Author: seascape228

It’s Christmas Time in Orange Park

It’s Christmas Time in Orange Park

The holidays are always a whirlwind here with the Grants. Now in Orange Park, Florida it is a balmy 65 degrees. Everyone is in good health, with some viruses looming the previous few days. Presents are wrapped, cookies are baked and decorated. Jason being retired now, having him home and not deployable gives us a … Continue reading It’s Christmas Time in Orange Park

National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day

Admittedly certain days working in child welfare are extremely difficult. There are days that you’ll get yelled at, tasked with investigating and put in uncomfortable situations. There are long nights, many court reports to write, calls to make and children to visit. Then there are days like today. It is National Adoption Day. For the … Continue reading National Adoption Day

The fall back

The fall back

Historically, the fall hits hard. Between political and worldly unrest, consistent media influences, my full plate, balancing home and family time, and then volunteer duties. I have little time to consider how this affects my mental health. I am trying my best to chip away at the old block, one piece at a time. Not … Continue reading The fall back

Words

Words have the power to elevate or destroy. As Joseph Conrad once said, “There is a power in the spoken word…and a word comes far—deals destruction through time as the bullets flying through space.” There have been times in my life where words injured me, at times I conceived beyond repair. Now, I do not … Continue reading Words

Girls Weekend

Girls Weekend

The girls and I had a few days solo, while Jason flew back to Maryland to see family. Last weekend we crammed as much as possible into the weekend. Reminiscent of old times when it was just the three of us for long stints. The girls had a Homecoming Pep Rally, Homecoming game, we volunteered … Continue reading Girls Weekend

NAMIWalks 2023

NAMIWalks 2023

Join me on September 23, 2023 at the Winston YMCA (221 Riverside Ave) for NAMIWalks!! from 8am-12pm #Together4MH #NAMIJax I joined NAMI ( National Alliance on Mental Illness ) 15 years ago, when I found a NAMI support group as a young adult struggling with my mental health. I have remained active with the non-profit … Continue reading NAMIWalks 2023

Graduate school update

Graduate school update

Greetings my lovely readers. A general update on school. I survived my first week online. It is strange not attending a lecture hall or meeting my professors in person. The degree I am seeking is for a Masters in Social Work through Florida State part-time online program. It will take me three years to complete. … Continue reading Graduate school update

Take me to church: 12 year anniversary and Wedding Ceremony

Take me to church: 12 year anniversary and Wedding Ceremony

Yesterday we celebrated our 12 year anniversary on 7/15/2023 by having our Marriage blessed at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. The ceremony is a rite and sacrament in the Catholic faith. The ceremony itself was beautiful. The church was decorated beautifully. My mom, dad and brother were there. The girls were part of the procession. Our … Continue reading Take me to church: 12 year anniversary and Wedding Ceremony

Spark

I have not felt inspired as of late to write. Partly due life getting in the way, the other being stuck in my own head. I awoke early this morning and felt the urge to do so. I have been on a doubled dose on one of my medications to manage my mental health condition … Continue reading Spark

To my dad on Father’s Day

To my dad on Father’s Day

Spring, 2009: The infamous man, aka Papa Joe to our girls. This picture is a wonderful memory with my Dad, on the deck of our old family home in Maryland. The backdrop of the Potomac River, just as I remember it. Now our family living in Florida, I do not get to visit him and … Continue reading To my dad on Father’s Day

To be a mom….Mother’s Day 2023

To be a mom….Mother’s Day 2023

What it means to me to be a mom. It is the most rewarding, gut-wrenching, anxiety-ridden, and soul changing experience that i have come to love. My girls. Ella and Hazel. Made me in part who I am today. Their love, their sweet words, can pierce my deepest sorrow on a dark day. Their eyes, … Continue reading To be a mom….Mother’s Day 2023

Getting it done

Getting it done

I am very excited to report that sleep patterns are tightening up, irritability, anxiety and other manic symptoms have subsided. I might have avoided a large drop off into a deep depression that usually occurs for me after a larger manic cycle as well. So far the medication overhaul and working with my psychiatrist outpatient … Continue reading Getting it done