Latest Updates

My darling little DS is back and my life feels so much better. He's been home for a couple of weeks now. No matter how hard I tried, I just did not feel good without him here. Sure I had fun, etc... but having him back, I feel twice the person I was before.

DS has started a new medication to help regulate his body and increase his attention. There is a huge difference, which I'm excited, so we are keeping him on it and we are going to increase the dose. The doctor started him on a low dosage but wants to see better focus; I agree.

His language has improved but it still needs more attention. We are rounding a corner with DS and I just really want to focus more on him this fall. For that fact, I will not be taking on any new clients and also winding down my current client.

Here are more updates, since I haven't been around the blogosphere as much as I like.

DS' updates and targets: I feel good about the future of DS. This fall, he is taking speech therapy and he will also do an Integrated Playgroup; which is facilitated play therapy by an expert between him and two typical peers. He is also taking swim lessons and I may enroll him in an art class. Then he has his standing playdate once a week with his non typical friend; so we will be busy! Yikes!

I have some targets for him that I need to work on at home; these include: reading comprehension, language pragmatic skills and social skills.

Relocation (?): My landlord informed me that he is thinking about selling the building; but I found out, the building is actually on the market. So I'm not sure what that will mean with new owners. Of course you think, they may raise the rent or ask you to leave; since my lease is up and I'm on a month to month basis. Not sure, we'll see what the potential new owners want. I want to move anyway. This school district doesn't embrace inclusion like I would like and living in an apartment has been a challenge with my son. We are outdoor people and I would love to have a yard. I just hope we can stay put through the holidays and figure out something after the first of the year.

Career/Education/Money: So as I mentioned, I'm not going to work with kids anymore and take a break. I just need to focus on my son's development and I find, working so much with children on the spectrum and coming home and working with my son just leaves me spent. I am taking a sabbatical for a little while. I love working with children, but I just really want to be there for my son, he needs me big time right now.

I still want a career in Special Needs and because of that, I am looking into PhD programs. I found two that I'm interested in and want to research them both further. I plan to apply next year. In the meantime, I'm studying for the GREs. I'm doing pretty well but I am going to start looking for a study partner. I have some fliers I am going to hang in some local cafes and I also posted a listing on craigslist.

I plan on working part-time as a Research Assistant this year. I need to do this, so that I can get recent research experience and it will look good for my application process. I hope to get paid but if I have to volunteer I will do that as well.

As for money ~ I still have one client and I did look for dd jobs to do over summer and it was tough to find something. I did finally find something and it's part-time and works out great for my schedule, so I'm excited. It's nothing in the Education world, it's more of basic office duties, database management and PowerPoint slides for a training company. I'm happy because of the hours and the nature of the work allow me to focus on my son and my application process for school.

Dating: I tried the online dating and it just does not work for me. I know it works for some people, but I just couldn't take it. Besides that, I seem to be doing better offline. A lot of people approach me and ask me for my number and not sure what it is about this one grocery store, but every time I go in there, I get so much attention from guys shopping. Nothing has panned out yet, but when something serious happens, I will let you know ;)

Oh and I have a small crush on this guy in my neighborhood. I think it's so much fun to have a crush. He rides his bike up and down these hills and I don't know how it rides up these mountains, because this is the Bay Area and this particular area has some tough hills. But he does it. He is CUTE!!!!! And his body is H.O.T. hot!!!! I see him when I'm running/walking the hills, which isn't often. So far all he has done has smiled and said hello. Bicycle man is cute!

Speaking of Fitness: I have achieved my goal and I can run 5K! I haven't done an official race, but I can do it around the tracks near my house; so I am happy! I also have recently cut down my carbs and try and take in 150 carbs per day. Yes, I count carbs; I was telling the cashier about it at the grocery store and the bagger thought we were nuts, but whatever! it works for me. I have a cheat day that I use if and when I feel like it, but I don't go crazy.

I have managed to get running in 2-3x per week and I work on weights 2x per week. So working out 4-5 times has paid off. My body is pretty much where I want it to be; with the exception of losing maybe 2 inches in my waist. But I got a compliment from a lady while I was stretching at the track. She told me my body was amazing and my legs and arms looked great. I was like 'WOW!', thanks. It just made me feel good to have all this hard work pay off.

I will list my workout routine and a few menu ideas in case anyone is interested later in the week :)

Solo Social Life: Is solo social and oxymoron? LOL. I have really started to do things alone. Not because I wanted to, but I noticed as you get older and everyone else does, your schedules rarely, if ever sync up.

Don't get me wrong, my social calendar was hoping for a good part of the summer. I have done a lot of activities with friends and met a lot of new great people and it's been so much fun, but it's not always easy to have the time match.

I have a movie buddy and we get together every few months and catch a flick, but I also go solo and have fun; been doing that for a few years. I plan to see Sarah's Key next.

I also started hanging out at my favorite cafes solo and it's great atmosphere and people watching. I also get a lot of studying done as well.

My next big solo adventure is this place in San Fran. It's a restaurant but at 10pm, they move the tables away and bring in a DJ and they play dancehall Caribbean music and the crowd is just awesome. I have gone with friends several times and I stay on the dance floor all night, but this time I'm just going alone. This DJ is there once a month only, so I have to wait til September :(

I think that is it for now, sorry it's soooo long!

Weekly Update

So what is going on in my life...

DS: I had a moment of weakness and I almost left my house to go get my son, when I heard him tell me he was sad and wanted me and started crying. I started crying and my heart just broke. I called a friend who talked me off the ledge and told me, he needs to learn to be away from me sometimes and this is good for him. I pulled out of it and luckily he did too. I think he is just having a hard time adjusting. But a new video game and a promise to see some shark exhibit at a local casino on the strip and he's all better. LOL. And so am I. When he is doing good, I'm doing good.

Oh and it's so funny how my heart melts, when they send me a picture of him on the phone. Such a cutie pie!!! My little muffin man.

Work: I am still working part-time with one student and I have some potential side-hustles going on. We'll see what happens.

Gym: I took a Killer Cross Training class today and I was nervous but it ended up being ok! I did pretty good and my body is coming along nicely. I just want to loose about 2 inches in my waist. I have been focusing on lower body because my upper body develops fast and I don't like how it looks. I am also doing so much better with my running and look forward to my running group on Saturday.

Dating: The HOT topic. I went out the other night and got two phone numbers. I wasn't really interested though. And no, not being picky. One was a married man who was separated and I do not do separated, plus he seemed to bounce from one female to the next. And the other was out of my age range. Way out. I did sign up with a paid dating site and at least the people responding to my ad have a bit more to say and seem a bit more serious than the free site. We'll see. Oh and a very nice man helped me grocery shopping today! It was too funny. I'm telling you, when you turn that cablight on, plenty of people try and hail your cab! Tomorrow, I'm off to a single's mixer, I don't really like going to those, but I figure what the heck.

Food: I haven't posted a menu because I'm just eating whatever I can whip up at a moment's notice. No meal plan til August. I did make some GF crab cakes today and they were pretty tasty.

Reunion: I use to be a mentor for troubled teens and my mentee and I still keep in touch. She recently contacted me, she is now 21!!! How time flies and we are going out on Saturday. She is such a sweetie, I miss her and look forward to seeing her and seeing how she is doing. She cracks me up and just loves to make fun of me. When I use to pick her up, she would say, you drive slow like my mom! LOL. I think we'll take the BART train and head to the city and walk around.

That's about it, I look forward to reading other blogs and finding out what is going on in your neck of the woods ;)

Dating update

I've been on this free dating site for 3 weeks. I have gotten a lot of emails, did several "pre screens" via phone only two pre screens led to two dates. Which were a bust~Date 1, possessive and weird, Date 2 big time liar/gamer.

For the most part, I've been single for about 2.5 years now. I did date in the past and had two kinda/sorta boyfriends for a short term. Over the past 1.5 years I've been totally single and have dedicated myself to work, my son, friends, family, activities, etc... But now I find I desire a level of companionship and intimacy that I cannot get from my friends and it would be nice to have a partner.

I don't have a "list" that I'm necessary looking for. Of course there are the basics/standards that goes without saying. But overall, I feel there are two important factors for me in a relationship.... common interests (which bonds you) and a similar value system (sort of like your code of conduct that dictates how you live life and treat family).

My observation with the free dating site is that there are a lot of jokers on there and the few that are serious have serious issues (stalker types).

I will be moving to a paid site. I think my chances are slightly better because the jokers may stay on the free site. Then I can at least deal with people with serious intent.

I am not putting all my stock into online dating because there are men, EVERYWHERE. When I run through my neighborhood... men. At the grocery store... men. When you stop to pump gas... men. Hanging out with friends... men. At my new running club... men. They are everywhere ladies. One man asked for my number last week while I was waiting for my women's group.

I'm making another change. I think Demi Moore, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey are onto something. I'll be 40 in October and decided to date men who are my age and above. In the past, I did date a lot younger, but I didn't take them seriously. I am now prepared to take the younger men serious. I won't go too low, but my next husband may be younger ;)

So that's the dating news. Today I'm staying in, I've been out and about all week. I need to do some paperwork, work on my budget and do a couple loads of laundry. Later in the evening I may do a quick run around the park.

This weekend, I plan to meet up with a friend Friday, Saturday I have my running club followed by a concert in the park in San Francisco with some friends and Sunday I'm going to go see Horrible Bosses, it looks hilarious!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

I'm back!

It's been a week since my last post, so here are some updates.

Trip to Nevada: We left last Thursday early in the morning. The drive was LONG from NorCal to Henderson but DS did great. He had no interest of video games or movies on the drive and he mostly slept. It was very nice to be with my family and bond. We did errands, I did laundry (yes I actually brought laundry to my parents house from California LOL. I have a coin op laundry on the premises, so why not save a little. They didn't mind) I spent a lot of time in the back (in the shade) with a glass of white wine and catching up on magazines while DS played--briefly played I might add, it was too hot. I did go to the M casino twice, lost 15 dollars the first time and gained 20 the second time, so it was a wash...lol. When it was time to go Sunday, I hugged my boo boo bear and kissed him up. I kept reminding him about my trip back and how he was going to stay with his grandparents. At shove off, everyone came outside, including DS and waved good bye. It was hard kissing them all good bye and I wanted to tear up, but I stayed strong.

The social story really helped DS understand what was going on and he knows I'll be back. He says, "Mommy is in California, she'll be back soon. Mommy has to work".

I have a subtle dullness in my heart without DS here, that I know will not go away until we are united. Honestly it's a bit weird without him and I think it's going to take me sometime to adjust. He's there for a good cause--so that I can work and save up money for all his needs. I'm able to work, get some projects done and I guess I never realized it, but I guess I need a break. And he is with family and they get to spend time, while they are still capable and able. He's doing good and happy which makes my heartache a little less. He did say he missed me and that HURT but when my mother said, that's normal and there would be something wrong if he didn't. I told myself, that is true and that is okay, he misses me and he'll be fine. I think by the end of the week, we'll both be better.

Work: So now without DS here the plan is to work and work and work. I didn't feel so well today but I am going to start my job search. I did register with a few temp agencies and I have a few leads will see if they pan out. If not, I may work with kids over the summer. Originally I wanted to take a break from teaching to replenish myself, but we will see.

Divorce amendment: Not sure I blogged much about this, but we finally updated the court's order and changed child support, so it's nice to have official amounts and that is one less project I have to worry about this summer.

IEP: I did hear back from the school district and we reached an agreement. They will allow DS to be mainstreamed for a few courses in the fall and see how he does. I'm still disappointed that this school isn't set up for mainstreaming/inclusion in general. It seems so antiquated for such a progressive state. Meanwhile there are plenty of schools in New York that have a mainstreaming/inclusion model in place for children who can make that work. Anyway... at least they agreed and I don't have to get legal counsel. Then I also asked for behavior support over the summer in his IEP when my son gets back and goes to camp. Originally they said no because it wasn't on school premises. I came back with a plea and they had to go back and discuss and then they came back and said yes, so that was great! I wanted a certain amount of hours and they came back with a little less, but that's fine. It really pays to stand up for something you believe in and you don't always have to take no for an answer if it's something worthwhile.

Dating: Been online for 2 weeks now. I had lots of emails, numerous phone calls and 2 dates! Woo hoo! The first guy I went out with didn't work out. He wanted me to remove my personal ad after our first meeting, which I thought was strange. I felt like I didn't even know this guy or his true intentions so why would I remove my ad after 1 hour of tea... get a life! He also talked about his dramatic ex-girlfriends and he really showed a lot of signs of possessiveness and violence. He asked for a second date but I politely decline. NEXT! The 2nd guy I went out with was nice and the date was decent, we started with coffee (my suggestion and preference) but he insisted on dinner after. I thought he was cool so we had dinner. Our date was like 3 hours long and it was nice, we had a lot of things in common. He walked me to my car and I hugged him, he asked for a kiss, but I declined. Nothing personal and I'm not a prude, but I just can't see swirling tongues around yet. He told me he had a great time and that I looked so much better than my picture (really? I though my picture was super cute LOL!) He asked for a second date for this coming Friday and I agreed. So we will see.

The other men, I spoke to on the phone had some sort of psycho trait that I just couldn't see giving any benefit of the doubt to meet.

I do feel like I'm ready for adult male companionship and I turned "my cablight on". A phrase I read somewhere, which means, just be available. It actually works, I got hit up in the car rental, the grocery store twice and the gym! LOL. But seriously, I have a 6 year old son and like I told the second guy I went on a date with, before I get close, I need to make sure of a man's intentions and what he wants. I feel I can only see that by his actions and that takes time, not just sweet nothings whispered in my ear.

Fitness: I'm back on track with working out. I went to the gym yesterday and did a few machines before hitting the weights. My weight routine combines lower and upper. I'll have to post my workout another time, but it's killer. I like to really work on core, legs and butt. I also will start running again, I pretty much stopped for a couple of weeks due to my schedule. I am registering for a 5K at the end of July and hopefully will not chicken out!

On other news, I'm a big foodie and I love to cook and I'm watching Master Chef. I decided to create my own signature burgers! The first is a poultry burger (chicken and turkey with turkey bacon and avocado). Since my stomach is super sensitive to dairy, I'm trying a mild sheep's cheese on top and since I have a gluten intolerance I found a flourless sprouted wheat english muffin, that I will use as the bun. The second is a buffalo burger (not buffalo meet, but buffalo seasoning) and this is still in development. So depending on how it goes, I will share the recipe.

Phew... this was long, sorry.

Now I need to spend some time catching up on blogs! It's been a while. Happy Tuesday!

Random updates June 14, 2011

Money: managed to put $425 dollars into savings. $25 in a Christmas Fund, $25 towards Paris/Italy tix (I know I'll need way more than that), $25 DS educational fund, $350 Emergency fund. I need to upload one of those meters to keep track on my blog.

IEP/District: Ball is now in my court, they came back... can't say I'm thrilled. I threw it back in their court and trying to organize a phone meeting. I will not even go into the details.... sigh

Summer fun: Poor DS... this is the first official week of no school and we've only been to the park a couple of times. I've been swamped with appointments. Thursday I'm planning a trip to the city, we'll go to Fisherman's Wharf. We are doing our road trip to Nevada later next week, so that should be fun. DS loves a road trip.

Fitness: I have not worked out in a week! Very hard with DS to run. I am officially on a break and will resume when he is with his grandparents.

Dating: I have spring fever or summer fever... ready to date again ~ meow! I'm thinking about doing online dating... we'll see.

Off to cook... pork fried rice, tonight! DS hated the tacos. Booo!