Q & A II
Judy – Is there anything you’d like to change about your life (either past or present)?
Tough question. I am sure there are things we wish we could change but at what cost? If it effects who I am now, the inside thinking me, or changes the path I followed and would change my children and other relationships I would have to say I wouldn’t change a thing.
If everything can stay same in those matters I think I wish that I had invested wiser years ago, finished college and had earned a PhD.
I try never to have regrets but I do regret never finishing my educational dreams. Maybe once Steven is in school I’ll have a chance to go back and seek out my own dreams in achieving that PhD. I imagine I would 60 in the end. Better late than never.
Heather – How do you manage your multi-blended family and how involved are the ‘other’ parents?
Let’s be blunt here if you all don’t mind?
I do not do drama and neither does Steve.
We don’t play back and forth games and we don’t allow for emotional blackmail with children. We don’t play manipulation games either.
My ex has been out of the picture after the first few months of our divorce. He made a choice to never participate, come around or be involved. He got into a bad place and it is a very good thing for me. My children don’t have to see or be hurt and I don’t have to worry over them being away from me and in his hands at any time. He is a total blank spot that has been filled by Steve and as far as my girls are concerned Steve is there dad and has never been anyone else. Colby is an adult and she chooses to keep the ties cut. Grace has no interest in someone she doesn’t remember at all.
As for Steve’s ex. She is just that his ex. I don’t deal with her and I don’t involve her in my life. Steve irons out any issues and I don’t get involved at all. It is not my place to do anything but be supportive of my husband and to be a safe haven for him to talk openly and to sound off to and bounce around decisions or ideas. It is very rare for the waters to be disturbed by either part. Live and let live and stay out of one another’s business and personal affairs and there is no backlash.
There was a time when we first married that we did things with purpose to make sure everyone was involved in everything and every holiday but now that the girls are much older and budding young women we don’t have to worry so much over the kid things. Holidays with my stepdaughter are divided. If she is here for Thanksgiving then she is not here for Christmas but spends New Years with us and vice versa opposite years.
The boundaries are set and everyone seems to know where to toe the line.
Kayla – What is your most prized possession in your kitchen? What is the one thing you wouldn’t want to live without in your kitchen?
Currently my most possession in the kitchen is my grandmother’s cornbread pan. She had used the same pan since the mid 1960’s. It was present at every family dinner and event. I can see her baking cornbread when I close my eyes. It is a wonderful place to go when I am lonely for her.
There are many thingss in my kitchen that really are a major convenience but I can’t really say there is anything I can’t live without. Anything I have a tool for I can also do manually. One item that I really love and use almost daily is my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. My wonderful in-laws gave it to me for Christmas. I was also gifted over the year with the grinder and the pasta maker. It is certainly a many tools in one machine that I am very grateful for – especially when it comes to whipping cream!
June – Have you been approached to write professional or to put together a cookbook?
I would be blown away if someone came knocking with any kind of offer for me. But, no, I have not ever been approached. While it would be a dream come true I don’t feel that I get enough support on this website by readers for anyone to notice I exist. I can write all day long and show you a million recipes but unless the readers draw attention to my website or support me not only with comments but also with links and promotion I am just another middle aged housewife with a blog who can cook, clean and sew. Sad but true.
More answers tomorrow!
It is beautiful here in central Virginia. I spent most of Saturday cleaning out my attic and trying to get rid of junk and setting aside things for an online or in person yardsale over next weekend.
My ears are not healed but they are so much better. I can’t believe the level of energy that has returned. The weight loss slowed to a stand still with the meds and laying on the couch but I plan to change that ASAP now that I am feeling like I can be more active and not suffering pain.
Have a great day.
Regrets – I have them, but what’s the use. Look to the future, learn from the past, but don’t dwell on it. Exs are exs for a reason. Angie, I admire your ability to ‘think’ in print.
I tend not to have regrets. I make a choice and stick with it. Regrets of the past (marriages, choices, etc) would taint my children and I would never do that.
I love how honest you were here. I know that it cannot be easy. I am also thrilled that your ear problems are clearing up. Hooray !