Hanging with Iron Man at the Charlotte Comic-Con

Last weekend, I had a chance to go to a major comic book convention.

 Since JJ had done so well in the second grade, his father and I decided to plan this outing for months.

JJ had a blast. Of course, he was dressed as Iron Man.

It was fun to see him so happy and to be able to talk with others who shared his passion.

All in all, it wasn't a bad way to spend a weekend.  His father has some problems with his foot. So I was the healthy one who walked around the very large facility many, many times. Plus, I got to the assistant to Iron Man. It is pretty good gig with lots of hugs and I love yous!

DAILY DOSE

1. Attending Comic Con with my son!
2. Having a three-day weekend!
3.Being healthy!

My weekend with my not-so-mini me

I had an awesome weekend with my son. I am tired today but it was so worth it. I am so glad I got a chance to spend time with him in my world.

The weekend started when I got the text that his aunt and him were getting on the road. It pretty much took everyone two hours to get to the spot. 

JJ has grown so much. He is only a couple of inches from being my height (which is 5”2).

I was worried that I wouldn’t have much to say or would be boring. I was worried over nothing. We talked about music, comic books and global warming. Yes, global warming.

By the time I got home, I was wore out. JJ had a second wind. He loved the apartment especially the stairs.

He went up and down them. He build contracptions to go down them. He watched tv from the stairs. He loved the stairs.

For a few days, I felt like a mom with the Disney channel on and toys all over the floor.

We ate breakfast for dinner and lunch for breakfast.

There were many visits to various places in Mount Olive that he didn’t remember. He thought it was cool that I lived in the same place where the first few years of his life happened.

And then, I had to take him back. Of course, JJ had a plan.

JJ—What happens if you forget to take me back? No one will notice.

ME—Your father will notice. There will be Amber Alerts and police breaking down the door.

So I took him back Sunday afternoon. We ate McDonalds on the drive back and sang songs. He was returned safe and sound.

And I returned home to a very quiet apartment. It is amazing the effect that one person has on a place. I miss waking up to his smile and greeting of “what adventure are we going to have today.”

So far, I accrued 26 hours of vacation time. I think I am going to use 24 hours of it in July so JJ can stay a little longer. Maybe, I can persuade his aunt to meet me halfway again so we can have more time together.

I miss him so much but I know I’ll see him soon. Plus, I have a feeling things are going to change soon. 

DAILY DOSE

1. I wrote 10 stories for this week's newspaper.

2. Orange soda can make things a little better.

3. Chocolate can make the rest better.

Shh!!! Can you keep a secret?

I am EXCITED!!!!

As most know, my husband and I are separated with him having custody of our son. Long story short, it stems from my issues with ED and other psych stuff. The estranged one has custody and I pretty much jump through hoops in order to see JJ. One hoop is visitation rules. If I want to see my son, I am the one who has to travel to see him. There is hardly ever an offer of meeting halfway. When I lived in RR, it was a five hour drive one way to see JJ. Now, it is only three hour drive.

One bright spot has been my sister-in-law, who has a best  that lives reasonable close to me. If SIL visits her, then I can travel about two and half hours and see JJ. It’s not ideal but it is nice of her.

Okay back to why I am so excited. I got a text from the estranged one that asked about my work hours for the weekend. I text them back to him. And while all of this texting was going on, I was watching JAWS’ theme music was playing in the background.

Turns out the SIL is planning to see the bff this weekend. It is not etched in stone but if she does, I can pick up JJ Friday afternoon and have him for the weekend in Pickleland. I am so happy. Cue “Happy” by Pharrell for a happy dance.  And since I have moved to Pickleland, the drive to best friend’s house is now only a hour and half. YAY!!!!!!

Lately, the estranged one has been easing up on me. It could be because he realizes I am doing well and continuing to stay healthy.  Or it could be because he got hurt at work a few months ago and now understands more about people having health and mental issues.

Don’t know but it has made the dynamic more interesting and bearable. We have always worked hard to be civil for the sake of the JJ. In the beginning, it was rough being away from my son. I have missed so many moments in his life. But as JJ has gotten older, he has gotten more vocal about wanting to see me. Being a reporter means my schedule is a little more flexible than most 9 to 5 jobs. So I am able to stay a long weekend here and there.

I hope this means that estranged one and I are turning a corner in all of this. I am looking forward to spending time with my son at my new home where I live. Like I said, it isn’t a done deal so I am hoping and praying everything works out.

I know all of my friends would love to see him and marvel at how much he has grown. That will have to be another visit. I’m going to be selfish and keep my Pookie Bear to myself. I’m not sure what we’ll do but whatever it is, we’ll do it together!

DAILY DOSE

1. A good cup of coffee

2. Looking forward to eating lunch

3. Hopefully seeing my son on Friday