What has been happening in your lives?

[imanangel]

So, it has been a little over a year since I have posted here. Life happens. 

Life update for those who are not on my FB:
I have been living in Colorado for the last year, but I am currently packing up my craptastic apartment to join my husband on the East Coast. He took a job there and left last month. I stayed in Colorado for an extra month so my son could continue working his welding job and not be homeless for a month. He didn't make enough to pay the high cost of living in Colorado by himself. Anyway, now it is time for me to move to join my husband. 

I haven't worked in over a year after leaving a teaching job in Texas to join my husband in Colorado.....for a job he took here. We sold the house we built in Texas, and relocated. He got bored with the job here and felt like there wasn't room for growth and wasn't making a difference, so he applied for the job on the East Coast. It has a lot more responsibilities, and a pay raise, so he took it. 

My grand baby is still as perfect as ever. I don't get to see him as often as I would like since moving. He is currently living with my son, but who knows what will happen once the divorce is FINALLY finalized. 

My oldest daughter got married to the most perfect man for her. They just bought a house in Michigan. 

My son who lives with me became a welder.  He just stopped working at a job he loved to follow his dreams and move to Hawaii with his best friend. His boss was sad to see him go and told him if he ever moves back to the area, he has a job with them. 

My youngest....well, she is determined to learn how to be an adult the hard way. Hopefully she figures things out soon because my liver can't take most of her life decisions. She is in college and living in student housing in Texas. 

So that leaves Goose and I as empty nesters for the first time in the 24 years we have been together. I am ready for that phase of our life. 

Hmm, what else.... as I type this, I realize that my life is actually really boring and you all probably didn't really need an update.   That is ok. I am really bored and trying to avoid packing more boxes for the movers who come on Monday. 

So, please entertain me and tell me all about your life the past year. 

[moon/Laura]

Dang. Wish I'd known you were here. Could have tried to meet at some point. My life has been all about photography when I'm not working from home. Nothing too special, but it gets me out of the damn house.

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 8:19:29 GMT -5 moon/Laura said:

Dang. Wish I'd known you were here. Could have tried to meet at some point. My life has been all about photography when I'm not working from home. Nothing too special, but it gets me out of the damn house.

I am sad that I didn't get to get out much this past year because of COVID. We did get to do some hiking, but not as much as I wanted. There are so many things here I still wanted to explore. I am sad to leave Colorado, but I am looking forward to living on the East Coast for the first time. There are a lot of YM'ers, WIR'ers, EE'ers over there that I am hoping to meet up with once it is safe to do so. 

[snapdragon]

Glad to read that you and Goose are ready for the next phase. Hope you can enjoy the East Coast and find a enjoyable way to deal while he's at work. 

Things are meh for me. 

My final parent passed a year ago and I am waiting on the finalization of probate. Hopefully just a few more months will have this closed out. I do plan on moving states but don't intend to start looking until the middle of next year. I have always wanted to move but kept close because of the parents. Now that they are gone there is nothing (besides a pandemic and finances) that is going to stop me from moving hopefully late next year. 

Take Care Angel.

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 10:08:20 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Glad to read that you and Goose are ready for the next phase. Hope you can enjoy the East Coast and find a enjoyable way to deal while he's at work. 

Things are meh for me. 

My final parent passed a year ago and I am waiting on the finalization of probate. Hopefully just a few more months will have this closed out. I do plan on moving states but don't intend to start looking until the middle of next year. I have always wanted to move but kept close because of the parents. Now that they are gone there is nothing (besides a pandemic and finances) that is going to stop me from moving hopefully late next year. 

Take Care Angel.

I am so sorry for the loss of your parents. It has truly been a difficult year for many.

What states are you considering? You don't have to answer if that is a too personal of a question. I have lived in several different states due to Goose's career in the military and now as a GS employee.

As for finding something to do, I plan on finding another job. I left teaching a year ago, and I don't plan on going back into it. I loved my last job in Texas, but I just don't feel the passion to do it anymore. I feel strongly that if the passion is no longer there, then it is time to move on to something else. Goose is actually checking over my resume and cover letter for a job I am applying for. It doesn't pay as much as the teaching job I left, but I will also have a life outside of work. I will actually get to leave work at work. It is an Educational Tech job, but I won't be teaching. 

[snapdragon]

I am looking at states in the Central Time zone. I am down to 2 - KY or TN but am leaning more toward KY. 

[chiver78]

I won't bore you with details here, since you've seen my 2020 adventures on my FB page all year.   but I did want to offer a hug re: Mr Perfect and your DS's impending divorce. I noticed a post the other day where you mentioned it, didn't realize that was happening. hopefully everything goes smoothly and things don't change too much for DS and the little one. 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 10:34:11 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

I won't bore you with details here, since you've seen my 2020 adventures on my FB page all year.   but I did want to offer a hug re: Mr Perfect and your DS's impending divorce. I noticed a post the other day where you mentioned it, didn't realize that was happening. hopefully everything goes smoothly and things don't change too much for DS and the little one. 

Yeah, I haven't mentioned much about his divorce on FB because it is ugly and his business. I actually deleted that post because I realized I revealed too much of his business. I was upset at the time I posted it. The divorce has been going on for over a year. It has been extremely ugly and stressful. He didn't want it to be ugly and gave her everything she wanted in the divorce, except he wants 50-50 custody. He didn't originally want the divorce, but realized that their marriage couldn't be saved. 
Anyway, just keep them all in your thoughts. I just want what is best for Mr. Perfect. 

[busymom]

Hiya imanangel!  It's funny you chose now to check in, as I was just thinking about you & Goose this past week, and wondered how life was treating you.  


Hoping you're NOT moving to Florida.  DH & I gave that state a try, & moved out, as it's one hot mess, even though we had awesome friends there (and yes, we're still in touch, & will be back to visit).  

[Deleted]

Heyyyyy Angel! So good to “see” you! I was happy to read your update.

For me, the last year or so has been kind of a “lost” year for me. I basically spent the year just trying to muddle through and trying not to get sick. Not much fun, just home and work, scared to go anywhere else. The highlights were a new baby girl born last summer (my 3rd grandchild) and my son came to visit a couple of times. He lives a looong way from me now.

I hope you’ll stay around a while.

[haapai]

It was not a good year for me either.  Like Pink, I went to work and then came home.  Work wasn't particularly safe, so I avoided going anywhere else where I might inadvertently spread the virus that I'd picked up at work.  The converse is also true.  I avoided going anywhere but work in order to avoid inadvertently spreading it at work. 

After a year of this, I'm kinda messed up. 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 11:39:57 GMT -5 busymom said:

Hiya imanangel !  It's funny you chose now to check in, as I was just thinking about you & Goose this past week, and wondered how life was treating you.  


Hoping you're NOT moving to Florida.  DH & I gave that state a try, & moved out, as it's one hot mess, even though we had awesome friends there (and yes, we're still in touch, & will be back to visit).  

Nope, not Florida. We are actually relocating to Maryland. 

Life is treating us ok. I loved Colorado, but I am not a fan of the apartment we live in. My neighbor across the hall (who I THINK moved out now), was a total nightmare. She screamed at the top of her lungs starting at 5am some mornings. 
Then we had the heroin addict who we found Od'd right in front of our apartment. We had to give him CPR while we waited for the ambulance. He survived, thank goodness. 
I am looking forward to good seafood in Maryland. I miss good seafood.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

Welcome to the "land of pleasant living". 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 11:52:19 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

Heyyyyy Angel! So good to “see” you! I was happy to read your update.

For me, the last year or so has been kind of a “lost” year for me. I basically spent the year just trying to muddle through and trying not to get sick. Not much fun, just home and work, scared to go anywhere else. The highlights were a new baby girl born last summer (my 3rd grandchild) and my son came to visit a couple of times. He lives a looong way from me now.

I hope you’ll stay around a while.

Congratulations on the 3rd grand baby!  Bening a Nonna/grandma is the BEST! 

Yeah, this year has SUCKED! I don't do well being a SAHdog mom. I have applied for jobs, but there are so many people applying for the few jobs that are available. I have traveled to see my kids/Mr. Perfect a few times, but other than that....I don't leave my apartment much. 

I will try to check in more often. 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 12:03:17 GMT -5 haapai said:

It was not a good year for me either.  Like Pink, I went to work and then came home.  Work wasn't particularly safe, so I avoided going anywhere else where I might inadvertently spread the virus that I'd picked up at work.  The converse is also true.  I avoided going anywhere but work in order to avoid inadvertently spreading it at work. 

After a year of this, I'm kinda messed up. 

I am so sorry this year has been so messed up for you. It was definitely a sucky year. I avoided going out much because I have severe anxiety. Being around all the fear, anger, etc of the past year has been more than I can take. Just going grocery shopping would make me need a 2 hour nap because I would be so exhausted mentally and emotionally from the trip. I know that it makes me sound crazy, but I can feel all the negative energy and it just exhausts me. 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 12:21:29 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

Welcome to the "land of pleasant living". 

I just got off the phone with Goose. He was telling me about all the areas he is looking at houses/condos in. I did threaten to smother him if he makes me move again anytime soon. I also vetoed several of the houses he mentioned. I don't want to overspend on a house and be house poor. I want to eat my way through the East Coast. I also don't want to risk him getting bored with this job and wanting to move again and taking another loss on a house. I am not against buying, but not in the price range he is looking at. I told him to look at cheaper houses/condos. 

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2021 12:03:17 GMT -5 haapai said:

It was not a good year for me either.  Like Pink, I went to work and then came home.  Work wasn't particularly safe, so I avoided going anywhere else where I might inadvertently spread the virus that I'd picked up at work.  The converse is also true.  I avoided going anywhere but work in order to avoid inadvertently spreading it at work. 

After a year of this, I'm kinda messed up. 

I feel you on all of that. My job is why my newest grandbaby doesn’t even know me and I’m really sad about that, because it was so different with the first 2. I’ve mostly stayed away from her because of my job, and even though that’s still me loving her, it doesn’t sit well with me.

Trying to get through this pandemic has taken its toll on many of us, mentally and emotionally, so whatever your “kinda messed up” means, please be kind to yourself and don’t feel bad about it.

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2021 12:22:18 GMT -5 imanangel said:

Apr 22, 2021 11:52:19 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

Heyyyyy Angel! So good to “see” you! I was happy to read your update.

For me, the last year or so has been kind of a “lost” year for me. I basically spent the year just trying to muddle through and trying not to get sick. Not much fun, just home and work, scared to go anywhere else. The highlights were a new baby girl born last summer (my 3rd grandchild) and my son came to visit a couple of times. He lives a looong way from me now.

I hope you’ll stay around a while.

Congratulations on the 3rd grand baby!  Bening a Nonna/grandma is the BEST! 

Yeah, this year has SUCKED! I don't do well being a SAHdog mom. I have applied for jobs, but there are so many people applying for the few jobs that are available. I have traveled to see my kids/Mr. Perfect a few times, but other than that....I don't leave my apartment much. 

I will try to check in more often. 

Thank you. Yes, being a Nana is awesome! The oldest will be 9yo soon and he still runs to me and hugs me when we see each other. I have the biggest grin on my face and a heart so full of love when he and the 6yo get excited to see me.

I hope you find a job you like soon, so you won’t be stuck at home so much. I’ll cross my fingers for you.

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2021 12:24:41 GMT -5 imanangel said:

Apr 22, 2021 12:03:17 GMT -5 haapai said:

It was not a good year for me either.  Like Pink, I went to work and then came home.  Work wasn't particularly safe, so I avoided going anywhere else where I might inadvertently spread the virus that I'd picked up at work.  The converse is also true.  I avoided going anywhere but work in order to avoid inadvertently spreading it at work. 

After a year of this, I'm kinda messed up. 

I am so sorry this year has been so messed up for you. It was definitely a sucky year. I avoided going out much because I have severe anxiety. Being around all the fear, anger, etc of the past year has been more than I can take. Just going grocery shopping would make me need a 2 hour nap because I would be so exhausted mentally and emotionally from the trip. I know that it makes me sound crazy, but I can feel all the negative energy and it just exhausts me. 

It doesn’t sound crazy at all to me. I realized how powerful negative energy is several years ago when I started working the day shift. The evening shift came in a couple hours before mine ended. When they came in, it was like something in the air changed for the worse. I don’t really know how to describe it, but I could literally feel it, every single day. They were the same people I’d worked with for years, none of them could stand the other, they all complained about any and everything, just a lot of negativity.

I guess when I was in it all day every day, I didn’t notice the effects so much. I just knew I didn’t like being around all the negativity. But once I changed shifts, I was amazed at how different everything felt once they came in, whether they actually said or did anything or not. I could just feel all the negative energy all of a sudden.

That was when I started becoming more aware of negative energy from other people period, not just at work. And yes, it can be very draining. So no ma’am, what you wrote does not sound crazy at all. At least, not to me it doesn’t.

[haapai]

Apr 22, 2021 12:33:41 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

Apr 22, 2021 12:03:17 GMT -5 haapai said:

It was not a good year for me either.  Like Pink, I went to work and then came home.  Work wasn't particularly safe, so I avoided going anywhere else where I might inadvertently spread the virus that I'd picked up at work.  The converse is also true.  I avoided going anywhere but work in order to avoid inadvertently spreading it at work. 

After a year of this, I'm kinda messed up. 

I feel you on all of that. My job is why my newest grandbaby doesn’t even know me and I’m really sad about that, because it was so different with the first 2. I’ve mostly stayed away from her because of my job, and even though that’s still me loving her, it doesn’t sit well with me.

Trying to get through this pandemic has taken its toll on many of us, mentally and emotionally, so whatever your “kinda messed up” means, please be kind to yourself and don’t feel bad about it.

Aww!  Thanks.  And here's an observation that might help you a bit. 

Right after bars and restaurants, gas station mini-marts and grocery stores are probably some of the worst places that you can possibly visit if negative energy and lax adherence to public health mandates and general stupidity exhaust you.  Something really dark happened to a lot of the essential workers who had to work in them last spring and were given absolutely no protections. 

I'm telling you this because on the few occasions that I have gone anywhere else, I have been pleasantly surprised by how good the vibes were.  I recently visited two hardware stores and found them pleasantly sane compared to grocery stores and mini-marts.  Conforming to their pandemic restrictions can be awkward and disorienting, but they seemed much saner and less angry than grocery stores. 

[imawino]

Apr 22, 2021 7:42:01 GMT -5 imanangel said:

So, it has been a little over a year since I have posted here. Life happens. 

Life update for those who are not on my FB:
I have been living in Colorado for the last year, but I am currently packing up my craptastic apartment to join my husband on the East Coast. He took a job there and left last month. I stayed in Colorado for an extra month so my son could continue working his welding job and not be homeless for a month. He didn't make enough to pay the high cost of living in Colorado by himself. Anyway, now it is time for me to move to join my husband. 

I haven't worked in over a year after leaving a teaching job in Texas to join my husband in Colorado.....for a job he took here. We sold the house we built in Texas, and relocated. He got bored with the job here and felt like there wasn't room for growth and wasn't making a difference, so he applied for the job on the East Coast. It has a lot more responsibilities, and a pay raise, so he took it. 

My grand baby is still as perfect as ever. I don't get to see him as often as I would like since moving. He is currently living with my son, but who knows what will happen once the divorce is FINALLY finalized. 

My oldest daughter got married to the most perfect man for her. They just bought a house in Michigan. 

My son who lives with me became a welder.  He just stopped working at a job he loved to follow his dreams and move to Hawaii with his best friend. His boss was sad to see him go and told him if he ever moves back to the area, he has a job with them. 

My youngest....well, she is determined to learn how to be an adult the hard way. Hopefully she figures things out soon because my liver can't take most of her life decisions. She is in college and living in student housing in Texas. 

So that leaves Goose and I as empty nesters for the first time in the 24 years we have been together. I am ready for that phase of our life. 

Hmm, what else.... as I type this, I realize that my life is actually really boring and you all probably didn't really need an update.   That is ok. I am really bored and trying to avoid packing more boxes for the movers who come on Monday. 

So, please entertain me and tell me all about your life the past year. 

Angel!!!     Good to see you.  

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 15:34:54 GMT -5 imawino said:

Apr 22, 2021 7:42:01 GMT -5 imanangel said:

So, it has been a little over a year since I have posted here. Life happens. 

Life update for those who are not on my FB:
I have been living in Colorado for the last year, but I am currently packing up my craptastic apartment to join my husband on the East Coast. He took a job there and left last month. I stayed in Colorado for an extra month so my son could continue working his welding job and not be homeless for a month. He didn't make enough to pay the high cost of living in Colorado by himself. Anyway, now it is time for me to move to join my husband. 

I haven't worked in over a year after leaving a teaching job in Texas to join my husband in Colorado.....for a job he took here. We sold the house we built in Texas, and relocated. He got bored with the job here and felt like there wasn't room for growth and wasn't making a difference, so he applied for the job on the East Coast. It has a lot more responsibilities, and a pay raise, so he took it. 

My grand baby is still as perfect as ever. I don't get to see him as often as I would like since moving. He is currently living with my son, but who knows what will happen once the divorce is FINALLY finalized. 

My oldest daughter got married to the most perfect man for her. They just bought a house in Michigan. 

My son who lives with me became a welder.  He just stopped working at a job he loved to follow his dreams and move to Hawaii with his best friend. His boss was sad to see him go and told him if he ever moves back to the area, he has a job with them. 

My youngest....well, she is determined to learn how to be an adult the hard way. Hopefully she figures things out soon because my liver can't take most of her life decisions. She is in college and living in student housing in Texas. 

So that leaves Goose and I as empty nesters for the first time in the 24 years we have been together. I am ready for that phase of our life. 

Hmm, what else.... as I type this, I realize that my life is actually really boring and you all probably didn't really need an update.   That is ok. I am really bored and trying to avoid packing more boxes for the movers who come on Monday. 

So, please entertain me and tell me all about your life the past year. 

Angel!!!     Good to see you.  

Squeeeeeee!!!!! Meghan was telling me that you live on that side of the country!!! I think we all need to do a meet up! I flew to her city a few years ago to meet her for the first time. It was a spur of the moment thing and something I had dreamed of doing for years! You are also on my "meet up" bucket list! 

[empress of self-improvement]

So you do still exist! I was thinking of you when I had the very fleeting thought of going to my niece's wedding in Texas. Then pushed that thought right out of my head.
Last year sucked. My husband died in July, not from Covid. Then I had to put his cat down in September. Other than trying not to fall apart and kill myself I haven't done shit.
While eating your way along the East Coast, i'll volunteer chiver's house as a crash pad for Massachusetts. I hate seafood and even the smell makes me vomit so i won't be there if you're doing a seafood, gag, tour.

[taz157]

I’m pregnant with my 2nd DD!! 1st DD will be 10 (for 9 days) when I’m due with the newest DD. 1st DD is SUPER excited. We are optimistic that everything works out.

FWIW, I’ve had 5 miscarriages in the past 4 years, the last when the lockdowns started.

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 19:29:06 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

So you do still exist! I was thinking of you when I had the very fleeting thought of going to my niece's wedding in Texas. Then pushed that thought right out of my head.
Last year sucked. My husband died in July, not from Covid. Then I had to put his cat down in September. Other than trying not to fall apart and kill myself I haven't done shit.
While eating your way along the East Coast, i'll volunteer chiver's house as a crash pad for Massachusetts. I hate seafood and even the smell makes me vomit so i won't be there if you're doing a seafood, gag, tour.

I do still exist. Although, usually I exist for days at a time in yogas or just my underwear. Pants are so early 2019.  

I am so sorry to hear that your husband passed away. I can't even imagine how difficult this past year has been for you. Hugs. 


Are you on the East Coast? I LOVE food, like all food. So basically if you tell me I can put it in my mouth and eat it, I am going to try it. I DO LOVE seafood. I promise not to eat any if you are around though. 

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 19:36:55 GMT -5 taz157 said:

I’m pregnant with my 2nd DD!! 1st DD will be 10 (for 9 days) when I’m due with the newest DD. 1st DD is SUPER excited. We are optimistic that everything works out.

FWIW, I’ve had 5 miscarriages in the past 4 years, the last when the lockdowns started.

I am so sorry to hear about the miscarriages. That is so difficult. I had one in between my boys, and it was a very heart wrenching experience. I am so happy to hear that your pregnancy for your 2nd DD is going well. I am sending you a lot of healthy mom and baby prayers, jujus, vibes, etc. 

[imawino]

Apr 22, 2021 17:31:00 GMT -5 imanangel said:

Apr 22, 2021 15:34:54 GMT -5 imawino said:

Angel!!!     Good to see you.  

Squeeeeeee!!!!! Meghan was telling me that you live on that side of the country!!! I think we all need to do a meet up! I flew to her city a few years ago to meet her for the first time. It was a spur of the moment thing and something I had dreamed of doing for years! You are also on my "meet up" bucket list! 

YES! I was asking about you, did your ears burn!?  Now that you will be driving distance you will have NO CHOICE but to meet up with me.  Can't wait!

[imanangel]

Apr 22, 2021 20:25:34 GMT -5 imawino said:

Apr 22, 2021 17:31:00 GMT -5 imanangel said:

Squeeeeeee!!!!! Meghan was telling me that you live on that side of the country!!! I think we all need to do a meet up! I flew to her city a few years ago to meet her for the first time. It was a spur of the moment thing and something I had dreamed of doing for years! You are also on my "meet up" bucket list! 

YES! I was asking about you, did your ears burn!?  Now that you will be driving distance you will have NO CHOICE but to meet up with me.  Can't wait!

I really can't tell if my ears were burning, or if I am just going crazy. 
I will definitely meet up with you. I have asked about you as well and thought about you often. 

[imawino]

Apr 22, 2021 20:32:23 GMT -5 imanangel said:

Apr 22, 2021 20:25:34 GMT -5 imawino said:

YES! I was asking about you, did your ears burn!?  Now that you will be driving distance you will have NO CHOICE but to meet up with me.  Can't wait!

I really can't tell if my ears were burning, or if I am just going crazy. 
I will definitely meet up with you. I have asked about you as well and thought about you often. 

You are going to have so much fun as empty nesters!  It's going to be a second youth for you & Goose.  Although you are young anyway.  

When do you head east?  In the summer, I frequently spend weekends less than an hour from where you are headed!  

[Happy prose]

Wow, I think the last time I read your posts you were in Italy! I guess I missed a bunch. Good luck in your new home. I hope it brings you happiness!