So Many Thoughts...

I want to start this post by apologizing to so many of my friends/family. After reading this post, you may have a better idea of why I never get to call/email/write anyone.

I have a million and one thoughts buzzing about in my head at any given time, these days. I think some of it has to do with the fact that we picked-up and moved over 1300 miles from all that was familiar and our "safety net" of friends.

One thing that is bothering me is that our children are "latch-key kids." My brother and I were, as well, and I know many children are today. Somehow, when I tell people that our children stay home, they press their lips together and shake their heads. It seems to have become socially unacceptable to leave your children at home.

I'd much rather be home with my children, caring for them but I HAD to go back to work. Our children and I were among the millions of Americans without health insurance for the past 9 months. It was cost-prohibitive for us to join Stucco's insurance policy offered by his employer. I now have a job I love, with great benefits, but I feel like I am never home. I am hoping the guilt I have will subside (or lessen) when A. and Z. return to school.

Why is it that in this country we have crappy health care and such expensive insurance that covers jack shit? We definitely could do a lot better, but the pharmaceutical companies will see to it that prices rise and people get less for more.

I am tired of listening to so many people bitch about how life, for them, "totally sucks." Life is what you make it. They obviously haven't been putting forth an effort to make it good. I ask them, "What have you done to be happy?" There are so many people whose lives are touched with difficulties who don't take life for granted. I guess what I am saying is don't tell me life sucks when there are people suffering with cancer, women in India getting acid thrown on them, babies being abused and soldiers (and citizens) dying in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A. is starting middle school in a few days. This fact makes me feel like our "baby girl" is growing up too quickly.

Z. is starting yet another new school and has been so nervous he wants to stay up all night. It will be hell to get him back on schedule. He is such a sweet guy. I know he will like his new school. It's an alternative school with a Native American emphasis.

Swimming classes for A. and Z. are still going strong. A. has moved to the advanced level and will start learning different strokes and dives.

I want to finish school but haven't figured-out how to make time and money for that endeavor.

We witnessed a miracle 2 nights ago. The kids and I were walking Wylie, Sal and Daisy when a cat happened to cross our path. Daisy managed to wrench herself out of her collar and chase after the cat. She was hit by a car and survived with only a few scratches. I don't know how, but she did. It was a horrible thing to witness. If you want a "durable" dog, a lab is your best bet!

So there you have it. A sample of just a few thoughts occupying my mind. :)