About a year and a half ago, D and I had a big argument that resulted in a "contract." One of the stipulations on the contract was that I would move the blog and go anonymous. I never got around to doing it. Also, since then, I've been fiddling around with wordpress quite a bit, and I have to say I really can't stand typepad now. So, I think it is time for the move. Always tricky. So, we're moving. Soon. And if you want, I'll take you with me. I will pretty much take anyone with me that I don't know in real life. If you do know me in real life, don't be offended. It isn't you, its me. Or it is D and his family. It is just that I have to draw the line somewhere and that seems like the easiest criteria to go by. If you are a close friend, don't worry, I'll get to you eventually. You probably know everything I write about anyway.
So, if you want to know where I've moved, you need to email me or drop a comment that tells me who you are, how you got here, how you know me, that kind of thing. I also need a valid email address. If you have a blog or other website address, even better. I will be whois-ing people if I am still unclear about who you are. But after that, I will discharge all email addresses, IP addresses, any other private information from my computer and my head if so requested. I am not trying to be nosey as to who you are, I just want to make sure who you are not. But I hope some of you do decide to move with me. I like you! I really, really like you! And there will be drama and twin cuteness and humor and bitchiness, too!
I will be leaving this site up for a while, so if you happen upon it and read it and want to find out what happened next, go ahead and email me, too.
But, to close this puppy up...I'll leave you with a brief update.
D is doing really well. No infection. The pump all looks good. He is having to build his stamina still, but it is nice to have the old D who can form complete thoughts and sentences back after his 7 month absence into baclofen induced stupors.
Kids are well, frustrating but well. I have not done a good job this summer with homeschooling stuff or just getting them out and about as much as I should have. I've just been maintaining and it is not good enough. They get ansy and act out. But I am getting geared up for fall. I will be trying to get them into this preschool program that doesn't register until August 19th, so wish me luck with that. I have no idea if they will get in or not. If not, I will be looking at other classes and activities for them.
Last night, I was looking at the reunion site for my 20 year (God!) high school reunion. The reunion took place last weekend in Nebraska and I did not attend. But I noticed this girl I knew was listed in the "In loving memory section" And then proceded to stay up all night searching to see what happened to her. I'm recovering from the trauma that I found. She was murdered by her husband and thrown in a river. They lived on the same street that I spent 11 years growing up on. Horrible crazy sad horrible. I ended up finding out all this by happening upon a dog lovers message board of all places, where I found another girl I knew from highschool who was good friends with her and I was reading it in "real time" as she found out about it. She was missing for two weeks and their was a search and then through finding her and the arrest and trial and everything. Even though it happened two years ago, it was chilling to read like that. I felt so bad for the person on the message board. Armed with her married name, I then went back to find 1800 articles about it that I missed. It was even a story on Greta Van Susteren's show. I must have been knee deep in baby brain or something because I didn't have a clue. I don't know why I'm telling you this, it isn't really an update about me, it was just very, very sad. When I was in middle school, I took industrial arts instead of home ec. Back then, only boys took shop. This girl was the only other girl in the class with me and we sat next to each other all two years. She was way into horses and animals and I was jealous because she had her own horse and went riding and did competitions and stuff. I hate this ending for her and I also hate that this story is so damned typical. She was basically a battered wife whose husband one night battered her to death. The friend on the dog lovers message board even ended up taking her dog, who was found roaming in the streets. She said something interesting. That sometimes battered women have trouble leaving because they can't find a shelter that will take their animal and they know if they leave it behind it will be abused or neglected. So, my friend on the dog lover's site that does animal rescue did a really cool thing. She was trying to put together a program that linked the women's shelters with animal rescue shelters. So there would be a plan available for the pets, too. Pretty cool, I thought. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to write that story out. Such a terrible and unfair ending.
But, in better news, I am leaving to go on my trip in one week. Everything seems to be in place except for the little stuff like packing and laundry and stuff. I'm making the kids a chart so every morning they can X out a day that I'm gone so they get an idea that I'm coming back and when I'll be home. And then I will call them daily, of course. I'm leaving them my reluctant team of three that put together don't even equal one of me. (Arrogant, much?) I have a good babysitter. She is great, and I don't include her in my band of idiots (see why I need a private website? I can't help myself.) She is just young. She is 17 and can't drive. she is very dependable and good with them, though. Then my dad and D, who both have their positive points. My dad has the energy and the car and the physical ability. D has the sense and is the closest to the kids besides me. Besides his physical disadvantage and energy disadvantage, I mostly worry about the fact that he has trouble stepping up and taking charge. So, I know between the three of them it will all work out and be fine...but I could think of a few moms, some of which are probably reading this right now, who I think could replace me in a heartbeat and I would not have a hesitation in the world. You know, people who will just get things done and know what to do and do it? And also do it without reluctance and with gentleness and kindness? You know what I mean? I'm not saying that only mom's can do this because I can think of one or two men who can do this, too. I'm just saying that for this trip, I don't have that. But I have three people (and a few friends that would probably step in if the shit hit the fan) so it will all be okay and I'm getting the fuck outta dodge.
I can't think of anything earth-shattering besides all this. There will be a few surprises on the new blog. So let me know in comments if you would like me to email you the URL. I am going to try to work on it tonight and get people emailed in the next week.
Otherwise...thank you and goodbye Twinkle Little Star! You were a good friend the past three years, and led me to some awesome, awesome people!
Found you via Shannon's blog and also AmFam's and have been reading for about three years now. Please take me!
jbrown14464 at yahoo dot com
http://shelflove.wordpress.com
Posted by: Jenny | August 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM
bad bad lurker.
love reading you, don't know in rl. would love to follow along.
hope archives will be on new site too...
Posted by: artsweet | August 17, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Yes, please.
I hope to someday know you in real life since I hope to someday move to your town. But until then, please take me along for the ride.
Posted by: snickollet | August 17, 2008 at 05:47 PM
You better put me on the life boat too!
That's awful about your old friend. I know quite first-hand of a case in which a woman couldn't leave because no shelter would take her dog. (I did a jewelry fundraiser for her to get her out of town to a safe place. All is well with her now.)
Again, please forward the new address. I promise to keep it a deep, dark secret!
Posted by: Shannon | August 17, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Please take me with you! We have briefly emailed a while ago. Will be so nice to see more of you.
Posted by: cat | August 18, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Can I come too? I think I've commented a few times, not many I'll admit.
Posted by: Gretchen | August 18, 2008 at 05:23 AM
I've been reading you for a long time. I think I found you through Snickolett. I promise I don't know you in real life, but you sound like an amazing woman!
Posted by: Kelly | August 18, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Hi! I've been reading your blog regularly and would like to follow at the new location. I got to you through Peter's Cross, but I've also included my blog URL.
Posted by: Krissy Poopyhands | August 18, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I'd like to keep reading you. I found you through Peter's Cross Station.
Posted by: Elise | August 18, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I would like to continue reading.
I was looking for some other blind mothers and found you.
Smiles
Posted by: Angela | August 18, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I'd love to have the new URL. I'm a long-time reader, but rarely comment.
Here's my info and let me know if you need more:
mayhem.mama@yahoo.com
http://mayhemandmagic.typepad.com
Thanks
Amanda
Posted by: Mayhem | August 18, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I'd like to come along, too! I've learned a lot by reading your blog and want to continue the journey.
Posted by: Kelly B. | August 18, 2008 at 06:07 PM
I want to come, too. I don't remember how I found you. Once day I stumbled across your site, and was hooked. I spent an entire afternoon and evening reading your entire archives. And checking your blog immediately became part of my morning ritual: log in, check the weather, check e-mail, and check Twinkle Little Star.
For my full name or any other info, feel free to e-mail me. I don't blog.
Posted by: Cheryl | August 18, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I'd like to go along for the ride. I found you through Snickollet. I don't know you IRL, we are in different areas of the US.
Posted by: wanda | August 19, 2008 at 05:27 AM
I can't remember how I found you, but I've been reading a while. Take me with you!
Posted by: Mary Grace | August 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I have followed your blog for quite some time. I actually think I found it while Googling sites about disabilities. My niece and also a Great Nephew are physically disabled. I would love to be included in the group that is allowed to follow you to your new site!
Posted by: Janice | August 19, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Please take me with you! vsteck@gmail.com I have been reading for a long time and would love to continue!
Posted by: vanessa | August 19, 2008 at 03:45 PM
I originally found you through my sisters blog (brokenclay.org). I'm a mom of twins (5 yr old boys) and have always enjoyed reading your updates. Would love to continue!
Posted by: Annette | August 19, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Hi
I'd love to come, too.
I found your blog via Americanfamily.org and I've really enjoyed reading your blog over the years.
Take me, please.
Posted by: Marcia | August 19, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I can't remember how I found you ~ maybe through Snickollet? ~ but I know I've been reading for awhile, and I've read all your archives. Please, please, PLEASE take me with you! :) I don't know you IRL, and I promise I'm not all internet-stalkery. lol
Will wait to hear from you ~ looking forward to seeing your new digs!
Kim
Posted by: Kim | August 19, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Hi! I found your site some time ago on a blog aggregator called Deafread.com and I love it! I am from Michigan. You don't know me in real life. Sorry, I don't have a website. Please take me with you! Feel free to email me if you need more info.
Posted by: Katie | August 20, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Man oh man I hope I'm not too late. I don't remember how I found you but I read several twin blogs...Snickollet, Better Make It A Double, Holland & Eden (can't remember the blog name), many miles to go. It may have been thru one of them or it could have been Cecily at Uppercase Woman. I don't know you in real life but I will really miss you. Please take me with you.
chel
Posted by: Chel | August 20, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Take me too!
...
Okay that sounded a bit out of a bad romance novel, but the thought behind it still stands. I swear you don't know me (+4 creepiness) but I've been following you for ages. I think I came over here when you commented on Pandagon about the complicated nature of yours and D's health care. Anyway, good luck with the twins and all :)
Posted by: Alicia | August 21, 2008 at 04:36 AM
I would love to come along for the ride! I found your blog through Snickolett and I've been hooked since!
Posted by: Roopa | August 21, 2008 at 06:27 AM
You don't know me IRL but I have been reading for a long time. I find your writing interesting. I think I came over from snickolet
Posted by: Joan | August 21, 2008 at 10:38 AM