Tuesday, February 8, 2011

My Plate Runneth Over.....

Life, sometimes it can be a bit much. To say my plate is full is the understatement of the year. I need a giant turkey platter to hold all that is going on in my life right now!  Ironically I haven't been writing much because my brain is so full I can't seem to write a cohesive sentence these days. So many words...yet none of them make sense. It's like white noise swirling around in my brain! I need some serious meditation time. Or maybe an island with a really big drink! Ya, that sounds good......I'll take door number two. Now!

I know we all have challenges, and I know we all go through "stuff," but dang, can I catch a break!? Let me give you a taste of what it's been like. As most of you know we are still going through this horrible lawsuit with the water dept et al over the loss of our business 4 years ago. If you aren't familiar with our story you can check it out here and you can also read about it in the book Oil and Water and Other Things That Don't Mix.  Recently we found out that the Otay Water Dept settled with the landlord/builder who is a plaintiff and  defendant, and as part of their settlement they are suing all of us for back rent and for breaking our leases. Yes indeed, you read that right, the very people that poisoned us, got us sick, and took away our business, are now suing us!  Hmmm....you gotta "love" our legal system. Or not.

Because we lost our business, and have been in this legal nightmare for 4 years, our financial situation isn't a situation, it's just gone.....history, kaput, null and freakin' void! Needless to say, we have had to get very creative when it comes to money.

I'm not only a writer writing for multiple sites, magazines, and a book, while also writing my own book, but I'm also a part time Program Director at a tutoring facility, and starting this week, a part time "assistant" at an accessory company that I have been a fan of  for a couple of years. The second job is thanks to a referral from the wonderful Marketing Manager of The Next Family who is now a dear friend!  You rock Madge!! 

Then of course there is my "favorite" part time job, the lawsuit. Conference calls, hearings, depos, trial prep and so much more! All of the ridiculousness has continued to suck up my time for 4, insane, long years! Oh the good times, they just keep on rollin'. Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice? I can taste it at this point.  Oh ya, did I forget to mention...trial starts on March 14th?!  Oy vey!

As if my plate isn't full enough already, our daughter just recently decided she is going to graduate high school a year early. We have had to do some fancy footwork to get all the puzzle pieces in place to make that happen! I'm SUPER proud of her and wouldn't discourage her for a minute, but who knew we were going to add graduation and senior activities to our "platter" this year? She is so motivated, she is keeping me motivated! Love that kid!

Let's see, what else? My husband and I also "take care of" our neighbor (Cali Mom) who has recently had many medical issues, so I have been "living" with her at various doctors appointments and surgeries. Again, wouldn't change it for the world, because she means the world to us, but ooowee does all this have to happen at the same time?

Sleep at this point would be great! Whew! I'm tired just writing all of this! The funny thing is, I'm not complaining. Venting, yes, complaining, no. I'm really quite thankful....really!

I'm still doing what I love most, which is writing, I'm part of a book that helps others dealing with the worst water tragedy of all time, I have two jobs that are getting me through this case, I have amazing parents that continue to help us through it all, I have family that's ALWAYS there, I have attorneys that haven't stopped fighting for 4 years, I have friends that are constant shoulders, I have wonderful women friends from my writing world who inspire me every day, I have an amazing daughter whose motivation keeps me going, and of course, last but not least, my supportive, hard working, loving, rock of a husband! So what do I have to complain about? That's all pretty amazing don't you think? I'm surrounded by love 24/7! That just rocks!

So yes my plate is full, and as a matter of fact it's spilling all over the place, but at the end of the day, it's okay. As my hubby always says, "I woke up today, so of course it's a good day."  We have been through so many challenges as an interracial couple, and as just a "regular couple," that nothing seems to get us down anymore.  How cool is that?  Cool.

Now it's time for some deep breaths and maybe some wine. Breath in, sip, breath out, sip, breath in, sip, breath out, sip......awwww. That's better.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love you Amy Wise. I wish I could hug you but it is a 2 hour drive. Soon again we will meet. I love your spirit and your positive attitude with whatever is thrown at you. You are a terrific wife, mom and daughter and a great friend. I stand by you or wherever you need me. If you need me to sit with you at the trial (which I personally don't think will happen), I will. Love you lots.

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Amy the magnificent.... You are a fab mom and a great wife and very lovable with your friends and near family too. Amazing that you still have to bring us up to date. Thanks. Stay the course; you’re doing Great !~!

Anonymous said...

Oh dear sis - love you bunches and I know you will triumph over all this. And when you do, you will hear a cheer across the land for you, Jamie and Tat! You just watch! (or should I say listen) :)

Lori

Anonymous said...

Amy- what a fabulous post - the world may be falling down around you- and that's what YOU tell it- fall down around me cause you ain't gonna get me sucker. Inspirational - I'd love to come visit as well - til then - hundreds of hugs and prayers...Linda

Amy Wise said...

Oh all you wonderful women in my life! This is why I'm okay...you all keep picking me up and giving me love! Madge, Lynda, Sis, and Linda....truly....thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love, the support, the kind words, the EVERYTHING!! You all ROCK!! A.

Anonymous said...

Well I just discovered your blog and fell in love with it, it is now a 'favorite' page of mine, I wonder if you have any other teenage followers? My mom thinks it's odd I follow "a bunch of grown women blogs" lol Oh random, me and your daughter have the same birthday/yr :)

Amy Wise said...

Anonymous..I'm so glad you love my blog. That just makes me smile! Thank you for reading and for commenting. What is your first name so I don't have to call you anonymous? LOL! Amy

Anonymous said...

Lol, alicia :)

Nay K. said...

Amy & Jaime: I hope that you win your lawsuit for you and everyone else on your side. Please keep me posted on that as time goes on.

Amy, you are amazing in more ways than one and you are proving that on a daily basis to your daughter, husband and those friends who know you personally that you are a good mom, good wife, good writer who has a beautiful heart and mind.

You also have your loyal blog fans and followers - Madge,Anjuelle, Teri, Lynda, Heather, myself and others not mentioned here.

Keep up the great blog, write on your book 1 night at a time and take time to eat,breath and spend time with your loved ones.
HERE's LOOKING AT YOU,KID.
Miami Heat all the way.

Amy Wise said...

Alicia...thank you! =)

Nay K.,

You are so sweeeeet! You just made smile with your very kind words. Thank you for being such a wonderful support of me and my blog. Awesome! Have a beautiful weekend with lovely fam! A.

Shabby said...

i really enjoy reading your blog! beautiful family!
now following.
www.cocoandolive.blogspot.com

Amy Wise said...

Shabana,

Thank you so much for reading and following! I truly appreciate it! I'm on my way to check your blog out now! =) Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,

Wow. You have really had so much going on, and I thought I was overwhelmed…..Might I say you are so very blessed to have your wonderful husband and daughter and network of family and friends there to support you through it all.

I don’t know where I would be without my sister, mother, brother and the few lifelong close friends I have had to see me through my bad times.

What a great job you must be doing as parents to have a daughter graduating from high school a year early! You tell Tatiana congratulations from me.

I still haven’t read, “Oil and Water and other Things that Don’t Mix,” but as soon as my life gets back on track, I plan to. I have it at the top of my reading list.

Take care and I will tell you about all my drama in another email.

Love and light,
Heather Lorenz-Phelps

Amy Wise said...

Heather,

I am very blessed with the people in my life. They are amazing! I'm so glad to hear your are too. =) It's soooo great to hear from you. Anytime you want to email about what is going on please do. I'm here for you. Thank you for always catching up when you can!

Hugs and much love...Amy

Amy Wise said...

oops....*so glad to hear you are too*

Unknown said...

Looking to contact Heather L Lorenz-Phelps. email: bachvirgo@gmail.com.
I got a big fat apology for you. Long overdue. Thanks, G. Phelps