Land!

Josh is constantly on the computer looking at houses and land. Our hope is to sell our house next spring and move. I sometimes hate looking so early like this because then I want something different, and I want it now! So, the other day, we ended up driving around looking at houses and lots and found some land that we REALLY like, and of course, just like I was worried about, I am very excited and attached. We would love to build a house, but don't know if we can afford to build what we want along with the price of a lot. As much as I am trying not to think about it, that is all I can think about.

Creepy Guy At the Park

I wanted to get out of the house, so Joslynn and I went to the park this morning. She LOVES the park and we get to be outside and so I thought it was a great idea. I hadn't been to the St. Cloud Rotary Park for over a year, so I thought I would go there and check it out again because it has the splash park and I wasn't sure of the hours, so I thought I can check out the details while we go there to play.

We got there at like 10:15 and we were the only ones in the entire park. It was really nice and peaceful. The weather was beautiful, so I am surprised we were the only ones, but it is Sunday morning. For those of you who are unfamiliar: in the park, there is a big sand-box area that houses all of the playground equipment, then there is the little splash pool fenced in behind that, and even behind the pool there are some nice indoor bathroom facilities. Surrounding the park are some fields and tennis courts, so it is quite spacious.

We were having a nice time together on the swings when I noticed a man walking across the field. I didn't think too much of it, since it is a public park. As he came near the bathrooms, behind the pool, I noticed him again, but thought that maybe he was just there to use the bathroom. Initially, my instincts put me on high alert. He just gave me the "creeper" vibe. I was purely judging on appearance so I internally scolded myself because I do try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but there was just something about this man, alone in a park, that made me feel uneasy.

I continued to push Joslynn on the swing as I watched this guy like a hawk. He circled the exterior of the bathrooms about 8 times, stopping briefly each time to look our way. He then slowly walked around the pool toward the playground area. He stopped by a garbage can, which from my view was also perfectly in line behind a tree, so it made the whole situation feel even creepier; it was like he was hiding from us for a moment. He proceeded once more to come around the perimeter of the playground area, almost coming in behind us now. I really had butterflies in my stomach at this point.

I was carrying a little bag with us that had a diaper, wipes, water for Joslynn, but I had also put my keys and phone in there. I started to go into "getaway" mode and thought to myself, 'If I really had to get away fast, I would be fumbling around in the bag for the keys', so I grabbed it and put the keys and phone in my pocket; the rest is easily replacable if we need to leave the bag behind.

As this creepy man stood and watched us for about 20-30 seconds, a million things were racing through my head. I was secretly planning our escape route. I was also thinking that I'd really like to say, "What the hell are you looking at?" But my better judgement told me not to provoke anything. After a LONG 30 seconds, he turned away and eerily meandered his way out of the park. The hairs on the back of my neck could relax...a little bit. For the rest of the time that we were there, I felt paranoid; I was constantly looking over my shoulder.

Now, I feel somewhat guilty because I have no idea if I were rightfully judging this man or not. He may have been homeless. He may have been bored and was just wandering around. He may have had some kind of disability and didn't realize that his behavior was throwing up huge red flags to me. On the other hand, I won't ever apologize for going into "mama bear" mode to protect myself and my child. I hate the fact that we live in a city...in a world, where I have to worry about things like the creepy guy at the park.

Anyone Got $1400 Layin' Around?

Here's the story...

I'm starting my Masters in the fall. As part of a requirement of the program, I have to take 6 elective credits. My plan is to take these 6 credits in August so that they are finished before I start my program.

I spent the better part of 2 days filling out all of the nauseatingly boring and repetitive paperwork for MN GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, and my FAFSA for Federal Aid so that I can somewhat afford to continue my education. After all of the reading, research and filling out forms I was pretty confident that my going back to school wouldn't be THAT much of a financial burden on us. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I got an email today saying that my 6 summer credits wouldn't be covered by the VA because they are for "continuing education" and not "degree seeking." I was shocked and really mad at the same time! How am I supposed to get my degree without these 6 credits that ARE A REQUIREMENT!?

So instead of thinking that I would only need to pay for about $450, I will now have to pay $1400. Aggghhhhh! I hate all of this paperwork/money/government b.s.

Where Have All the Bloggers Gone?

...seriously people, I need something to read!

Shh...Don't Tell Mommy

Hey all...its me again, Jackson. I know that I said that I would post again when I was walking, but I have a little secret that I wanted to share, so don't tell mommy...

...the thing is, I think that walking is over-rated. First of all, it's tough work to learn how to do that. Second, my left leg is being really stubborn and goes out to the side like a duck foot. Thirdly, I'd have to actually do it! Who wants to do that when I can be held and carried everywhere I go? Yeah, yeah, I crawl and everything; isn't that good enough? I know that mommy and daddy really want me to walk, but I'm pretty content with how things are right now. They have NO idea, so this needs to stay between you and me...

My Birthday Party

Hey all...Jackson here. My birthday party was a week ago, and the weather was great! We hung outside for lunch in the garage and then opened presents on a blankie in the backyard.














The cake was really yummy. Mommy made it really pretty too. Her friend did the same thing, so she got the idea from her. Mommy thinks that hers doesn't look as good as TelegaWoman's, but I still thought it was really yummy. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my cousins and my grammas and papas. I got some cool new toys that are really fun.













Since the party I am growing and changing every day. Today I got a new booster seat so I sit at the big table with Joslynn and mommy and daddy; it's pretty neat! I am trying to say "mama," "ball" and "done" with my words. I am saying "more," "please," "eat," and "done" with my signs. Before you know it I'll be chasing after that sister of mine. (When I do...I'll post again and include pictures.)

YES and NO

YES, my first concert was fantastic! NO, my spirits weren't dampened by the freezing cold weather.

YES, it was cold, dreary, windy and did sprinkle/sleet a little bit. NO, it didn't feel like July at all.

YES, I was wearing layers; six to be exact. NO, not even the six layers kept me toasty warm all night.

YES, Sheryl Crow was amazing! She engages everyone, she's gorgeous, and, obviously, she has incredible talent, both singing and playing guitar. YES, I think I have a mini crush on her. NO, I'm not leaving Josh.

YES, I ate lots of bad food. NO, I don't feel guilty about it.

YES, there was a guy who was so annoying that he almost spoiled my 'Sheryl' experience. I really wanted to punch him in the face. NO, I didn't, but I was tempted.

YES, I am definitely going to another concert soon. NO, I'm not sure who or when, but I'd love to see Sheryl Crow again.

YES, this was a great 'date' for Josh and I without the kids (overnight away from them for the first time.) NO, I didn't cry. But, YES, I did miss the little munchkins.