I decided to start this blog to have an outlet of sorts..memorialize my life..go beyond the random ramblings of Facebook..

I guess this would have to be my obligatory "introductory post", if you will.

Of course, if you're already here, chances are you know me somewhat. I'm a mother of three, I work as a waitress, and I'm currently in school -- albeit struggling to finish -- at the Stenotype Institute for court reporting/stenography. I'm in the last speed class (200-225wpm) and finally interning, but am way behind in my regular academics due to attendance issues that are mostly not my fault, but I could have done more to stop it speaking retrospectively. 

As some of you may or may not know, I'm currently separated and beginning the divorce process. I have my reasons, and they're good, but I'm not sure if it's the appropriate time to go into too much detail.  I know the timing is awful, but what can I do? I've got to do what's best for my three daughters, and I wholly believe that I am.

At any rate, it's time to start focusing more on myself and quit allowing negative people to diminish my self-esteem, you know..that whole "life is too short" thing. I realize I actually DO have a lot going on for me and there's absolutely no reason for me to set all that aside. That being said, I've made a few personal goals and I think they should be noted so I am reminded of them anytime an obstacle darkens my path.

• spend more time doing "mommy-ish" things; i.e., cooking, cleaning, story reading..all the things that pure stress prevented me from doing more of pre-separation.
• spend more one-on-one time with Mallory as she's gone through a lot in her little life..she needs more special attention than the little ones.
• spend more time practicing on my machine. I hardly ever do, and if I actually devoted myself to it I could whiz through this program. 
• watch what and how often I eat and squeeze some exercise in here and there. I've already dropped 8 pounds since the separation, just cooking more and avoiding fast food entirely.
• spend more time with friends I'd previously neglected.
• spend more time playing outside with my children.
• find a TV show I can call "my show"

I'm sure there will be amendments later, but I think it's a fine start. I'm not sad at all, really. I'm looking forward to being Stephanie again, and not feeling bogged down by someone else's unrealistic expectations of who I should be. If who I am isn't good enough, then you're not actually in love with me..period.

I think that's enough right now for a first post. I like to ramble a lot, though, so I'm sure this is the first of many.