Bulletproof points

• I won't lie, it's been a rough few weeks around here. Last Wednesday, one of my worst days on record, I went straight from work to Audrey's place and after a few minutes of sister jive talk, I decided I needed an outlet for my crazy. A year ago, a terrible, awful, no good, very bad day like that one would've warranted a shot or four of vodka and a sack of cheeseburgers, but apparently my coping strategies are evolving because I skipped the booze and went straight to borrowing a pair of my sister's shoes so I could go for a run. During daylight. I logged my longest run that day - 20 nonstop minutes. Two blisters later, I was a whole new me. I've always sucked at moderation, but I think this time my addictive behavior won't be such a problem. I'm still on track with my running goals, amazingly enough.
• So far my children appear to be enjoying their summer. And by "enjoying their summer" I mean screaming through the neighborhood with the girls next-door, being eaten alive by mosquitoes and not bathing. Ever. It's one for the history books.
• It's almost that time of year when we celebrate our freedom by scaring small children and forcing dogs to piss themselves. None of us can wait! The explosives budget has been negotiated and we're go for launch.
• I appear to have found an apartment. For which I can only thank my parents and their insane level of support for me and the kids. I'm just waiting for the credit check to come back and then I'll be set to move on the 10th of July. Big change, that one. For all of us.

Comments

[Deneen]

I have to admit that I am still reeling from the shock of the news you announced the other day. It came on my 13th wedding anniversary, which was also the day that my sister moved out into her own place with her kids while her divorce is in process. Life is too short to be unhappy, Amanda. You guys are going through some exceptionally rough times. I am very glad to hear that your family is there for you now. I wish you the very best in your search for happiness.

[frantically heidi]

Best of luck. And... how awesome is it that running has become your coping strategy. Have you signed up for any races?

[Ariel]

I think I need to know your sports bra secret. This pair of DD's do not mix well with running, and I would double up on the bras when I worked out. Past tense. Please share!

[William]

I have started running. It is a good coping strategy. Forrest did it.

Go to Map my Run dot com for some cool maps.

[Kerri Anne]

Here's to new adventures! And sparklers.

[Liz]

Was the last comment deleted? I read a post earlier today from someone who said they felt betrayed that Amanda's posts about her marriage turned out to be basically, well, not entirely the truth. They said they had been reading the blog for years and were dismayed to realize many of these posts were probably reflective of what Amanda "wished" were true about her marriage as opposed to the reality.

Now that post is gone. I didn't see anything really wrong with it - the poster was just speaking their mind. Why allow commenting if you are going to censor honest posts? I think if you (Amanda) are going to continue this blog, you should steel yourself & face the comments & critique from your audience, otherwise, why have the blog at all? Unless it's just a way to collect sympathy....

So much for blogging with the safety off....

[Amanda P. Westmont]

Liz,

Look again. I haven't deleted a single comment on this post. Not. Even. One.

Know that I've also read every single comment - every single word - and that I am more heartened than I am dismayed by them. I may have the world's best blog readers.

-Amanda

[rachel]

Liz: That comment is on the post from a few days back. It's still there.

[Stephen]

Ouch Liz, look before you post I always say.

Hey if Amanda has not deleted my posts.... others should be safe - grins.

[denise]

WTG on the running - it is addictive!