Wow, it's been forever since I've blogged. And it's been nearly as long since I've read anybody else's blogs.... but I'm back and I hope to be back for a while.
As some of you know, and as I alluded to in some of my previous blog posts, the past year has been rough. Very rough. It's been so rough in fact, that I've not had anything substantially positive to blog about and therefore simply stopped blogging pretty much altogether. I mean why blog when all you have to blog about is sad, scary, and depressing? I certainly wouldn't want to read a blog like that!
Without going into the details, I will say that my absence has been due to clinical depression, both in myself as well as one of my children. My depression is better (gotta love those SSRI's) however my child's isn't..... yet. He was not diagnosed with major depression until this summer and we've not found the right medication for him.... but we will. He was just prescribed a new medication (Remeron) today; we'll keep our fingers crossed and stay on our knees that it's the ticket he needs. Again without going into details, I will mention that my depression was triggered by issues that two of my three kids had been dealing with. One of the issues I've already mentioned, major depression, and the other issue involved a daughter who was in an abusive relationship that she absolutely positively refused to walk away from for over two years. 'Nuff said?
So now that I've sort of explained my absence, let me tell you what I'm up to these days. Not much. Haha, just kidding. Well, sort of..... I'm doing stuff, I just haven't been knitting. Or spinning. Or crocheting. Well, okay I've been doing a little crocheting, but not a lot. And I do have a sock that I take with me to doctor's appointments.... Anyway, I've discovered that I'm not one of those people whose knitting helps relax during times of trouble. Nope. For me, knitting during times of trouble just makes me feel worse because all I do whilst I knit is re-hash all of my problems (or my kids' problems). So. The die-hard knitting and spinning has been temporarily suspended until I can enjoy it again. I hope that will be soon because there are some fall yarns that are absolutely calling out to me :-)
One thing I am up to is 129 pounds (thanks to the Lexapro I've been on). And why oh why would I announce my weight and the fact that I've gained 22 pounds since January on a public blog??? Because it's coming off folks! And I plan to document it right here! So get ready! One thing I'm NOT going to mention however is the program I'll be following to lose the weight until after the weight is gone since "dieting" seems to be such a controversial subject these days -- the last thing I want is for someone to tell me that I'm following the wrong program or that there's a better way out there which would be very discouraging to me. And we will have no discouragement on this here blog! I will be using one of those cute little weight-loss tickers somewhere on my blog though for those of you who care to keep up with my weight loss. And for those of you who don't, there will still be some knitting and crocheting going on, little as it may be right now.
In other news Cheerleader Daughter went off to school (Axe 'em Jacks!!!) a few weeks ago and is doing very well. She pledged the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, is playing intramural tennis, and has also volunteered to be a "driving-jack" which is a person who is available to pick up fellow students that have had too much to drink and take them home. I'm so so proud of her :-) But the best news is that she's no longer in the abusive relationship that caused her so much emotional pain. Praise God.
Football Star Son decided not to go back to Texas State this year. He's currently attending one of our local community colleges and waiting tables until he's ready to go back. He just moved into a lovely home with 4 (female) room mates and is just a few minutes away, which I love. Oh and did I mention FSS's latest love?
Say hi to Maverick.
Little Brother Football Star Son has started his sophomore year in high school and is playing JV football, so yes there will be more football pics this year :-)
So that's it for now.... I promise to get some new FO pics up soon!
ETA:
I just wanted to say what a caring mom you are. Your children are lucky to have someone so honest, open and loving to be there for them. I have missed your blog, but I am glad to know your family comes first. I work in schools where parents put themselves first much too often. I hope things calm down, and that your family stays close.
Posted by: TP | September 09, 2008 at 05:05 PM
How lovely to see you back. That depression can really kick your butt. Glad to hear that the path is straightening out a bit for you and the family. The past few years have been tough. Be easy on yourself and this too will pass.
Posted by: Darci | September 09, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Jeanie, I'm so glad to hear that things are starting to turn around for you and your family. Take care!
Posted by: Zarah | September 10, 2008 at 04:43 AM
Jeanie:
We should really get together! I am on Lexapro as well and I do know EXACTLY how you feel. I am so happy that things are better now and that you are feeling safe enough to share.
Axe 'Em Jacks!
Posted by: Lisa | September 10, 2008 at 07:57 AM
So wonderful to see you back! Yeah, things can get messed up in life. I know as I had been going through some times ever since we moved last December. I don't blog about it much. I kick back from things pretty quickly and get back to being motivated. It's a survial skill. Stay motivated and doing well! This too shall pass.
Posted by: KnitPastis | September 12, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Welcome back Sweetie,
I have missed you and the kids so much. Wonderful to read things are looking up!! Big HUG, love and prayers.
Beverly
aka paletpc
Posted by: Bev Love | September 12, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I am so sorry for all that you have been going thru, as well as your children, and as a Mother I know all to well how our children's burdens become our own and how we tend to put ourselves at the bottom of 'being taken care of' list. Big hugs to you honey, and those beautiful kidlets of yours.
Posted by: Sherri | September 16, 2008 at 06:32 PM
It's great to see you back blogging again.
Sorry to hear about the difficulties that have been going on in your and the kids lives, hopefully there are brighter times ahead for all of you.
Take care.
Posted by: Mo | October 05, 2008 at 02:38 PM