NotesFromtheVoices

I went home for a long weekend with my guys. I miss them and they miss me but we are all adjusting just fine. They have settled into a routine. It was nice being at home but it made me realize what I already know. I have never fitted in there. The area is my hubby's terrority and I have always felt out of place. But here in RR, I feel right at home. It is hard to explain but RR feels so right. I have made the right decision. I didn't realized that I have so many shoes. I brought back some of my things back and all of my clothes. After unpacking my car, I watched the Sex and the City movie as I hung my clothes up and organized my shoes. I have only seen one episode of the show but the movie was okay. But it was a nice way to prepare for the upcoming week. I am getting the hang of working at a daily newspaper. However thank goodness, for the paper being a Tuesday through Friday and Sunday paper. It is hard but so worth all the work and stress. Daily Dose 1. The Sunday newspaper 2...

I have been working hard and working late so I have Friday off. I am going home to see my guys for the weekend. It is a major production to take time off and have your stuff done. But all the hard work is worth it. I have been doing good with staying on schedule eating. I have a routine. I like the structure of a routine. As a journalist, there are going to be events that involve food. Today was one of those days. The first was breakfast provided by the paper for the monthly mandatory meeting. I did rather well. I had a sausage biscuit, some fruit, some cheese and two slices of pound cake. I washed it down with some orange juice. Then I found out a few hours later, I had to attend a luncheon with some of movers and shakers. I still have issues eating with strangers. If I know you, I can deal. This is something I need to work on. I managed to eat okay but I could have done better. Daily Dose 1. Chelsea Lately seems to be funny show! 2. Taking life one step as a time!

One of my goals has to been to donate blood. When I relapsed hard about two years ago, my weight dropped which meant I couldn't donate. I don't have much in life but I feel I can do my part and donate. The newspaper where I work sponsored a blood drive. I've known about it for a week so I prepared myself for it. Today was the big day. I waited two hours in line. The nurse prick my finger to check my iron and said my iron was to low. It was 11.9. You need a 12.5. I was absolutely heartbroken. I really wanted to donate. I work on my iron count and go donate somewhere in two weeks. The old me would have dwelled on this and used it as an excuse to restrict. Today, I covered the trustee meeting at the commmunity college. While some find these things boring, it was quite fastinating. Plus I got a ton of story ideas out of one two hour meeting. And afterwards, they had mini Chick-filet sandwiches and fruit. I had nice little lunch that I washed down with some lemonade. I love the ...

Most of my co-workers look at me like I am insane when I say I live at a motel. To me, it is like living in a dorm room except you have no roommate. If you add up the monthly costs of rent, electricity, water/sewer and cable, those costs are the same for living at a motel. Plus I get cable and free internet access. My hubby and son aren't here so why do I need an apartment. We own a house. Most don't get it and some of my friends think I am nuts. This makes me happy and forces me to be neat and tidy. And at this particular motel, S cleans each room everyday and makes the bed. I told her she didn't have to make my bed but she insisted that it is a part of her routine. Brookwood is in the shape of a U so my neighbors are regulars like me. Everyone seems nice and friendly. I like it here. My boss likes my moxie and told me to live where I want to live. "And tell those who don't like it to get over it." I am not exhausted as I was last week. I am going to bed at a...

Since I have moved to start a new job, I decided to change things around a bit on NotesFromtheVoices. I think it looks pretty good. I used to the day organize my room and finish unpacking. It has been a nice relaxing day filled with music and reading. I miss my guys and talk to them a few times each day. It is an adjustment and I am handling it pretty good. Yesterday, I went shopping for healthy and affordable snacks. I got some trail mix, some chewy granola bars and some barbecue chips. I am sticking to my meal and snack routine well. I qualify for insurance in about 90 days. I am researching therapists in the area. For the most part, I am happy. I'll post some pictures of my room soon. Daily Dose 1. Keeping a routine and getting organized. 2. I got a library card. I feel connected to the world.

I am adjusting well to the daily newspaper schedule. I am doing stories that I have always dreamed of doing. I am tired but happy to be doing what I love. I miss my big guy and little guy. I try to talk to them after the morning deadline and a few times in the evening. My room is pretty cozy here. I have cable and internet access. However, there is a mirror. I have always felt mirrors were a trigger for me. But I am dealing with it. I try not to look in the mirror. The life of a journalist is hectic. I have to be at work at 7:30 a.m. I either eat a bowl of grits or a bowl of cereal while watching the Today show. Mid-morning-I eat a granola bar or some fruit. Depending on my assignments, I either eat lunch at my place or bring some to heat up and eat quick. I try to have mid-afternoon snack of Sun Chips, trail mix or dry cereal. Dinner is usually between 6 and 6:30 p.m. At night, I snack on whatever. During my workday, I drink water but once I get home I indulged in orange soda. Until ...

Today was my first day. It was amazing. I have missed working full-time. I am really going to like working here. As for living arrangements, I have decided to live at a motel. After adding up the monthly cost of renting a place along with water, cable, electricity and etc, it all added up to the same. I found a nice place and brokered a pretty sweet deal. Plus, I don't want a big place. I have a home and up here, I will be working. I am not sure what my beat will be but it doesn't matter because I am working full-time. Tonight, I am unpacking my car and straightening up the room. On Mondays, I have to be at work at 8:30 a.m. but Tuesday through Friday, it's 7 a.m. This means no Today show in the morning. But hey, I am working. Daily Dose 1. Having a supportive hubby and son! 2. I didn't get lost today!

It has been a crazy week but I am finally in RR. It is nice here. My hubby and son were unable to come up with me. The newspaper is putting me up for the weekend at a nice Sleep Inn. A beautiful room with hot shower, cable tv and a free USA Today. Life doesn't get any better than this. I met one of my co-workers who works in the sports department. We hit it off pretty good. While waiting we discussed two hot button issues--Michael Vick and Bernie Madoff. I think I am going to like it here a lot.

I have been busy trying to tie up some loose ends. I had group therapy for the final time today. I actually enjoyed going there. Tomorrow, I cover the final two things for my freelance job. My hubby and I head for the Rapids on Saturday. I have turned in all of my library books. It feels so weird to be leaving. While my son and hubby had a cartoon fest in the living room. I watched the Watchmen. It was good movie but deep. It show that even superheroes have flaws just like us regular folks. Once things settle down, I plan to go watch the Time Traveler's Wife. The book was amazing and the movie has one of my favorite actresses in it. I am looking forward to it. Daily Dose 1. Counting my blessings

My son is pretty smart for his age. We explained to him about the new job and the fact that I will be moving away. He took it well and asked what does it all mean? I explained that I will be working full-time writing but living almost five hours away. He will stay with Daddy and will be starting preschool in the fall. This made him happy because he is all about wanting to make new friends and teach other kids about dinosaurs and Spiderman. I will miss him and he will me. It is going to be so hard to be away from him. My hubby laughs at me tagging certain items in the house. These are the items that will go with me. We are going to Roanoke Rapids either tomorrow or Wednesday to find me a place to live. Money's tight but I think we will find something nice and safe. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. I have a job. And it will be doing something that I love doing. So there are lots of pluses and negatives for the move. Daily Dose 1. Air conditioning on a hot day. 2. Dumpster ...

On Thursday, my hubby, his niece, my nephew and JJ went for a day trip to the beach. It was fun but tiring. Two three year-olds and sand can lead to much fun. I took some great pictures of both boys. It was my nephew first time at the beach and he loved it. He yelled for the world to hear that “I love the beach.” On the drive back, both were sound asleep. They actually fell asleep before we left the parking spot. I am finishing up my stories for the freelance paper and trying to do some preliminary packing. Next week, I will head to Roanoke Rapids to find a place to live. It all seems to be happening so fast. And get this, I got a letter in the mail yesterday that said I got an extension on my unemployment for another 12 weeks. Things are good right now. While going through some boxes, I found the cd of my wedding photos. I posted the two photos of me as a princess. My son loves these pictures. He loves his mommy princess. Today is laundry day. There is so much to do but I am taking it...

After applying for 278 jobs and being the finalist for about 10 times, I GOT A JOB. Roanoke Rapids made me an offer and I accepted it. I will become a full-time reporter with benefits in about two weeks. It means moving and being away from my hubby and my son. I'm nervous but excited. So I have a lot to do in the meantime. Today, my hubby, his niece, JJ, my nephew and I are spending a day at the beach. Two three year-olds, lots of sugar, crankiness and humidity. The best combination ever. But seriously, we are having a good time. Happiness all around. Daily Dose 1. I GOT A JOB. 2. Did I mention that I GOT A JOB.

It has been a nice day. I think we are putting JJ either in a daycare or preschool setting this fall. So each day I pretend for a little bit that we are in a classroom setting with other kids. Of course, the other kids are dinosaurs, Curious George and a giant teddy bear. It's getting the point across about sitting in a circle and raising our hands. JJ enjoys it. We have learned a lot. I learned the proper words to the Hokey Pokey. I think he will do just fine. He is learning about family. Things like Uncle Mario (my brother) is my brother. And that my nephew Devyn is JJ's cousin. And that Memaw (my mother) is his grandmother but my mommy. We have talked about this in the past but I am trying to make sure he understands it. Still no news on the job front. I have a town council meeting tonight and a county council meeting and group therapy at tomorrow. So I am staying busy so I won't go crazy. Daily Dose 1. An ice cream cone on a hot and humid day. 2. Finding a cool shirt at...

Today, I filed my unemployment for the final time. Am I nervous? Yes. But I am optimistic about finding a job. Over the weekend, I sat down and made some plans. I am going to apply for some fast food jobs at Jack in the Box and Chick Filet. I also have some waitressing experience. Plus, there are some temp agencies. I am still applying for jobs and I have my freelance stuff. On Sunday, my hubby, my son and I spend the day together at home. It is rare that all three of us are at home at the same time. It was nice and rainy so we talked, played games, drew pictures and watch our favorite shows. My hubby cooked a nice meal. We don't get many family together moments like that so it was just nice to hang out in our house. JJ has developed a fondness for a certain guy who lives under the sea. Right now, on one half of my laptop, he is watching Bob while I work on the other half. I hate the waiting that is my life right now. I have found a possible therapist but don't want to do anyth...

I am now playing the waiting game. In a few days, I will know whether I will become a full-time reporter or head for the fast food route. The interview with the local paper went very well. She was very impressed with my clips and cover letter. I feel like a made a real connection with the editor. I was definitely there with my game face on. I really hope I get this job. I didn’t get the job in Cashiers. They hired someone else. Well at least I tried and I now know how to get to Cashiers and other places in between. I have updated the list of books I have been reading. Right now, I am reading two books at once. One is my bedroom book and the other is my out and about book that I read before interviews or at the doctor’s office. I have always kept a list of books I read during the year with notes. This year is different. I read a column earlier in the year that said a few years ago, former President George W. Bush read 40 books in last year. In 2006, he read 95 books and 51 in 2007. I a...