more for her, but she was very needy, and more time consuming than I had expected. As well as having issues like compulsive lying, that with the leeway I was given, I couldn't do anything about. I was beginning to lose my battle with the stress it had caused. It was negatively affecting my school work, and just about everything else in my life, and I was afraid I would get to the point I held it against her, so I decided that since the option for her to go live with her father was now available, that perhaps that was the best option. I'm still not sure if it was the right decision, and as things fell out I probably would have tried to keep her, but I do not believe any harm came out of it.

After I had decided that the 11 year old needed to go to her father's, but before she left, I became involved in a relationship. The first serious one I have had in nearly 7 years. In hind site, I think that I should have kept the 11 year old, because as soon as she left, I got the support I that I would have needed to keep her. Sean is just short of perfect for me, and I'm incredibly happy that we found each other.

Sean has a 5 year old daughter, who when we first started dating was in the custody of her mother, but who we are now trying to get legal custody of. She has been living with us primarily for about 3 months now. She is a handful. Her mother didn't instill much discipline in her, and it's a struggle to get her to do just about everything, but we are making progress. Why do I get involved with problem children?

On the up side, Sean and I are engaged. We'll be getting married June 21, 2007. I know it's a bit early in the relationship, but we both know that it's that right thing to do. I graduated with my B.A. this June. I have a summer job, but I'll have to get a really job next Fall. That idea scares me a bit. I haven't been in the standard work force in years. I was considering going on to get my M.E.S., but I'm not sure if that's what I really want to do, so I'm putting it off for awhile.

That's pretty much all of the big stuff. With my schooling behind me, and since I'm finally caught up on all the stuff I had put off during the last few week of class, I should be able to get on here regularly again.

well good to hear from you and welcome HOME! Lots of hugs going your way!!!

Welcome back zhinu!

welcome back, wondered what was going on with you.

Thanks everyone, I've missed it here. The community as much as the discussion.

Here you are! Congratulations on your degree, that's a HUGE accomplishment. Best wishes to you on finding the perfect job. When I was scared to commit to a career, I tried temporary work. The down side is the pay stinks, since you come in on the bottom of the pay scale. The up side is that you get to see what the actual job is like, the people you work with and the company culture. I worked my way up at one place, ended up staying 8 years, 7 as their employee, until I was vested in my 401K. Anyway, it's an option. So happy for you and Sean, sounds like a happy family just waiting to happen, LOL. Have you been doing lots of containers, or what, if anything, this year?

I have a bit of a garden, but it's mainly what was there last year with one thing added here, onions stuck into my spring bulb container, another one here. We haven't had a lot of money since the growing season started, so I haven't gotten a lot of new stuff. We're also hoping to move into a house/duplex with a yard in maybe September, depending on when I get a real job.

With a B.A. I should qualify for more of the state jobs (one of the main emploiers in Olympia) and I'm also going to apply to the public library. If something I like doesn't come along, hopefully something I can do will, and I'll keep looking. I'm really not looking forward to a day job, but it looks like that what I'm going to end up with unless something I'm not expecting comes a long.

Welcome back zhinu.
And congratulations to the engagement. I have missed you posting and also missed you in the chatromm.
We have a new Chatroom so be sure to have Mozilla Firefox for it :0))
I have changed my nick.......used to be Tayson80
Janett

Yeah, I remember your old nickname. I do have Firefox, but I'm not sure when I'll be able to get to the chatroom. When are they again? I just remember I used to get on before going to bed, but my sleep has shifted closer to a normal persons. I go to bed about 3 am pst now instead of 6-8 am.

I dont know the exact time for you, but around Tuesday afternoon because its midnight for me and every one is talking dinner and that makes me hungry. Not good for the figure :0)) and Thursday morning. For Californians its about 4 in the morning.
Janett

Welcome back, zhinu, and congratulations!! :-) Chat is open from 5-11pm CST on Tuesdays and from 6 (or is it 5 also? I'm not up that early! LOL) -11am CST on Thursdays.

~ Marylyn

I might be able to get on Tuesdays if work is slow, Thursdays would be 7am - 1pm for me I think, and that's pretty much when I'm asleep.

where are the chat rooms? I didn't know we had any... of course, I've only been in here for three years.

There is a "The chat room open" link in the top right hand corner of your Dave's garden "home" page when it is open. But, it's only open at those two times.

I've been super busy recently. I started a new job on monday, working for the state doing claims varification for DSHS. I'm getting legally married on Saturday. Than there is the kids. I don't know how a single parent manages. There are three of us and we're all worn out. Just figured I should explain why I've been so quite recently.

WHAT??!! Married?? That's awesome, best wishes to you and Sean. And congratulations on the new job as well. When it rains it pours, LOL. At least it's all happy stress. Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. How does any parent manage? Take lots of pictures, life's a blur. That way, you can look back at times, reflect on things.

always good to hear of busy and happy and great news!!! have a wonderful day Saturday!!!

Here is a picture of Sean and I from the "ceremony". I am very happy, just tired and busy.

You're a Kate Hudson look-alike! What a beautiful bride you are/were/will be. LOL.

Wishing you many years of wedded bliss!

Congrats! What a beautiful couple you are!

Best wishes to you and yours!! ~ Suzi :)

zhinu!! GREAT to have ya back, you ole married woman!

Congratulations Zhinu! What a beautiful couple you make. You are a very special person to help out with those who are troubled. May you always shine!