Dating

Ya'll seriously, how did we make it as teenagers?! I must say, dating as a 27 year old is COMPLETELY different from when we dated in highschool. WOW.

I have been on a couple of dates. Some went good, some were weird, but its just nice finding myself again and being HAPPY!

Can I just tell yall...I am FAR from cocky but I've NEVER had so many men interested in me before in my life until after Brandon left....like O.M.G. where were these men before I met Brandon!?

Everyone has their own opinions. Some think that me dating is too soon. I say that my marriage was over long before he left and until you've walked a mile in my shoes, keep your opinions to yourself. (Sorry had to throw that out there)

I am currently in a relationship. I am happy. I am being treated the way a woman should be treated. I am appreciated.

It is so weird going from being married, around the person all the time, waking up to the same person, going to bed with the same person...to dating and not seeing that person everyday. It's been an adjustment for me...For a while I felt like a whiny teenager who threw tantrums like a 2 year old when I couldnt see him (I realize this...poor thing, and he still loves me lol)

My best friend loves him. He and I went to Paige and Jerrys the other night for pizza. Not only does Paige love him but Claire loves him and even Jerry!!! Paige says she can tell I'm genuinely happy this time. That makes me smile!

He knows what its like to be cheated on and he's been so supportive through the whole separation thing. He isnt ashamed of me because of what I've gone through* and is so willing to help me when I need it when it comes to Brandon.

**For a while I felt embarrassed/ashamed that I was getting a divorce. I felt like I had let my family down and let myself down even though it wasnt my fault. I'm past that now and it really helps having someone who isnt ashamed of dating someone that is separated and supports me with what I have to do.

Well, I think thats about it for now! Just wanted to keep yall updated with me on the dating front...YIKES!!!

Merry Christmas!

Tonight we celebrated Christmas at Grantis and Papou's house by eating yummy steaks with salad and baked potatos.

Mom got a new camera for Christmas and we've been playing around with it all day. Victor and I got the Xbox360 with kinect from Santa and its been a hoot seeing everyone try to play that. I'll be sure to post pics of that soon. Can I just say though, that thing is amazing. Technology is insane! Here are a few holiday photos from tonight...gotta get to bed soon, dont wanna miss Santa!!! Merry Christmas ya'll.

**was gonna post more but yea, this thing is slow tonight and I hear Santa's in town...gotta go! <3

I'm back!

I'm often reminded of my first day in World Religions at Barton back in 2005. My professor walks in and simply says, "Bad things always happen to good people."

I feel that I owe somewhat of an explanation of 1-my last blog post a while ago and 2-why I've been absent. I'm not going to go into any details and this is probably the last time any of this will be mentioned. Brandon and I separated November 3rd. I am not going to say everything was all his fault but he made some bad choices throughout our marriage that led us to where we are now. I know now that a marriage cannot survive without trust and I had lost that trust with a choice he made about 2 years ago and was never able to get it back.

It's hard. I've never been through this before. There is no handbook and  no ones situation is the exact same so I'm living day by day, relying on God to point me to where I need to go. My family has been amazing and my friends have been my rock. I've rekindled my relationship with God and I owe it to Him how well I'm actually doing.

I'm happy. Everyone at work can tell a huge difference in my attitude. I'm carefree. My best friend told me that she was so happy to have "me" back. My whole identity was "wife" so now that I'm "Andrea" again, I'm learning who "Andrea" really is again.

One of my other friends is going through somewhat the same ordeal as I am. She always reminds me, "God is good. Something good is going to come from this!" I believe her.

I wont lie. It does get lonely. I don't miss the anxiety and stress I had before when I was married but I do miss having someone.

The best decision I made after everything happened was to take a break from facebook. I needed time to focus on me and needed to hear God's voice without any distractions.

I want to thank those of you that have texted me/facebook messaged me since everything happened. You don't know how much I appreciate your care and it really lifted my spirits. The first few weeks of November I was in a dark place but I'm happy to say that I can finally see the light and have found true joy from God.

So who knows where this new journey will take me?! But I'm ready to continue with the blogging and would appreciate any and all prayers you can send my way.

Here's to a New Chapter!