"Five Question Friday"

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up.

Questions for Friday, January 28th: (Special thanks to @bellismom, Jill,Nini, Colleen, and [inspiration from] Sandy for their question suggestions! I'd love to link you in a future 5QF, so if you have a question suggestion, head on over to my community to offer it up, or shout it out on Twitter [@5crookedhalos]!!)

1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?

 Oh gosh. Prob. the ADA (american diabetes association)-- As many people in my family have BOTH type 1 and type 2 diabetes. My mom and her sister both have type 1... My dad, uncle, aunt & BOTH Grandparents have type 2. My grandfather has type 2 but does a daily injection. Its a disease that needs a cure! 

2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?

Here in FL we have "hurricane days" but when I lived in PA we had snow days... they sucked. It meant that there was ALOT of snow on the ground/ or still falling. 

3. What talent did you wish you had and why? 

I wish I didn't have to study... like I wish I was naturally smart, thats considered a talent, right?! That would be great!

4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?

I watch the news like 4 times a day and I watch it while I am on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym.

5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)

Um I like anything sweet and fruity. I like long islands... I like anything w.vodka... Im easy to please. I am also great w.a good bottle of white wine. 

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"The Back Story & Why Im Making a List"

I have been a single mom since I was [only] 13 weeks pregnant.

When I was growing up, being raised by a wonderful single mom (yes, dad was in the picture) I would tell myself, "I will never get divorced". 


Fast Forward 17ish years and I am divorced.  Hah. 


I was in a bad relationship and pregnant. We I lost that baby around 11 weeks, (read the back story here). I say "I" because although I was in a relationship, I had only known him a very short time & had broken-up with him once. He didn't seem to care that I had lost the baby.


That alone should have been my sign. If I broke-up with you once, I did it for a reason. But I was scared of being alone and I had just lost, another, baby. 

About a month later I married him, at the courthouse, in a different county than I lived.


I now know, I married him, GD, b/c I was emotionally distraught, I had lost another baby, and no one seemed to care. I thought marrying him was the best option. 


I turned 21 shortly after we were married, and thats about the time his true colors shined through. I was supposed to go on a cruise with my family for my 21st, I was taking a friend with me. It was going to be epic, my mom had gotten the presidential suite for me, I was 21!! 


GD had threatened me, if I went he would not be there when I got home. But he had beaten me down, emotionally and mentally, enough that I stayed.

Less than a month later I learned I was pregnant, the same day, I decided I wanted an annulment. I had had enough. Since we had only "baby danced" once since my miscarriage in April, I knew that was the day I conceived.

Devastated that I could not get an annulment now, I felt stuck. FF from July to Oct. I come home from work for class, early afternoon and he was gone.

From that moment on I have been a single mom. We were divorced shortly after my daughter was born, well over 2 years ago.

He has never really been in the picture, It has taken time, but I believe we/she is better off.

I was in a new relationship with a friend turned more, M. After over 2 years with him, and an engagement, I ended things. I was not ready to marry someone who didn't trust my family and who could not make up his mind. He left me in FL in july to move back to PA. It should have never been an option.

The woman and her child whom he claimed to "Love" were in FL. FL should have been his only option, but it wasn't and with that I said no more.

PHEW! Thats a lot of info. 

What all that said, I have forgiven GD and I am over M.

I am ready to date again, cautiously.

Right around the time I made this decision, I read this by Single Mom Seeking. I loved her book and I love her blog.

I wish I would have seen her "List" in Nov 2008. I feel if I would have seen it I would not have stayed with M, for as long as I did.

I feel that its in my best interest (and my daughters) to make a "list". I have a lot to consider in this "list". Most importantly, my child.

I don't want to date someone, just to be with someone. I don't want to be in another bad relationship. I want "him", who ever he is, to have the qualities I am looking for.

I thought the "list" would be easy but, its not. I hope to have my list done and posted by Monday.

Single Mom or not, I recommend you make and then become your list. You only get out of something what you yourself put into it.

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"In Case You Live Under a Rock"

GB- 21 Chi- 14

TAKE THAT! 

Super Bowl Baby!!! 

WOOHOO!!!

Its about time. 

I am throwing the HUGEST party. Ever. 

Go! Pack! Go!

Thats all. 

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"Randoms"

-Apparently BeyBlades are the new "big thing". I think they are one of t he most annoying things. Ever. I don't get the big deal; they are spinning tops trying to "kill" the other tops.

-I can't stand bullies. I don't understand why bulling is so bad. Most of the time kids don't even realize they are being a bully, until you point out that they are being more than just "mean". 

-By third grade, 8/9 years old, kids should know how to clean-up after themselves. Or when you are done with one toy/game/etc. clean it up before moving onto something else. I should not have to constantly remind you to pick that up before getting something else out. 

-I should not have to ask you to be quiet more than once. I don't care if there are over 30 kids in the room. I should not have to yell or blow my whistle. It shouldn't come to that. 

-When I ask you to move your seat b/c you won't shutup stop talking to your buddies, during HW time, think twice before you roll your eyes at me. That is so disrespectful, start respecting me or I will talk to your mama. The End. 

-Why do kids find it necessary to argue about, EVERYTHING. I mean come on, get along already. 

-Cheating is ridiculous. Whether it be HW, a game, etc. Just don't do it. It will catch-up with you eventually.  

-Did I mention that I find beyblades so annoying?! Hah.

**I love job2, I really do, the last 2 days have been tough. My friend and coworker Heather, has been sick so I have had her little devils angels plus my 'angels'. It is also what is known as "grading week" its the last week before report cards and its only a 3 day week, so the teachers have not been giving homework. Great for the kids, hell for me. I enjoy HW time, I get to actually teach, but whatever. I guess I just expect so much out of my kids and the last few days have been out of the ordinary. Tomorrow we will be back to normal; Heather isn't sick anymore! Thank goodness. 

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"So Blessed"

I can't believe this is the year that my BABY will turn THREE.

That blows my mind.

I can't believe how much and how quick she is growing up. She amazes me multiple times daily.

Sometimes I just stare at her in amazement and wonder how I got so lucky. She is the reason I get up in the morning.

This past weekend was perfect. It this past weekend was a snapshot of how this year is going to go I am okay with that.

I mean it started out a little rough, with me thinking I was going to loose one of my implants. (you can read the back story here and here)  But I called my surgeon and went to see him Friday afternoon, turns out I just have an infection. A $40 RX and I should be okay. I saw him again today and will again in 2 weeks. He is being cautious. 


But Friday before all that drama happened, I went back to weight watchers. I want to loose 8-13lbs. Loosing 8lbs will get me back to "goal" and will put me back at "lifetime aka free" status at Weight Watchers. 13lbs will get me where I really want to be. That night E and I just relaxed and watched a movie. 


I never thought I would say this but I am getting used to being alone, I just curled up on the couch and watched some DVR. 


When/If I start dating again I am going to be so picky, almost to the point of ridiculous. Another post to come soon.


Saturday I got somethings around the house done, mainly the garage, I cleaned it out and organized. I met my fav mom/daughter duo for a lunch date and Target trip.

Our girls are bestfriends. It is so stinking cute. My kiddo is 11 months younger and totally looks up to her bff. While at Target we had one of those semi carts that have the doubleseats on them.

Well that was great for all of 15 minutes before they were fighting and arguing. They fight and argue like sisters.

So I hunted down an abandoned cart and we separated them. Oh lord, E freaked out so much you would have thought we beating her.

Thats when I/Mal (her bff) told her about "the surprise" that was coming Sunday.

ANIMAL KINGDOM!!!

Despite no nap (up to that point), her behavior shaped up. We came home took a nap & I finished the garage and this mama got ready for the GB and guess what?...

GREEN BAY DOMINATED...!!

E and I were blessed enough to be able to go to AK with our favorite family (aside from my own). 

While we were there E really opened up and blossomed. 

I should have known that something was going to be different; when that AM when she wanted to pick-out her own clothes.

It was the perfect day. 

[B; did not go, just hoped in the pic as he was holding Mal]

We had "Magic Moments" parking, which was literally right in front of the entrance to AK, we didn't need to take a trolly or anything. Amazing.  

The weather was beautiful. The girls were wonderful & got along great.

King Louie & Balou

"The Jungle Book" is one of my Fav. Disney movies. 

I was far more excited to 'meet' them than E was. 

She was actually scared.

We moved onto the safari 'ride'

That was great. we saw so many different types of Animals, so close. 

It was amazing.

I kept thinking "I am so blessed" "I am so lucky".

After Safari we went to The Lion King show... and thats when IT happened. 

E & Mal got to be a part of  the show. They got to go up and dance. I didn't think she would go, but off she went. I almost cried, I was happy and terrified. She loved it, she loves music and dancing so that was no surprise.

After that we went to "character row" I was NOT looking forward to this, as when she 'met' any other characters before she was always scared of them and I had to go up with her. 

Mickey was our first stop, followed by Minnie, Goofy & Donald.

And LOOK:

The sense of pride I felt when I saw her go up to the characters; ALONE, Is indescribable. I was so proud of her. I almost cried tears of joy.


I am so lucky to have such great people in my life.


This is one of those families that I just know will always be a part of my life. I love them all dearly. 


I had Monday off, thank you MLK. It was lazy but busy.

I took the trash down to the street while E and I were playing outside but while I was cooking dinner had a few pieces that I wanted to recycle, so I ran out the front door to take them to the street. I return and I AM LOCKED OUT.

E is laughing.

I was cold and damp from it drizzling. She finally let me in, as my mom pulled up with a spare key. haha.

We are doing great on the potty (minus AK) I am very excited with our success. I feel that by her birthday we will be pull-up and nightime diaper free. That is so exciting.

Over all it was a much needed relaxing, fun, blessed 3-day weekend.

I hope that this is the start to me getting back to blogging, at least 3 posts a week.

I Miss you all like crazy!

Is anyone still reading?

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"What Do You Do...?"

As most of you know I am an extended day teacher (job2). I have had them all (k-5),but deal mostly with 4th graders (9 and 10 y/o).

I love this job. I love the kids. I love the school-  The pay isn't great and there isn't any benefits b/c I am hourly and ext. gets very little respect from the staff/teachers but it's great 'practice' if you will and looks even better on my resume.

I am in a classroom with 16-18 4th graders, 5 days a week. We do homework (I usually have to re-teach it to them), I have a planned activity at least 2 days a week sometimes 3. The other days I let them free play. They need it. Their days are pretty rigid. The 4th grade team of teachers at the school I work at are awesome. They don't "teach to the test" but they are teaching what these kids need to know for FCAT. I am so impressed on a daily basis with them and they respect me and don't just treat me like a "babysitter".

But thats not why I am writing this, to rave about "my" school and job.

I want to talk about one of "my" kids.

He is a great kid. Very smart, but ALL boy. When I first started back in Early Oct. I was told that he was a bit of a problem child, but then again, at that time MY WHOLE CLASS WERE CHILDREN OF THE CORN PROBLEM CHILDREN.

After meeting him, we'll call him J, I had a feeling about him, but I know from working in child care that you never pre-judge children. Because 9/10 you are dead wrong. So I left well enough alone.

We had minor problems here and there but nothing that I couldn't handle. I wrote him up once or twice. Then things started escalating. You know its bad when mom seeing me walking towards her or gives her "the look" when she arrives to pick J up and she turns and walks the other way.

I hated being the bearer of bad news. I hated being THAT teacher, so I had a sit down with J. We talked about things and so did his mom and his behavior improved, almost overnight.

I was skeptical, but didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. It was lovely. I had peace in my classroom, well besides my only kindergartner, but thats for another time.

Christmas break came and he game me and the 5 other ext. day teachers a holiday mug and he was very cordial. He was like a changed boy. I loved it. Before he left on that Friday I said "J I hope this is the young man that returns in 2011" he smiled and assured me it would be.

Here we are 11 days, 2 (school) weeks into 2011 and THIS WEEK ALONE, he has 2 handed, pushed my only kindergartner into a very large, mud puddle, in front of the DEAN (I was so mortified) and kneed another boy in the private parts.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Mom and I had about a 20 minute convo today in the parking lot. I was already pinned out so I felt as if I could talk more freely with her. It was a good talk and I hope I get the sweet boy I know is in there back. If not I am going to have to move him out of my class, per my boss. I would hate to give my coworkers a problem child but it is what it is.

This job wares me out, mentally, emotionally and physically, b/c I love each and every one of, not only "my" kids, but the other kids too. If there is a problem I fret about it at home too. Like one of my girls told me that she hates going home b/c her mom constantly yells and doesn't respect her at all (this was after a talk I had about respect). I felt so bad for her. I hug her every chance I get. Another one was worried that when the new baby came she would not be loved anymore and forgotten, I reassured her that was NOT the case.

I think about these kids 24/7. I love them. This is how I know I chose the correct field to persue.

I just wish I would have realized this 7 years ago, when I first started school. But I am enjoying getting my Masters. I don't think I would have done as well 7 years ago.

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"Busy..."

I am finding myself wondering where all the hours in the day are going. I am insanely busy.

I miss bloging. Like crazy.

I am still reading, when I can. 

Work is crazy.

School is crazy.

My kid is crazy.

Stick with me and please be patient... 

I will get back in the blog swing of things very soon! 

I am going to leave you with this...

I am going to be doing this, this yr and already have a great start on it 10 days into 2011. 

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"Five Question Friday"

I took a week off from blogging & it felt great. I needed to get back into the swing of things (school, wk, keeping up the house), after 2 weeks off from work. But I missed blogging. 

I realized that this is kind of my de-stresser. I just finished up "30 Day Challenge" (day one) and I did a 2 day, 2 post 2010 wrap up. I do not have any challenges or anything lined up anytime soon. I plan to go back to just regular blog posts. Be patient with me while I am getting back into things. I also have to get many more hours shadowing and I student teach at the end of the year. 

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Everyone has been asking me, esp at job#1 (dental office) what my resolutions are... for  the first time since I can remember, I DON'T HAVE ANY. I didn't resolve to loose weight, although I would like to loose anywhere from 5-10lbs. I am not going to stress, It will come off when I get my ass back to the gym. I would like to live a healthier lifestyle and I am doing 50% better with that; Just changing what I cook for dinner has had a big impact. I would also like to get more sleep, I haven't done this yet. I have actually gotten less sleep than ever, this week. I didn't feel that any of these were resolution worthy these are basic lifestyle changes. 

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Most of you know the drill, by now... but just incase you are new to the blog, this is 5QF...

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them (duh!!), then watch LINK UP!! 

Questions for Friday, January 7th: (Special thanks to @mom2xover2002,@trooppetrie, Scott, Kate, and Leslie for their question suggestions! If you want to be linked in a future 5QF, c'mon over to my community and offer up your best question suggestions! Feel free to shout 'em out on Twitter too, use hashtag #5QF and tweet to me, @5crookedhalos!!)

1. What is your current favorite book, and why? 

I don't have one. I love my Kindle and I am in love with a particular author, Elin Hilderbrand. I have read all but 2 of her books. I am working on one right now. My goal is to finish the last 2 before her new one comes out in June. I also love N. Sparks and I have read all but his newest book, but I got it for Christmas. I am such a bookworm.

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly?

Haha! I do, and always have. I actually work in a dental office 3-days a week & I love it. Did I mention my stepdad is a dentist and my sister is in dental school at OSU.

3. What is your worst memory from High School?

 I enjoyed HS. I played sports, was on CG/WG, I was on the yearbook staff, on the editorial staff 2 of my 3 years. I had a good group of friends. I had a lot of surgeries while I was in HS, so I guess the recovery process was the worst, as I was miserable and at school sans painmeds. 

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life?

I hope I am remembered as a good mother, sister, wife (hopefully), daughter and teacher. I love being a mom, I love my sisters and mom. I hope to one day find the man that will complete my family, but I am in no rush. I will start teaching in Aug 2012 (pending I find a job) and hope I am remembered like I remember some of my elementary school teachers, for making a difference.

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions? 

No not really.

Now its your turn...LINK UP!! 

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli