Crumbs In The Minivan was kind enough to gift me the Honest Scrap Award.
I hadn't played many blogging games lately, but I've seen this one around and I'd like to give it a try.
You're supposed to list ten "honest" things about yourself without boring your readers to tears or pissing off your family too badly.
Okay, the last part might just be my interpretation of the rules, but here goes...
Ten Honest Things About Me
1. I read everything I can get my hands on. I read at least a book or two a week (of pretty much all genres), the Washington Post, blogs, articles on the web, magazines, junk mails, cereal boxes, everything...
I'm pretty sure I would lose my mind if I quit reading or at least end up friendless and divorced.
2. On a related note, one of my dirty secrets is reading trashy romance novels. I'll only read them at home because I'm a little embarrassed to be seen with them. I also hide them before anyone visits our house.
3. I love women with attitude. My favorite people are slightly bitchy (just not to me, if you know what I mean). I love it when people are a little too loud and occasionally say the wrong thing. It keeps life interesting.
4. Sometimes I still can't believe I'm an adult. Logically, I know I'm almost 30, but it's still exciting that I can drive a car legally, buy alcohol and eat cookies for dinner if I want.
Being in charge is awesome.
5. I don't like reality tv shows that follow people around, but I have a soft spot for the game show type ones. My favorites are Survivor and So You Think You Can Dance.
Somehow, I can never get into the "cool" shows like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. I just can't bring myself to care about most realities shows, but I'm fairly passionate about the lame ones I'm addicted to.
6. I started watching Survivor the every first season. I'm not proud of the amount of time I've spent on the couch hypnotized by a zillion seasons of Survivor. I have to fight myself not to do the math to figure out exactly how much time I've wasted.
7. I told my mom that "I was going to marry my husband, he just doesn't know it yet" after our fourth or fifth date. And while I had to admit I am a bit melodramatic at times, I had never said anything like that before in my life.
I'm still amazed I managed to not screw the whole thing up since I was 22 (and fairly dumb) when we met.
8. Every morning I say a little thanks for contact lens. My prescription is so strong I don't qualify for eye surgery and my glasses are the type that make your eyes have enormous bug-like proportions.
9. I drive a 2002 Nissan Sentra. I was totally okay with the uncoolness of my ride, but lately it's starting making these really horrible loud noises. Now I'm a little embarrassed. (I have an appointment to get it looked at tomorrow.)
10. Timing my pregnancy over the holidays might be the smartest thing I've ever accidentally done. I can pig out relatively guilt free through Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
There you have it.
If anybody would like to play along, please feel free. Just let me know in the comments and I'll give you a little link love.
Have a fun Thursday!
Oct 29, 2009
Oct 27, 2009
RTT - Minty Fresh Dead Authors
It's Tuesday again...
Time to play along with the Un-Mom and let the random thoughts flow. (I'm hoping it might clear out some much needed space in my brain.)
So I've ran across an article talking about a new product. I'm thinking it might make a great stocking stuffer for the mother in law. (I hate boring holidays.)
It's a mint. But you don't exactly put it in your mouth, at least not directly.
It's described as internal feminine flavoring. (And yes, you totally read that correctly.)
And now I better move along to a new topic...
I also learned recently that there is oddly going to be a new book in the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, which just happens to be one of my all time favorite reads.
A new book wouldn't normally be an odd thing, but that the author, Douglas Adams, died in 2001. And while he was quite the character, I'm pretty sure even he can't manage to produce novels from beyond the grave.
Another author (Eoin Colfer, if anybody cares, of Artemis Fowl fame) wrote "And Another Thing" with the blessing of the publisher and widow. I'm pretty sure this is totally wrong, but I'm still on the wait list for the book at the library just to be sure.
And the weirdness continues...
Apparently, the Winnie the Pooh series is also adding another book despite an author who has been deceased since 1956.
Why let a little thing like death stand in the way?
Has the universe ran out of new ideas?
I know Hollywood has been all about remakes lately, but I was kinda hoping it wouldn't leak over into other areas. At least with movies, the special effects have improved with time.
On another note, I'm roughly the size of a house at this point. My badonkadonk is currently a nice counter weight to my enormous belly. My profile is pretty much cartoonish in proportion.
I keep buying more Halloween candy "for the trick or treaters", but I'm pretty sure my husband is on to me since we didn't get a single visitor last year.
And that's enough rambling for one day.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Time to play along with the Un-Mom and let the random thoughts flow. (I'm hoping it might clear out some much needed space in my brain.)
So I've ran across an article talking about a new product. I'm thinking it might make a great stocking stuffer for the mother in law. (I hate boring holidays.)
It's a mint. But you don't exactly put it in your mouth, at least not directly.
It's described as internal feminine flavoring. (And yes, you totally read that correctly.)
And now I better move along to a new topic...
I also learned recently that there is oddly going to be a new book in the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, which just happens to be one of my all time favorite reads.
A new book wouldn't normally be an odd thing, but that the author, Douglas Adams, died in 2001. And while he was quite the character, I'm pretty sure even he can't manage to produce novels from beyond the grave.
Another author (Eoin Colfer, if anybody cares, of Artemis Fowl fame) wrote "And Another Thing" with the blessing of the publisher and widow. I'm pretty sure this is totally wrong, but I'm still on the wait list for the book at the library just to be sure.
And the weirdness continues...
Apparently, the Winnie the Pooh series is also adding another book despite an author who has been deceased since 1956.
Why let a little thing like death stand in the way?
Has the universe ran out of new ideas?
I know Hollywood has been all about remakes lately, but I was kinda hoping it wouldn't leak over into other areas. At least with movies, the special effects have improved with time.
On another note, I'm roughly the size of a house at this point. My badonkadonk is currently a nice counter weight to my enormous belly. My profile is pretty much cartoonish in proportion.
I keep buying more Halloween candy "for the trick or treaters", but I'm pretty sure my husband is on to me since we didn't get a single visitor last year.
And that's enough rambling for one day.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Oct 20, 2009
Too Much Of A Good Thing?
First thing this morning, my son gleefully unzipped his pajamas and immediately stripped down to his diaper. (Undressing is a new skill and it's very exciting. It currently needs to be practiced at every opportunity, but that's another post.)
He then flexed his 2.5 year old muscles and strutted around like a rooster.
He went to the mirror, rubbing his own chest and admiring himself. Then he announced "I handsome".
Then he started dancing nearly naked around the room and demanded I put on music.
I was then informed "I good dancer".
After I finally got him changed and into some cloths, he wanted to "help" me get breakfast ready. He carried his place mat to the table and told me "I good helper".
Later, at the playground he also announced "I good climber".
I'm thinking I better lay off the excessive compliments for awhile.
He then flexed his 2.5 year old muscles and strutted around like a rooster.
He went to the mirror, rubbing his own chest and admiring himself. Then he announced "I handsome".
Then he started dancing nearly naked around the room and demanded I put on music.
I was then informed "I good dancer".
After I finally got him changed and into some cloths, he wanted to "help" me get breakfast ready. He carried his place mat to the table and told me "I good helper".
Later, at the playground he also announced "I good climber".
I'm thinking I better lay off the excessive compliments for awhile.
Random Living at It's Best
It's that day of the week again (and I actually got my act together enough to participate - go me!)
My life has been a bit more random than usual lately. I usually run a tight ship, but lately I've just been running.
My husband, who rarely has to travel, had a business trip last week and this week.
My boss, who I have surprisingly little contact with beyond email, called out of the blue and asked me to work a few extra hours (and when you have a sweet, flexible gig working from home you say "yes").
My in laws, who haven't visited since August, had a pretty tight schedule and could only visit last weekend until Christmas time.
And my son...well, let's just say he's been feeling a little more two than usual lately.
I think maybe the universe is trying to remind me that no matter how handy I think I am with my day planner, life can't always be scheduled or controled. And I really hate that lesson.
(This all resulted in me being a little MIA for the last week.)
*******************
I know this thought is a little dated at this point, but I just wanted to say that I think it's completely ridiculous that the state of Miley Cyrus twitter account made multiple national headlines.
I'm already precariously near the edge from all Jon and Kate plus 8 over exposure and the Miley story nearly made me want to jump.
Sometimes I wonder how different our country would be if we all paid half the attention to scientists and authors that we do to celebrities.
Is that a sign I'm getting old?
*******************
So RPI not only made headlines for banning beer pong to stop the spread of swine flu, they made SNL.
Rock on.
(And now I promise to stop talking about my college for at least awhile.)
*******************
And I think that's more than enough over sharing for one day.
Please visit The Un-Mom to join in on the random fun.
Happy Tuesday All!
My life has been a bit more random than usual lately. I usually run a tight ship, but lately I've just been running.
My husband, who rarely has to travel, had a business trip last week and this week.
My boss, who I have surprisingly little contact with beyond email, called out of the blue and asked me to work a few extra hours (and when you have a sweet, flexible gig working from home you say "yes").
My in laws, who haven't visited since August, had a pretty tight schedule and could only visit last weekend until Christmas time.
And my son...well, let's just say he's been feeling a little more two than usual lately.
I think maybe the universe is trying to remind me that no matter how handy I think I am with my day planner, life can't always be scheduled or controled. And I really hate that lesson.
(This all resulted in me being a little MIA for the last week.)
*******************
I know this thought is a little dated at this point, but I just wanted to say that I think it's completely ridiculous that the state of Miley Cyrus twitter account made multiple national headlines.
I'm already precariously near the edge from all Jon and Kate plus 8 over exposure and the Miley story nearly made me want to jump.
Sometimes I wonder how different our country would be if we all paid half the attention to scientists and authors that we do to celebrities.
Is that a sign I'm getting old?
*******************
So RPI not only made headlines for banning beer pong to stop the spread of swine flu, they made SNL.
Rock on.
(And now I promise to stop talking about my college for at least awhile.)
*******************
And I think that's more than enough over sharing for one day.
Please visit The Un-Mom to join in on the random fun.
Happy Tuesday All!
Oct 15, 2009
College Bans Beer Pong
This headline catch my eye - Upstate New York college, Rensselaer Polytechnic, blames beer pong for swine flu outbreak
The article says that the school has banned beer pong to help prevent the spread of swine flu after a number of students were inflected over the weekend at a party.
I'm guessing the ban will be enforced as effectively as the law against underage drinking.
And unless things have changed dramatically in the last 10 years, I'm sure plently of both will still be going on.
You see, I actually know a little about beer pong at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, usually called RPI, because it's my alma mater.
It's usually a good thing when your college makes headlines. I'm not sure articles on swine flu and beer pong bans quite qualify, but least it gave the alumni a good excuse to reminisce.
Good old RPI...
The student life at RPI is pretty unique. It's a dorky school, primarily known for engineering, without a lot of women located in a less than pleasant neighborhood.
I'm not sure what the exact numbers are these days, but when I graduated in 2002 less than 20% of the student body was women and there were 34 fraternities to 4 sororities. In my major (mechanical engineering), it was 1 women to 9 men.
(The ratio wasn't quite as fun for the girls as it might seem on the surface. As the women of RPI like to say "the odds are good, but the goods are odd".)
Oh yeah, RPI is also located about 10 miles from Albany. So it's basically in the tundra.
So it's freezing most of year with limited women and nowhere much to go unless you have a car (and money for gas).
The result is a lot of drinking...with beer pong to liven it up.
The article says that the school has banned beer pong to help prevent the spread of swine flu after a number of students were inflected over the weekend at a party.
I'm guessing the ban will be enforced as effectively as the law against underage drinking.
And unless things have changed dramatically in the last 10 years, I'm sure plently of both will still be going on.
You see, I actually know a little about beer pong at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, usually called RPI, because it's my alma mater.
It's usually a good thing when your college makes headlines. I'm not sure articles on swine flu and beer pong bans quite qualify, but least it gave the alumni a good excuse to reminisce.
Good old RPI...
The student life at RPI is pretty unique. It's a dorky school, primarily known for engineering, without a lot of women located in a less than pleasant neighborhood.
I'm not sure what the exact numbers are these days, but when I graduated in 2002 less than 20% of the student body was women and there were 34 fraternities to 4 sororities. In my major (mechanical engineering), it was 1 women to 9 men.
(The ratio wasn't quite as fun for the girls as it might seem on the surface. As the women of RPI like to say "the odds are good, but the goods are odd".)
Oh yeah, RPI is also located about 10 miles from Albany. So it's basically in the tundra.
So it's freezing most of year with limited women and nowhere much to go unless you have a car (and money for gas).
The result is a lot of drinking...with beer pong to liven it up.
Oct 9, 2009
Learning from the Experts
When I was about half way through my first pregnancy, I hit complete panic mode.
I really wanted a baby, but I had no idea what to do with the baby once it arrived.
I understood the basic idea that I needed to feed it and change, but beyond that I was at a loss.
So I did what any good nerd would do. I started studying.
I think I read every single baby book in the local library.
I filled my head with the details of attachment parenting, Ferber's method, the secrets of the Baby Whisper, the rules of Babywise and any other piece of information I could find.
And while I learned some useful basic knowledge, the number one thing I figured out was that all the freaking books CONTRADICTED each other.
This was not cool with me. I needed answers people, not more questions!
Is raising a baby that impossible? Why couldn't the experts agree on anything? Why are all these authors conspiring to drive pregnant women insane?
After over thinking it all and freaking out a bit, I finally realized something.
Maybe the reason the experts don't agree is that there isn't one RIGHT way to parent.
I think this is one of the most important lesson I've learned as a parent.
During my time in the mommyhood, I've run across parents who are passionate believers in just about every parenting theory out there.
I've met breast feeding moms who co-sleep and baby wear, parents who swear by letting babies cry it out, working moms, stay at home moms, moms who babies take Spanish class, kids with two moms, adopted kids, home birthing moms, parents with way too many kids to worry about any of it...at this point I think I've seem parents pretty much across the whole parenting spectrum in action.
And you what...their kids are all turning out just fine.
So I still read a few too many parenting books (old habits die hard and I'll always be a bit of a dork), but I take them with a large grain of salt.
I've learn a few useful tips, but mostly I think it makes me a more conscious parent and helps me think through what kind of mom I want to be and what would work for our family. And I totally get that what works for us, might not work for anybody else.
(On a related note, can anybody suggest good reads on adding a sibling to the family? I'm still trying to get a little more background on introducing the new baby.)
But this time around, I'm smart enough to know that the experts don't have all the answers.
And I know it's okay that I don't have them yet either.
I really wanted a baby, but I had no idea what to do with the baby once it arrived.
I understood the basic idea that I needed to feed it and change, but beyond that I was at a loss.
So I did what any good nerd would do. I started studying.
I think I read every single baby book in the local library.
I filled my head with the details of attachment parenting, Ferber's method, the secrets of the Baby Whisper, the rules of Babywise and any other piece of information I could find.
And while I learned some useful basic knowledge, the number one thing I figured out was that all the freaking books CONTRADICTED each other.
This was not cool with me. I needed answers people, not more questions!
Is raising a baby that impossible? Why couldn't the experts agree on anything? Why are all these authors conspiring to drive pregnant women insane?
After over thinking it all and freaking out a bit, I finally realized something.
Maybe the reason the experts don't agree is that there isn't one RIGHT way to parent.
I think this is one of the most important lesson I've learned as a parent.
During my time in the mommyhood, I've run across parents who are passionate believers in just about every parenting theory out there.
I've met breast feeding moms who co-sleep and baby wear, parents who swear by letting babies cry it out, working moms, stay at home moms, moms who babies take Spanish class, kids with two moms, adopted kids, home birthing moms, parents with way too many kids to worry about any of it...at this point I think I've seem parents pretty much across the whole parenting spectrum in action.
And you what...their kids are all turning out just fine.
So I still read a few too many parenting books (old habits die hard and I'll always be a bit of a dork), but I take them with a large grain of salt.
I've learn a few useful tips, but mostly I think it makes me a more conscious parent and helps me think through what kind of mom I want to be and what would work for our family. And I totally get that what works for us, might not work for anybody else.
(On a related note, can anybody suggest good reads on adding a sibling to the family? I'm still trying to get a little more background on introducing the new baby.)
But this time around, I'm smart enough to know that the experts don't have all the answers.
And I know it's okay that I don't have them yet either.
Oct 7, 2009
Power to the Blogs
So...
This is my 200th post.
When I reached 100 posts, I was so (overly) excited.
I thought about it. I anticipated it. I tried to come up with a unique way to celebrate.
The big 200? I just barely noticed before it happened.
Does that means I'm a seasoned blogger now? Or maybe I'm just a little too busy and tired these days?
Have I've become a boring old blogger who doesn't even do awards any more?
Hmmm...definitely possible.
But I still love my blog (and blogs in general) and I think that's the main point.
I also just wanted to take a minute and say thank you to everybody who has come along on this blog journey with me.
I started my blog on a whim. I was stuck in the house with a napping child a little too often. I was definitely lacking adult conversation and talking to the cats a bit too much.
My blog has become my own personal window to the rest of the world. And those little peeks into life outside my house and beyond the daily struggles in the toddler trenches give me some much needed perspective.
I also think blogging is fascinating in general. I love that people can freely share their thoughts with the world and I love learning a bit about how other people think and live.
I have more honest conversations in the blogosphere than I do with most of my "real life" friends.
Blogging is certainly more real and interesting than anything on tv.
That said, I just experienced my first real crisis of blog faith. I just don't have much time these days (mostly because I go to bed ridiculous early right now) and it's getting harder to justify the time "wasted" blogging.
Do I really have time to blog?
I finally decided that I absolutely don't have time to blog, but I'm going to do it anyway.
Everybody needs an outlet and this one works wonders for me. I'm not giving it up. (Besides I figure it would waste more time if I lost my mind.)
So I might not post or comment as often as I like, but I'm not going anywhere.
Here's to 200 more posts (for all of us).
Long live the blogs! Keep on posting and keep on sharing.
We all just might learn something useful from each other, like a good recipe, parenting tip, or maybe even a gain little understanding and compassion for others.
At minimum, I bet we'll laugh and that alone makes it worth it.
And thank you all again. It really is the folks I've "met" that make this whole thing so much fun.
This is my 200th post.
When I reached 100 posts, I was so (overly) excited.
I thought about it. I anticipated it. I tried to come up with a unique way to celebrate.
The big 200? I just barely noticed before it happened.
Does that means I'm a seasoned blogger now? Or maybe I'm just a little too busy and tired these days?
Have I've become a boring old blogger who doesn't even do awards any more?
Hmmm...definitely possible.
But I still love my blog (and blogs in general) and I think that's the main point.
I also just wanted to take a minute and say thank you to everybody who has come along on this blog journey with me.
I started my blog on a whim. I was stuck in the house with a napping child a little too often. I was definitely lacking adult conversation and talking to the cats a bit too much.
My blog has become my own personal window to the rest of the world. And those little peeks into life outside my house and beyond the daily struggles in the toddler trenches give me some much needed perspective.
I also think blogging is fascinating in general. I love that people can freely share their thoughts with the world and I love learning a bit about how other people think and live.
I have more honest conversations in the blogosphere than I do with most of my "real life" friends.
Blogging is certainly more real and interesting than anything on tv.
That said, I just experienced my first real crisis of blog faith. I just don't have much time these days (mostly because I go to bed ridiculous early right now) and it's getting harder to justify the time "wasted" blogging.
Do I really have time to blog?
I finally decided that I absolutely don't have time to blog, but I'm going to do it anyway.
Everybody needs an outlet and this one works wonders for me. I'm not giving it up. (Besides I figure it would waste more time if I lost my mind.)
So I might not post or comment as often as I like, but I'm not going anywhere.
Here's to 200 more posts (for all of us).
Long live the blogs! Keep on posting and keep on sharing.
We all just might learn something useful from each other, like a good recipe, parenting tip, or maybe even a gain little understanding and compassion for others.
At minimum, I bet we'll laugh and that alone makes it worth it.
And thank you all again. It really is the folks I've "met" that make this whole thing so much fun.
Oct 6, 2009
RTT - TV and Taco Bell Go Together like Guns and Alcohol
Welcome to Random Tuesday.
Visit the Un Mom to join in on the fun....
And here we go-
Maybe I've just watched too many action movies, but this seems like asking for trouble - Guns OK in Arizona bars starting Wednesday.
The law will allow folks with a concealed weapons permit to bring their guns into places serving alcohol unless the bars has signs up specifically stating no guns are allowed.
By law, the person carrying the weapon isn't allowed to drink, but still...
******************************
My son has been helpfully informing strangers nonstop that he likes to watch TV and that "mommy likes tacos from Taco Bell". Usually he combines both facts into one thought.
He manages to do it in such a way that it sounds he watches approximately 12 hours of TV a day and we eat nothing but fast food.
I think I'll hold off on writing my acceptance speach for Mother of Year.
******************************
On a note that is obviously totally unrelated to Taco Bell, I've managed to gain 6 pounds in the last month.
I think gaining more than a pound a week is pretty impressive. I'm trying not to picture how much food I must be consuming.
My overall weight gain hasn't been all that ridiculous, but there is still time for things to get ugly.
And now I need to go get a snack.
***************************************
There is a van I keep following into the preschool parking lot with a vanity license plate that reads "I Be Mom".
I haven't actually identify which mom it belongs to yet, but I'm must admit I'm curious.
I'm trying hard to keep an open mind, but my imaginations keeps running away by itself.
I'm picturing mom jeans, homemade clothes, scrap books and cloth diapers. What do you think?
***************************************
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Visit the Un Mom to join in on the fun....
And here we go-
Maybe I've just watched too many action movies, but this seems like asking for trouble - Guns OK in Arizona bars starting Wednesday.
The law will allow folks with a concealed weapons permit to bring their guns into places serving alcohol unless the bars has signs up specifically stating no guns are allowed.
By law, the person carrying the weapon isn't allowed to drink, but still...
******************************
My son has been helpfully informing strangers nonstop that he likes to watch TV and that "mommy likes tacos from Taco Bell". Usually he combines both facts into one thought.
He manages to do it in such a way that it sounds he watches approximately 12 hours of TV a day and we eat nothing but fast food.
I think I'll hold off on writing my acceptance speach for Mother of Year.
******************************
On a note that is obviously totally unrelated to Taco Bell, I've managed to gain 6 pounds in the last month.
I think gaining more than a pound a week is pretty impressive. I'm trying not to picture how much food I must be consuming.
My overall weight gain hasn't been all that ridiculous, but there is still time for things to get ugly.
And now I need to go get a snack.
***************************************
There is a van I keep following into the preschool parking lot with a vanity license plate that reads "I Be Mom".
I haven't actually identify which mom it belongs to yet, but I'm must admit I'm curious.
I'm trying hard to keep an open mind, but my imaginations keeps running away by itself.
I'm picturing mom jeans, homemade clothes, scrap books and cloth diapers. What do you think?
***************************************
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
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