It's been a while!

It's been a while since my last post. I seem to have lost track of time. After all, I've been juggling work, school, my kids, and my social life. Who am I kidding? What social life?! Nevertheless, I've been busy. So what has happened over the past two months?

- Finalized the divorce
- Tried to jumpstart my social life
- Running and getting swole (that's lifting weights for all you non-brahs)
- Booked a vacation
- Mingled with the singles
- Spent more time outdoors
- Attended school
- Everything else except for updating this site!

That list doesn't look like much, so I figured we should dive a little deeper into each one so you can get an idea of how the time has been spent. So without further ado:

Finalized the divorce

Quite possibly the most emotional and difficult time of my life is now behind me. The paperwork, the uncertainty, the questions, the waiting--It is all at its end. I can now focus on my future, my girls, and my life in general.

Jumpstarting my social life

I'm not the most social person, so meeting new people is definitely a step out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, I've had a little help with discovering my social side. Co-workers' birthday parties, study groups from school, gym conversations, and random occurrences of conversation have all kept me busy during the time away from my girls. If you already have a large social circle, I doubt you'll have to worry about looking for social outlets. If you're socially awkward at times, like me, then I recommend getting to know the people you spend the most time around. Start conversations with people you normally don't think twice about. The cashier at the grocery store. The person pumping gas next to you at Shell. The people in line at a restaurant. These are the easiest situations to practice conversation because they are short-lived, you already have something to talk about since you're both doing the same thing, and they don't how creepy you are (unless you open the conversation with asking what their address is. Don't do that.). Win-win-win.

Do you even lift?

I've always loved lifting. I've always hated running. So why am I doing both? Well, I signed up for a 5K a few months ago, so I have been training weekly. It hasn't gotten any easier, but I am improving! To top it off, there's a feeling of freedom when running outside (Treadmills suck. I already feel like I'm running in place, no need to confirm it). I'm able to take all of the frustration and negative thoughts and release it through physical exertion. Between the running and the weekly lifting, not only do I feel better, but I've cut down body fat and added definition.

Booked a REAL vacation!

People always take vacation time, but never actually travel anywhere. That's what I normally do. But not this time! I actually booked a real vacation and will be traveling around the Eastern US and Canada with Contiki Vacations.

They're a travel company for 18-35 year olds. My itinerary looks UH-MAZING. I haven't traveled for a long time and don't spoil myself enough for being as frugal as I am. I decided on a domestic trip since the flights are much cheaper and the difficulties of being single with two kids. I wanted to do something with my girls, but for the amount of money to book flights, hotels, and food, I'd rather they be a little older and remember the experience. If you've been cheating yourself from enjoying life lately, take a trip. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but at least get away for a weekend. Pick a six hour drive in any direction and GO. You owe it to yourself, and your kids if you decide to take them somewhere. Life is short and "next time" can take a backseat THIS time.

Dating

Over the past couple of months, I finally decided to dip my foot into the pool. I tried a few dating sites at first, seeing that I didn't have much time for socializing outside of work and school. I've read a lot of pros and cons of dating sites, but my overall experience was good. I was able to chat with some different girls and get a feel for what they were like without having to spend the time and money on a first date, only to realize how incompatible we would be. I did go on a few dates, but quickly realized a couple of things. 1) There wasn't enough time in a week to dedicate to someone else. And 2) I wasn't ready to start dating just yet. Dating consumed the little free time I have. It's difficult to date when I only have a few free hours per week and every other weekend available. I need time for myself as well and found it unfair to the girl I was dating. On top of that issue, I simply wasn't ready to pursue a long-term relationship yet. For the time being, it's probably best to casually date and test the waters.

The great outdoors

I've been doing my best to spend more time outside and less time inside. I've been taking my girls to the park more often, to the beach, out for ice cream, just spending more quality time with them. I have scoured yelp for new places to go and things to do. There are a ton of events in Orange County that are free or relatively cheap. Check websites for local events and find out what's going on in your area. You'll be surprised at how many cool things you miss every month.

Getting an edumacation

Besides work, school has taken up most of my time over the past few months. Sitting in class, assignments, projects, studying, exams. All of it eats away at the time. I put myself through the torture to build a better future for my career, as well as set an example for my girls. We should always strive to improve in every way possible. Become a better student, employee, friend, spouse, father, and person.



Just kidding. I'm in school so I can have the piece of paper that says I can get the job and get paid X amount of dollars.

Everything else

In all honesty, I should have been updating this site far more frequently than once every few months. I don't have many excuses, as I have had some lazy days where I literally did nothing for hours. But to defend myself, I'm going to share a few things I've been doing over my absence.

Movie/Milkshake Mondays
I started this one Monday night when I decided to make milkshakes and watch a movie with the girls. I posted the idea on Facebook and immediately made it official. Every Monday since then has been fantastic. Especially since I got my girls hooked on Marvel movies. In fact, we went to Target recently and they had all of the superhero masks. My daughter had to try every one of them on. I shed tears of joy.

Move over Dora and princesses. Iron Man, Captain America, and Company have claimed the throne. As they should.

Arts & Crafts
No. I'm not knitting or sewing. I've been making things for my girls. What kinds of things? Block Posters for example. This is an epic alternative to simple posters. I blew up a Nemo picture, attached each section of the picture to an 8.5x11 piece of foam board, and mounted it above their beds. Even though I forgot to cut out the white trim around each picture, it turned out great.

Lounging
Pretty much being lazy when I have the time.

Needless to say, I'm adding, "Updating this site" to the list of things I should and will be doing.

See you sooner than later.