its about time in Regular Stuff

Well yes, it's about time for me to try writing again. It was recently pointed out to me that it's been over a year since I posted in Open Diary. Even though I haven't written there in all that time, I was still checking in from time to time, even more often in recent months. Like so many others, especially us old timers, it's really hard to let that place go. There's something very homey and comfortable about OD. I made so many friends there, most of whom I stay in touch with through Facetbook. I've seen friends get married, divorced, have babies, change jobs, move, suffer the deaths of loved ones, struggle with finance, health issues, etc. I've even lost a handful of friends who have passed. Every major life event is experienced on OD. We form relationships, bonds deep as those in 'real life'. Just because you can't hold someone's hand, or talk to them face to face, doesn't mean you don't love them. I know each one of you knows exactly what I'm talking about. So yeah, coming here is like moving into a new neighborhood. It's comforting to see some of your old neighbors having already moved and its exciting to think about meeting neighbors. And of course it takes time to familiarize yourself with the new 'hood LOL. So here I am, getting my feet wet.

So what's new with me? Probably a lot less than you would think! We moved in August (yes, again!) And I am so happy here. It's a beautiful spacious condo with plenty of room for all of us. We have our own laundry room inside the apartment, a true blessing. I have a cute little room with huge windows that look out at nothing but trees. There are two full baths, Makayla and I share one of them. We regularly see deer and a fox or two from our balcony. It's a longer commute for Aimee but still not too bad, and we are within walking distance of grocery, drug stores, etc. Looking out back, with all the trees and wildlife, it's hard to believe how close we are to a major road. It's like the country out back and the city out front! We're also about 3 minutes away from one of my best friends. I love living here.

Aimee is doing great at her job. She was recently promoted to a management position and got a $10,000 raise! I am so proud of her.

My oldest granddaughter, Makayla, is in second grade. She's doing pretty well although I worry about her inability to sit still and concentrate. She just has so much energy, she always has. If that girl doesn't grow up and become some kind of performer, I'll be very surprised. She is constantly singing, dancing, writing songs and poems, making up plays and so on. She is very creative so hopefully that will serve her well one day and she'll get paid for doing what she loves. Only a grandmother could sit through all these nightly performances LOL.

Leah is 3 and 1/2 and a beautiful child. People are always very drawn to her beautiful red hair and huge blue eyes. She is very smart and has a huge vocabulary, it's like talking to an adult. She is also very loving and affectionate which is a complete change from the way she used to be. I swear that child didn't like anyone but her parents for the first two years of her life! Three was no kissing, no cuddling, she barely tolerated me! It's quite a change and I love it.

Little Zoe will be two in January. She is the one that reminds me the most of Aimee. She has that hair that is so blonde it's actually white. She also has blue eyes but darker than Leah's. She is a total cutie with a very sweet nature. I do worry about her though. She doesn't use actual words when she speaks. She obviously understands everything you say to her but she has her own way of communicating. She points and gestures, she says a few made up words, and once in a while will use the proper word for something but it's small words like go or bye. The Dr. says wait until she's two so I guess that's what we do. At her last check up, the Dr. also noted that her vagina had not opened. I had never heard of such a thing but apparently it's not uncommon and can be very dangerous. A lot of girls only found out when they were older. They started their periods but since the blood had no opening to go through, they had no idea. The blood would build up causing severe stomach and abdominal pain. I guess now a days they actually check for that. By the way, sorry if that was TMI. Anyway, they will continue to check it as she gets older, hoping it will open on its own.

As for me, I'm doing okay. Still struggling with all this weight but fortunately keeping my diabetes under control. I do find life boring at times. I ordered a paint by numbers after seeing how much one of my faves is enjoying it. I also want to take up crocheting again, after not doing it for several years. One of my Facebook friends has inspired me with her beautiful creations.

So there you have it. It feels pretty good to be writing again and I hope I will continue to do so on a regular basis. I think it's a good habit to have : ) I feel like I have so much to learn about this site but I'll get there. My first question, does it have a spellchecker? xxxxxx. Ann