tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19634875054723974832024-03-12T21:54:31.890-07:00A New MeI have changed the name on my blog! When I originally started to blog, I was just separating from my ex-husband. My life was in a major upheaval, and I needed an outlet to express my feelings. Now, I'm in a much better place. I still blog, only not as much as I was in the beginning. I'm in a new relationship, and I find that I am much happier in my life. Please continue to join me on my life's journey, as so much more is yet to come!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-26551746834105327132015-11-06T14:10:00.001-08:002015-11-06T14:10:49.116-08:00Setting Up A New HomeThis relocation has been difficult. It's never easy to move, but moving half way across the country is a whole other situation. When I moved to Arkansas, and then back to Maryland, it wasn't quite as bad. I think that's because we had professional movers. This time, we didn't. It was just us, and family and friends who were available to help us load and unload the truck. Add to that, a 4 day stop in Georgia, for Gam to work, and it makes for a LONG week.<br />
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Now that we're here, and all of the boxes are moved in, and furniture is set, it is taking me a long time to unpack the boxes. As a matter of fact, up until 2 days ago, I was still living out of suitcases and Thirty One bags. I just haven't had the energy to unpack everything. <br />
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It was also much more important to set up our kitchen. For the eight months before we rented this house, we were either living at Momma P's house or Jenna's house. It's difficult (to say the least) for two women to share a kitchen. So, I was really looking forward to having my own kitchen again. For that reason, the kitchen was my first priority. We had also gotten rid of so much stuff before we moved from the Maryland house to Momma's house, and then again, when we moved to Jenna's. So, we literally didn't even have condiments, salt, pepper, or butter. It was fun to purchase new dishes, glasses, and cookware. I'm enjoying that part. Gam was very happy when we unpacked the bread machine. He's missed bread! I think too much!<br />
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The guestroom is pretty much set up, we need to get a headboard for that bed. I'm using that room to get the other rooms unpacked. I'm looking forward to being able to fill it with guests! Gam's mom has said that she wants to come visit, and I can't wait for her to decide when! <br />
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We bought Gam a desk for his office, and set it up. It looks great! I have an appointment for the furniture consignment store to come and appraise the living room furniture, and maybe our bedroom furniture. Gam said that I can't have new furniture until I get this stuff taken care of. So, appointment was made! I can't wait to see what they have to say. <br />
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Gam's been traveling this week, leaving Libby and I home alone. He comes home tonight, and I'm looking forward to seeing him. I don't sleep well when he's away, and Libby misses him too. She'll be happy when I bring him home!<br />
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I hope that all of you are well. We're hanging in, and getting stuff done. Can't wait to start hanging pictures and my dry erase boards. Pictures make a house a home. Gam says we'll start that this weekend. <br />
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Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-5514685850705011672015-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:002015-10-15T12:38:26.100-07:00I'm BackIt has been a long time since I've posted on my blog. So much has changed in my life in the past 19 months that it's not even funny. I'd like to give a little update.<br />
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We have recently relocated to Texas, for Gam to take a new job. This week is a bit crazy, as we've been traveling since last week Thursday. We flew out of TX to go back home to PA to pick up our household goods, that we had been storing. We had a great weekend visiting with family and friends in PA. We then went to MD to pick up the truck, and load the few things that we stored in the New Market house. While we were loading up, we were able to see some of our neighbors there. I miss them! <br />
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We started our drive back to TX on Tuesday morning, early. We had to make a stop in GA, for Gam to teach a class, and will be here until Saturday morning. Then we start the trek back to TX. <br />
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We are very excited about going back to TX, as we have found a house, and will be setting up our first real home together. In the past 2.5 years, we've either lived in a place that was his, or mine, but never one that we picked out for ourselves. We, now, have done that. As most of our family and friends know, we downsized a lot. We got rid of furniture, dishes, pots and pans, and whole host of goods, so that we could build our home together. <br />
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The next couple of days will include unloading a truck, packing up and moving the stuff at Jenna's house, getting our dog, and motorcycle. We'll then have some shopping to do. I'm looking forward to all of this, in a strange way, and in another way, I'm dreading it. Moving and relocating is stressful!<br />
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While Gam is busy working, I've been taking the time to re-organize my lists, so that we can fully stock a kitchen. It sort of freaked me out to realize that we didn't even have salt, pepper, or condiments! We are starting over from practically nothing. The good news is that we get to pick out new dishes, new pots and pans, and new glasses! We have to purchase shower curtains, as we've had shower doors in the past couple of years! I'm excited about decorating our new place, and plan on doing so bit by bit. <br />
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Our new house is perfect for us, It has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 1 car garage. We needed the garage for Gam's motorcycles. So many apartments and houses that we looked at didn't have a garage, or it put us out of our housing budget. There is no carpet in this house, and it's all ceramic flooring. I think it's beautiful. We are hoping that Libby will be able to deal with it. Three bedrooms gives me a dedicated guest room, and an office area for Gam. He really needs that area, to work on college classes as well as having the dedicated place to work from home, should he need to do so. <br />
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I'm looking forward to getting everything unpacked. It's going to be like Christmas for me! I haven't seen most of our stuff for 6 months, and I've missed our photos (yes, the photo wall will be going up), our books, our movies, and a whole host of other knick-knacks that make a house a home. <br />
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Gam's new job entails a good bit of travel. We're excited about this too, as I will be able to tag along with him. Since we have family and friends all over the country, this allows me to keep in touch better, plus we'll get to see a lot of our country, and maybe some other countries. <br />
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I'm looking forward, also, to be able to write in my blog more often. I've missed being able to do so, but I truly hate doing it when I only have my phone available for internet use. A laptop makes a huge difference. I hope that you'll continue to follow me.<br />
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<br />Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-48435625073444977182014-10-26T13:33:00.000-07:002014-10-26T13:33:17.431-07:00Blog Name Change!I've changed the name of the blog! It was necessary! As you all know, I've been in a relationship for the past 19 months. GB is an amazing man, and I don't want people to think that I'm single anymore. I haven't been for quite some time. However, until today, I couldn't figure out HOW to change the name of my blog! HA! I'm a bit computer illiterate, so please bear with me as I figure this out!<br />
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There will be more to come, in our lives together, and as I am able to share information, I will. Please continue to think about us, and pray for us, as some big life changes are in play at this time..Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-84340097585655471462014-10-26T13:14:00.000-07:002014-10-26T13:14:28.215-07:00ProductiveToday, I am feeling very productive. Seriously, though, for me, productive days like this are pretty few and far between. I've made bread, and just took it out of the oven, dinner is simmering on the stove, laundry is in progress, and I've submitted my first party for my new Thirty One business. I'm excited about the new business! I haven't done anything like this in a long time. However, as much as I purchase Thirty One Products, I may as well sell them. Libby even has her own 31 bag, with her name on it! HA! <br />
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Gam is watching football and NASCAR! It makes him happy, even if I don't quite understand NASCAR. It just looks like all they do is make left turns to me. I think he likes the crashes, although, Joey Lagano is the driver he hates the most, so if Lagano gets hit, he's even happier! HA HA! <br />
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Libby's been limping lately, and favoring her right front paw. We can't see anything, the vet can't see anything wrong with her either, so she has a pain medication. The dog is silly,l though, as she will run like crazy down to the fence line to bark at the neighbor's dogs, and when her daddy yells at her, she holds up that paw, and the limps over. Drama Queen! She cracks us up these days. There is just something about dogs that make me happy. Hopefully, we'll be able to add another one to our family soon.<br />
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With the weather and temperature changes, my body is not very happy. Rain and cold make me miserable, and my back pain is pretty high. I'm still maintaining my health's status quo, and so am good, just chronic pain issues. I've dealt with those symptoms for so long, that extra pain, during the Fall and Spring tend to surprise me, as the pain can reach such high levels now. <br />
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Hoping that my readers (the few of you who read my blog) are doing well!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-4333560281276223232014-10-03T09:55:00.000-07:002014-10-03T09:55:41.795-07:00What a difference a year makes!I have uploaded the TimeHop app to my phone. It's a cool little app that shows statuses and photos that I posted to Facebook on a given day, in the years past. I enjoy being able to look back and see where I've been. This past week has had some interesting posts. <br />
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As I look back, I realize that GB and I have been in the Frederick house for a full year. This time last year, we were doing the major house cleaning. A year ago, I posted here about the Great House Clean-Up of 2013. WOW! <br />
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I fully remember the frustration of cleaning this house. The five full days of cleaning the kitchen, the 2 full days on just scrubbing out a bathtub. I'm amazed at how much we've done, and how much we accomplished in two short weeks. The house still looks great, and we finally have the basement in some semblance of order. Just 2 room left to clean out, and deliver boxes to rightful owners. <br />
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This year, we're looking at possible moves out of state, due to GB's job hunt. We're not exactly sure where yet, but we've got a good idea. When we know for sure, I'll post it. If you pray, please pray for guidance for us, as we have a pretty big decision to make. <br />
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I've started a 31 business, and since I'm crazy about bags and organization, this is right up my alley. It's also a portable business, so that helps. It'll get me out of the house on occasion, and allow for me to make friends wherever we're going. <br />
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So, all of this to say, that GB is still a wonderful leader, he challenges me to take the high road, even when it's REALLY difficult for me to do so. The past week's TimeHop have reminded me of this, and of how much he does love me, and wants what's best for our relationship. I'd follow this man anywhere.Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-71246735613678945812014-08-27T09:03:00.002-07:002014-08-27T09:03:53.275-07:00Busyness!Busyness! <br />
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I just looked through our calendar for the month of September! Goodness, we've got something going on every weekend. With Labor Day starting it off with a cook-out at Momma P's house, my birthday on the Second, Gam's retirement party on the 13th, Ally's house warming party on the 20th, and then family reunion the last Saturday of the month. <br />
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For the retirement party, we have people coming in from all over the place. I'm so excited about it, and can't wait! I think that it's going to be a good time, with a good turn out. <br />
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I hope that all of you, who read this, are also having busy days. I find that the busyness is a good thing. It keeps things in perspective, and allows for time to socialize. I just have to remember to make time for Gam and me, and to be available for that time. <br />
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I love how our relationship is progressing, and how we work together for our relationship. We've been together for 17 months, now, and have lived together for almost a year. We're not in a place where we're putting too much pressure on each other, and are really enjoying this time, of semi-retirement. I am going to miss him a lot when he goes back to work. It's been great having him home full time right now. It gives me a glimpse of what things could be like when he does fully retire. It's a good glimpse. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-57914491642153987452014-08-25T11:50:00.001-07:002014-08-25T11:50:45.643-07:00Almost A YearToday, as I sit at my computer to write a quick post, I find that a few things are going through my mind. First off, today is the first day of school for most of MD. I'm missing that, since my kids are now all grown and out of the house. I really miss doing the back-to-school shopping. I know, it's a geeky thing, but, truly, I loved that! There's just something about new folders, clean sheets of paper, brand new spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, and the rest of the trappings. Maybe I should just go out and pick up a couple of things, it might make the longing fade a bit. <br />
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Another thing on my mind today, is my furry baby, Liberty Ann (Libby). She's going to be 9 in a couple of weeks, and her last vet visit proved that she's aging. She's now termed a senior citizen, and fortunately, SHE doesn't know that. She's been limping on a rear leg for a few months, as of now, it seems to be ok, and the doc has given her a pain med, to use as she needs it. She still runs after her stick as though she was a puppy. All of her blood work came back normal, and she's back on her heartworm medication. She'll get her boosters for Lyme and whatever else she needs soon, as she had had a tummy issue a couple of weeks ago.<br />
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GB and I have been in the house in Frederick for almost a year. A lot has happened in that year. It's interesting to look back and see where we've been, and then to look forward and watch where we're going. The house has held a lot of company in the past 11 months, and we plan on continuing to fill it up as often as possible. He and I are going strong, and for those who keep asking: we're not getting married any time soon. We're not even discussing it. We're very happy with our relationship at this point, and don't see any need to change that.<br />
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Hope that my readers are doing as well as we are. I've missed writing here.Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-55261987577092359082014-04-16T11:03:00.001-07:002014-04-16T11:03:36.373-07:00SPRING?As most of you know, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE snow! Now that I've said that, I'm of the thought process that April is NOT the month for it! We had a light dusting last night. I was quite spoiled by the 3 days of lovely Spring weather this past weekend, and I want it back. I'm tired of being cold, and I'm ready for the warmer weather. Notice that I didn't say HOT and HUMID weather, just the warmer weather! As much as I like having 4 distinct seasons, I don't normally like to have them all in less than 24 hours! <br />
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I'm very much looking forward to hanging out on the deck, enjoying company of friends and family, riding the motorcycle, swimming in the lake and the pools. Our community has a lot to offer, and I'm very much looking forward to checking it all out! Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-31120191296889529992014-03-08T10:40:00.002-08:002014-03-08T10:40:55.154-08:00Looking Back and Looking ForwardFor the past couple of days, I have been a bit introspective. I've been running down memory lane a bit, but not the good memories. I decided to go back and read my blog from the beginning. I'm quite startled by reading it, as I guess I didn't realize that I was really that broken.<div>
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You see, I chose to start this blog when I was separating from my ex-husband, and I used it to tune into myself, to look at where I was making mistakes. I wanted to make myself a better me. I think that I've accomplished that, being better, although there is always room to improve. I still use my blog to look inward, to see where I am, and to figure out where I want to go. Moving forward seems to be the catch phrase these days. Even if those moving steps are baby steps, at least it's forward momentum. </div>
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I'm also thankful to those of you who have come on this journey with me, the journey to find who I was, who I wanted to be, and why I was the way that I was. For those of you who were there in the day-to-day, I cannot even begin to express how much your support and love have meant to me. For those of you who read my blog, and silently applaud my successes, sigh at my failures, I thank you too, for being there, for allowing me to explore those deep and dark thoughts in my brain without being judgmental. It's been through your support that I've been able to move forward. I know this, and I hope that you do too.</div>
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Looking forward is a good thing. I'm looking forward to what life will bring me next. I am going to embrace it all, and take it as it comes without being so "hyped up" about it. It's been good for me to take the high road, even though at times, it's felt stifling...it was still the best thing to do.</div>
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I love that GB stands behind me, and encourages me to do the right thing, to be who I am supposed to be, and loves me through all of this. Thank you, especially to him, for loving me, in the way that he loves me. </div>
Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-44024648816965546332014-03-05T12:05:00.001-08:002014-03-05T12:05:43.248-08:00Writing Up My RecipesFor the most part, I cook from recipes that I grew up with, or was taught by friends and room-mates along the way. None of these have ever been written down, as I have a really good memory. So, when my daughter's new Mother-In-Love asked me to send her my recipes, I had a bit of a panic! <br />
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There has only been one time in which someone asked for one of my recipes, and God Love Her, she had to come to my house, and watch me cook it, while writing it all down. This recipe has now become one of her family's favorites, as it is with my family. It's a chicken curry, of sorts. Not a real Curry Recipe, but one that I adapted, after living with a Pakistani woman when I was about 22 years old. Needless to say, this has been in my cooking repertoire for years! It is also the WORST recipe to have to write out, because it is truly one of those: "shake of this, shake of that" type of recipe. I just hope that Shayna will be able to figure it out, as I know she will, because she has cooked this meal with me, many times, and has acted as my Sous Chef for making it. She'll understand it, because she grew up with it. Hopefully, she'll be able to teach her future children how to make it, and the recipe will live on.<br />
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Along with that recipe, I have sent my recipes for Lasagna, Stuffed Shells, Sausage and Peppers, Potato Salad, Crab Dip, Crab Cakes, and many more. I even gave instructions on how I serve each meal, what kind of bread or salad, or vegetable that I serve with each main course. These recipes have fed my family for many years, and for the most part, they are all loved by each of my kids, and I'm happy to now have a record of them, written down, for all of them, should they request them.<br />
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So, I have done what was asked, and I sure do hope that my daughter will love and cherish this Family Cookbook, as it not only includes my recipes, but those of her new Mother-In-Love, her Grammy P, and her daddy's girlfriend. It's been a labor of love that has taken many days to get my recipes typed up and e-mailed to Dottie! I hope that our kids really enjoy the recipes, and use the frequently. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-70222476010375678872014-02-27T11:48:00.001-08:002014-02-27T11:48:07.667-08:00Illness has hit our house, full forceMost of the cold and flu season, GB and I have been able to stay away from almost all of it. Unfortunately, in the past couple of weeks, he has brought home a stomach virus, and now, some kind of icky flu-type illness. Since he rarely gets sick, this latest one concerned me that most. Poor man was running a very high fever, for quite a few hours, and slept like a fiend all day yesterday. Every time he would wake up, I was making sure that he drank fluids, OJ seemed to be the best one for him, kept him medicated, and checked his temp. <br />
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He's still sleeping today, and complaining (not too bad, mind you) that his joints and muscles are really achy. I think he was hallucinating a little bit yesterday, as he kept saying a little red-headed demon was poking him in the hip with a pitch-fork. Who knows, but it was a bit amusing! :-) <br />
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I just have to say that this last bout really scared me. He's not been this sick in our relationship, and it was a bit scary, as he's just a strong man. <br />
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Now, I am hoping and praying that I don't get it. I'm never fun when I'm sick, and God help us if he has to take care of me! Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-81165195998284167022014-02-26T12:35:00.000-08:002014-02-26T12:35:21.579-08:00Some other stuff on my mindIn light of all of the new National Guard photos that are surfacing with "soldiers" acting in less than honorable ways while in uniforms, I have a lot to say about this. First off, even if I have NEVER worn that uniform, I have a right to speak my opinion on what happens when someone acts stupidly while wearing it. I am a United States Citizen, and it's our tax money that pays those salaries, and buys those uniforms. <br />
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For the Air Guard girl who thinks it's ok to tongue kiss a POW MIA flag, and then post the photo on Instagram, I say that you need to re-evaluate your being in our military! You have no right to wear it, as you will dishonor not just the uniform that you wear, and the oath that you took, and you have NO clue as to what that flag represents.<br />
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For the Wisconsin NG girl who posted photos of her Honor Guard class standing around an, albeit empty, casket draped with an American Flag, in a joking manner, while wearing your uniforms, and then posting that on Instagram, and then while in your Honor Guard uniform, on the way to a cemetery for an actual funeral, with an incorrectly folded flag behind your head, complaining about the cold and having to do a burial service outside, and then stating that someone was going to get a jacked up flag because it inconvenienced you: I say GROW UP, and SHUT UP! The Honor Guard is a volunteer position, and it's an honor to serve on it. It is NOT an inconvenience to you. As someone who has worked in the Cemetery Industry, I can say that I have personally stood outside in the snow, the rain, the heat and humidity, the freezing rain, and the sun, to help a family bury their loved one, and many veterans to boot. You need to be dishonorably discharged. I no longer wish to pay for your salary.<br />
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To the newest young woman who posted a photograph of herself, while in Uniform, working at Ft. Carson, as FULL TIME Army, with a caption that talked about hiding from the flag lowering at 1700 hours, and complaining about it, you have a lot to learn.<br />
<br />What surprises me that so many people will come to their defense, including a superior officer, Non-com, but either way, a member of these soldiers chain of command. I get that it's stressful to be in the military, I get it that it's no fun to stand at attention and honor our dead soldiers, veterans, and their families, I get that having to stand at attention for 2.5 minutes, twice a day, every day might just get old, however, when you sign up, VOLUNTARILY to join a military organization, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, you sign a piece of paper that states that you will honor your branch, our flag, and our country! <br />
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I also get it that some of you are young, and maybe just don't know any better, and that people make mistakes, however, most of us are not stupid enough to post them on social media, where the whole world can see us. Most of us aren't wearing the uniform of our country's military either, and most of us have a clue that everyone would go freaking crazy in seeing that kind of dishonor to our country! <br />
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Chain of Command needs to change, it is obvious that leadership in the military is slipping when these young "soldiers" are allowed to act in that manner, and are not taught any better. Maybe a couple of days on Military Manners is in order for every recruit during boot camp! I don't know, but I think that they need to face some severe consequences over these actions.Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-8340906232748551322014-02-25T11:41:00.001-08:002014-02-25T11:41:16.955-08:00Been on my mind latelySo, I haven't blogged much about me lately, as there's been so much else going on in my little world. I still have deep thoughts, don't worry! The past couple of days, it's been very heavy on my mind that there are extreme feelings about how relationships between men and woman are "supposed" to go. I mean, every relationship is different, and each couple must negotiate their relationships all the time, but when someone has different views on relationships that someone else does, it seems that it's ok to verbally or to use the internet to attack the opposing view, rather then opening up the mind and trying to understand where the other person comes from in their viewpoint.<br />
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Case in point: Submission in a relationship. Point blank INCENDIARY discussion. It is something that causes some women to become so very enraged, that they'll go to any length to just insult and attack the woman with a differing view! Happened to me just the other day, and I'm still frustrated about it.<br />
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So, if I believe that submitting to my man is what I'm supposed to do in my relationship, aside from the religious aspects of it, then that's my right to do so, right? Well, not so fast, other women seem to get unbelievably offended by that statement. It amazes me how vehemently they act on this one topic. So, let's talk about it, in an open, and kind manner.<br />
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What I have learned over the past few years is that men equate respect with love. Therefore, it goes to follow that if I respect my man, he feels loved by me. It's no surprise that men and women are different from each other, and thank goodness for it, but for women to feel respected in their relationships, they have to feel loved. It's DIFFERENT. Not right, not wrong, just different! <br />
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So, if GB has to make a big decision that will affect the both of us as a couple, doesn't it make sense for me to voice my opinion and thoughts on the matter at hand? And if he loves me, as he says he does, doesn't it make sense for him to WANT my opinion and thoughts? Of course it does! It's part of the partnership, right? Ok, but not so fast, see, I also believe that the final decision is his. It's his decision on how we spend our money, as he is the larger bread-winner, and yet, my opinion counts, it's his decision on how we spend our vacation time, and yet, my opinion counts, and it's HIS decision, as in the end, he is the one who will have to answer for it in the end. That's how I see it. If you don't agree with me, that's ok, just do me a favor, and don't expect me to change my mind on this, don't try to curse at me, or get frustrated with me because I don't agree with you. <br />
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This doesn't make me "dependent" on a man, it makes me a valuable part of my relationship with my man, it makes me the Queen, and most people forget that the Queen is the most powerful piece on the chessboard, why? Because the Queen protects the King! My submission to my man is a gift, that I give to HIM, not to every man. Trust me, I am a strong woman, very strong, and pretty stubborn too. Matter of fact, I made sure that my man knew just what he was getting into with me, as I'm a red-head, and I have attitude. I like things to be my way, and that just always can't happen. <br />
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Submission does not make me stupid, it does not make me weak. As a matter of fact, I believe that it makes me smarter, wiser, and stronger. Because now, I am a part of a team, and a team is strong. Army strong!<br />
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OK, rant over! Back to your regularly scheduled programming!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-32843303891338570932014-02-20T09:39:00.000-08:002014-02-20T09:39:39.432-08:00My Daughter Is Now A Married WomanI can now say that my daughter is a married woman. It still feels a little strange to say that, and to hear her call Tim, her husband! I'm thrilled that they are married. All of the hard work to make this wedding come together for them was successful. That makes me happy! There were times in the last 7 weeks that I wasn't sure that it would all come together, and now that the ceremony has taken place, the cake has been cut, and the bouquet has been thrown, I can take a minute and look back at everything. <br />
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Even with a huge amount of snow the day before, we had a beautiful day! 18 inches of snow on the ground also enhanced the beauty of the photos that were taken. The kids will have an awesome memory of that. GB and Pap had to run out the morning of the wedding to pick up the cake, and pick up some of our guests, as the snow didn't allow for us to be able to park everyone close to the house. The grooms parents made it to the ceremony with no troubles. Shayna looked stunning! I can't get over how pretty she was as a bride, and how much her face shone when she saw her groom on that day. The look on his face was priceless. I usually always watch the groom, as the bride is walking down the aisle, as that look, when he first sees her is amazing, but this wedding, I was too busy watching my daughter walk towards the man she loves. I needed to capture every memory that I could. Fortunately, GB caught the look on Tim's face in a photograph, and that will suffice!<br />
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My house was full of the people that we love and who love my daughter. There were a few people missing, and their not being there was felt, but we know that the weather didn't cooperate, and new jobs, or distance prevented their attendance. Just know that we missed y'all being here and that we love you!<br />
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Now, we are able to get the ball rolling on the kids moving to Ft. Meade, and to get their household built. They don't have a whole lot of anything, but they'll build it, just like we all did. I forgot how expensive it was to buy the household staples all at once! Things like sugar, flour, condiments, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and so on! They'll do just fine!<br />
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Congratulations Babies! I love you!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-48851627723355506582014-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:002014-02-10T12:14:37.726-08:00Open Letter To My Daughter Before She MarriesDearest Shayna:<br />
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There are so many things that I want to tell you before you get married. You are embarking on a new journey in your life, and I couldn't be more proud of you and happy for you! I love you very much, and know that you will be a fantastic wife. <br />
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A couple of notes of advice for you:<br />
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1.) Allow your husband to lead you in your marriage. Let him know how much you trust him to lead you and lead your family. He needs to hear that often.<br />
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2.) Appreciate everything that he does for you and your family. Let him know how much you appreciate his efforts. He works hard to provide for you, and needs your encouragement.<br />
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3.) Tell him how much you love him, how handsome he is, and be his soft place to fall. He will come home from work cranky, it happens, allow him the time he needs to vent, and help him to make the hard decisions.<br />
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4.) Remember that he will come home from work cranky, it happens. Be his soft place to fall and allow him to vent to you, when he has problems. Be the voice of reason, and help him to make the correct decisions.<br />
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5.) Keep others out of your relationship. This includes me. If you are fighting with him, you need to fix it. Be the hero in your relationship. <br />
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6.) Always be your beautiful self! You, my dear daughter, are an amazing human being. You are loving and caring, and logical. You have a good head on your shoulders, and know how to use it. <br />
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7.) Never forget that there are those of us who love you and will support your marriage. We want you to be successful! <br />
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Remember that you are enough, that you are enough, that you are ENOUGH! You will make mistakes, we all do, but when you do, own up to them, and do better. <br />
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Remember that I will cry on your wedding day. Not because I am unhappy or sad, but because I know that you are wonderful, and I'm giving you to your husband, as your own woman. I will be remembering the day that you were born, your first words, your first steps, your first day of school, your first day of high school, your funny self, all of the memories (good and bad) that we have shared, and I'll be amazed by who you are and thankful and honored that I had the good fortune to be your mother. <br />
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I love you so very much!<br />
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Momma!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-31663088447372284412014-02-06T10:45:00.001-08:002014-02-06T10:45:10.597-08:00A Daughter is getting marriedHey there y'all! Big news in our lives these days. My daughter is getting married! OMGOSH! This is the second wedding in less than 12 months for our family. My son, Andrew, was married last June, and now, Shayna is getting married on Valentine's Day. <br />
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Planning a small wedding for my daughter has been overwhelming to say the least. We are hosting the ceremony and small luncheon at our house! That means a lot of planning, moving furniture, hosting guests, and cleaning our home! Not that house isn't clean, it just needs to be straightened up a bit, and sheets changed in the guest rooms, and cleaning of bathrooms. Thankfully, we have the space for all of this.<br />
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Yesterday was spent making salt-dough ornaments for her favors, and they turned out really cute. I'm doing the finishing touches on them today. Tomorrow, I will be able to go figure out which furniture needs to be moved, where I'm getting the wedding cake, and how much I need to spend on food. WHEW! It's a lot!<br />
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I'm still freaking out a bit over the whole "My Daughter Is Getting Married" thing. When did I get OLD enough to have a daughter who is ready to be married? All I did was blink my eyes and now, she's a grown up! How did that happen? When did it happen? She's still in diapers and needs me for everything! Now, she is ready to form her own family! Tomorrow, I will post some advice that I want to make sure that I give her. It's still crazy to believe that she's getting married!<br />
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<br />Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-16519780872981119012013-12-29T11:22:00.001-08:002013-12-29T11:22:48.958-08:002013 is endingHello all of my readers:<br />
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As 2013 comes to a close, I want to re-cap a bit about my life, and how I've done this year. All in all, it's been a pretty good year. It started off a bit rocky, as my divorce went final at the end of 2012, and I was still a bit depressed about that. <br />
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During the 2 years that the ex and I were separated, I was able to do a lot of self-exploration, and figure out who I was, without the trappings of full time mother and full time wife. Going through my mind, and my vision of myself, there was a lot of growing and changing to do. I had to re-evaluate who I was as a human being, and where I wanted to go.<br />
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2013 was the year that I got a lot of my crap together, and figured out what I wanted. Not what others wanted for me, or what I thought would make other people happy with me, or what I thought they wanted from me. It was a year of deciding that what I wanted for my life mattered, who I wanted to be mattered, what others thought of me didn't.<br />
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So, I got myself out of the depression with a lot of hard work, got to working full time, started a new business venture, and a new love life. 2013 saw me starting my new life. I worked at a cemetery, and loved my job there, met a man, traveled to Arkansas for my second son's wedding, traveled to Hawaii to visit my sister-from-another-mister and her family, moved to Frederick, started a new job at a restaurant, and spent the holidays with the new man, and my family.<br />
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Our house, here in Frederick, has shaped up and looks great. We still haven't finished the basement, but we'll get to that soon enough. Christmas has been celebrated, and the New Year is soon to come. My daughter will turn 21 on New Year's Eve, and we'll have some company that day! Can't wait. <br />
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2014 should be a good year. I'm still looking for full time work, and am going to look into some of the cemeteries near here, but I like the part time job. <br />
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I wish all of you the best of everything in 2014. Thanks for reading my posts. It's great to know that y'all are there. <br />
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Good Bye 2013!!!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-76975437092686433282013-11-05T13:05:00.000-08:002013-11-05T13:05:19.726-08:00What If?????For the past couple of days, I've been thinking about the words: "What If". Two simple words; what and if, however; when put together to form a question, they're pretty powerful words. The problem with those two words is that there's never really an answer to them. Yesterday was a rough day, and my daughter keeps asking herself this question of "what if I hadn't been in the shower and had answered my phone that awful day two years ago"? I cannot answer that question for her and know that to try to answer it would be foolish.<br />
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I tend to ask myself the same question, over and over about various things. What if I didn't get depressed, what if I was a different person, what if, what if, what if? I think that those two words can lead me off into a totally different world of regrets, admonishments, and self-loathing. So, what if I hadn't made all of the decions that I have made in my 47 years on this planet? I'm going to answer it today. I would not be the person that I am, I would have the knowledge that I have acquired, and I wouldn't have the people who are a big part of my life. So, what if seems to me to be a big reason for my own depression. I choose to live without regrets and I choose to live a happier life. I choose to be thankful. To hell with "What If"!!!!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-68862806938973007752013-11-04T11:15:00.000-08:002013-11-04T11:15:51.399-08:00Past and PresentToday is a day of memories. It is the 2 year anniversary of the passing of my daughter's best friend, and I am grieving his loss as well. It doesn't seem as though he's been gone this long, and then other days, it feels like forever. It is so difficult to watch my daughter grieve as well. She's having a rough day, that started last night, and has been spending the day with me. I think about wanting to take the pain away from her, but then I think that she can't grown and learn unless she goes through the pain. <br />
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Also, October 31 marked the 1 year anniversary of my divorce. What a difference a year makes. WOW, is about all I can say. This time last year, I was feeling really sad and was still depressed. Now, I'm in such a better place. I've grown a lot in the past year. I've discovered that I am happy with myself, with who I am, who I struggled to become, and where I am going in my life.<br />
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I find that once I got myself together, other areas of my life started to come together as well. I'm now in a healthy relationship, with a man who loves me, and wants to build a life with me. We live in a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, where I feel safe. There have been some struggles, and we will have struggles, but we haven't turned on each other, or away from each other. We know that there will always be people who don't agree or appreciate where we are, but then again, there are those who love and support us too. So, life is good.<br />
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Even in the memories, I am content, and isn't that what we all want?Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-34463015844791025222013-10-22T15:07:00.001-07:002013-10-22T15:07:58.375-07:00New LifeAs I sit here this afternoon, I have to say that I've had some interesting thoughts. While this move has been a good thing for me, and for my relationship, it has come at a price. <br />
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I am really missing my Momma P, my Pap, Rachel, and Abby today. I'm used to being surrounded by friends and family. I miss being able to walk up the stairs and have mom and pappy, or Rachel there to talk to, and I miss walking out onto the front porch, and having Abby there to talk to. <br />
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The house is beautiful, and I am sitting in the family room right now, looking at the photo wall that Boyfriend and I created, and am thinking about every person on the walls, even the ones that I don't know, and I think that these are the people with whom we have shared our lives. We're combining our lives now, and for the most part, we've introduced the other partner to our "important" people. There are some who won't be introduced any time soon, and that is by their choice. I can't help but feel sad about that, but it is not my place to step in, either. It has to be done in their time. I'm patient. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-76913279145861602402013-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:002013-10-21T12:52:00.660-07:00Day To DayWe're settling into the day to day routine of living in the new house. I think that I've been a bit spoiled by the government shut-down. While it was a stressful time for us, it happened at a good time for us as well. The schedule in the past couple of months have allowed us the time to spend together. After my 10 days in Hawaii, he was on leave, then spent one day at the office, had 5 days in VA for a class (where I had the time to go down with him for a few days), and then we moved, and he had one day at the office again, and then the shut-down. So, basically, he's been able to be home with me for the past 2 months. I've loved every minute of it. The shut-down happened at a good time, at least for the ability for us to get a lot of work done in the new house. <br />
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Today is his first day back at the office and I find myself feeling a bit lonely. I've had time to clean up a bit, just basic house cleaning, and to crochet, which I haven't had time to do, and I miss crocheting this time of year. I have a new cross stitch to get ready to work on, and a couple of other crafts that I want to get to, and I'm pretty good company. But, today, it's just weird that he's not here today. Even the dog is missing him. Sigh...<br />
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I'll get used to being here on my own, and I'll start looking for a job here shortly, but right now, there's need to be home, and to take care of the house, and getting Libby used to being here. She's doing pretty well. She's making "friends" with the other dogs in the neighborhood. Two of the dogs are quite friendly with her, and one of them, actually will bark for her if she's not outside. When I let her out, and he's not outside, she'll sit by his fence and whine for him. I think it'll take about 2 weeks before he figures out that he can jump the fence and hang out with her!<br />
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I'm making friends in the neighborhood as well. I'm finding that the neighbors here are very friendly. I was worried, and quite anxious, about meeting them. It could have been very awkward, being the "New" Girlfriend, but the neighbors have been very nice to me, and one of them and I talk over the back fence, and I enjoy her, another neighbor heard me playing Ruzzle and now, she and I play against each other. So, I suppose my anxiety was for naught.<br />
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So, I'm getting used to the day to day routine. Tomorrow, I'll tackle the bathrooms again!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-61994302216577341352013-10-20T15:55:00.000-07:002013-10-20T15:55:13.818-07:00The BASEMENTYesterday, GB and I put up our photo wall in our Family Room. It is FANTASTIC! I love having a huge wall for us to put photos of the people that we love, who love us, and who share our life! It is an amazing sight! Two people with differing levels of OCD probably shouldn't try to do a project of this magnitude, but we did, and we succeeded!<br />
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Today, I went through our Cozi app on my laptop, and got a master grocery list put together. It's nice to have an App that will do that, and send the list to both of our phones. This way, if one of us is out, then we can just check the list, and pick stuff up. Next thing to do is to get my Sam's Membership back. I miss shopping there. <br />
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We also found and hung up my dry erase stuff, which means that I can plan menus again, and figure out what we need when we use the grocery shopping list on the Cozi App. I love organization, and need to be organized, or stuff will just never get done. <br />
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Today, GB has been working in the basement to get it all cleaned out, as tomorrow is Bulk Trash Pick-Up in our neighborhood. Hoping to get all of the trash out of there, so that we can get it cleaned up as well. He doesn't think that he's done a whole lot down there, but I can see a big difference. At least now, most of the stuff has been gone through, and he can decide what to do with it. My thought, BIG DUMPSTER! Either way, I'm just going to encourage him to keep going down there. I feel badly that I'm not too much help down there, right now, because there is SO much stuff that needs to be decided upon, and it's just not my place to make those decisions. I'm also very overwhelmed every time I go down there. To say that it is FULL of stuff is NO understatement. I'm not sure why it wasn't packed up and moved, but now, we have to take care of it, and since it's been abandoned here, we have to deal with it. UGH! <br />
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The house is now starting to look the way that we want it to look. I'm surprised at how well our stuff goes together. It's starting to look like a home that showcases each of us. I just feel that a home should reflect the people who live in it, both of us, in our case, need to be represented. It's coming along. Besides, making a home is never finished, people evolve, things change, tastes change. Can I just say that I can't WAIT to paint in here, and get rid of the baby poop yellow on the walls? Spring can't come fast enough for us to be able to do that!<br />
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Hope that y'all have had productive weekends as well!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-32607537605603945942013-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:002013-10-16T14:46:44.163-07:00It has come to my attentionIt has come to my attention, from a comment left on yesterday's blog post that I have supposedely been attacking my boyfriend's ex-wife. It was stated, by her, that I have been posting mean, vindictive, and slanderous accusations towards her. I have read through my blog, and I don't see a single thing that could, by law, be considered any of those things. Whomever the "bird" is who is feeding false information is incorrect. I say show me the proof! You have opened this can of worms and I will always defend myself against your attacks. I deleted your postings because I felt the need to protect you from the comments of those who actually know me and love me, who spend time with me and share my life. I have been nothing but gracious and understanding when it has come to his relationship with you, and I have supported his being there for you and his visits with his grandson, that have included you. You have done nothing but use my relationship with him against him. You have chosen to be ugly and vindictive. He has told me the truth of the reasons for his marriage to you ending, including the fact that he is no saint, and I believe him. I don't think my life with him is perfect, nor do I expect it to be. I expect him to be fallible, just as I am. I still wish you no ill will and just want for you to maybe take some time, examine yourself, and move forward in a healthy manner. Your venomous attacks of me prove that you have not done those things. I'm sorry that you feel wronged, and that you have been hurt. I wish you well.Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-85712231368179821902013-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:002013-10-14T09:53:22.057-07:00The Great House Clean Up of 2013So, I haven't had time to write lately. Things have been crazy at our new house. We've been very busy cleaning up from the last occupant's messes. It literally took me 5 days to clean a kitchen. The only casualty was my right thumbnail. UGH! I hate it when my hands look terrible. Had to go get them fixed last Wednesday, and now, they look much better. Ahhh! So, it amazes me that while we were doing all of this cleaning, that Boyfriend said to me that he now knows that I really love him....when asked why he said that, he said that most other women would have seen the mess that the house was, and would have said Heck No to the mess, and to him as well. I'm not most women, and the truth is that he is worth so much more to me than the mess. I have always been a bit of a fighter when it comes to those that I love, and this is no different. If I have to spend 2 days cleaning a hall bath, 1 full day cleaning a powder room, 2 full days cleaning guest rooms, 2 full days on the living room and family room, then that's what it will take for us to make this house our home. We have to live here right now. There was NO WAY for us to have rented out this place, or to have sold it in the condition in which it was left. Sad, if you ask me. I am shocked at the condition the house is in, and that people would actually live like this. I cannot say how shocked I am, in all truth, I don't think that there are words for how I'm feeling about this. Just know that I love this man, have no culpability in the break up of his marriage. He was separated 2.5 years before we met, his divorce was filed in December, 4 months before we met, and 5 months before we started dating, and there was another woman between the ex-wife and me. I don't get what the issue is at this point. My thought process is that it's past time to get over yourself, move on and get a life. The only thing that I care about right now, is making this house into a real home, surrounding ourselves with family and friends; the people who love us, and building a strong foundation for our relationship, so that we can continue to love each other in the way that we love each other now. I know that we both have to work at it, and want it. We do. Therein lies the truth of the matter. Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963487505472397483.post-79127126487421744492013-09-19T13:30:00.002-07:002013-09-19T13:30:49.370-07:00MOVINGSo, a lot has happened this past Summer....I haven't had too much time to write on my blog, with the business of working full time, new boyfriend, family, and a lot of travel.<br />
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My son, Andrew, married back in June, to the most wonderful young woman. They are an awesome couple, and I'm so proud of them. Shayna is doing well, and is working full time, while going to school part time. David is still in trouble, and we're praying for him.<br />
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New boyfriend and I are moving to Frederick, MD on Sept. 28th. It's a wonderful thing. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the logistics of moving 2 separate apartments and combining our 2 households. Then, once we get settled, I have to start looking for another job....hopefully, it won't take me too long to be employed again...and I'm looking for part time employment this time. I love being a home-maker again, and having someone who appreciates my efforts. <br />
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I just got home from a 10 day trip to Hawaii, to visit my Sister-from-Another-Mister, and had an awesome time. Hawaii is beautiful, and I'm already missing Jennifer! I'm also struggling a bit with jet lag, and I just want to sleep...but know that if I sleep during the afternoons, I won't sleep at night, and need to get back on my East Coast schedule. <br />
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I hope that y'all are doing well and have had great Summers as well. Fall is on it's way, and it's really showing here in South-Central PA!Kimberly Schodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531186413127963716noreply@blogger.com0