Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Crazy Dream. Surely I'm Dying.


Image coutesy of funnycorner.net

Holy smokes. 

Is there a dream interpreter in the house? 

A lot of times I have simple dreams and it's not very often that I remember them but last night's was a dozy... and everyone was there.

It started off in a cabin in the woods with a group of girls, about 7 of us.  Most I don't remember, or maybe didn't even know.  The cabin belonged to Sandy of Traveling Suitcase (who I've never actually met) and Julie from Momspective (who I also do not know in real life) was there.  Someone mentioned something about having french fries and pizza upstairs and that part was over.

The next part took place in an old restaurant I worked at, Harrison Roadhouse.  I was returning to work as a bartender after graduating from college.  Julie and I were, I guess, graduating together (even though she's much younger) and she was working at the restaurant too.  Phil was there as the other bartender and Cassandra and Annemarie were there for support and to take pictures.  Why the hell would they do that?  My older brother was there too.  There was also a cute dark headed boy who looked at me like I was crazy for not knowing about some new beer that, get this, was 4 years from being developed.  I have no idea who he was but wouldn't mind running into him again under different circumstances when he didn't think I was so dumb.
.
I had arrived early to set up the bar but someone had let guests in, at 6:50am, even though we didn't open until 11am.  That really freaked me out although no one else seemed to be bothered by it.  What does that mean?

I ended up waking and looking at the clock. 

It was 3:30am and I knew for sure I must be dying. 

I felt fine but laid still to feel if my heart was racing or if my head felt like it was going to explode.

"I must be dying", I thought.

"Why else would my life have just flashed before me?"

...but I'm fine.  At least for now.

Anyone ever experience that feeling of doom from a somewhat non-traumatic dream?  Any Dream Analyzers want to take a stab at it?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sorry Rude Parents~ You've Been Busted.

Handsome and I have had so much fun in the car line the last couple days.  His Principal ROCKS, in my opinion.  I'm sure some parents feel differently.

Handsome attends public school.  He is attending the school we were zoned for as he entered kindergarten.  This year the school became a Fundamental school and bus service is no longer available.  All parents are responsible to drop of and pick up their children.  The school is also no longer a "zoned" school so some people come from other cities as there is a wait list to get in.

There are, however, some buses for before and after school programs and a couple school buses for the Special Education Pre-schoolers and a handful of handicappable students that attend the school.  The car line slows down behind these buses as it takes some time to unload the kids.  Some parents have taken it upon themselves to create a new line through the parking lot.  They cut the line, drive through the parking lot that the patient drivers are making sure not to block the driveways of.  They circle around and come out the way they came in so they don't have to wait behind the stopped buses.  It's. Just. Rude.

A couple days ago Mrs. J came down to the exit and stopped each car to explain that it was not a proper drop off zone and the parking lot was not monitored.  She told the parents they would have to wait in the line like everyone else.  I know this because we happened to be between the two drives of the lot and she came over to get Handsome out "because she was there."  I could tell she was a tad peeved at the parents not following the rules.

The next day she was again at the parking lot and explaining to parents the proper drop-off procedures.  Not. Happy.

Today she was actually blocking the entrance into the parking lot.  It was wonderful to see her taking action.  Standing up for the rest of us who keep silent except for our rants in the car, cussing out the line cutters.  We've been cheering her on daily amongst ourselves (Handsome and I) in the car.  It has been great fun.  I'm guessing by the end of the week she'll have everyone in line (pun intended).

Way to Go Mrs. J.  Can't wait to watch more of the action tomorrow!


Monday, March 28, 2011

I Guess I am Not Patriotic. Let's just play Medal of Honor.

**Spoiler Alert***
If you have not seen the most recent episode of Army Wives, stop reading, come back later after you have watched it.

I love Army Wives.  I did not grow up with a lot of Military families, in fact, I can't recall a single one.  When I moved to Virginia, I had the opportunity to meet several Military wives and Servicemen and women.  I respect all that they sacrifice to fight for our country but... I don't want to be a Military Mom.  My 7 year old thinks being in the Army would be cool.  I support him in all he desires... except this.  I can not imagine getting the news as Denise did on last nights episode.  This is not something I envision for my child. 

My neighbor is so proud of her son who is in the Air Force.  He was thinking of getting out and she is encouraging him to stay in.  I do not get this.  It is not my decision to make for them.  Maybe it's a difference of growing up surrounded by the Military versus NOT growing up with it as a part of your life.  My step-father was in the Navy and served in WWII.  This was before I knew him and before I was even born.  Hearing his stories kinda freaked me out but it still didn't seem all that real.  I can not imagine worrying every. single. day. that something awful would happen to my child.  It's not a sacrifice I'm willing to make.  Of course, if 10 years from now my son feels the same way he does now... I'll have to adjust.  Or change the way things are done.  Here's my proposal...

Instead of heading off to foreign countries to battle actual people and fight for other's causes, let's just set up a huge game of Medal of Honor, or some other simulated war game.  Let's have each participating country gather their best gamers and let them battle it out on the screen.  The rest of us could watch their efforts and cheer them on, knowing it's not real people being killed.  The innocent bystanders would be computer generated so we would not have to feel the loss for their families.  Each country could decide to concede to the winner and know that no blood was shed.  Win or lose, their land and structures would be in tact, all their people spared of horrible deaths. 

Then, I might let Handsome join in.

What's Your Favorite Kitchen Toy?



The kids are spending every other weekend with their dad.  This is a somewhat new transition and takes a little to get used to.  I have awesome friends who check on me often and try to keep me company.  I would rather just hole up in the house and catch up on laundry, reading, TV watching and chillin'.  I've also started working on those weekends.  What I DO enjoy is the opportunity to make meals (for one) that no one else would eat anyway.  Last weekend I treated myself to this...

That's blackened salmon (pre-blackened) and a spinach salad (with tomato, red onion, raisins and feta cheese tossed in balsamic vinaigrette).  I make a meal like this, pour a glass of wine, and settle in for a movie.  It's delightful.
I enjoy cooking and preparing food that isn't nuggets and doesn't contain hot dogs.  I really enjoy prepping the food with this new "toy" I received...

I've always wanted to try a ceramic knife so when I was offered the opportunity to review one I jumped on it.  This ceramic knife blade is made from zirconium oxide and is stronger than steel.  It is high-pressure molded before being heated (temps above 1000C) for several days.  The blade is then ground and polished on a diamond wheel before being attached to the handle.  This stronger material means it stays sharper longer than typical steel blades.  It's also really pretty.  What can I say, I'm a knife person.  Dull knives ruin the prepping experience.  I love my onions thinly sliced and this knife did the trick with sheer perfection. 

What's your favorite kitchen utensil?  What could you NOT live without?


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Love our Puppy, Not her Scratching.

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are all in love with our new puppy.  She is almost 50 pounds and a big cuddlebug.  Unfortunately, she is not aware of her size or power so the kids and I are constantly getting scratched by her claws. She is either jumping up and the weight of her claws are scratching backs, arms and legs or her over enthusiastic approach onto the couch and the trampling of whoever is there causes scratches to the neck and face.  We've been stocking up on triple antibiotic cream.

 

 

Most Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products provide the same ingredients as name brands without the price.  They also offer a money back guarantee on all their products if you are not completely satisfied.  Seeing as we are going through it readily on our wounds, the lower price makes me comfortable stocking up.  I also like that every purchase of Walgreens Brand Health and Wellness Products supports preventive wellness services throughout the community through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.   Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million each year to provide free services such as wellness tests and education.  Companies that give back to their communities are the ones I prefer to give my business and money to.

Does a companies willingness to help others and give back to their community make you want to shop with them?  Does it make a difference? It should

 

Advertisement

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, March 18, 2011

Move Over Wine Bags, There's a New Gift Idea in Town



Wine makes for a fabulous gift.  Special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, as a hostess gift or even just to say Thank You.  Decorative wine bags have been around for awhile but now there's a new way to dress up your wine.



Wine Wear provides clothing "cards" for your special occasion and even just for fun.  Having a backyard Luau?  How 'bout dressing all your bottles like this?


Maybe you're in charge of the company golf outing or a charity event.  Here's a great way to spruce up the festivities...


Good for all occasions and new additions are being added all the time.  Wine Wear cards are available on the website and at some retailers.  They are fun and add a little something special to your event and everyday life. 

Which is your favorite?


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Are You Organized?

I'm an organizational failure.  Nothing in my house has a place.  I dream of everything having it's own special place but it never seems to happen.  Once I tackle an area I feel a sense of accomplishment.  I also know that it's only a matter of time before it reverts back.  My dining room and kitchen island are probably the most visible areas that, on occasion, become bothersome.  The island is a catch all for everything paper and random toys that get dropped off when a shinier object catches ones eye.  The dining area has turned into a homework/craft area and is rarely used for actual dining.

I don't stress too much about it.

I was raised in a pretty clean and organized house.  My mother had a house cleaner come in once a week to clean all areas except for kid's bedrooms, kid's bathroom and kid's playroom.  In an effort to teach us (I'm assuming that was the reason) how to be responsible, we were woken every Saturday morning and instructed to start on cleaning these areas.  My two brothers and I were not allowed to leave the house until our rooms, the shared bathroom and our (finished basement) playroom were all dusted, organized, cleaned, vacuumed and inspected.  Can you imagine the bribery that went on between the 3 of us each week to determined who would scrub the toilet?

I'm pretty sure this is why I tend to be a little messier.  I don't even pretend.  There are things more important.  While I could continue the tradition with my own kids, the truth is, I'd rather be at the zoo, or the park too.

I was recently sent a copy of the book Pretty Neat.  It talks about all the "org porn" we see in magazines and on TV shows.  The houses we dream of having.  Pretty and organized.  I love the term "org porn".   It talks about letting go of perfection and focusing what is most important to the individual.  Each of us has to determine what level of organization suits us and our families.  The book has useful tips, from real parents, on how to organize and how to "hide" those less-than-organized areas of our lives.  Where to start, tips and time-saving suggestions make this a favorable book for anyone who is working on getting organized or dreams of a more organized life without yet starting.  New parents and even the most organized of people may find it useful to create more time for "other" things. 

I think some day my kids may realize some of their friends have much more organized homes.  They may even decide that they want to have things more organized in their our house.  When it impacts them, they will be willing to help and maintain.  Doing it because they choose rather than waking them every Saturday sounds way more favorable to me.  I know I had a friend who's room was always immaculate.  She was not responsible for it.  I was a little in awe and a lot jealous, but it was just a room. 

How organized are you?  What is the least organized room in your house?  Do you hide messes behind closed doors?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wordless Wednesday~ Fun with Photobucket

Photobucket

Can't wait for Spring and Outdoor Relaxing

This post brought to you by Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

Can't wait for SpringWe had a couple glimpses of warm weather last week.  While we are still fortunate to have 50 degree weather while other places are still getting snow, having it in the high 70s one day and barely above 30 the next... and then repeating for several days, makes it very hard to figure out what to wear and depressing for those of us who are ready for Spring.

I love Spring almost as much as I love Fall.  The temperature is perfect for outdoors fun and relaxing.  We take our weekend happy hours outside to the porch instead of inside by the fire place.  I dream of setting up a backyard oasis for the grown ups.  The kids will have their pool and umbrellas with colorful mats but I want a gazebo filled with furniture and cozy cushions and pillows.  Someday, I will have one.  Pier 1  will help me fill it with color.

I'm drooling over their outdoor furniture but know that it is unrealistic to spend that kind of money right now.  Their accents (cushions, pillows, yard decor and accessories) ARE within my budget and our wrought iron table and chairs are ready for some sprucing up.  Here's a couple things I've spotted so far...

 

Everyone needs a colorful beverage tub. 

LOVE these lanterns.    Can you feel the party atmosphere?

Pretty blue cushions for hours of sitting and watching the kids play.

 

These are for the flower beds in the front yard to, hopefully, distract the young ones AWAY from the flowers. 

Make sure to sign up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter to find out about all the new additions.

I know some people have bad allergies and Spring and Summer bring on a misery of ailments keeping them from enjoying the outdoors.  Thankfully we don't suffer from any.  We love to be outdoors as much as possible once the warm weather hits... and stays.

To kick off Spring, there are several Pier 1 Tweetups scheduled in the next couple weeks.  You can meet up with some of your local bloggers and Tweeters and have some fun.  Here's some dates and locations:

Orlando: March 9th

Dallas: March 22nd

Atlanta: April 5th

NYC: April 20th

Stop by and say HI.

So.  Do you get excited by Spring?  Do you enjoying lounging outside?  What's your dream outdoor space?

 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Sunday, March 6, 2011

I see London, I see France...




I was never the girly girl.  I don't remember wearing a lot of dresses as a kid but I must have because I remember that song being chanted on more than one occasion.  I do know that if there was something I could hang upside down on, I was there


Now, having a girly girl of my own who not only insists on wearing dresses but can also rough it up when the mood strikes her, I want to protect her from having that chant sung to her, unless of course it's by me.  She's a little old for ruffles on the butt so when I heard about Sparkle Farms I just knew we had to get some.  The packaging was impressive and the bloomers even more so.

Super Cute Pouch


With this cute bag inside


3 Pairs of Sparkle Farms Bloomers



Very Cute and Comfy

With Sparkles on the leg


Cute and Confident
Sparkle Farms came to be when one mom went in a search for bloomers for her young daughter.  She wanted them comfortable, hygienic and affordable.  She came up short in her search and set out to "have made" exactly what she was looking for.

 Now she's sharing with the rest of us!

Made from a blend of cotton (95%) and spandex(5%) these bloomers are for today's little girls.  Providing confidence for them and a little for Mom, knowing that their underwear will not be seen.  They are currently being made for girls 3-7.

Let them be pretty and still hang upside down.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

What's on Your Personal Soundtrack?

Music is a great way to heal what ails you.  I've used music therapy (made that up) to help soothe a broken heart and to celebrate victories.  No matter what the occasion or what I'm feeling, there's always a song to go along with it.  The songs that really tell a story are my favorites.  I love love songs and upbeat dance music, anything that I can move too and understand all the words to.  Understanding the words has always been important to me.  I'm not a fan of screaming mumbo-jumbo, but that's just me.

There are so many songs that strike a chord and bring back specific memories and people.  Listening to the radio or the 80's station on digital cable always brings back a flood of memories.  Special times that have helped mold who I am today.  I love sharing that music with my kids and Handsome already has several of my favorites on his iPod.  He's also branching out to music that makes him feel something and that is awesome.  It's not rare for him to hear a song on the radio and ask to have it downloaded.  I love learning about him through his choices.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote the Pretty Little Liars Soundtrack and I am happy to do so.  Every song is filled with emotion and is relevant to the story line of the show. You can Catch Pretty Little Liars Mondays 8/7c on ABC Family, and visit iTunes to preview songs and pick up a copy of the album here. 

Here's a video by Fay Wolf talking about her song Your Love (from the soundtrack).



Putting music to scenes in movies or on TV can make or break the scene.  So much of our visual sense is enhanced by the right soundtrack behind it.

If your a fan of the show then you are already familiar with the music and can download it or purchase the soundtrack.  If you do not watch the show but are a fan of music you should check it out.

What is the soundtrack of your life?

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thank You Mamye BaCote for Inspiring My Son

This letter came home in Handsome's homework folder today.  He really enjoyed receiving it and it motivated him to finish a school report, on his own, and without hassle. 

PRICELESS!

Can he get one every day?

Seriously.  I think this is a fabulous idea and wonder what other States are committed to education at this level. 

Anyone else get anything like this sent to your child?

(click to enlarge)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Good Luck Charlie

Charlie Sheen, Rock Star from Mars, You can't process me with a normal brain, Two and a Half Men, Charlie Sheen train wreck, Charlie Sheen rant, Charlie Sheen today show, Charlie Sheen interview, Charlie Sheen pictures, Charlie Sheen teeth, Charlie Sheen dead, Charlie Sheen rehab, Charlie Sheen news, Charlie Sheen hospital, Charlie Sheen gold teeth, Charlie Sheen hospital, Charlie Sheen mugshot
Dear Denise and Brooke,

I have no interest in watching a train wreck, be it a real one or the destruction of a person's life.  I try to steer myself clear of negative forces and have removed people from my life that don't make me a better person or at least want to be.  I could not imagine having Charlie Sheen as part of my family, in any capacity.  To have children with him would definitely be the worst in his current condition and state of mind.  Really?  Why are either of you even letting this man have time with your children?  I get that he's the dad but...  What possible positive influence could he be having on them?

The Today Show showed him with his live-in Stripper and Model that are helping take care of the kids, The Goddesses as he calls them.  Over. My. Dead. Body.  The Press has him surrounded and none of us need to witness his self destruction, especially your kids.  He's a ticking time bomb and it's only a matter of time before he fully explodes.  Right now it's like watching small fragments and mini explosions but I have no doubt a full blown explosive situation isn't far off.

Seriously.  If this man gets drunk and beats you why would you ever let him be around your children along side strippers and hookers.  Is anyone taking responsibility for the kids?  Recently separated myself, I understand looking forward to the time without the kids.  In my case, the anticipation is much better than the actuality, but you have people.  There must be someone else more responsible to leave your children with so you can go shopping, to the gym, to lunch, fancy dinners and for dating.  Use Them.

It is truly sad what this must be doing to your family.  Mine is not unscathed.  My deceased uncle's son (from a previous marriage, so we're not related) is one of the Writer/Producers of Two and a Half Men so my family (even if indirectly) is affected too, and I take personal offense to Charlie trying to cause the demise of the show. 

Ladies, do what's best for the children.  I do not believe that Daddy involvement is what's best for them right now.  It's sad.  It's true.

...and to The Goddesses: Really?  Being young and stupid must be great fun and I hope it doesn't cost you more than you are willing to give.  The man has a poor track record and subjecting yourselves to potential harm is just foolish.  Find another, safer, way to become famous.  No one is going to remember either of you for this.

Good Luck Charlie

This post is part of a blog carnival over at Tribal Blogs.  You can go there to find more posts on this trainwreck.