Good news and bad news

[reptilemama]

It's been quite a while since I've posted much about myself, so I thought I'd give those of you who know me an update. Do you want the good news first or the bad? Hmm, everyone always says bad, so here ya go. My marriage has been falling apart for quite some time, apparently much longer than I have known about it. My husband basically says he doesn't love me anymore, and hasn't been happy for a very, very long time. He's the kind of person who doesn't like to hurt anyone's feelings, so he's kept it to himself and tried to deal with it, which of course didn't work. He's decided he wants a divorce, although he is trying one last thing with me to see if it changes the way he feels. I don't really have my hopes up, though, as his reasons for doing it are to make me feel better and prove to me it won't work. So, I expect to be divorced within the next few months. This is much of the reason I haven't been around much, as this has been extremely hard for me, even more so because we have a 5 year old son who still doesn't really know what's going on. But enough of that. My son is part of the good news, too. He just finished kindergarten, and he's made it into the gifted program! He was in the top 25 % of the kids in his grade who were tested. He will be going to a school devoted to gifted students next year. I think it will be really good for him, as he was always way ahead of his class this year and often got bored. He's an excellent reader and has amazing spacial skills. When he was 2 or 3, he would easily do 24 piece puzzles, then take them apart, turn the pieces over, and do it from the back side! I'm thinking he may grow up to be an architect or an engineer. In more personal issues, I've managed to lose 50 pounds in the last year, although lately I've been letting myself relax. Haven't gained any back, though, so that's good. I got a great job earlier this year at a vet clinic, working as a tech for an excellent orthopedic surgeon. We get referrals from all over northern Illinois and see some really interesting cases. We also have some great toys, like an ultrasound, BP and pulse/oxygen monitors, and even a surgical laser, and the docs are great about keeping up on the latest techniques. I've also gotten back into shooting for the first time since junior high school. My Dad's got me started in Cowboy Action Shooting, basically dressing up in period clothing and shooting period guns (rifle, revolver, and shotgun) at steel targets. This past Sunday I won my class, but then again I was the only one in my class. I did beat four people, though. You can see the results page here: http://www.shadycreekshootists.com/06062004.htm I also shot the annual charity match over Memorial day weekend. We got rained out on Sunday, but still managed to raise $10,000 for St. Jude's Children's hospital, as much as they made in the last four years combined! The charity shoot page is here: http://www.shadycreekshootists.com/Charity2004.htm , with links to pictures and results. It's a ton of fun, and anyone who lives near a match should check it out! The people are great and the shooting as a ton of fun. One of these days I'll have to get pics of all of us in our duds. I'm in one of those pics from the Charity shoot, but it's hard to see me. Look for a green outfit and red hair on the fourth page, standing behind the guy in the jailbird outfit! My dad's the guy behind me with the white beard, and my brother's standing on my other side, with a white hat. Sheesh, I guess that's enough to bore anyone, but I figured I'd let y'all know what I'd been up to. Still have a few critters, but not as many as I used to. Now that I don't have anyone to answer to, I may even add one or two if I can afford it. I'll be around, lurking even if I'm not posting. See y'all around!

[muzixman]

Well welcome back sorry to here the bad news , good news is always nice, good for your son.
Keep your chin high and smile it will all work out.

[snakemann6]

I hate to hear anyone going through anything that's not good for the soul. But on the other hand, you have much more to be proud of. Starting with your son. That is the best news that I have heard all day. Congrats on that. Like Muzixman, keep your chin up and remember everything happens for a reason. Wheter it be good or bad it happens for a reason. Again congrats on you and your sons acheivements....

[Shuba]

This is much of the reason I haven't been around much, as this has been extremely hard for me, even more so because we have a 5 year old son who still doesn't really know what's going on.

Its always hard on the kids. I grew up most of my life without my father and my mom did a very good job raising me being independent as she is. I am sure you will pull threw and those sunnydays will come again. The only thing your son needs is a loving mother who can give him the attention of both parents, which I am sure you are capable of doing Goodluck.

[Ed_r]

That sucks hon. I was rooting for ya to get it to work, guess i ddin't root hard enough. Congrats on the weight loss. I noticed that at reptile fest, but i was so busy i never really had a chance to mention it, you were looking pretty good there Awesome about Johnny. I could see he was a bright kid. He will definately enjoy school more now that he will be challened a bit.

Keep your chin up, things will work out

[Diablo]

So sorry to hear the bad news. I hope everything works out for the best. Its good to see you back around here. You actually just came to mind earlier when I was thinking of a herping trip for our area!!

[reptilemama]

Thanks for the support guys. Always nice to hear!

[jtrott]

Reptilemama, I have not talked you in about a year, but I used to go by gamerjjt on ppc.com. Anyways, I am sorry to hear about you and you husband. Me and my son's mom split up about a year and a half ago, and that is when I started in herps to keep my mind occupied.

Good luck to you. There are always bright sunny skies behind the dark clouds.
Jason

[toker]

Sorry about the bad news... that really sucks.

The good news rocks!!

I wish you the best... hang in there, it will get better!

[Sunn]

The good news is just great, you are blessed with a son like that. Hopefully things will be
handled in a manner that you both do well. I've been where you are and once I made it to the other side emotionally and went through all the envitable adjustments finally did meet the man that I honestly believe I was meant to be with. It took me many years as I actually just said no for about 14 years but I'm hardheaded and didn't want to ever be vunerable again. I can say this......when its the right relationship all you are going through and will go through will be a thing of the past in no time.

Your hobbies and activities will be a good thing to keep up on and your new job sounds wonderful. It's good to see you haven't shut out your friends..... you've already taken a really healthy step just coming here to catch up. I don't know you but I'm sure if I did I'd like you. I've seen your posts for quite some time now and admire women who know to reach out when they need to and are dedicated mothers and animal lovers....

Take care and God Bless you and yours....all will be ok ....

[NicoleRussell]

the best part of this post is that overall you sound very healthy and positive. You sound like you respect your husband which is VERY important under the circumstances. So many people get caught up in fighting they loose sight of what is the most important (their children).
You both sound like great parents and very nice people