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Post by andiemarie923 on Feb 22, 2013 11:47:04 GMT -6
I came to the realization this morning that I have only been on Moms of Minnesota once in the past year. When we were on MLM, it was rare that I went a single day without logging on, but my life has changed so much in this past year and sadly I didn't have as much time. I am friends with many of you on facebook, but I still feel like it would be helpful to give a little update on my life because I don't disclose everything on facebook. The reason why I stopped coming on MOM was because I became so busy with school and the Obama campaign. I was working for the campaign and finishing up college while taking care of Kendra, who is now 3. The Obama campaign allowed me to learn so much about organizing, and build my skills in being political involvement. I had the opportunity to spend a little time with Vice-President Joe Biden, and working on the campaign furthered my passion to have a career in politics. But my passion for politics has lead to some difficulties. In August, Nate (Kendra's father) and I broke up after having been together for 4 years. This was very difficult for Kendra and I. We were engaged, and I honestly thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with him, but we started having issues as my involvement in politics increased. Rather then letting our separation cripple me, I just dove into politics deeper to keep me busy. In September, I was a national delegate to the Democratic National Convention which has always been a huge dream of mine. In December, I graduated from the University of Minnesota (I majored in Political Science, of course) and in January, I was invited to go to the white house, inauguration, the inaugural ball and the staff ball. Much like the DNC, it was an absolutely amazing experience, where I was able to do some amazing networking and learned so much. I spent most of January just spending time with Kendra. Nate and I have split time with Kendra 50/50, so I have tried to have as much fun with her as possible when I have her. Now I am working on a city council race in Minneapolis and I love being back to work. The campaign has been flexible with me and thus far I have been able to primarily work from home on the days that I have Kendra. Adjusting to being a single mom has been a difficult change. In October, I started dating someone else who was involved with politics like me. It was great because he understood my commitment to politics, which has always been an issue in every past relationship I have ever been in. Unfortunately, that relationship ended yesterday because the campaign he is working on is so time demanding and we simply never saw each other. I am someone who has always been in a relationship. Since I was a Sophomore in high school, I have never been single for more than 2 months. But, now that I am a parent, I feel like my approach to dating must be much different. I want to be so careful with who I introduce to Kendra. I want to try to be single for a while, I think that would be what is best for Kendra and I, but the idea of being single is somewhat horrifying for me because it is so unfamiliar to me. I'd love some mommy input on this. I think that is my past year smushed into one short post. I'd love to hear how all of you have been doing, I look forward to getting caught up on old posts and talking with my fellow mommies again!
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Post by dara1012 on Feb 22, 2013 11:55:19 GMT -6
Andie- 1) Good to "see" you on here again. You were missed, but definitely understand that you had other things to focus on.
2) Congratulations on graduating from college!!! You are truly inspirational to have so much on your plate with being a mom, involved in politics and making the most of your educational opportunities. Way to go!
3) I think your approach to being single for awhile is good. I didn't have your experience as I only dated one person in high school, but I was with someone all through college starting right away my freshman year and we were together until right before graduation. I didn't date anyone for 1 1/2 years and focused on me (in your case you have Kendra to focus on too), and that time in my life was hard at times, but overall really wonderful and a good life experience, I hope it can be the same for you.
Take care!
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Post by sarahisis on Feb 22, 2013 11:58:45 GMT -6
Sorry to hear about you and Nate!! But you have to do what makes you the happiest.. and it sounds like Kendra is doing well!! I haven't been single in a long time, so no advice there unfortunately, but it's great to see you back here... hope you get time to hop on once in a while. We gotta get the kids together again before they graduate HS lol
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Post by ReneeW on Feb 22, 2013 17:08:47 GMT -6
Andie --
Hi, I'm Renee. Welcome back to the site, I look forward to reading your posts. WOW sounds like you've had quite the year! Super exciting! And good for you for getting involved in politics, I always think that too many people complain but don't ACT.
Personally I think that it's good to be single and really just revel in being YOU. You get to be more selfish. Of course your daughter comes first, but then after her needs you can do things that interest you without thought of a partner, know what I mean? I think it can be a powerful time and good for your own growth as an individual, especially since we moms rarely if EVER have time to think about ourselves only!!!
Anyway, hope that you are happy and can feel that power that comes from being successfully solo!
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Post by jlschlangen on Feb 22, 2013 19:17:04 GMT -6
How fun that you went to all the inauguration festivities. Nice to have you back on the site Andiemarie. Saw your posts on fb. Cute lo there Andie. Congrats on graduating college. That in itself is an accomplishment.
Hope you are happy.
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Post by sharon on Feb 23, 2013 22:25:24 GMT -6
Wow, Andie! Big changes!
Congrats on graduating and on all your exciting adventures in politics! I hope the adjustment to single parenting just gets easier and easier.
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Post by lilmermaid on Feb 24, 2013 13:57:25 GMT -6
So glad to have you back Andie!
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Post by jess7882 on Feb 24, 2013 23:36:45 GMT -6
Welcome back, Andie!
Just take your time. This is a good time to bond with Kendra, and learn about yourself for future relationships. Don't rush...take your time as you are young. You have a lot of goals so focus on those and Kendra.
You are smart and determined...you will go far in life.
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Post by megan1201 on Feb 25, 2013 15:44:35 GMT -6
Good to 'see' you back, Andie
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Post by bumblebee23 on Mar 1, 2013 15:37:52 GMT -6
Congrats on graduating from college! That is a huge accomplishment!
Also what an experience to be invited to the white house that is awesome!
I think as far as being single goes...I think this is an opportunity for you to find out who YOU are, what YOU want out of life, and how YOU want to live without having to attach it to someone else and what they want. I think being single allows you so many opportunities and roads in life that being attached might not give you.
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