Parenting | BulgingButtons

February 21, 2014
by BulgingButtons 4 Comments

Want to Buy My House?

This could be your next home.

We are live at last. The listing for my house, that is. All the little jobs have been done, all the clutter has been conquered, and all the cleaning has been finished. The paperwork has been completed, the photos taken, and the listing posted.

Late last night my ever patient realtor sent me the draft of the listing for my final approval, and this morning it is official. My home is available for sale.

I have mixed feelings about this. I want to move on and buy a house with my sweetheart that will truly be a home for us and my son (and the dog, of course). I want to have a little more space. I want to be a little closer to work (I think). All of these are good reasons to sell now, especially since the market conditions have improved since I bought. But there is a flip side.

I will miss this house. This house represented a victory for me. It proved that I would be all right even post divorce. It showed me that I could manage on my own, and have a safe and comfortable place for myself and my son (and the dog, of course). It was mine, all mine, to do with as I pleased. I made some quality improvements, and I made it a warm, comfortable home. I am proud of that fact.

Still, there is a time and place for everything, and now is the time to move to the next place. If you know someone looking for a great 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with a pool and easy freeway access, please send them my way.

February 17, 2014
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

My Little Valentines

Friday we celebrated Valentine’s Day in my fourth grade classroom. There was no avoiding it, and honestly I enjoy this celebration.

I’ve always worked to keep it low key, since for the majority of my teaching career I worked in a school where many of the children come from rather dire situations. Sometimes there isn’t money for Valentines, and sometimes there isn’t anyone at home who cares whether a child has Valentines to bring to school or not. It’s really very sad, since a box of store bought Valentines can be had for a dollar, far less than the cost of a pack of cigarettes or six pack of beer or another tattoo, but I digress.

I don’t work in that situation anymore, and the atmosphere on Valentine’s Day was electric. The children were so excited to share their cards and candies, and I couldn’t help but enjoy their enthusiasm. We had a wonderful morning and accomplished all that we set out to do, then after lunch we finally distributed cards. I had a couple of kids who didn’t bring their own cards distribute mine, and I soaked in the atmosphere. The kids were happy and cooperative and they reminded me of my own elementary school Valentine’s days. I also watched as my little bag overflowed, and heart shaped boxes of candy piled up next to it. These kids spoiled me like crazy! Along with the cards and hearts, I received a giant kiss, a pink Webkinz fish, and a Starbucks gift card. All of these are great, but my absolute favorite is the little solar powered pig with wings that I was given by one of my little boys. O.M.G. It’s adorable. The kids know I love my flying pigs, and this little guy found the perfect one. It has a place of honor in the classroom.

I’m so fortunate to work with these children, and with these families who go out of their way to help their kids out and show appreciation for their teachers. I definitely felt the love this Valentine’s Day, and for that I am so grateful.

January 5, 2014
by BulgingButtons 14 Comments

2014 Kickoff – I’m Back!

Just rolled in last night from nine days of R and R. Peace and quiet. Sun and sand. Tours and tropics. Food and beverages. Love and laughter. Just got back from an amazing trip to Hawai’i. That place is unreal.

I actually slept right through the transition from 2013 to 2014. It was a busy day on our trip, and the three of us were in bed by midnight central time. That’s okay, I can have champagne any time I want.

Right now I’m dealing with a teenager who is having trouble coping with the time difference (tomorrow his dad gets to wake him for school, glad I won’t be there for that), a bunch of laundry, and the harsh realization that tomorrow the party’s over. It’s back to work and school and routine. As always, there’s too much to be done, but now I have a more relaxed outlook. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Most of the trip was spent on a cruise. I loved it. It did make me think about certain things, like how to live in a small space. My home is a mansion compared to the stateroom that I shared with my mother and son for the past week, but we were quite comfortable and had what we needed for the situation.

I have so many other thoughts swirling through my head, but I can’t write much more now. I have to go drag the boy out of his nice warm bed so he can get ready to go to his dad’s. Then real life begins, with some meal planning, shopping for decent food (there is currently canned cheese in my house, this isn’t good, my sweetheart needs nutritious food too), and last minute school work.

I hope your 2014 has begun well with reasonable expectations, a positive attitude, and hope for a bright future.