TWO More Weeks

Until I become a little closer to 40, and equally the same distance away from 30. I am having a hard time with this. (even though still getting carded for booze makes me feel a little better.)

*clearly I didn't know when my birthday was. It was in fact 2 weeks away when I wrote this post.

Timeless Treasures

I love antique stores. I rarely find time to actually go to them, but when I do...I could spend all day doing it. Each store is unique in it's own special way. Old army jackets, picture frames, door knobs, lamps, china.....and then, when you think you have seen it all, you enter a store that has so many things that are completely different than what you have just looked at (for the past 4 hours).


This was in a store, that you had to go through another door marked, "Back Room Open.". I could have stayed there for hours just looking at such uniqueness. I overheard a man telling another lady that a wedding party came back here and took pictures. Seriously. Coolest. Place. Ever.


Each little trinket. I look at it and wonder where it came from. What was it like when this was bought by the person who originally owned it. Was it a gift for a loved one? Was it taken from a house of a person that passed away? So many questions go through my head....I wish I was the kind of person on The Mentalist who when they touched something, all of the memories come rushing through their body. (of course I would want to turn that power on and off though, because I don't want to see EVERY memory, some of them could be quite awkward to watch.)

Goodbye Jeep Patriot.

Rental cars have rolled in and out of my life the past couple months. Whether it be someone hitting my car, my clutch going out, or the most recent deer collision....I have had my fair share of rental cars. I love rental cars. They are an opportunity for you to feel like you have a new car, without the cost of paying sales tax and car payments. The new car smell. The new car vacuum job. Everything is fresh and untouched.

I loved the rental car that I have had the past week and 3 days. A Jeep Patriot. 4 doors. SO much more room than my 2-door Stratus. The new car smell!! And today, I had to say goodbye....



And it made me sad. Goodbye Jeep - you will truely be missed.

Why Do I Love Living In St. Louis?

Because you never know when the Cardinal's mascot is going to show up. I was at a wedding reception this weekend and granted, the bride works for the Cardinal's...but this was totally unexpected for me. And FYI, he is quite the sweaty bird.

Oh Deer....

Looking back on my 34 years of life, I can pinpoint a few moments that were extremely traumatizing experiences. Experiences that left me scarred for quite some time. There's minor traumatizing experiences like getting hit in the stomach with a baseball when a friend of mine were playing in the front yard. Or riding my bike and my BFF necklace I shared with a friend broke apart and I thought I lost it. OR there are some other major traumatic moments like my uncle passing away suddenly. Or flipping my own car on a major highway while driving home from school on a wintery night......but in reality, HITTING A DEER takes the cake with the most traumatic experience of my life.

A living, breathing creature collided with my front bumper and hood last week and I seriously still see it's big eyes staring at me. Granted, I think my car ended up being hurt far worse than the deer. It scurried off and I never saw it again, but my car....terrible. After all of the major things that have happened to my car within a matter of months, some might speculate that it's "cursed". I am starting to believe that more and more. Whether that may be the case, I hope I never have to experience hitting another deer ever again.

Just When I Settle In

Just when I start getting comfortable with a blog location....another cool one finds me. Has anyone ever stumbled upon TUMBLR.com? As tempted as I might be, I will not stray dear blogger. But seriously...super cool site. (and Shannon, if you are looking for more blogs to follow because your bestie (me) doesn't update enough - this would be the location.)

Leave It the Way You Found it....

Being a mom, I am a big advocate of saying, "Return things to where you found them when you are done playing with them." or "Leave the location the way you found it." So when I am not being a mom (which is basically never, because I tend to work with a bunch of idiots - not you Shannon.) and things happen that throw me back into mom mode...it annoys me.

Like this morning.

I get to work ass early because my son catches the bus at 6:40am. So, since I am up already....I might as well go to work. (it allows me to get home a little earlier and that means my son is not at home alone longer than he needs to be. Being a 12 year old, being home alone makes me slightly nervous. That's a whole 'nother post in itself) So...work. Here I am. Our room is made up of an Art Director (me), a graphic designer (awesome chick that is my bestie), a photographer, a videographer, and a marketing assistant. We all like the lights to be off at all times and only our desk lamps illuminate the room. It's calming and easier on the eyes.

So when the cleaning people come in the room this morning and blast on the lights....I automatically am annoyed. When they don't turn them off after they leave....I launch into pissed off mode. Like really???! Leave the location the way you found it people.

Calling the Season of Fall, Where You At?

It's that time of year again, when the leaves are changing and the smell of fall is in the air. It's all about bonfires, and chili, and bundling up in wooly sweaters. Granted, in my neck of the woods, it still smells a little like summer and feels like it too. I am ready and waiting to kick my fall wardrobe into high gear and have yet to see consecutive days that are cooler. The days that I wear my boots, my legs end up sweating and all I can think about is when I can finally take them off. When I eat chili, the temperature in my house (body) sky rockets up to 110 and I end up wearing shorts for the rest of the evening to cool my body temperature down.
AND with Halloween quickly approaching, I am less concerned about being cold in my skimpy sexy indian costume (that's right, I'm bringin' sexy back, gone are the days of being a hippie in baggy clothes) and more about whether the boot spats are going to create under the knee sweat. (Oh please Jesus don't let THAT happen).

Please fall, will you get here soon?

Why Old People Shouldn't Drive

Um, yes. I really do.

Tonight I was driving to pick my son up from football and I was behind the SLOWEST DRIVER EVER. Then if the slow driving wasn't bad enough, this person put their blinker on when they went around the curves. CURVES!? It wasn't a stop sign. It wasn't a Y in the front, IT WAS A SLIGHT CURVE in the road and the blinker went on. This happened...twice. Finally, they approached their destination road, turned right.....and of course, DIDN'T TURN THEIR BLINKER ON.

I mean really? When they turned onto their street, I tried to look to see if they were "special" because seriously, WHO DRIVES LIKE THAT. Nope. Not special. Just old.

This is why old people should not be allowed to drive. They frustrate me....I have no patience. Love you grandma, but really - you should just take the bus if you need to run to the store.

What Sucks Worse Than Death?

...watching your son grieve about someone who has died.

Facebook stalking at it's finest!

So I have found out that I have a new Facebook stalker. My mom. It's funny, because when we get together she'll bring up certain posts that I have made and try and work it into a conversation. For example, "The other day I saw that you were attacked by a dog...." Granted, there was a dog experience that happened, but the way she brought it up was so random. She tends to "remind" me that my grandparents are on Facebook and read everything too. Ummm, I'm aware mom.

The most classic one that happened was my mention of T-Pain when I was on a boat. (I'm on a m*ther f*cking boat!) I took a picture of myself and referred to T-Pain...completely confusing my mom. "Who is T-Pain? Did he take the picture?" Ha, I think even my grandparents knew who T-Pain was which is even more hysterical.

LOL. I am wondering if I'll be the exact same way as my mom when my son is my age....but really, who know how we'll be communicating 25 years from now.

Funny Sh*t My Son Says

*For those of you who read my FB status updates, these might be a bit redundant, but I had to write them in my blog so when I am 80 and I can't remember my own name, I can look back on my "cool" blog that I had when I was younger and read about these funny moments.

Son: If I wore socks on my hands would my fingernails grow slower?
Me: What?
Son: Well, because my toe nails grow a lot slower than my fingernails.

Son: I want a huge 63" TV in my college dorm. (said when he was 12)
Me: Clearly, no studying will be done in your room if that happens. Well, whatever you do make sure to call me every week.
Son: Ok, I will when I can but I might be hanging out with my girl.

Son: I'm watching that! (This said to me when referring to the Lingerie Football League where girls are basically Victoria's Secret models in shoulder pads running around on the football field.)
Me: I bet.
Son: Mom, I'm growing up....and I really just want to see the football.

Son: Let's roll out hot. (meaning, let's go)

Me: So who did you sit with at lunch today?
Son: No one.
Me: What? Why not? What happened to sitting with your one friend...
Son: He cusses a lot and I don't want to start cussing, so I'd rather sit alone
- next day -
Me: Who did you sit with today at lunch?
Son: My friend (the cuss friend). I told him that if he cusses that I would shove a donut up his nose.

The Boys of Fall

It's football time agin in my household and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love how excited my boy is being a part of a team. Despite the bumps, sprains, bruises and pain, he pushes through it all. That's my boy....my boy who is all football.

"Every man at some point in his life is going to lose a battle. He is going to fight and he is going to lose. But what makes him a man is at the midst of that battle he does not lose himself. This game is not over, this battle is not over." -Coach Taylor, Friday Night Lights.

It's That Time Of Year

The time has come once again that I plan a special day to go....SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING. When I was a kid, it was the special day that signified the summer was coming to an end and a new school year was about to begin. I would look forward to this special day every single year. What new kind of folders will I get? What kind of lunch boxes will they have? What will be the new trend in locker decor? New pencils! New pens! Wheee! And the way each aisle smelled of that new school supply smell. Heaven!

Every year my mom would ask, "Why do you need a new pencil box, use the one from last year." GASP. Ummm, who wants to do that? That takes all the FUN out of school supply shopping. Now that I think of it, I had quite the collection of lunch boxes over the years:

Strawberry Shortcake
Care Bears
Rainbow Bright
The Muppets
Pac-Man
Barbie

So here I am, all grown up....but I still look forward to SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING DAY! My son starts school in a week but is with his dad this week. I have been given the rightous task of shopping for him. All he said to me before he left was - "Just make sure you get me a cool binder." With my 'too cool for school' supply shopping expertise, oh son, I won't let you down!

Scrabble Me This

I have officially become addicted to Facebook Scrabble. It happened in a blink (twitch) of an eye. One day I didn't know about it, the next...I am wanting to play it all day long. And now, tonight....I have hooked my cousin into playing with me. She lives in Arizona and I LOVE IT because it's a way to stay in touch AND have fun at the same time. But really - I needed someone to feed my addiction. She was online and it was HOOK, LINE and SCABBLICIOUS...she was hooked as well!

Game on. HDGOBSW

Those Three Words

It doesn't matter how they are said....they could be whispered in an ear or yelled across a crowded airport terminal - the fact that they are said at all creates a warmth and comfort that no three other words put together can accomplish. I - Love - You. It doesn't take much to say them, but once said everything at that moment changes.

Tonight my son was sitting on the couch, engrossed in watching a show when out of the blue he jumped up, did some strange fist pumping action (closely resembling if he scored a touchdown) and then looked at me, pointed and said, "I love you." He's such a boy...but he's my boy and I am so happy that he's not afraid or ashamed to jump up and tell me how he feels. I wouldn't have it any other way. Weird fist action and all.

I Hate Not Having Headphones

Things I hear at work when I forget my headphones:

- The clicking of everyone's keyboard
- The nagging voices of the customer service reps
- The toilet paper roll in the bathroom that we apparently share a wall with
- The air conditioning fan
- The factory's in/out/break bell
- A train when it passes by the building
- My eyes blinking

....this is the 2nd day in a row that I have forgotten them. I need to remind myself to never forget them again. My twitching eye has returned, maybe I am stressed about having to listen to all of these sounds all day long. Click. Click. Click....

My Boy Is Coming Home

He's coming home!! It's the day before I get my boy back who has been visiting his dad for the past 2 weeks. This past week I've heard from him on an average of 6 times a day because he has been traveling with his grandparents. He was able to experience a road trip to Colorado and back and I can't wait to see all of his pictures. When I get him back, we'll hop back in the car and head down to the lake house for a couple days.

Oh to be 12 years again. Summertime. Out of school. No worries other than what new adventure you'll be experiencing from day to day. I am so glad that he has been able to have this opportunity to travel the United States.

Trailer Mixed With A Little Bit of Trash

So I hit up the Lincoln County Fair in Troy this past weekend. It was filled with firsts for me and a lot of fun that included a Demolition Derby, The Trailer Choir, Gretchen Wilson, and a bitch who kept saying to my face, "Could you be any uglier...." because she thought I was talking to her man. Clearly, she was young, had no idea who I was and apparently didn't realize the large man standing next to me (holding my hand) who also happened to be my boyfriend.

As much as I tried to play it off, it still tends to sting when you are called ugly. I was already feeling self conscious because it was 500 degrees in the shade, I had sweat dripping from all parts of my body, and my bangs that I tried to wear all cute on my forehead, were clearly not cooperating with me.

I do look forward to going back next year. Who knew that cowboy boots and short shorts were still very much the "in" trend going on. I've been looking for a reason to break mine out again.

Fashion Fads of My Childhood

So a friend of mine sent me an article today with picture clips of fashion fads of the 80's. Oh the 80's how do I miss thee? Well, not so much....I remember being called names, having an entire lunch table decide not to sit with me anymore, a bad Annie tight perm, and a few outfits I curse my mom for ever letting me leave the house in. But a few things I do miss....


My charm necklace. Seriously, I saw this picture and need to find out ASAP what my mom did with mine cause it was AWESOME.


Who wouldn't love a clip that made your hair look so long like the mane of a horse?? I had a brown one, a black one, a white one....and enough hairspray to make my bangs stand so high if a rock was thrown at them it would bounce off. Rock on banana clip.


I loved my jelly shoes, until one day the strap broke because - ummm, hello they are made out of plastic! They were cool for about a minute.

Because you were born....

12 years ago today my baby boy was born. He became a son. I became a mother. For 12 years he has been my purpose. My inspiration. My treasure. My world. Everyday, I look at the boy he has become and I smile. I'm so very proud of him. We've been through some tough times in this journey through life, but we've come out on the other end in one piece and stronger because of it. I don't think I could have gotten through some of those times without him. So this post is dedicated to my boy. I love you forever and always.

Contacts Vs. Glasses

So I have an irritated eye (I keep refusing to say it's pink eye), but I hate wearing my glasses to work because the drive is quite bright and I refuse to pay for prescription sunglasses. (yes, I'm that cheap). Why pay for prescription sunglasses, when I can just put my contacts in and wear my cute sunglasses?

But today - the sensitivity to light and feeling like there is a foreign substance in my eye (thanks webmd) is at it's highest. And yes, I still have my contacts in. So I am thinking I need to give in and just put on the glasses until the pinkness irritation subsides.

Wait Your Damn Turn

So I have never been much of a fighter.

When I was younger and the neighbor kid and I would play king of the mountain, it would always go a little something like this, "Do you want to be king of the mountain this time?" "Ok." And then we would switch off back and forth being king.

And then I got older, and I hired a lawyer to fight for me.

When I couldn't afford a lawyer to fight for me, I attempted to stand up for myself on occasion, but never for very long.

So then came the 4th of July, 2010. I am standing in line waiting for a Johnny on the Spot to become available. (patiently) Then some bitches (it's the only way I can describe them) walked up and created their own line. (meaning they were going to be next). There was one person in front of me who I had been talking to for a while about how cute her shoes were. (therefore instantly BFF's) When a Johnny opened, I motioned my BFF shoe friend to quickly take it.....

This upset the bitches. Here is how the rest of the conversation unfolded....

Bitches: "It was our turn."

Me: "Ummm, no it wasn't. She had been waiting in line."

Bitches: "So have we."

Me: "Well, not long enough......."

And the a Johnny became available and I quickly scurried inside hoping that I wouldn't get my ass kicked when I was done. It was one of the 1st times I have ever stood up for someone else (shoe BFF) to people that looked like they would kick my ass just because I was breathing. I felt empowered. I felt like Brad Pitt in Fight Club.

I defended the integrity of the Johnny line and didn't get my ass kicked for doing so.

Success.

The Ying vs. The Yang

" Time is free, but it is priceless. You can't own it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back...."

It's crazy how time flies even when you are not having fun. Well, I can't fully say that I haven't been having fun, because if you can't have fun in life - what's the point....BUT the past 2 months have been a whirlwind to me and looking back, I've often asked myself where did the time go? There are a few wonderful highlights that are sprinkled throughout the past 2 months balanced out with a few not so wonderful times. But that's life, right? Balance. The ying and the yang.

I have learned some valuable lessons along with the way though:

- Do not text and walk down the stairs. Falling is inevitable....and I had the bruises to prove it.
- Own your stuff.
- Make lists....whether it's going to the grocery store or things you need to tell people. I swear, if I don't make a list and go to the store, I end up going to the store 20 times in a week because I forget half the stuff I tell myself I need.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before driving after you wake up from a nap. Curbs sneak up on you when you are tired.
- Cooking for one sucks. Potato chips and dip doesn't make for an exciting dinner.
- Stray cats are annoying and scary when they appear on your doorstep.
- SPF 8 is not a strong enough protector against the sun.

Completely Unnecessary

The following things I have encountered in my lifetime that I find completely unnecessary....

- The express lane at Shop N Save when there is only 1 checker in the other 12 lanes.
- The need for my boss to constantly remind me that the designer before me was better in certain areas than I am.
- The tags on pillows, sheets, blankets and towels.
- The people on the side of the road with large signs telling me of a specific location that is going out of business.
- Anchovies
- Child proof latches on the Black Pepper tin
- Walmart greeters (granted, it is providing someone a task that makes them feel needed and important - but sometimes....I don't want anyone welcoming me into the store.)
- A swingset without swings.
- A shared wall with a neighbor that takes late night showers. (I'm over it and glad she's gone, but even 9:15pm showers still kindof annoy me. I want my own place.)
- Calamari
- A 3 credit course to teach me how to be a better college student. (and receiving a B in it??)
- People who have to rev their engines while driving through a neighborhood.

...I am sure in my lifetime I have mentioned others, when I remember them - I will add to this list.

An Enlightening Experience

I went on my first field trip (as an adult) Friday to the zoo with a massive amount of pre-teens. My son has always begged me to come to school parties and field trips and I have been unable to get away from work. Well, I thought to myself - life is too short and he's growing up quick, I need to take advantage of this invitation and take off work.

When I arrived at the school in the morning, it was complete chaos. There were teachers scrambling for information and kids anxious to get on their buses. I thought many times, "What did I get myself into?" Once everyone was on their specified bus, we were off to the zoo. Who knew that "The Wheels on the Bus" was still the song of choice amongst 6th graders in 2010.

When we arrived to the zoo, my 6 kids found me (3 girls, and 3 boys - 1 of the boys included my son). It was raining, but it still ended up being a fun trip. For a majority of the trip, my group used the word "Miss" in front of my name and told me how pretty I was. (always a plus!) I learned some new phrases and actually saying, "O-M-G!" when seeing a cute animal was quite popular. At the end of the day - I was told that they wished I could be their field trip teacher every field trip. All in all, it was an enlightening experience and I enjoyed myself quite a bit.

Celebrate Life

This weekend was a weekend about celebrating. Celebrating friendships. Celebrating birthdays. Celebrating togetherness. Birthday's are a big deal to me and whenever anyone I know has a birthday - I love helping them celebrate. Birthday's are a celebration of life...and this is just what we did. We celebrated.



Celebrate.

Toast.

Dance.

Love.

Party.

Sing.

Reminisce.

Laugh.

Smile.

Cheers.

Experience It Fully

When I run where I run I take notice of every little thing. My breathing. My surroundings. The sunset. The birds. It's so gorgeous. I am somewhat at peace. As I run further, my mood changes a bit and I take notice of more things that maybe I should ignore. The burning my legs. The arch support and the pain. The annoying hair tickleing my nose. The distance left. The people who are walking that I envy. But yet, I am motivated to press on.

And then it's complete. The burning subsides and I take pleasure in my accomplishment.

Life is filled with so many exciting twists and turns. Hop off the straight and narrow whenever you can and take the winding paths. Experience the exhilaration of the view from the edge. Because the moments spent there, that take your breath away, are what make you feel truly alive.

(picture above is view I have when I run on Wednesday evenings...when I am almost finished.)

It's Monday - Batter's Up

My softball team is finally back in action. (We don't have a cool name or else I would insert it here!) BUT after a 1 year hiatus (or has it been 2?) we have reunited and are ready to kick some softball playin' tail....stay tuned for the results (and a pic of the trophy we plan on winning)

iNsPirEd

Being an artist isn't easy. Days come and go where I feel drained. Uninspired. Not creative by any sort. I could wake up ready to design, and by the time I get to work, the creativity has left the building. But there is a vast difference between being inspired to do what I do for a living (in the office), and being inspired to paint.

So then a day like today happens. When all I want to do is paint. It's all I can think about. I envision my blank canvas and what I want to paint on it. I think of the colors I want to use...the colors I need to buy. Yet here I sit. Trapped at my desk. And the clock here ticks slowly by if it's even ticking at all. Painting is a release for me. An outlet. A place to go where I can just be me and no one passes judgement. But here I sit, stuck as work. The inspiration to paint, that has been basically non-existent lately, eagerly awaits the clock to strike 5, like an anxious middle schooler on the last day of school before summer break. The bell cannot ring quick enough.

I'm hoping this inspiration doesn't fade. I have a really cool idea about what I want to paint next!

Wonder What I'll Do Wrong Next Week

Lesson 1. Cotton is Rotten
- What do I do the 1st night of the group run? I wear a cotton t-shirt.

So I corrected my 1st mistake on the 2nd group run night. I didn't have an ounce of cotton on my body. I had new running shoes, a new shirt, my running jacket. I was set.

Lesson 2. Hydration is key. Drink water. Gatorade is the worst of electrolyte juices.

-What do I do on the 2nd might of the group run? I brought gatorade. Hrumph. I ended up setting it down and got as far away from the Gatorade as possible. I am hoping people forgot that I was the girl that brought it.

:( I'm THAT student.

Out of My Comfort Zone

So I have started this 10 week 5K training class. Wednesday and Saturday's are group runs and the other days of the week you're supposed to do either a run or a cross training activity. Last night was the 2nd group run I have attended. For those of you who know me (WELL) know that I am a shy person (unless alcohol is involved). Being that I am training for a 5K, alcohol is unfortunately not involved, therefore, making me shy. Meeting new people is way out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to exercising.

Here are my exercising comfort zone rules.

1.) When I work out at a gym, I will not work out at your establishment anymore if you ask me if I need a personal trainer.
2.) If I catch any creep-o staring at me while I work out, I will not work out there anymore.
3.) Please don't talk to me when I am running on the treadmill, riding the bike, or any other time I am exerting a lot of energy.
4.) Talking to me while stretching. Please. No. That's just weird.

(if I know you on a personal level, these rules are subject to change)

So going to this group run twice a week is way out of my comfort zone...because people talk to me. We started our mile treck and I was in the "run" group which put me at the head of the group. The coach was asking us (while running) if during the week we ran with a buddy. I managed to blurt out, "No, I run alone." This prompted the lady next to me to start a full on get-to-know-me conversation. Really?

To be polite, I chatted, but there came a point in my run where I had to say..."Ok, I am slowing down now." Which sent her on her way. I have come to the conclusion that physically I am unable to run and hold a conversation at the same time. And it's not a blonde thing.

A case of the POX has struck

Information for all parent's thinking about getting the chicken pox vaccine for their children...umm, you're kids might still get chicken pox. How do I know this? Put an X on the front door, because the pox have struck my household. Nothing sucks worse than getting a shot knowing, eh, might not protect you from what you are trying to stay away from. Seems like a worthless amount of pain to endure for nothing.

This is the precise reason why I never get the flu shot. (ya, except for that one time when I was forced) THEY DON'T WORK PEOPLE!

A Sad Day For Corey Haim's Fans

RIP Corey Haim
I will remember you always!

Where Did The Time Go?

I ask the question because I am noticing that I haven't updated my blog in a while and it's almost the middle of March. The scientific answer would probably be, well, the earthquake in Chile took it away. (yep, 1.24 miliseconds off the day) But really, my answer is...I have no freaking clue.

But then I list out things I've done since I last updated.....

- Middle School Band concert
- Middle School Talent Show
- Traveled to Springfield, Mo to watch a rugby game
- Traveled to Super Walmart about 500 times (but you will NOT find me on peopleofwalmart.com)
- Hit up Dave and Busters for dinner and games to celebrate an honor roll acheivement
- Spent the afternoon in Forest Park watching another rugby game
- Sunday Photoshoot (this I could have done without)

In between those, there have been 11 year old mental breakdowns, Mom mental breakdowns, TV watching, snuggling, hugging, dog walking, and sleeping.

But I still am asking myself, "Where does the time go?"

Cooper Helps With Laundry

He's giving me the look like he is doing something that I wouldn't like. Sitting on the fresh clean laundry, yep...not so much. But how can I yell at him when he is giving me these cute puppy dog eyes. Vicious circle I tell you. Vicious.

Proud Mom Moment

Last night was going to be a rare Friday occurrance. My son and I were going to have a nice night together. Dinner. Movie. Family time. Normally, he is with his dad on Friday nights, so because of a schedule change, I was excited for my Friday night. BUT life occurred and plans changed. My son requested going to a youth group event. It wasn't just any old youth group event, it was an event his girlfriend was at. Yes. I said girlfriend. (whole 'nother long post) Granted, I think when you are 11 years old a girlfriend just means someone you fancy and like hanging out with at school....maybe you hang out at their locker every now and then. I don't think he's even had his first kiss yet.

I digress.

As a parent, you always want your kid to get involved in things without being forceful about it. Over the years, I have gotten him involved in soccer, baseball, and recently football. I think football is going to stick (because it was his choice), every other sport I think he thought was more ME wanting him to be involved in it than HIM actually wanting to. But it seems like the friends he made during football season, aren't necessarily the friends he hangs out with in school. 6th grade kids are strange like that. (Middle school - a whole 'nother post in itself.) So whether he was invited by his girlfriend or not, at least he was invited AND decided to go...

...which made this mom proud.

That's The Way The Poptart Crumbles

The dreaded vending machine. I do my best to avoid the vending machine at all costs. Something about food sitting behind a glass door, not knowing how long it's even been there, disturbs me. And really, the specialty refrigerated vending machine with egg salad, burritos, and red bull...umm, I'll pass.

But today, I didn't have time to eat at home therefore I got to work with a rumble in the tumble. So, I succumbed to the stomach grumble and headed to the vending machine. Now regarding breakfast items, there's not much of a selection behind that hazy glass window. And gross, I think I even saw a nose print. really? You need to get that close to see? I would love it for someone to invent a breakfast only vending machine...but then again, I can just see it now; stocked full of high fat, preserved out the wha-zoo breakfast burritos, egg mcnasties, and waffle sticks.

Today, I chose the Strawberry Poptart. With that selection comes the dreaded anticipation of the poptart making it's way out of the wire confines, dropping down into the resevoir, and breaking into a million pieces because of the drop. Seriously, can't they put the breakable items lower??

I guess that's just the way the poptart crumbles. Cheers.

Hurricanes All Day = Unfortunate Situation

BEFORE


"It happens to the best of us." Not really what I wanted to hear after the Mardi Gras celebration, but I did. Not because anyone had to hold my hair or anything, but because by the end of the night the tears wouldn't stay in their tear ducts where they belong. Ugh. I don't even know anymore why I was crying. But apparently, it happens to the best of us.....

I would have rather it happened to the rest of them. Not me.

All in all (despite the last hour of the evening), it was a fun time. I saw some boob. Saw some fake penis. I think my friend got a picture of a dude BITING someones nipple. OMG. OK. WRONG. I could have done without the johnny on the spots and the LACK of TP that most of them lacked. But fun times....I do think I will hold off on the ALL DAY drinking for a while though. (well, I guess until next year)

AFTER

Mardi Gras 2010

I'm so freaking excited to attend the Mardi Gras celebrations this weekend. I haven't been in years.The things that crawl out from under their rocks just for this celebration is outrageous. All the crazies and drunkies are out and about and it's highly entertaining. The last time I went to a Mardi Gras parade and party, I believe I saw a man walking a pot bellied pig. It was wearing a hat and a fur collar.... and yes, the pig had more beads than I did. Where else would you find something like that? (unless you lived in George Clooney's neighborhood.)

And where else can you find a hurricane glass that can be worn as a necklace??

Bring on the beads.

Fear

"Each time we face out fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in doing."

I'm not sure who wrote that quote, but it's spot on for how I've been feeling lately. Over the past few years, I've tried to get past a lot of my fears, (fear of the dark though - I think I will always have. oh, and spiders too. ICK) but every now and then these fears creep back into my life and they paralyze me. It's all I can think about...and I think (No, I 100% know) I am doing myself a disservice my letting them invade my thoughts. It truely takes all of my strength to get past these fears....sometimes, it's exhausting.

I hate fear.

I hate feeling paralyzed.

I'm tired of being exhausted.

BUT I am strong and will win in the end over the evilness of these fears.

I Need To Start A List

I might be a little late in starting my "funny sh*t my son says" list....but it's never too late, right? So I am starting now.

Tonight:

Son: Hey mom?
Me: Ya?
Son: Do socks keep your toe nails from growing?
Me: (holding in the laughter and attempting composure) I don't think so, why?
Son: Because my toe nails grow slower than my finger nails.
Me: Hmmm. Interesting observation. Maybe the thinner the nail, the quicker it grows. Toe nails tend to be thicker. At least that is the case with my big toe.
Son: (Silence.)

Hey, it was my most logical sounding answer.

Polka Dotted Rubber Boots

It was just one of those mornings where I knew EXACTLY the look I wanted to achieve, but when I looked in the mirror, it was completely NOT the image I had hoped for. You see, when it snows (or rains), I am highly excited ONLY because that means I can pull out my cute polka dotted rubber boots. Today, they were not gellin' with any of the outfits I put them with. Yes, I realize some people buy shoes to match an outfit, NOT ME, I buy my outfits around my shoes.

And this morning my closet failed to coordinate with my polka dotted rubber boots.

I noticed the time I normally leave for work was quickly approaching, and every single thing I pulled out to wear was NOT it. I was frantically trying on everything that would give me warmth, yet a sassy artsy edge. I gave up on trying to match the boots. (tear. sniffle.) I settled for black pants, a sweater, and Ugg-like boots. Clearly, I needed to spend a little bit more time on it because I am NOT happy with the choice I decided to leave my house in. (I soon remembered why I haven't worn these black pants in 5 years.)

When I left my house, the higher power of fashion sense that exists among us tried to get me to start over as well because....that's right...I slipped and fell as I walked to my car. I not only just slipped, but I fell down. I stood up, brushed off my shame and looked around to see if anyone was laughing at me. (Cause really, if I would have seen someone fall like this...I would be laughing.) All I could think to myself was....

.....this wouldn't have happened if I was wearing my polka dotted rubber boots.

Strap on the Thinking Cap

Last week I experienced a new phenomenon. Trivia Night. Before I knew what Trivia Night was all about, I was envisioning a BINGOlike atmosphere with people yelling out answers to obscure questions. I also was nervous about looking like a dumb blonde when it came to answering the questions....making sure I turned my, 'blurt out the first answer that comes to mind' button OFF.

But, to my surprise Trivia Night was a success. It wasn't AT ALL like Bingo. (young people occupied the room). My blurt-out button was OFF most of the night, except for the part when I yelled out "American Idol!!!" and really the whole room heard me and my table looked at me in disgust. What? I was excited I actually knew an answer. Even though our team came in 22nd out of 30 tables, it truely was a fun experience.

Fun enough, that I have decided to try out another Trivia Night this weekend!! So I am pulling out my thinking cap once again and disabling the blurt-out button. Bring on the trivia!!

I Got My Car Back

As much as I loved driving the 4 door Chevy Impala. (I know, it grew on me. I'm growing up.) I am happy to have my baby back. Granted, a week of driving an automatic gave me a lapse in judgement when starting my car. Clutch. I had to remind myself to push in the clutch! But in no time, we were reacquainted!

Now, everyone just stay in your lane. Slow down at stop lights if someone (me) is in front of you. And watch out when you are parking. I need not have anymore run-ins with idiots.

Tylonol Sinus To The Rescue

If only I had seen that I picked up the NIGHTIME Tylonol Sinus while I was at the store. No. Of course I noticed after I got home and took 2...at NOON.

Just A Quick Peek

After hearing the rumors of my late night shower neighbor moving out, tonight I had to take a peek for myself. As I was walking my dog, I noticed a light was on next door. I could somewhat see in from the street, but when I got closer, I just couldn't resist taking a peek inside.

It's confirmed. She's 100% GONE!

Good For The Soul

I woke up with a horrible sore throat and major sinus pressure. I am thinking that the one time that I didn't wipe the cart at Walmart...got me. Germy Walmart. So here I've laid today. In bed. And I'm kinda over it now. I've updated my Facebook. Farmed my Farmville. Watched a few episodes of White Collar. I'm ready to feel better.

No Crying Over Spilled Milk

"Can you please not eat your soup on the couch?" I ask my 11 year old nicely as he eats tomato soup on my nice brown couch.

Why?" He responds with a tinge of attitude in his voice.

"Because I said so...."

OMG. I've turned into my mother.

Funny how those words just flew out of my mouth with ease. Of course, my 11 year didn't like that answer and continued to eat his soup on the couch. Until I requested him not eating there one more time, then he flew off the couch and laid on the ground with his soup and yelled, "Fine then. I'll just eat here." Apparently something was wrong with the table. After explaining to him calmly that the floor was not a suitable location to eat either, he finally brought his soup up to the table and finished it in peace.

This morning, he got himself dressed and ready for school. Axe cologne on. Check. Hair molded. Check. He then made his cereal and sat on the couch to eat it. (I would have said something if I knew he was eating on the couch...)While I was in my bathroom getting ready, an incident happened. I looked out of the bathroom and I saw my 11 year old in different clothes than he originally had on and he was using several paper towels to wipe the couch.

My motherly instinct was to laugh and point while dancing around yelling "I told you so. I told you so..." but instead, I said the few choice words....

"See my point NOW about eating on the couch?"

His eyes and his voice answered "Yes."

Parenting 101.

Ask And You Shall Receive

The best news came via text an hour ago. There is a moving van in front of my house and my neighbor's movin' out. OH SWEET MOTHER of all things holy. This is fantastic news.

Her 11:45pm shower last night now, just doesn't seem so bad.

Good riddens.

Won't You Not Be My Neighbor.

I hate my next door neighbor. Hate, I know is a strong word for someone I think I have said 3 words to total since moving in (in June). But here is a list of things that irritate me regarding my neighbor....

1. She takes showers at midnight. Now everyone is entitled to a take a shower or bathe themselves when they so choose, but when you share a wall with me...I would LOVE if you chose to use the running water between the hours of 7am and 10pm.

2. If showering at that time was bad enough, if you are going to shower when the rest of the world sleeps....DO NOT open your shower door with force. Is there something wrong with attempting to make as little noise as possible? She ya, she sounds like an elephant getting into the shower. Slamming of the doors, and I swear she jumps into the shower. For GOD'S sake....a little bit of consideration for the neighbor you share a wall with???!!! And AT MIDNIGHT??! Please.

3. I won't even mention how loud she watches a movie that has a lot of base to it.

4. And the mother of all annoyances. I swear she DOESN'T know how to drive because her car on, count them, on two occassions has hit my car. I know this because she is the only WHITE car in the area and it's PAINT is now on my car. Granted, she won't leave a note...therefore she is innocent until proven guilty, but that is only in the courts. I know the bitch did it and it angers me beyond belief. Silver lining here? Ummm, not regarding a hit a run.

(Number 4 could potentially be a post of it's own....but I care not to expand yet because I am still fuming from the second hit and run....because I currently am driving a rental car (Chevy Imapala, don't hate! It's hot.) and needing to pay a $500 to get it fixed.)

So needless to say....I am not a fan of my neighbor. Looking forward to the day I do not have to share a wall.

Getting Caught Up

So here are just a few things to get you all caught up...

1. Happy New Year

2. So far, 2010 is rolling right along quite nicely. I'm happy (except for the extra pounds that I hope to eliminate by March. Hey, at least I have set a deadline....), healthy, and enjoying life to the fullest.

3. I've seen 2 of my favorite musical artists in the past 2 weeks. Lady Gaga and Aaron Lewis. Not together, but separately. Both deserve their own post. That will come at a later date.

4. My car has been sideswiped twice and the 2nd time left my car's passenger side door in-operable. Yes, the police were involved, a separate post to come.

5. Why the hell do I misspell separate EVERY time I type it?

6. Raising an 11 year old who is going through adolescence is not an easy task. A glass of wine helps, but a dose of sanity and calmness saved me tonight. Later post, to come.

....well, it looks like I have alot of work and blogging that needs to happen. Here goes nothing.