Now what???

The end of the semester has got me thinking.  I have one more semester to go and then I am finished.  Obviously, I am going to get a job.  Is that it? My brother-in-law is an attorney. He keeps trying to convince me to go to law school.  Honestly, Law School?  That scares the heck out of me.  I wonder-is it even possible?  I am moving to Florida, getting a job and going through a divorce.  I guess I can wait a year after my BA to make any other huge decisions.  I think being a single mom will be a slight adjustment.

How do these women do it? My mother, my grandma, TuPac’s mother… That has got to be the hardest job! It’s not like I get any help from him anyways. (Well, except for the fact that I am not working anymore.)  (I am grateful for that.)

I know a few women around my age who are also single mothers, but they are financially loaded!  Must be nice!

Hopefully, I can get a great job, (haha) make enough money to support Dyl and I and be happy. 

I guess I can just figure everything out as it comes.

Thanksgiving in Florida!

People often ask me why I live in New Jersey when they find out I am from Florida.  I wonder the same thing myself.  I have lived in New Jersey for about 6 years and I have never called it home.  I miss my family, the palm trees, the BLUE water and the beautiful weather year-round.  I am so excited to finally move back home.

Our family is spread out over the country, so holidays are the only time that we get to see each other.  This year, we all flew into Miami to see my grandmother.  She always bakes my favorite cookies, snowballs.  Instead of a traditional “turkey” dinner, my father grilled flank steak with chimmichurri sauce.  It was delicious!  After dinner, we played Family Feud on the Wii.

At about 1:00 in the morning on Saturday night, Dylan woke up with a fever.  He cried for at least an hour.  The rest of the vacation was spent trying to make him feel better. My wild child turned into a snuggly bear.  The next two nights involved absolutely no sleep because he now added coughing to whatever sickness he had.   We made it back on Monday, but USairways lost our carseat.  Dylan is still sick today, but after the doctor’s appointment, Amoxicillan and some cough medicine, he should be feeling better soon. 

Even with the minor issues, we had a wonderful visit.

I have seen the light…

(Taken from my phone…)

He is the light of my life.  Every day that I wake up, I know that regardless of the mistakes that I have made in the past, I can never regret anything, because I have him.  Going back to school this time around has enlightened me.  I have learned that the most important way to gain knowledge is through experience.  For me, getting married taught me to be more independant. Being a mother taught me to be more responsible. Going back to college the second time, taught me to appreciate the value of an education. As an English major, I learned that literature is not just for enjoyment, but can truly change your life.  Walt Whitman’s, Song of Myself,  is the poem that I keep going back to whenever I need some inspiration.  I love that something so simple, like a blade of grass, connects us all.  Regardless of who we are, how much money we make or what we do, we are all equally important in this world.  We learn from not just our mistakes, but by the mistakes of others. 

 I take full responsibility for my son;  My husband takes none.  He grew up in a household where his mother did everything, so he expects that from me.  I laughed when he said he wanted more kids.  I told him to find another wife.  I love being a mother, but Dylan is enough for me. 

My light is my son.

Mommy’s weekend

This weekend was an adventure.  Dylan and I met some friends out at the International Sports Complex on Friday night.  It was “family night.” It only costs 6 dollars per person, which includes all you can eat pizza, rollerskating, and playing until 8.  It was really cute, but extremely packed. Dylan rollerskated for the first time, and did well for a 3 1/2 year old!  Saturday night, Dyl and I went over to my friend’s house for a playdate. The three mommies had our adult playdate-a nice bottle of red wine, and the kids played. (Thankfully, we live across the street, so we were safe.) Today, we had a birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese. After about 3 meltdowns, we played, ate and finally went home.  I had a taste of being a single mommy this weekend, and it was difficult.  I think I am ready for bed!

Next adventure coming soon:  Thanksgiving in Florida

A night out!

Saturday night, I went to Philly with my friend, Jami. We ate at Cuba Libre. (They have the most amazing arroz con pollo & mango butter.)  I walked over to the bathroom, when a MAN said, “I really like your shirt.”  That was really interesting, since I was completely covered up.  After dinner, we walked next door to 32 degrees, a lounge.  Another MAN came over and proceeded to tell me that he really liked my shirt as well. I have never been complimented on my clothing by men.  The second man sat extremely close to me, completely invading my personal space and then had the audacity to put down my girlfriend.  I thought, is this guy for real?  I think he needs some assistance in the woman department.  Oh well, we had a good time anyways.

The most amazing cornbread that you will ever have!

Has anyone been to Redstone American Grill?  They have a cornbread appetizer that is absolutely out of this world.  It is so sweet, it could be a dessert.  You will certainly be thanking me for this one!

copy cat recipe for Redstone’s Cornbread with maple butter

Ingredients for cornbread: (see below for maple butter ingredients)

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal

3/4 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

4 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

7 oz creamed corn (1/2 can)

2 oz diced green chillies drained well (1/2 can)

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shredded monterrey jack and cheddar cheese blend

Ingredients for maple butter:

1 LB butter

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions for cornbread:

Preheat to 400 degrees

mix together all ingredients in order (only cornbread ingredients)

pour into skillet (preferably a greased cast iron skillet)

bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean

spread maple butter over warm cornbread and enjoy!

Maple butter:

soften butter to room temperature

whip butter and salt

drizzle syrup while whipping

 

The big bang! 30!

My husband threw me a surprise party for my 30th birthday.   I wasn’t surprised at all.  Sadly, my husband does not know anything about planning anything-let alone a party.  As soon as I walked into the place where the party was held, I smelt chicken wings. (The ones that we always get!)  It was so obvious, I couldn’t keep a straight face.  After the elevator doors opened,  the surprises and camera flashes made me want to go back home.  (I completely dislike being the center of attention!) I wasn’t there for more then 15 minutes, when I hear the football game on in the next room! What is that? So pretty much the entire night was spent sitting at a table waiting for something exciting to happen.  I was home by 11:20! I spent my 30th birthday like a 60 year old! Way to make me feel young…