Sick days…

~ monicareplogle ~ Leave a comment

A weekend of laying in bed, this time not voluntarily but because I have been under the weather. I suppose it worked out for the best since Julia had unexpected dance rehearsal and was participating in an experiment that was dance based.  I have literally stayed in bed completely, other than to cook and drive Julia where she needed to be. Through all of the Sunday’s this year we have been challenged on actually getting outdoors for a picnic, being that we are fair weathered outdoors women, we have kept the commitment of having our meals together.  Meals free of technology, so we are able to keep a conversation.

This week my son was home for dinner, this was interesting. Opening my eyes to where I have unfortunately  failed as a parent somewhere along the line, because he and Julia seem as though they cannot get along.  He and I mostly get along, though putting us all together, it is rarely smooth. This was a huge detriment to my marriage, to this day I lay fault solely upon myself for not teaching more patience through the action of leading by example. Patience is one of many areas I lack.  I have made great strides in this area, but I need to continue making patience and positive reactions on the top of my list of priorities. When I master patience I believe I will find the inner peace I seek. Finding inner peace will allow me to be free from my desire to get lost and be all that I hope to be.

The amount of time I feel more peaceful are beginning to outweigh the time I feel stressed. Day by day I will reach my goal.

Reflection…

~ monicareplogle ~ Leave a comment

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I do not claim to know what I am doing as a human, nor as a parent. Though honesty, and an open dialogue is what I believe to be the best choice I could make in life. I truly believe that pretending my daughter will either steer clear of, or not be offered drugs and alcohol, is simply to live with blinders. It will happen, and honestly she will most likely partake at some point, so preparation for such moments is the key to helping her make appropriate choices.  The discussion we engaged in was quite deep, including my experiences, and what I believe are pros and cons to drug use, as well as tools to be sure whatever choice she makes is educated.  We live in an unpredictable world, keeping that in mind, makes the challenge of reminding my children, and myself that to think on our feet, anticipating  our responses will only allow for the ability to keep just a moment of control in this existence of chaos.

A lazy day spent with my Julia was a wonderful way to finish off last weekend.  Watching movies having lunch, yes in bed again.  As I reflect on the conversation that transpired between us, makes me feel as though I am, with all my faults, on the right path with my daughter.  Continually she shares with me, sometimes information I do not necessarily want to know, though I need to be aware of in order to help guide her the best I know how.   I am so proud of her for sharing with such honesty.  A clear indication, that judgment is not part of our relationship.

My little valentines…

~ monicareplogle ~ 1 Comment

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A romantic, I am not. Through the years I haven’t ever felt interested in the idea of being told that there is a day of the year that I should show my love because it is yet another “holiday” that we should participate in. Reminder traditions are not my cup of tea.

To celebrate and bring some individuality to work, my boss came up with the idea of us having a craft day, making valentines bags to then have a little exchange of candy and cards. Now as silly is this may be, it was something that brought out creativity, and kindness in my coworkers.

In the end, we ended up with some silly and fun vessels to receive thoughtful little treats. Employees brought together through one of those “holidays” that I generally disregard. So for me, now another perspective has been accepted.

I came home and brought the entire bag to my Julia, I don’t care for any kind of sweets… Go figure.

Happy Valentines💕

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Disconnect

~ monicareplogle ~ Leave a comment

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For me the disconnect is at times what allows me to continue, it is on so many levels, of emotion, from society, from those I love.  As of late I have become very frustrated by feeling the need to be responsive to many, in this time of living with our phones continually in our hand, I become overwhelmed.  Engaging with others at times can become a chore, it is not that I do not want to remind those whom I care for that they are on my mind, though I hope they do not need continual reassurance of my love.  I retreat, I sweep my issues under the rug so to speak, and luckily I have many animals that I can happily just enjoy the peace with at times.  I have simply become overwhelmed by all that is expected of me, and finding the balance to be myself, who that is I still do not know.  Unfortunately I am finding that my need for disconnect can cause concern, and even resentment.  My poor communications skills have not helped this situation to any degree.  Turning off, to do some cooking or gardening saves me.

I have been on this journey of self discovery while learning to live a solitary life, with my children for almost at year now, having my greatest desire to find some inner peace, hoping to find what my purpose truly is.  My new year has been filled with conflict, within myself.  My ambition becomes stunted by my need to disappear, not following through with  commitments I had made to myself, including my path to sobriety, and my relationships with my children, I wonder if my standards are set too high.

I have had a wonderful week with Julia, she will be away with her father for this weekend, so my disconnect and reflection in solitude will continue.

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The power of association…

~ monicareplogle ~ Leave a comment

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Association

(n.) The connection or relation of ideas, feelings, sensations, etc.; correlation of perception, reasoning or the like.

To simply encounter an individual, enter a specific door, to inhale and savor an aroma, in these instances one can be transported back into another time or memory. The power of association can be looked at in a positive and negative light.  As I continue to learn more about myself through this past years journey, I have found that the impact for not only myself, but those who surround me can be the beginning of something beautiful or an emotional storm appears.   I wear my heart on my sleeve, I also have no filter in most cases, though I am resilient and rebound every time, once I connect and accept the issue in which has been so thought-provoking.  Controlling my emotions and possible anger is not a strong suit for me, this is yet again one of the many faults that I am working on.  Eradicating the triggers I can control that arouse negative thoughts or behavior is a process that I need to become strong and conscious enough to learn to evade.

Cooking and simply being in the kitchen warms me in every way, it is also a wonderful way to connect with others.  I have not been feeling my best this past week, and Sunday I had been so sick that I didn’t leave my bed, Julia said I couldn’t even be stirred when I was asleep.  Then in the evening I awoke, finally getting out of bed feeling like there was just enough energy to make some dinner.  I looked in the fridge and this is what I came up with,  from there Julia and I were able to enjoy one another’s company, watching a movie and ending our Sunday together.  The association of sautéing vegetables, and sitting at the table having conversation brings us together in such a positive way that it makes me so happy that Julia has dreams of becoming a chef,  we will have many beautiful meals to share in the years to come always having the memory of Sunday dinners spent together.

A work in progress…

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I know that all who are in my life, those who love me, and at moments try to understand me, they do accept me.  I am a conundrum of sorts, I have an appearance to some that is not the same to others, I do not try to put on different hats, but I do know that not all can love and accept the way my children do, in most cases.  Being a woman who has always worked very hard, and happily so, I can accomplish most anything.  Though, to love myself completely may not be an achievable goal.  As I look at myself, my accomplishments, because even the most unaccomplished have not been defeated in all aspects of life, I know that I must keep pushing forward even when I have taken a step back.  The goal of having a committed Sunday to Julia, also means listening to what she wants for her day off.  I have never,  nor will I ever be an ultimatum kind of woman.  I discuss, then I usually roll over, going with what the other person desires.  This past weekend was a three-day weekend and my social butterfly had many plans, which seem  impossible to dismiss.  That said, she was with friends. And I was at home with my friends, not what I had hoped for, but we both always make the most of whatever we do, together or independently.

It was foreseen, her want to be off with friends, so a sushi night beforehand, had been put on the docket.  I may not know much, but I do know my Julia.  We had a wonderful evening with conversation, as always that semi surprises me.  The possibility of reading of a Midsummer’s Night Dream, and how the idea would probably not be acceptable to the other parents, being  that there is a sexual theme within the story.  She made the point that some of the boys may not be ready for such a thing, because of their childishness, and most parents are not as open as I to allow it at all.   I simply love that she feels that no topic is off-limits.  We continued from there, with so much more.  Unfortunately when I wanted to share new parts of my personal life, she did not have such an open ear.  She is not yet willing to see all my hats I suppose,  we are a work in progress.

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Holding down the fort…

~ monicareplogle ~ Leave a comment

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It is challenging to run a household while having a partner, now all on my own it has gone from challenging to just beyond.  Some days I simply want to disappear, and wish that there were not so many tasks on my to do list.  The new year has been off to a start that I truly cannot complain in most respects, I simply wish I had a helping hand, or someone to tell me it will be ok.  Since all of the holiday separation, I have been feeling as though Julia and I have not been connecting in the way I would like, our communication not as friendly, I am sensitive and she is very direct.  I wonder if all my mothering guilt allows for my children to be in charge. That coupled with feeling overwhelmed by keeping it all together makes for a frustration that needs to be redirected, because after all this is what would usually send me to belly up at the bar.

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Our Sunday last week was one that we were together, with a lazy morning, we both do enjoy a cozy room and a movie.  I just knew that I needed to get out and move, breathe fresh air, and my frustrations needed to be directed into positive energy… so to the garden I went.  Physically challenging and mentally calming, it was the best place to be.  Unfortunately Julia does not like the garden, though neither did I as a child, maybe she to will change her ways as I have when she becomes an adult.  Much was accomplished, very tired and sore muscles, and a peaceful evening ensued, as we had a wonderful Sunday supper together.  It was no day in the park, but ended on a wonderful note.  Leaving  more than one task marked off the list of all to keep this home afloat.

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