Just Wanted To Let You Guys Know I'm Still Alive...

[Dracofish]

Sorry I haven't been around very much guys. A lot has been going on in my life lately. In the past month I've suffered a nasty breakup and having to go out and get a new job, all at the same time. My b/f of the past 7 years suddenly decided to break up with me via email and leave me for an 18 year old that he works with. In the morning I was his girlfriend, that night she was...literally. I seriously did not see it coming in the least because our relationship still appeared to be going well to everyone including myself. The hardest part was dealing with the fact that I was financially dependent on him so I had to go out and find a job to support myself completely. It took a few weeks, but I did. I lucked out and got a job with The Hartford, a large insurance company. I will be starting that job on July 31. As of now I'm still forced to live with my ex, by my good graces, because my landlords (my parents) wanted to kick him out right away. I figured I'd be nice. All of our reptiles except for two that I'm keeping are sold/getting sold, and many of the fish are going as well. We want to try to be friends in time, but I'm not sure how well that's going to work out. I'm very bitter at how he handled things in the end.

But, as hard as my life was these past several weeks, I've grown as a person because of it. I entered into my long relationship a child at 18, and did many foolish things. Instead of concentrating on my own life, I was enthralled with his and let myself drop out of college and stay at a menial job the entire time. We didn't need the money but I should have been trying to better myself. I never realized till now that I never really had much of a life and that I really wasn't happy. I'm having a blast now...friends, a new great guy that treats me well...my life is finally coming together, and this time it's MY life...not someone else's.

Just thought I'd let you guys know why I seemed to drop off the face of the earth there...

 

[paradise]

Mel, Glad to see you back. I was wondering, because I heard about "something" going on, specially with the posts on the "other board" about you selling off all the reptiles. Sorry to hear about that, but like you said, it's for the best, time to be your own person. Take a deep breath, make a 3-5 year plan, and try to accomplish it. Nothing like making rules to make it easier on yourself. And shoot, I know for myself, time spent with the camera is a natural calmer.

 

[Dracofish]

Unfortunately I haven't really had the interest to pick up the camera since all this went down because it was something that we used to do together. I haven't even touched most of the pictures from our vacation in May. But, the guy I'm seeing now wants to see me get back into it so I'll get there.

 

[alanhill]

Good to hear from you, Mel. I know from recent personal experience that Ed is right. When I felt ready to reach for my camera, it gave me much needed relief from a very difficult situation (and I hope to amaze everyone with the photos quite soon ).

Alan

 

[RazorBlade]

Sorry to hear of your nasty experience, but good to know that you feel you are a better person because of it.

I only pick up my camera when I'm in a happy/good mood - when I'm in an unhappy mood, it shows in my photos (or lack of photos).

Hope to see more great photos from you again soon! All the my best!

 

[Schnauzer]

I had wondered where you were Mel. Just don't jump into anything with both feet to quick. Time heals just about everything of this nature.

 

[Ibn]

Things seem to be for the better when it's all done with. Glad to hear that you're finally getting back on your feet and I look forward to seeing some pictures from you once you're back into it.

 

[squidfish]

Mel

Sorry to hear about your difficult times. Break-up with a long-term partner are very emotionally draining. Glad that you seem to overcome the main problems that arose from it, that you are now back on your feet and as you say a better person for the whole experience

Please make sure its not too long before we see some more of your wonderful work.

Take it easy

cheers

Rich

 

[Dracofish]

Just wanted to give you guys a little update!

I started that job with The Hartford three weeks ago and it's going great! I'm still in the training class, but we're nearing the end of that and then will be in academy next week (on the phones but with coaches). I can't believe how awesome this company is to work for! I got benefits effective the day I started, a paid life insurance policy, and almost two weeks vacation to start, one of which I can roll over to next year if I choose! Their PTO policy is awesome!

Also, I'm so very happy in my life right now. I have a great guy that I'm so lucky to have met. He's such a nice person that chicks flock to him but I'm the only person that he wants to be with. I honestly don't think I could be happier right now!

 

[jhoetzl]

Glad to hear things are going better for you! Are you happy enough to start shooting some more? Hope so!

The Hartford...good company...I work in an IT shop/software house that does all sorts of financial software...Hartford is not on our client list, but I think there might be some proposals out there...

Oh well, have fun!