[Rhonda R]

Hi, Spyce,
LOL. Just looked up singles events and singles groups in Calgary. Didn’t find much. Speed dating …. for up to age 38. A facebook singles group that looked, uh, questionable? Another singles group that only had dancing events…. (sigh)

I’ve known for a long time that sometimes people hear something I didn’t intend to say. I can tell by their reaction. I really don’t have a clue how I’m coming across to men. I really, really wish I could go on some fake dates with a male counselor to get some feedback. There’s a male counselor in SF that starts out new clients with a fake date (I think with one of his assistants). Here’s my zoosk profile https://www.zoosk.com/personals/datecard/me. Maybe give me some suggestions?

So one gentleman just messaged me and asked where my favorite place to kayak was. I replied, I like to run the rivers, class 2, nothing extreme, but that takes 2 to shuttle kayaks so I usually end up on the lakes. Glenmore is close so I go there. I often take my camera out on the lakes to get waterfowl pics so prefer the smaller lakes with reeds along the shore. What about you? Where do you like to kayak?

Kept it short. Answered his question then returned a related question. That’s usually what I try to do.

xoxo,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Thanks, Spyce,
Always good to hear from you. I did figure you were busy.

I really appreciate the help and assistance when I have it – or its offered. i don’t often ask for help, but if a gentleman offers, I accept with a thank you and a smile. So I don’t think it would be that difficult to let someone else take care of me.

I go to several meetup groups in Calgary – when I’m home. That’s really about the only place I meet men. Work isn’t a good place as I don’t want to date someone away from home and 99% of them are married. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Ha Ha. I’ll go out on line and, oh my, Spyce, some of those guys are down right scary. I’d say only 2-3% catch my interest. I’ll contact them but 99% of the time get the silent treatment. It seems like the few men I would be interested in aren’t interested in me. (sigh) Don’t want to go to bars. I’ve thought about taking up golfing, but that really isn’t me. So don’t know what to do. 🙁 I don’t do well at all at attracting me on line, but unfortunately I don’t know where else to meet anyone. Pretty discouraging.

Hope you had an awesome day!
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Good morning, Spyce,
Good to hear from you again. I kind of figured you got busy with other clients.

LOL. Well, you’ve got me mostly figured out. Oh, my, how do I share without writing a book! Yes, life has demanded I become strong and independent. And I’ve been told many, many times that’s why I’m still single. But while I’m strong, I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m independent. I do like to be a team player and I really do appreciate it when a man respectfully takes the lead and appreciate him doing things for me. I would classify myself more as a survivor. I’ve done what I’ve had to do to survive and with no one else around to team with, I’ve had to become independent and do things for myself. Make sense? As far as asking for what I want, I’m getting better. Grew up believing I had no rights and everyone else’s needs and wants came first. I’m now learning to stand up for myself and pay attention to my wants and needs while still being respectful to others.

Dating life. ….. I can’t remember one positive comment or compliment from my mom till I was 18 and I had to go digging for that. She drove into me I was fat, ugly, had a cold, hard personality and would never find a decent man. Parents were also extremely conservative and I was not allowed to interact with boys. And being young, I believed the messages she sent me. I ended up getting into two very toxic, destructive marriages. Did some counseling and read some very good books between the two marriages that helped me later. After the 2nd divorce I sat myself down and asked myself 1) Why was I getting into these toxic relationships, and 2) Why the world was I staying when I knew they were bad. I realized I needed to revamp my beliefs about myself and get away from what was holding me down – which was my mom who continued to run me into the ground. So I pulled away further from my family. (Never was close to my parents and grew up afraid of my mom.) Have almost no contact with them now and have had very little contact for the last 20 years. My younger sister was always the pet and the favorite. They treated her much differently and spent most of their time with her. Started taking relationship courses from James Bauer and Bob Grant. Other coaches I have found to be superficial and gimmicky. So I feel now I’m much more prepared for a healthy relationship. I’ve dumped and revamped many of my beliefs about myself from younger days.

I left my 2nd marriage when the boys were 2 and 5. The ex used the boys as pawns to hurt me and kept that up till the boys turned 18. Even though he remarried (twice) if he found out I was seeing someone he did everything he could to interfere and break the relationship apart. I got $300/mo for the two boys — when I got it. Did not help with medical expenses, college, high school trips or activities. He did everything he could to make me pay for all visitation expenses. I had to provide all of that. Consequently my focus has been on working and providing for the boys. I’ve been working 50-60 hour weeks since ’02 with the exception of maybe 2 years. My work has also bounced me around the continent. Projects may last 1 – 1 1/2 years then on to the next one. While home base has been Calgary since 2012, I’ve only physically been here 2.5 years. 2001 to 2012 I lived in SW Wyoming which is a HORRIBLE place to be. Attitudes are arrogant, rude. Education was not valued, drinking prevalent, Green River / Rock Springs was meth capital of the state. Parents were getting high school kids drunk. Not a value system or life style I wanted to participate in. Men in Salt Lake and Denver said I was too far away. So I’d say my work life has greatly interfered with my dating life. Beyond that I’m looking for a Christian, someone who doesn’t drink or smoke, hunt or fish. Someone who is active and loves the outdoors. Someone who is honest, thoughtful, considerate, confident and has a genuine self respect. Must have a positive outlook on life. That list really shrinks the pool, and while I know there are a few men out there like that, the few that I do see don’t seem to be interested in me. Not a clue why. I would LOVE to go on several fake dates with a male coach who could give me feedback. I think I’m a really good catch, but apparently I’m not conveying that to the right men.

LOL. That was almost a book. Maybe that helps explain me a bit? Dunno.

Hope things are going well for you and you have an awesome day!
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Love my new camera. Ha Ha. But I just discovered that my version of Lightroom won’t read the CR3 (raw) files. Now I have to either have to buy a new version of Lightroom or buy Photoshop. Both are subscriptions for a monthly fee. I’m not a fan of Lightroom so will probably have to bite it and get a subscription to Photoshop. I think its 13 something CAD per month. Called the store yesterday and got help with some of the settings. Watched a youtube and tweaked some more settings. May need to make one more call. They are really good about customer support, though.

Yes, both my boys have had to go through things no kids should have to deal with. It was the kids in middle school that bullied Trav. In high school it was the high school staff and administration that bullied both my boys. The students pretty much left them alone. That school was horrible, horrible. I had several major fights with the administration. And I think you’re right. He does like to hide. And it is so hard to watch, especially knowing what he was like in before 4th grade. I do so wish he could bring that Trav back. I know he’s still there – just buried under some thick, thick walls.

Did hear from Jay last night. I’m not convinced he’s ever been seriously interested. That’s ok. I don’t think he’s for me. No, haven’t contacted the dating service yet. Been on the go, go, go since I got home so just haven’t called. I really need to and see what they have to say. I sure am not finding many men on the dating sites that interest me and none of the men I’m interested in are interested in me. Not sure why, but that’s the way it goes.

So blamed frustrating! I can’t book any camping sites in Ontario for my trip back, but I can book hotels. Now how much sense does that make!!!!??????? Ford and Trudeau desperately need to go. Both of them total failures! I did get two hotels booked for my trip, so one camping spot in Manitoba and two hotels in Ontario. So stupid!! Ha Ha Ha. Talking about downright stupid…….. Ford had to back down on some restrictions and open playgrounds but tennis courts are closed. ??????? What?????!!!!! So blamed STUPID!!!!

I’m so enjoying being home. Got part of my deck stained. Next time I’m home have to do the outside of the rails and uprights and the stairs. But I got the deck floor and inside of the uprights and rails done. Can’t plant flowers as I won’t be home to water them. 🙁

Tomorrow is packing and getting ready to go. 🙁 Do have another walk with Dean. 4 people signed up so will have 2 more on the walk with us. Hope the weather is better. Ha Ha. It was 27 c (around 80F) Sunday when I got in. Today it snowed. Life in Alberta. 🙂

Have a great day tomorrow,
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Good morning, Heidi,
Yes, Sunday was quite the day. But I can laugh about it now. LOL. Wasn’t laughing then. My goof, though. I looked for the wrong thing on googlemaps. I’ll know better next time. Lesson learned.

Had a ……. ha ha…….. EXPENSIVE!!! day yesterday. I wanted to window shop for a camera and Dean’s been looking for a camera. I had told him I’d give him my Canon 70D but that it needed to be refurbished. So we met at The Camera Store at noon yesterday. I went down early as I knew I had a whole lot of questions and didn’t want to take up all his time. Ha Ha. I ended up spending $5100 on a new Canon R5 mirrorless. So now I’m back to two cameras – where I want to be. Tried it out on our walk in Fish Creek. I don’t know how to use the focusing very well so will have to do some youtube searches or make a visit to the store again to find out how to use it. Time with Dean went ok. He’s very laid back and quiet. But like I thought, he’s not near as active as I am and can’t keep up. He’s also more of a city boy than I am. Super nice man, but no spark and I’d have to give up too much of me to be with him. He did talk with me and has planned another walk in Carbourn Park Thursday afternoon and signed both of us up. He is very thoughtful and I do like that. Haven’t heard from Jay in 3 days. He didn’t answer my last message. I’m going to let him slide.

No, Trav left his mask on purposely. He had a wonderful, outgoing, charming personality till about 3rd grade. Then through middle school and high school he was bullied severely and that changed his whole personality. He’s also got his dad’s temper and way too much of his dad’s temperment. So he doesn’t interact with people well. Awesome kid, hard worker, honest, but struggles with interacting with people and as much as I’ve tried to be positive with him, I’m seeing lots of signs of a really low self-esteem. He’s way too independent to go for counseling and doesn’t take suggestions very well. My heart aches for him, but not much I can do except love him. I let him know I was disappointed he wore his mask as I really wanted a decent pic. He just said he likes wearing his mask.

Furnace guys should be showing up between 8 and 10 to service and clean the furnace then have an appt to take the car in for tire rotation, oil change. So kind of stuck at home today. Tomorrow want to run to the mountains and Thursday is dedicated to packing and prepping for the trip. Friday I’m on the road by 6ish. I do so enjoy being home. I feel like a different person here. But I’m grateful I have work.

Have a super day,
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi Heidi,
I’m quite irritated!!!! My laptop was buffering about every 15-20 seconds while trying to watch Trav’s graduation so I cleared my cache hoping that would help. It did not. 🙁 What it did do is log me out of everything and delete all my passwords. That included this site. I’ve logged back in and had to search for our conversation, but it won’t let me get to page 38. Every time I go to page 38 or click on the link from your last message it tells me I have to log in. And then when I try to log in it tells me I’m already logged in. ……. so I just lost our last few conversations. Quite annoying. They really need to work on their web site!!!!!

So Trav’s all graduated. Dustin and Alex made it there fine. They had a good weekend. I watched it on line and got most of it. My goofy Trav. Everyone else took their mask off when walking across the stage to get their diploma. He left his on. I really wanted a decent pic. 🙁

Oh, Heidi, LOL. What a day yesterday!! Up at 4:15 eastern (2:15 mountain). Left Sarnia at 5 eastern. Goofy me had looked for directions to the Thrifty car rental and gas stations near the airport. Car didn’t have gps and I don’t have data on my phone. Missed my exit to the 401 express so lost 10-15 min trying to get back to the 401 express since that’s how googlemaps had told me to go and that’s the route I knew. Got to the exit. Signs said to go south on 427 to the airport. My directions and told me to go north. I started south. Turned around went north. Found my gas station and started looking for the car rental. Things weren’t looking right so I spent probably 20 min driving around trying to figure out what to do. It was now time for me to be at security checking in and I still didn’t know where I was or how to get to where I needed to be. I was in a total state of panic. Praying, God, don’t let me miss my plane!!! So I decided to head back and follow the signs to the airport. I knew the car rental was in terminal 1 so followed the signs to terminal 1 and car rental return. Stupid me. I should have done that to begin with – except there wasn’t a gas station on that route. I was panicking at the car rental as it was so late. Then couldn’t find the keys to the car. Its an electrical start where the key just needs to be near by. I looked and looked and couldn’t find the keys. Panic jumped to the next level. Finally found them. They had fallen between the console and the seat. The gentleman checking the car in gave me vague directions how to get over to terminal 3. I RAN through the garage and followed his directions. Couldn’t find the way to the inter airport train. It wasn’t clearly marked. Finally got to the tram station. Train wasn’t coming for another 4 minutes. I was hot and sweaty from running when I got to the terminal. Very nice security people tried to calm me down. They take temps for COVID and mine was fine even though I had been running and was hot. No one in the security line so got right through. Got to the gate at 9:10. Planed boarded at 9:20. Thank you, God! LOL. All of a sudden realized when we were landing in Calgary I didn’t have a clue where my house key was. I hadn’t even thought about that when I left Sarnia. Fortunately I had left them in my suitcase pocket – the suitcase I ALMOST didn’t bring as I really didn’t bring much back with me. LOL. And my car keys I had left at home since my neighbor had taken me to the airport in April. So all was good.

A friend picked me up and brought me home. Walked in the house at 1 mountain time. I thought I had seen a paddling meetup schedule an event for Glenmore reservoir from 1-4 for yesterday so I dropped everything and was on the water with my kayak by 2. Never did find the group but I had a totally awesome afternoon paddling the reservoir. Could see snow capped mountains in the distance. Temp was perfect, breeze blowing, sun out, gulls screaming. Saw common mergansers, eared grebes, golden-eye ducks, red headed ducks, mallards, great blue heron, ovacets, killdeer, a couple other kinds of sand pipers. Saw a little beaver. It was AWESOME! Got off the water around 4ish. Got home and got ready for the fire in the park. It was a beautiful, gorgeous evening. Four of us there. Had a great time. Finally left there around 8:30 put the refrigerated food away and crashed.

Going to go take a nap. Meeting Dean at noon at The Camera Store. Then he’s planned a walk at Fish Creek near my house for later in the afternoon. He texted me and said he posted the event and signed me up – after asking if that time and place would work for me. I’m finding he’s pretty patient and very thoughtful.

Hope you got a good laugh from my escapades yesterday. Have an awesome day today.
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Trav’s graduating from NDSU Fargo with a BS in biology. He wanted to go into paleontology but his grades aren’t high enough to get into grad school. We’ll see what happens and where he ends up.

Doesn’t look like I’ll be meeting Jay when I go home. Its in his court and he hasn’t mentioned it again. I haven’t heard from Dean in 3 days, which is unusual. I’ll contact him Sunday when I get home and see where he wants to meet me to get the camera. Sunday night Calgary Christian Singles is having a Fire in the Park and I signed up for that. Only 5 people can go. My friend Deb signed up, so that will be fun. I just looked at the weather. Supposed to be beautiful all week. Tuesday I have a couple appointments and I really need to get my deck painted while I’m home. But Monday and Wednesday are pretty free. Plan to get the kayak out on Glenmore at least. KOA cancelled my reservation in Thunder Bay for my trip back. Pretty stupid. But then I see very little common sense in Canada with dealing with this. So I need to find two more campgrounds. I think hotels are open for essential workers, but to me there’s more chance of exposure in a hotel than camping. Its stupid. They close down places where there’s little exposure and leave places open and don’t address places where there’s high exposure.

But I’m off for a nap. Get off work around noon Friday. Haven’t slept well last few nights and been on my feet all day long the last couple days.

Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi Heidi,
LOL. Thanks. But “camping” is what I’m doing on the drive back to Sarnia instead of hitting the hotels, so it will be pull in. Park for the night and off early in the morning. So its camping but not really camping….. its not staying in hotels.

Jay didn’t write last night. Did hear from him again tonight, but nothing about meeting. Alberta and Canada has tightened up their restrictions again. Its totally stupid and they’re putting in stupid, totally ineffective restrictions.

Nothing from Dean today. But I’m supposed to meet up with him sometime on Monday to give him my camera. I’m going to suggest we meet at The Camera Store as I want to talk with them about a new camera and then we can see if we can get an estimate on refurbishing my old camera.

I’ll see if I get home soon enough to call the matching service tomorrow night. Its a 2 hour difference in my favor, so maybe they’ll still be open.

I’ll be in contact with Trav and Dustin Saturday morning. The U is streaming the graduation so I’ll be on line for that. Yes. Pretty exciting he’s graduating. My oldest never did graduate. But he’s got a good job and doing well, so at this point his experience counts for more than a degree. Things are picking up in the States so hopefully Trav will be able to find work easily.

Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Thank you. I was feeling guilty for complaining about my neighbor’s noise. I’m not sure why. I don’t think I should feel guilty about it. I get off around noon on Friday so during the summer I will try to leave town and go camping some where that first weekend of the month. Try to get along and be a good neighbor. 🙂

Um…… so far things are going ok at work and I’ve not had any more noise issues. Actually had a decent discussion with Andrew on Monday about the database. There’s not much for me to do for turnover as the one building contractor is pretty much off site till fall so I’m not under Andrew’s direct scrutiny. I don’t like leaving a job shortly after hiring on. That doesn’t give a person a good reputation. As long as its tolerable, I’ll probably stay.

Trav’s graduation is the 15th, this Saturday. The boys did wish me Happy Mother’s Day. Talked with Dustin and he and Alex are all ready and looking forward to going to Trav’s graduation. I gave Trav enough money for all 3 of them to order in a nice dinner after graduation.

Canada is still in very strict lockdown. Pretty stupid. They’re severely restricting outdoor venues, which is dumb and stupid and does far more harm than good. There’s plenty of evidence there’s very little COVID transmission in outdoor venues. They’re not taking effective measures, and they’re not trying to find more effective means of dealing with it. Alberta was way down on their count, so they put far more severe restrictions in place. Totally insane and stupid. I’m totally fed up with the stupidity. Anyway…. blah, blah blah.

Flying home Sunday. I’ll have till Friday morning at home. Have to leave early Friday morning. Have campsites booked for 2 nights for the return trip. Inquired on another campground and never heard from them so guess I’d better go find another place.

Sent an inquiry into the matching service in Calgary and never heard from them. Guess I should get on the phone and call them. Jay suggested we meet when I come home. I gave him two dates that I’d be free and asked if he had anything in mind. He’s totally dropped the subject so thinking it probably won’t happen.

Have a super day tomorrow,
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Thank you. I think I will contact that dating service. I sure am not finding anyone on line. I think there was a time it didn’t feel right to be treated well. I know I walked away from healthier opportunities in my college days. But now….? I (big grin)…. I think I’m over that. Love it when a man opens the door for me, gives me compliments, treats me well. I’ve learned to accept it with a smile and say Thank you.

Today is cloudy and I’m struggling to get up any energy. Neighbor had a jam session party last night that didn’t end till 12:45 and the last person left around 1:30. My poor landlord. I complained…… again. 2nd time I’ve complained about noise. I guess the guy next door has his friends over 1st Friday night of every month……. I guess if its only once a month I can handle it. There’s very little sound barrier in these older apartments. Even though I didn’t get up till 8ish I’m still really tired with no motivation at all.

Did figure out package delivery. Canada Post has this awesome service called Flex Delivery. Its free. I can sign up and choose a post office and they’ll give me an “address”. Its more of a code that I can ship to and packages will be delivered the post office I designate instead of my house. Canada Post also has offices in many of the Shoppers Drug Marts with evening and weekend hours. So that will work out ok.

Did check out a nearby conservation area. Its ok. If I get the energy up I’ll go check out another place about 45 min from here. Maybe a nap first, though.

Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Thank you. Those are very good questions. I probably won’t bring it up with him again for a couple weeks. He’s in finals I think, this week. Graduation is next Saturday on the 15th – and I can’t go. sob sob. The U is streaming it so I will watch on line. I made sure Dustin and Alex (my oldest and his wife) will be there so Trav will have someone there. I think I will send him money to get a dinner for all 3 of them. Don’t know if they’ll go to a restaurant, but they can order out or order something for a picnic lunch. Then Trav has to get moved and start applying for jobs. Dustin and Alex are wonderful and giving him a place to stay till he can find work. That’s one bad thing about me being in Canada — I’m not there for Trav when he needs me. What am I afraid of when he doesn’t believe in God? I was taught, and the Bible says, if a person doesn’t believe in God and doesn’t have a connection with God he/she won’t be saved and won’t go to heaven. And if he doesn’t accept the Bible as the truth and guide to living, he’s totally vulnerable to believe all kinds of lies.

Jay is the Metese (native American mix) from up near Edmonton. Been talking almost daily for several weeks. Yes, it is really sweet of Dean to send me those cute pics. Today it was a golden retriever with a kitten poking its head over the dog’s head (between the dog’s ears). Pretty cute.

From what I see both Dean and Jay would treat me well. They’d be good partners, so I wonder why I’m not interested. But I gave you a few reasons why I’m not totally sure about Dean. Jay isn’t a Christian, although he does believe in The Creator. He also has physical problems with his back and shoulder so kayaking is out. Again, I’m not sure he could keep up with me. Just no spark with either one. I’m wondering why there’s no spark when both seem to be solid, thoughtful and would treat me well. I’m talking with two men and I want to go sign up with that matching service in Calgary. Is that bad of me?

Enjoy your weekend!
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, I did ask Trav why he felt God didn’t love him. He said he’s only one in 7.6 billion people and someone has to be left behind – basically as that’s too many for God to keep track of and love. He also said something about he’s doubting because of how some people have treated him. I’ll see if I can find out more. He tends to have a really low self-esteem even though I don’t think I’ve ever put him down. I’ve always tried to focus on the good traits. I really hurt for him as he really struggles with life, social skills and self-esteem.

Thanks for the advice with Andrew. If he gets too bad, I’ll look for another job. He talks really big but I don’t see much effective leadership and when I ask questions, I often get put off, ignored or sometimes a wrong answer. Not impressed.

So Jay finally suggested we meet. LOL. He asked me a couple days ago how dating was out here. I told him I’m not interested in dating here as I plan on coming home as soon as I can and if by some chance I did meet someone here, he’d have to follow me west as my heart is in the mountains. Next email he suggested we meet when I come home. Again, like with Dean, I’m only half interested. If I’m half interested, I want to meet someone before I write them off. So we’ll see. Dean keeps sending me these cute pics and wishing me a happy day. Like today he sent an adorable pic of a bear cub in a tree with a wish for a happy day. Pretty nice of him. I don’t know. Neither of them really create a spark. Maybe there’s something wrong with me.

Hope you’re enjoying your evening,
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Hi, Heidi,
Thank you for that advice. LOL. I’m laughing. You don’t know my son. He has been Mr. Independent from the day he was born. I think Trav would have told me that because of his personality, not necessarily because of the way I brought him up. LOL. He thinks for himself and I haven’t seen anyone who has succeeded in influencing him if he doesn’t want to be influenced. My parents came and babysat for 2 weeks when the boys were in 2nd grade and 5th grade, so 7 and 10? Maybe 8 and 11? My mom was a manipulator and controller. She also believed kids are nothing but puppets to be totally controlled by the adult. Tried to control me down to how I felt when I was growing up. It only drove me away. Trav, the youngest (and the one questioning God right now) has always been extremely independent so of course clashed big time with my mom. (Actually I found out later they left the kids at daycare till the last minute, brought them home, fed them supper and put them to bed. My dad sat in the corner working on writing his Bible lessons and neither of them interacted with the boys hardly at all.) Dustin, my oldest, told me later he had to do some very hard and fast talking to keep Trav (7 at the time) from running away. Thank God he didn’t!! My mom lit into me hard when I got home and told me if I didn’t start controlling my boys I was going to have serious problems with them when they grew older. I just looked at her and said quietly but VERY firmly, “I will NEVER raise my boys the way you raised me.” and I turned around and walked away. I guess I was fortunate. I had very few hard and set dictated rules. I would tell them what I expected and why I expected it and why I felt what they were doing was wrong and then let them decide. I let them make their own decisions. And it seemed to work. We lived in Green River, WY for 7 years during their middle school and high school years. HORRIBLE place for them. Meth capital of the states and parents would give alcohol to their middle school and high school kids, let them run around town till 2 in the morning, etc. My boys opted not to get involved with that crowd and did very little socializing at school. I took a lot of flack for it, but I backed them to the hilt. They also went to the Baptist youth group meetings every Wednesday and both became good friends with the pastor. I am forever grateful for his interest in my boys. I’m thinking since I let the boys make their own decisions, they weren’t as susceptible to peer pressure. They had learned to stand on their own two feet. Both boys have told me they appreciate and respect the way I brought them up. But it still crushes me to see him reject God like that. But you’re right. He’s still reading his Bible and hasn’t totally ruled God out. I will send him one email and I think I will order him a copy of The Message, which is a paraphrased version of the Bible and easier reading. Trav said something that broke my heart, though. He said he doesn’t believe God loves HIM. He said he’s only 1 in 7.6 billion and God can’t possibly be involved with everyone and someone has to be left behind. Broke my heart. So in my email I’ll see if I can share with him a few promises and statements that shows that God does love HIM. Of course I’ll always love him and make sure he knows that.

So, Andrew, my immediate supervisor hasn’t started in on me yet, but he’s picking on one of the coordinators and yelled at another one twice today and I’ve been told its coming. He’s very insecure, a perfectionist and a driver and I really question how much he knows. He talks really big but his actions don’t back it up. He’s all over the place with instructions to the other coordinators. Tells them to do something then yells at them for doing it. He’s ignored my questions. I believe there’s already been one complete turnover with all his team. He’s not working with anyone he started with except maybe Melissa. So I’m thinking when he starts in on me, I’ll try to have the courage to very quietly stand there and when he’s done just say, Andrew, when you’re ready to talk to me in a professional, respectful, positive manner then we’ll continue this discussion. Until then, its over. And walk away. Any suggestions? First time he yells at me, I think I’ll go to my Brunel reps and ask what the procedure is for getting help with the situation and see what they say. I’m not inclined to put up with a lot. My other option is to keep my mouth shut and put out a whole bunch of resumes. Could do that as well.

I’ve kind of really bent your ear this week. Thanks for listening and thanks for the encouragement with Trav.
Smiles,
Rhonda

[Rhonda R]

Ha Ha. Now I know what my problem is! I don’t get enough hugs!

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/lost-touch-how-a-year-without-hugs-affects-our-mental-health

[Rhonda R]

Heidi,
I am absolutely crushed. Was talking with Trav, my youngest tonight. He said he’s been worried about hate crimes on campus and a nervous wreck about life in general. I suggested he take it to God and pray for peace and he pretty much told me God wasn’t for him. He’s been questioning God for the last 10 years, wondering if the Bible is really the truth. I’m in shock as I didn’t see that coming and totally crushed. I feel like a total failure as a mom. I’m just devastated.

Rhonda

[Author]

Posts