free write 03.05.13

Riley fell on her face this morning...she fell last Thursday before school too. Poor thing!!!!! Today her red patent leather shoes are to blame, last week it was the ice's fault. She is so tough though.

This morning, she fell in the parking lot at her preschool. Her pretty white ruffled shirt and little black pants got soaked ! Luckily, at the beginning of the semester, the preschool teachers ask the parents to bring in an extra set of clothes for emergencies! Good thinking on their part.
Riley changed her clothes in the classroom's little bathroom, its so tiny!!!!!!!!! Little toilets, little stall doors...haha. and she hurt her little hands so we ran them under warm water in the little sink to help her feel better.

Kind of a crappy morning for miss Riley. We compared her mishap to Cinderella losing her shoe, so that made it sort of funny and got her to laugh. She said "and at least I got my shoe back !!!!!!" haha. Good point!

One of the teachers at the preschool is going to do laundry today. She offered to wash Riley's shirt for her so she can put it back on later. How nice is that!

free write 02.19.2013

Im hungry. I got to sleep in this morning and definitely took advantage of that, but I should have gotten up to eat breakfast!! Where did all of Rileys shoes go?? I know she took some to her dads.....but of course we had plenty of pairs at home. Now theyre gone!!!
Its really hard to type today, I cant see!!!!!! Ah I need my contacts.

We tried on almost every pair of shoes in the house this morning!! None of them fit!! I guess I ened to get rid of them. And...I guess... this means I have to buy more....dang. Stop growing kid. Just stop!
Last night she and I passed out in my bed together. ha! We havent done that in a long time!! But I still dont understand how someone SO small can take up so much room!! It definitely brought back memories......

and im trying to figure out why Riley doesnt like to wear jeans...everyday she wants to wear her little stretchy pants. Its so silly. I dont really mind,  I just want her to be warm.

Free write 02.14.13

Riley wants a monkey. What the heck. My moms friend brought her pet monkey over and Riley fell in love with it. She got to hold it, feed it, and play. She was such a good little mom!!! She knew exactly when to stop feeding and set the bottle down and she even wiped the monkey s nose when it got dirty. hahaha.
Then she rubbed the monkeys head. Kind of precious!
Now she is expecting her own monkey. The monkey she got to play with cost its owner $7500!!!! That is so not happeneing!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry Riley....
I am sleepy again!  I had such a long day yesterday, I feel braindead. 
We are picking dates for our trip to the ocean. I am so ready!! I have a date worked out that is OK with work and also with my sisters school schedule. I ll have 10 days off of work, so it s perfect. We are booking our hotel next week!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope I get a little tan before we go, or else I will be the palest  person there. That's for sure.

I dont want to go back to work tomorrow. I had my vacation, then I worked 12 days straight and got some amazing overtime, But , still, eh.

02.12.13

Today we are late!! We had some serious issues getting Riley dressed!! I dont mind letting her pick out her clothes, but sometimes they are just CRAZY and I cant let her go out of the house!!She has such enthusiasm ,its so cute. Today we started with a blue and white polka dot skirt, purple sparkly tights, silver sequined shoes, and a not so bad of a choice white shirt. BUT THE SHIRT WAS TOO SMALL. of course. 

out of time!

free write 02.05.13

I am grumpy today. so grumpy. I stayed up too late I have to stop doing that. I think I am going to take the tv out of the bedroom. Its always on. I hate it. My boyfriend will not be happy about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha! He has been so whiny lately. Its driving me crazy. Its like i have two four year olds. NO THANKS!!! Dating a good guy sucks, its especially hard knowing that my daughter really loves him. Maybe this feeling of him driving me crazy will go awayyyyyy. AGH.

Work sucks too . Its exhausting. Nobody does inventory the same, therefore our numbers are outta control. How hard is it to count? How hard is it to all count the same way?? Hopefully my boss will get a clue and fix this problem...........Im tired of my numbers being off and then trying to explain that.

Math test today! I got to study a little bit, I would have like to study more, but I worked way too much this weekend....I have three hours before that class, so I will have time to get in a good review.

I am proud of mags! She got her own place. It has everything she needs. Living on her own will be so good for her. I just hope she doesnt let anyone move in with her and take advantage of her again.

free write 001.29.2013

Its so muggy. I like that its warm, but yuck I didnt know my boss was serious about asking me to move to Arkansas for work. I am kind of suprised. I would get a promotion and basically double my income...that would be nice. I have to think of all the things that would have to change or be given up. I wonder what kind of custody issues this would cause with Riley's dad, although I do have the right to move if it means improving our lives....but still I feel that the consequences would be severe, if not in the near future, I fear that at some point her father would feel the urge to retaliate. Hes such an ass. Riley would have to switch dance schools, or maybe quit altogether, she would have to change preschools (which isnt the end of the world)I would have to switch schools, I wonder if my boyfriend would go with us?? Its not too far from home....yeah a short drive, but not bad enough that I couldnt get home if I needed to.Lots to think about! The money would be nice, but if I have no body to share it with, or am spending it on a custody battle, then I am not sure it would be worth it. It would be fun though. The cafes down there are super busy , that would be a nice change from my store. Its risky though, you never know what kind of management team you end up working with.
im sooooooooooooooooooo sleepppyyyyyyyyyyy. 3 am arguements about watching the princess and the frog are always exhausting.....
today is maggies birthday. I am going to make fun of her all day long. she feels old now. ha.
Riley has her doctors appointment to have her hearing checked today. I hope everything is OK.

I am From - Dot Thornton

I Am From by dt0179856

Free write 01.22.2013

My vacation officially starts tomorrow, its all I can think about. I am tired of work and our new boss.  He is awesome, but he demands so much more than our old boss (that's probably why he got fired!!!). Its good that he demands more, it is good for our cafe. The management team knows what were doing, we know all the expectations, but to actually be held responsible to meet them again!! How funny...Our store is in good hands, with this management team we will go places and finally become that training cafe that we have been trying to get to...our old store manager really held us back. Im glad he is gone. Work is now challenging again - which means it is also rewarding.
My sister is RIDICULOUS> she complains about being broke....but blows her money all the time....I dont get it...she complains about being alone, but will never  come over to hang out, see her niece, do homework....silly . I am proud of her for quitting smoking. I am thoroughly impressed ! I need to tell her so, that will be motivation! We all need a little support.
My birthday is Thursday, sometimes my mom purposely calls me the day before my birthday and the day after. That lady is CRAZY. How can you be so evil to your own  children...I think about the crap she has put us through, and I can promise the world that I would never ever treat my children the way she did us...

Intro

Hi, my name is Dorothy Thornton. I go by Dot. I figure I will go by my real name when I am older! I work full time as a manager at Panera Bread. I have been there for almost six years. My job is very enjoyable, sometimes challenging , but always rewarding. Panera offers great benefits that has made it possible for me to raise my daughter on my own.
Speaking of my daughter...

.her name is Riley Boo. She just turned 4 on New Year's Eve. She is nothing short of an awesome, smart, SUPER SILLY, and beautiful little person. When she was born I was scared to death. How the hell am I going to raise a kid on my own??? Little did I know that I was about to embark on an exciting and full of love adventure. She has shown me more about who I am and the strength I have then I ever thought possible. I would go through a thousand more sleepless nights and exhausting work days just to spend one moment with that sweet girl of mine.
I have three sisters and one brother. My family is the exact opposite of perfect. I think that is why I love us...because we are real!
I also have found an amazing boyfriend. He has been so wonderful to me and to Riley. We appreciate and love him so much, it has been hard letting him help out. But we are all three learning!! Things are good!
I am a fun person who sometimes gets overwhelmed with life! That is because there are so many things to do, enjoy, and accomplish. But I have learned that its important to sometimes just chill.

-Dot

Free Write 01.17.13

Im sort of tired I know why, I didnt sleep a wink last night. Maybe 2 hours. I'm finally not sick, i feel like I have been sick for two months straight. I couldnt even talk at christmas...im so glad i am feeling better, now if I could only sleep , that would be wonderful. I am getting anxious about planning our vacation. It is going to cost about as much as I was expecting it too. But now we have to figure out if we are going to drive or fly....after looking at rental cars it seems like that is the MUCH cheaper way to go, but that would mean 11 hours or more with a four year old in the car, that s a long time....even with nap times in consideration...but it would save some serious money.....ugh .....stupid money. traveling should be free- its educational and good for us. Its not about luxury or being spoiled....its enjoying this world we are here to enjoy! Good thoughts...but....that s all they are.
Lyla turns one tomorrow. Ican't believe its been a  year....wow...I can still feel the contractions. No Epideral....DUMB. She just came too fast though. Way to fast..45 mins....thats crazy. Riley took 12 hours, more actually!! Crazy. Interesting - I didnt sleep at all that week either, the week she was born....that is strange....hmmm
I havent sent her a bday present. I have no idea what to get her...but since her bday party is not until next weekend, Istill have time to get something sent to her...What does a birtmother get her one year old?????? I want it to have meaning....but I want her to also be able to enjoy it or like it....I dont know, but I need to figure it out!

I watched this show on Netflix last night, "The Secret Lives of the American Teenager"....its about a fifteen year old who gets pregnant....I love these shows....maybe because I can relate? I didn't get pregnant young, but I have dealt with two unplanned pregnancies... it makes me want to help girls who find themselves in that situation. I was thinking last night, when watching the show, about how much it changes the girls life ....people just look at her and can see that she is pregnant, meanwhile the guy....he can act like nothing has happened, like nothing is going on. I often wonder how guys feel in these situations? Its easy to assume that they dont give a shit. He got to sleep with her. Who cares about the consequences. But , maybe I am naive, I would think the guy would have to care at least to some degree. Maybe not.How do birtfathers feel after their child has been given away? I think that men who have NO intention of caring for the child or of being suppportive should just say so and let the mom make the decision taht isbest for them both.

Free Write 1.15.2013

I have so much to do. I have to pay my car payment, riley's preschool, clean our house, i hate the dishes,  i left wet clothes in the washer, there is SO MUCH LAUNDRY to fold. Riley's room is a complete wreck, she has so many toys. why is her birthday the week after christmas. like we need anymore toys. I need a bigger house, but were getting new carpet, why should we move!!!! its just too small. Rileys room is crazy that girl needs TWO rooms. maybe she needs less stuff! but she has so many people who love her and like to spoil her....I dont know what to think. we need to get the paint off the porch too, my landlord would not like that at all. and i need to tell him about the heater making monster noises . I need to finish working on the schedule at work, how am i going to do the associate s schedule, work full time, be a mom and do well in my classes this semseter?? thank god its almost spring time, thats motivating! this summer we need to go camping - I dont care if its too hot. Im going, ill go by myself if I have to!!! I wonder how mags is doing at school She always takes on too much . I hope she doesnt do that this semester.... we are so excited for our vacation this summer. theocean. riley will be so cute in her little swimsuit !! she is sort of a beach baby. its going to be so fun. I have a lot of planning to do and I have to figure out how much money I can spend on our trip. Shoudl we drive? Should we fly? Could Riley handle being in the car for 10 or more hours??? COULD I handle that???? I wish it was warmer outside, i thnk Riley is going crazzy being inside so much. But she is getting so good at writing her name!!! and her numbers , and sounding out letters and even a few words. Im so proud of her.I cant believe she is four!!!!!!!!!!!! How did we make it?? the first few years were so hard, on our own, but we did it. Good job us. Thank you Panera for my job that has let me provide for her these last few years...If I didn't have that job I dont want to even think about where we would be right now......thats scary. Its motivating to think of how well we have done....I wonder how much better things are going to get for us..