Day 282 ~ Social Networking Has Its Good Side

After the last few days I have had, today was for recuperation, realization, relaxation and rejuvenation!  For some reason I found that funny!  Oh how do I come up with these things!  

If you saw my day, you'd probably laugh too.  

Actually, it wasn't bad.  As I mentioned last night... I have received quite a few comments in the past few days.  Having said that... I am surrounded not only by some amazing role models, but some amazing friends.  Most of which I have met online.

My darling mother in law, or mom as I affectionately call her... made a derogatory remark to someone we were talking to regarding facebook, blogging and social networks in general.  I was in shock to say the least, yet we were not in a position to talk about it.  Boy, if she only knew how many social networks I belong too, she would probably shake her head at me.  :)   

[as a side note, growing up when my father went through wives numbers two, three and four, I was NEVER able to call any of them mom.  I tried once and felt uncomfortable, rather forced...I have never felt so comfortable calling anyone mom.]

In all my years in the computer industry, decades really, on more than one occasion I have come across people who do not like computers, change or modern technology in general.  Some people just do not like change and do not trust the internet, not to mention that they also think that computers are smarter than people.  Well maybe in some cases!  haha  Actually, they are not!  People made computers and can control them.

Anyways... I have shared with my mom how I feel about blogging and what it has done for me.  Not to mention all the friends I have rekindled relationships with, as well as my family in other continents that I am able to communicate like never in my life!  Then there are the new friends I have made.

Don't get me wrong.. if anyone understands internet safety, it's me.  It hasn't been until recently that I have really put myself out there and it is to promote my blogs.  

The point I want to make is that I have met some quality people online.  I have met great new friends and have developed bonds with them. Granted you just don't start chatting with just anyone... it just sort of happens as time goes by.

My friend I spoke to you about last night... I met her on Farm Town a game app on facebook, a couple of years ago.  Granted we have chatted off and on during this time, however it really wasn't until yesterday that we became even closer.  Bare in mind that our relationship has developed over time... and I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.

The younger generation hasn't benefited from facebook like myself (just had my 30th high school reunion last summer), or someone that been out of school or out of touch for some time.  For example my younger sister in law and two brother in laws, two of their ten year reunions are coming up and facebook has been open to the public for at least six of those years... therefore they didn't even get a chance to miss their friends.

Don't get me wrong... history shows that facebook is notorious for changing security settings without letting their users know... I have made it a habit to check my settings every other week or so.  And there are WACKOS out there... I try to take precautions, especially with my blogs.

So to my online family and friends on facebook and voiceBoks... thank you for your inspiring, motivating and encouraging words.  I take all your comments to heart and heavy thought.  I can't tell you how much your words continue to hug and help me.  My Dream Team continues to grow and get stronger!  

Not that I did not appreciate all my comments equally, because I did... but these really stuck in my mind and have been following me around for the past few days...

I used to have a poster in my counseling office (for me and the kids) that said "what would you do if you knew you would not fail?" Maybe your birthday present to yourself could be answering that very question. on Day 279 ~ Something's Gotta Give   Left by Perspective Parenting

Hang in there Carla! I guess this is just one of those 'emo moments'... Don't worry, you'll get your groove back. I know you will! :) on Day 280 ~ No Sugar Coating Here!   Left by Czjai Reyes-Ocampo

Hang in there xoxox One thing that we can be sure of is change - nothing stays the same. Things might be rough now but there is some sun shine waiting for you around the corner. Continue to be a good role model to your kids and a wonderful friend to others, but remember to take time for yourself to recharge xoxo Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun.com on Day 281 ~ Doing Our Share

As simple as these words may come across to some of you, to me... they have me looking at the light of the end of the tunnel.  By the way, these ladies are great bloggers... if you have a chance take a moment, click on the links and visit their amazing blogs!  When I read the quote "what would you do if you knew you would not fail?" three days ago... well let's just say I have been nusy thinking!

What would you do if you knew you would not fail?   ~ Robert H. Schuller  

Dedicated to all my friends, My Dream Team.  Thank  you for all your heartfelt words.

Blessings to all!!

83 days to go...

PS... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Some images courtesy of google and bing images.  U.S Copyright laws may apply.  ©

Day 216 ~ The High and Low of My Day

So I just learned the hard way that I just can't do anything just a "little!!"  I tried taking it easy today because my neck was not 100%... however... I just could not leave well enough alone!  Aiy Ya YAI!!  

You got it... I just could not let the dishes pile up, It's not like I could hide them in the dishwasher (I am the "dishwasher" and Dean jumps in to pinch hit more times than not); the daily dirt and dust on our floors (we do not have any carpeting and have to sweep daily); and needless to say dinner had to be made.

Now I sit here with the same ginormous beach towel rolled up and wrapped around my neck... and YES!! the Bloggeritis is back!  ... and...  before I am forced to have more down time... I must leave the computer alone and CHILL!!  [My low.]

So... to truly make this post short and sweet [and to end tonight's post on a great note) ... I want to share one last little piece of my life with you ... the highlight of my day... drum roll please... I once again have been selected by voiceBoks, as one of ten featured members of the week [this is the second time since I became a member at the end of November, 2011].  Quick plug for voiceBoks...(wink, wink)  I absolutely love this online blogging community of moms, who support one another on or with their blogs.  I have met some really wonderful, creative women (writers,  authors and creative geniuses.)  This site has really added a great quality to my life! Thanks dolls!  Blessings to you all!

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.  ~Author Unknown

The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist.  ~Laurence Leamer, King of the Night 

Blessings to all!!

149 days to go...

PS... Sons, I love and miss you.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

Images are property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Taking Back My Life ~ Making it My Own and a re protected by copyright laws.  I'm sure that voiceBoks also has some sort of rights here too.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent or protect me from the guilty.  (just kidding...wink, wink)

Day 187 ~ My Fight Continues... Part Three

Days 62 and Day 63 I began to tell you the painful story of the loss of my two sons, to their father.  When I first brought this up one hundred twenty-four days ago, I did not expect it to take me this long to continue.  It is  not easy reliving those days.

Last I left off on Day 63, was that I had received the results to the MMPI, another psychological test and a polygraph test.  Let me tell you... I walked in there with nothing to hide and they still try to strip you of your dignity!

When it comes to a possible wrong doing against a child, the accused (me in this case), is guilty until proven innocent.  Nothing is taken for granted.  It is amazing, how Child Protective Services can come into your life, toss it all upside down and all over the place, put you and your life under a microscope and then excuse themselves as if nothing ever happen! 

Wrong... something did happen!  Finally, after nine months of trying to prove my innocence and waiting for the appointment to take a test, then another month for the results, then another week for an appointment with a Guardian ad litem, I was finally granted a supervised visit with my sons with the Guardian ad Litem present.  

Wow, I think by this time my sons were about eight and a half and four [roughly] it was more or less 1996... and I felt like a complete stranger.  I was given instructions  prior to my visit with my boys, I was not allowed to touch them or hug them unless "they" initiated the contact.  It was such an awkward moment.  We, my children and I have always been very demonstrative of our love... meaning we would hug, give and get kisses on the cheeks (my boys would give me kisses, and I would return them)... all the innocence of our mother/son(s) relationship was stripped from us!

Fast forward to July of 2009, I get a friend request on one of the social networks, from the newest of the soon to be ex-wives club member!  Meaning, that the father of my sons (I call him this because I do not want to give him the honor of being called "my" anything!) was getting divorce number three!  Anyways, tonight's post is not about that... we can leave that for another post.  The point I am trying to make here is that she, ex-wife number three, admitted to ALL of his lies.  

What a coward!  Instead of playing fair, he was being spiteful at my and my son's relationship's expense.  He didn't care.  So many times he looked at me as if saying he had no clue where everything was coming from, or blaming his wife... when all along he had been behind all the lies, all the loss time from my sons, the heartache he caused between my children and I.  Their father had been behind it all!

Today, I only think of this when I have to write it down.  It is very painful to relive the time apart from my children.  The privilege of being a day to day parent... all stolen!

I wrote about the fact that loosing my boys this way is worse than loosing them to death. At least with death, there is finality.  There isn't someone bad mouthing your character, as well and poisoning their opinions of you.  

It is a hard thing to explain when someone strips you from being a parent to your children.  They make it difficult, as well as uncomfortable for communication. 

I want to end this post on two positive notes.  First off... although it has been eighteen years since my divorce was final to the father of my children, I am now learning to let go and dare I say it... forgive him.  Not for him... for me.  For my peace.  I will not allow him to hurt me anymore.

I thank God and Jesus for giving me the gift of being a mother a third time.  The privilege of being a parent is definitely God given.  Thank you for giving me Calley.  Thank you.  

On a final note... today I woke up to the honor of being a Featured voiceBoks member.  I do not know what I did to bestow such an honor.  However... I am very grateful and humbled by it all.  Thank you!!  I do have to say that I have looked for camaraderie like this for a long time... I have been blessed to have met some pretty amazing women bloggers out there.  I am nothing compared to some of the talent I am reading!  I sincerely look forward to developing some amazing relationships!!  I feel it in my bones!!

The quote I will leave you with this evening in one that should be taken to heart by all parents.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is love their mother”. - Theodore Hesburgh, American Priest

Blessings to all!!

178 days to go...

PS... I love and miss you boys.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.