Wow! Pink, poofy, and made for a princess. Claire in NM

Claire in NM

I've never been a daughter and I've never been a sister because my childhood was spent in a family with major dysfunction...alcoholism & sexual abuse. I have never been a daughter because I was not protected by my parents. Even when I called attention to my situation, I was ignored. I have never been a sister because I was just trying to survive. How can someone grow up in a family with 8 siblings and not have a single relationship with any of them? I never heard any of my brothers or sisters say "I love you" until my father died which was just 3 years ago. What does this have to do with turning 50? I'm looking at my life and realizing my life is what it is. And I am still having to survive, even now. Maybe my statement should be "I am dreading today", instead of "I am dreading turning 50", because I haven't a clue where my journey is going to take me. Claire in NM

I'm not feeling old. I'm feeling lost. I've never been a daughter, even though I grew up in a home with both parents. I've never been a sister, even though I have 2 sisters and 6 brothers. I am a wife (20 years) and a mom (3 babies). But the passion that drove me to do the things that I did when I was younger is gone. It took me hours and hours and hours before I came up with a user name. And all I could come up with is "Rootbeer Lover". Am I pathetic or what! Claire in NM

:iagree: Claire in NM

I now understand how depressed a person can get when coming upon a birthday with a "zero" in it. Claire in NM

Pardon me, but the actor who plays Vincini is Wallace Shawn...not Shawn Wallace. Dare I say it... inconceivable! P.S. Thanks for the pic! Claire in NM

A tank top underneath hints of "almost there". Try a cami in a lightweight material similar to the dress. Claire in NM

As I have gotten older, my tastes have changed. I can't believe some of the things I did just to look "okay". I have also learned that "classic" and "quality" are expensive. I got tired of buying clothes that went out of style or were poorly made and did not last. Three years ago, I started buying books from a local thrift store. What I overlooked was the clothing. Just recently, I checked out the clothes and found some really good pieces. I would not have been able to purchase these new. The prices were cheap enough that if, after I purchased them, I did not feel comfortable, I could just return them. Claire in NM

oompa-loompas and, if my memory serves me right, orange males don't talk... THEY SING! Claire in NM

I finally went to the doctor because it was getting progressively worse. I was diagnosed as being hyperthyroid. Claire in NM

Finally...down to the wire...our government has finally agreed on a budget. Before they can go home for the night, Congress has to scramble to get a 1-week stop gap budget passed. Now I can sleep tonight knowing that some very deserving families of federal employees will not have to worry about paying their bills. Thank you, Lord! Claire in NM

Asphalt and dirt roads are more forgiving. Claire in NM

Remember, to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If something does happen, can you carry both mortgages? It sounds like you've made the decision to sell the house. Taking on a renter and picking up another mortage sounds financially risky. What if the renter is unable to make their payments? What if for some reason you and dh aren't able to make your payments? Don't over commit yourself financially, especially since you are trying to make life more affordable. Claire in NM

I don't like driving in snow. But when it does snow, just give me a shovel and I am good to go. Claire in NM

Sophia Loren and Cary Grant. Sophia and Cary had a very passionate relationship, but then Cary asks Sophia to marry him. Sophia says no, and instead marries Carlo Ponti. Cary is heartbroken. Years later, Sophia reveals the reason why she said no to Cary. They were so very different in temperaments. True story. Claire in NM

Claire in NM

brings a smile to my face. A homeschooler at heart... Fondly remembering the special times when... you and your kids were the only ones in the public library on a school day, or when people would comment on how smart your kids are, or when, on doctor's visits, your doctor asks if you need an excuse slip for public school and your kids would pipe up, "We don't need one. We're homeschooled." Claire in NM

:party: Claire in NM

Just reading your thread is a bit disturbing. Since your dd will be maturing physically soon, I would strongly recommend you remove DH from bathroom duty with your daughter. Claire in NM

Welcome to the world of WTMers.... Claire 49 years young, married to WristWatch Man for 19 years, and mom of WiseOne and GracefullyArtistic.

peace on Earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Thank you, Jesus! Claire in NM

The moon has returned to its "full" glory and I am going to bed. ZZZZZZZZ! Claire in NM

There is just something so comforting in knowing this. I'm not quite done yet. Just waiting for the moon to return to its "full" glory before I climb into my warm, cozy bed. Claire in NM

The clouds have dissipated and our view of the moon in west central NM is absolutely beautiful! The moon is now totally in earth's shadow. Good night, Moon! Claire in NM