Sunday, October 26, 2008

Crazy Part III: How Did I Get Here?

Let me talk a little more about Pam, my current stepmom. I can never figure out whether Pam is fearless or just naïve. She’s one of those people who will talk to anyone, and somehow, magically everyone ADORES her. I swear the woman could talk her way into getting anything she wanted, and she has on many occasions - this has led to a lot of adventures for us to say the least. She speaks Spanish as her first language, which also helped us tremendously in southern CA. Pam is one of those people that also naturally brings people together. She really helped to end the torn relationship between me and my father by prodding us to do more stuff together.

My mother supported me and my brother in everything we did. My brother was a rebellious one, and after he (barely) graduated from high-school, he moved away to college and promptly failed out. My mother cut him off when he refused to go back to school, and he went to live with our dad in CA. Dad hired him on at his company and had him pouring fiberglass for metal detectors. I finished up my high-school career with honors, got in to all the colleges I applied to, and ended up staying close to home to keep from taking out excessive loans.

One of my senior photos from high-school:

As you know, the cop and I started dating in college. I helped him get his grades up and graduate. At the same time, my brother had found the girl of his dreams in California, and dad was moving his company to Florida. My dad and brother had different ideas on what Skip should be doing with his life, and so Skip fled back home to Georgia to avoid any confrontation. Dad practically disowned him, claiming some form of abandonment of duties, and I had it out with my father about who was the parent and who was the child. My graduation from college came shortly after, which meant an awkward dinner. Also inserted into the awkwardness was the recent news that the girl my brother had proposed to a few months before was knocked up. There’s nothing that makes a girl feel special on her college graduation day like a feuding family and the announcement of an unplanned baby.

My brother did manage to finally make something of himself by going back to school and becoming a Paramedic. He also has a lovely son and manages to be a much better father than I ever imagined he could be. I guess having a child can force you to grow up pretty quickly.

My brother and his baby boy:

I have never considered myself a daddy’s girl, although we have had a better relationship in recent years than we had in the past. My mother has always been my rock, and as I got older, we became friends. Even my father complimented her on a “job well done” when I graduated from college. She always had a strict “no whining” policy in her household, which greatly added to my strength in life and taught me to hate others’ whininess. She also greatly encouraged me to get my Master’s Degree (which I have almost completed), and that will make me the first person in my family to possess a graduate degree.

Me and my parents when I graduated from college (I take full responsibility for all the gray hair in this picture...):
And of course, now I’m engaged. This means a whole new family addition and a whole new bucket of crazy.

Note to Self: On a scale of 1 to INSANE, I'd probably rate my family just above mildly psychotic. The looney-bin isn't necessary, but perhaps we should be medicated...

12 comments:

Anonymous social worker said...

1- you stepmom sound great
2- you are gorgeous
3- your nephew is so cute
4- good luck with your future family.

Maki said...

I love hearing all the stories you've put up here. Wonderful and a great family history. You are beautiful - btw, I think you look exactly like your father...

Thank you for sharing!

pure evyl said...

Having kids does force a person to grow up. If they have it in them. Good to see that your brother does.

Rachel said...

What a hotty you are and were girly...nice pic...I don't think my pics ever turned out that good in school!

Deputys Wife and Mommy To 3 said...

Its great reading this. Its like getting to know you better. You are absolutely Gorgeous and your nephew is adorable!!!! I think your a good combo of both your parents!

Anonymous said...

How neat to read more about you. That nephew is a complete doll, btw! Thanks for sharing. :)

MJ said...

Franco - Thanks! x 4

Maki - I do look a lot like my father, especially in pictures. My brother and I are like twins when you put us next to each other. But I act so much like my mother, it's scary.

PE - No kidding. I was really worried there the whole time his wife was pregnant...

Rachel - Thanks! That picture was taken about 15 pounds ago lol.

DWM3 - Glad you enjoyed it!

K - I know! He's going to be such a lady killer!

Alison Purple said...

You guys don't sound too crazy. Pretty normal actually for 2008. How much longer until graduation for your Master's?

Anonymous said...

It sounds like things have settled down in your family. It is good that you have a relationship with both of your parents. My ex husband cheated on me and, yes, I was bitter, but I have made sure my kids have kept a positive relationship with him. He is their father after all.

Your pics are great!

Anonymous said...

You are so pretty - you do have your dad's eyes. I think it is wonderful that you and your mom have a good relationship and that you can see who was there for you. It's definitely mature of you to recognize that and to try and get along with everyone. I give credit to your brother for being a good dad. I am sure your wedding will be wonderful. Interesting, but wonderful. My family IS the type that should probably have the guys in white coats nearby at all times.

Anonymous said...

These are the first clear pics of you I've seen. You have a serious case of the hotness going on. Smart, funny, and hot. That's one lucky cop. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi MJ,

So you're one of those hot high school girls that district guys like me so much that we don't make all A's and get into Harvard and become the first black President! Oh. Forgot. I'm not black. Never mind.

the Grit