The beginning...

It's been a while since I've blogged, and an even longer time since I've blogged regularly.  Things have changed quite a bit in the last 2-3 years.  As such, I've decided to start a new blog rather than pick up the old one - which is still there if you want to peruse it:  Cate's Scrapsations

Now I'm lucky if I manage to scrap 2-3 pages in a month now where I was scrapping 1-3 in a day.  My daughter will be starting her first year at the intermediate school in a couple of weeks, and my son will be starting his last year of primary school.  I finalized a divorce in March, and my ex FINALLY closed on a house and started moving out 2 weeks ago.  The professional photographer I work for has gone from a 4-person office to a 2-person office (just him and me).  Micci has joined the Girl Scouts; is entering her third year with the troop; and I've moved from participating parent to official adult volunteer to co-leader.  Denny is starting his third year with Cub Scouts, and I'm the Assistant Den Leader for his Bear Den.  July 1st I decided to start selling Avon  in an attempt to try to supplement my income as it doesn't actually cover all my monthly expenses - let alone allow for any savings.

So to summarize; I'm a middle-aged, overweight, diabetic, divorced mom of two with no health insurance for myself, and an extremely tight - as in overdrawn - budget.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - just stating facts.  Overall I'm happier - if tired and so busy I want an extra 24 hours in a day - not to mention another head and set of hands!  lol  My blood pressure has also been lower since the divorce was finalized than it has been in years so I'd say it's worth the trade-off of financial semi-security.

Lately I've taken to more cooking and baking again - mostly on Sunday as that is my only guaranteed day off each week.  I've also learned that I'd rather wash the dishes before I leave for work - even if it makes me a few minutes late - than come home to a sink full of dirty dishes.  And, I HATE doing dishes...  as far as that goes, I hate housework - period!  :D  I've started reading more voraciously again - approx 1-2 books per week.  I also enjoy gardening, although it's been more floral than vegetable in the least 2 years, and have recently started more container gardening.  I'm still creating quick pages for Connie Prince, but I've either left my other scrapbook CTs or they have disbanded.  I also have created accounts at several social media sites including Facebook, Pintrest, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, LinkedIn, LoveIt, Bottlenose, Klout, Goodreads, and Instagram among others.  Although Facebook and Pintrest are the two I spend the most time on.

In any case, I've decided I want to start blogging again as an outlet.  It may not be regular.  Some days it may only be an observation from the day or a layout I managed to scrap or some really cool item I've found on Pintrest (my newest social media love), but I just want my little space in the world that I can be me.  I don't plan to "advertise" that this is here beyond a few close friends.

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow to share some more...