Happy RTT. I think my house just blew over

It's Tuesday and I'm double posting.  If you arrived here for some free stuff, come back tomorrow.  I'm not giving it away today (just keeping you on your toes.)  If you don't know what Random Tuesday Thoughts are then you must live under a rock and there's not much I can do for you but say GO HERE.

So like I said, I think my house is going to blow down.  It's a bit like the three little pigs and the big bad wolf is outside huffing and puffing.  I am SO excited that I HAVE to go to the post today.  Really excited.

Traffic through Baltimore sucks.  I mean really sucks.  I wasn't even driving and I was screaming in terror.  Oh wait, that was the nightmarish line at the Starbucks inside the Rest Stop.  It was so bad they had one person taking orders in the line before you even got up to the front to pay.  Then the swarm of buzzards coffee drinkers were standing around the 'bar' waiting for their drink/name to be called.  Theresa your tall soy latte is still waiting for.  Please pick it up so for the love of Pete, they can stop yelling your name.

After dinner on Sunday (you know the one in which CP and I went on an overnight date) we went to the bar at the hotel for a drink.  Sounds all classy right?  Uhh, not when you are one of three people there and the other two are employees who want to talk your ear off.  Really if I wanted to listen to inane chatter, I would have brought my kids.

It's the end of the year.

Just thought you should know.

CP and I started playing Hide the Stormtrooper.  Now before you go and think that has a bad conotation (What with my MIL buys you underwear from last week's RTT), it doesn't. Santa gave me a Stormtrooper figure guy and now each night we hide it in plain sight somewhere in our bedroom.  That is weird isn't it?  Never mind.

Do you ever mix up simple words?  Like site and sight?  Or have trouble remembering how to spell Why?  The whole idea of spell and grammer checking in Word sounds great but I think it's just made me exceptionally lazy.

I'm still waiting on that spell checker in the new editor.  My spelling isn't getting any grander people.

Well I should really go and do something considered constructive.  I mean I'm no Keely, so my house is never going to be all Real Simple like her's, but we should all aspire to something right? 

Go forth.  Be Random.

Monday's Muse with Cinnamon and Honey - Brick by Brick

Today is Monday.  I'm on vacation....excuse me if I drink that in for the next several hours that statement is true.  For Monday's Muse with Cinnamon and Honey today I'm going to feature a song that I recently discovered and love.  It also fits nicely with the piece I'm writing.  It's by Train and is called Brick By Brick.

The dust has finally settled down

The sun is shining on these pieces that are scattered all around
This house was everything we knew
Its where we kept our love and
every single memory of me and you

Every letter, every note, every dress you never wore under your coat
Thrown away

Brick By Brick, we can build it from the floor
If we hold onto each other, we'll be better than before.
And brick by brick,
we will get back to yesterday
When I made your body shiver and
when you took my breath away, you took my breath away.

The sky has made it back to blue,
everything that's left is telling us the worst of it is through.
Home has never felt so right, there's nothing in the way.
There's nothing in between us
knowing where we're going is inside.

Every letter that I wrote,
Every dress you never wore under your coat thrown away


Brick by brick, we can build it from the floor
If we hold on to each other,
we'll be better than before.
And brick by brick,
we'll get back to yesterday.
When I made your body shiver
and when you took my breath away.

All the pictures that we've taken
and the songs that we have played
They have all kept track and
followed back the love that we have made.
Now they're spread out on the
surface where we can try to congregate
It's not too late to believe that we can get it all again

Brick by brick, we can build it from the floor,
If we hold onto each other,
we'll be better than before.
And brick by brick,
we'll get back to yesterday
When I made your body shiver and
when you took my breath away,
you took my breath away.

Brick by brick
We'll get back to yesterday,
when I made your body shiver and
when you took my breath away,
you took my breath away.

I couldn't find a video of Brick By Brick so I'm including one of my other favorites Soul Sister also by Train.



What music is inspiring you this Monday?  Which group or song are you carrying into the new year?

That's a Wrap

Did everyone survive the holidays?  Did you get all the things you wanted?  Who played with the toys more, you or your kids?

I'd answer all of those but hey I'M ON VACATION!  CP and I are ditching the kids with his mom and sister for a night and heading on down to Annapolis.  Our first time ever leaving BOTH of the kids overnight.  I plan to pretty much do nothing for the 22 hours we'll be gone.

Yep, nothing. No blogs.  No web surfing.  Yes, I'll be emailing (I'm not a saint.)  I do plan to bring my laptop and get a good amount of writing done while CP does this work stuff Monday morning.  Other than that I'm drinking latte's and relaxing.

But look for a great Monday's Muse and coming Tuesday my review of the rechargable wine opener from CSN.  And yep, I'm giving one away too so be sure to stop back.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Very Happy and Safe Holiday

*please don't make fun of my fake tree

Very Short bit of Random

It's Random Tuesday but it's also Holiday Week.  So this is short and so very sweet.  Link it up with Keely at The UnMom or lose out.

After 4.5 hours shopping we were at Kohls, our last stop, doing last minute stuff (I know, I know, I said I was done.  I forgot about gifts for CP!!)  Anyway, walking by the socks and underwear (cause what guy doesn't need one or both of those?) there's an older lady, like 50's-60's talking on a phone in the men's underwear aisle.  I'm minding my own business I swear, but I heard a little of her conversation (and yes you can quote me on this) -

Old Woman: Hi, Traci, it's mom.  I'm at Kohls looking at underwear.  Robbie's a size 40 waist right?

I was in the next aisle and I almost dropped Chick cause I was laughing so hard.  Take two minutes to think about that.

Would you want your mother in law buying you underwear for Christmas?

I didn't think so.  CP turned to me and said "It would have been even worse if she asked her daughter what color thongs she liked."  Geez, I've missed shopping with my husband!

MIL got us a Wii for Christmas and we went over there Sunday for early Christmas.  Last night we did our Wii sport ages (and for the record - I'd just like to say, I had bowled two games and did boxing and played tennis before doing this).  Dear God, I am SO NOT telling what age it gave me.  You can only do it once a day but believe me I'm going to kick Wii's butt until I get an age I can live with.

Okay, off to Wrap-the-Gifts palooza 2009.  I can only hope the kids don't wake up and come downstairs or we run out of tape or paper.  That would suck.  Be sure to head over to Keely's and see if anyone is alive this Random Tuesday.

Who's That? Why Snarky Kisses of Course: The Great Interview Experiment

Recently I had the pleasure of participating in Neil's Great Interview Experiment over at Citizen Of The Month.  While my interviewer seems to have forgotten me, I found my interviewee to be pretty darn cool.  Little did I know when I signed up I would get to interview someone who could easily be my kindred spirit.  Krystle from Snarky Kisses (and I know, how in the world did I forget to ask her how she came up with Snarky Kisses!!) was a total sweetheart and not only answered my wacky questions but did so in an extremely timely fashion.  I was actually kind of stunned by her awesomeness!  Without delay her interview is below and many thanks to her for allowing me a look at her life.  Be sure to check out Snarky Kisses when you're finished reading!



Why do you blog?
a. because it’s who I am
b. because other people make me
c. because I wanted to correct the erroneous image people had of me
d. why blog when you can twitter?
e. enter your own answer:

I needed a creative outlet, somewhere for me to go, to write whatever I wanted and not feel judged. I needed a place that I could go to for advice and to meet people, and low and behold here I am nearly 4 years later with more friends online that have helped me through so many situations, and I've met some incredible people that I will never ever forget. This place is my safe haven, my home away from home, my comfort place... especially if I'm having a bad day; there is nothing more soothing that putting on some music, in a quiet room, and just letting your fingers hit the keys. You are all incredible, and you ALL are the reason why I blog.


Twitter. Evil genius or Heavenly nightmare?
a. what’s twitter?
b. Evil genius because more than 140 characters gets boring
c. Heavenly nightmare. It’s destroying blogging as we know it.
d. seriously?
e. say what you will:

You know, I kind of have to pick two answers to this question as well... it's a bit of both worlds, and I wish I knew exactly what to say. As you can see over at my blog, I have been MIA for a fair while and I can be 150% honest with you that I absolutely DESPISE that. As I said with the previous question, THIS is my outlet, this is the creative, self absorbing part of my life... this is where I go for comfort, where I make friends, and where I can truly be me. Some things are easier written than spoken and that's what I like about blogging and having that opportunity. With that being said, Twitter has been an incredible thing in my life as well... I know it probably sounds crazy to those who don't "get" the concept of Twitter and all it's ooey-gooey goodness, but when and if they do ever figure it out, I know they'd love it. But explaining Twitter to someone who doesn't use it or hasn't thought about it before, is like telling an 8 month old to go drive a car... it just doesn't work that way! I love Twitter, and all that it has given me and I have truly gotten to know some very best friends through the 1-2 years I've been on it. I can only tell you though that if you haven't tried it already, to do it... it's amazing in it's own little way, and when I need to talk to someone at 3am, the first place I go to is Twitter... someone is always there for you, waiting to reply and to help you in any way they can. I promise. But I won't disagree with you when you tell me it's a sickness that you can't ditch... because it is, that good.


Answering emails on your phone. Yea or nea? How do you feel about
people who yea?

Yea... yes, I am totally okay with people replying on their phone. I being a person who am always attached to my online life, I love having the option to check my emails when I'm out. I don't always reply to them, it just depends where I'm at, when I'll be home, if it's a long reply and better to be typed on the actual computer or if I just have something quick. It makes me smile when I know that someone took the chance to reply back to me, even though they're out enjoying their Sunday afternoon lunch; it just shows me that they truly care and want to get back to you in a timely fashion. Now, some people... some think it's just stupid, and that's what computers are for, and they can wait and... well, I don't necessarily disagree with them, but really? Let's get with the times... it's all technology driven these days and if you don't have a data plan with your data phone; you're old school. (I am in no way making fun of others who do NOT have the data plan and I know not everyone can afford it... so please do not take it that way. I also understand that there is a time and place for everything, and in church or while walking through the check out line, etc... the replying and calling/talking on the phone can wait that extra time; I'm sure of it.)


You recently moved. I feel your pain. How was the experience? Good
or bad in 140 characters.

We are all moved & I'm nervous, anxious, scared, yet so very happy. I am thrilled beyond measure 2go thru this next journey. We are blessed.

When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging in late 2005, early 2006 when I was going through some hard times in my relationship. Which was then followed by a miscarriage, then depression/anxiety, then an engagement and job changes and moves and wedding planning and well, it just became part of my life and I'm so lucky to have found it.


What’s the best thing that has come from blogging? What have you
learned that has been the most valuable?

Throughout the past 4 years, It's given me a chance to see how others live, what they believe in, and the way they do things. It's been such a learning place, a place for help, for advice when needed (and when not needed) and if I ever stop blogging, I will take away the feeling of unconditional love that comes from online... when you find the right person. There are several trolls out there that are just waiting to take you down with them, but for every troll, you can imagine twice as many loving people that are here for you, anytime, anywhere and that is what will never be forgotten. Some of my best friendships are made online and for that I am forever grateful.


Favorite book or author and why.
a. what’s a book?
b. I have to choose just ONE?
c. the internet is far more interesting than reading books.
d. I plan to be buried with my collection of {Enter authors’ name}
complete works.
e. This is a far better answer to the question:

Aside from a few books, reading isn't on my priority list of things to do. I do however love reading books by Cecilia Ahern (P.S. I love you), Nicholas Sparks (All books), and other documentary, biographies, etc. I like books that are a story, a heartfelt start to finish story. I love romance novels, the ones that make your tummy flutter and you feel like you're playing a part in the story... l love the type of books that encourage and inspire you as you're reading. I will say, there is not a whole lot more relaxing than sitting in a peaceful house, jammies on, and getting lost in a book for hours.

I recently asked the following question on my blog. What are your thoughts?
If you were worth a few million dollars, would you automatically leave
it to your kids or would you force them to make their own fortunes
alone and give it all to charity? (ala Warren Buffet)

This one is kind of a mix for me... I definitely would not give it ALL to my kids because I truly believe if you have everything handed to you, you learn nothing in life because you never have to go through the hard times to get you to the good times, and that alone gives a person knowledge that they never would have known had they been given everything. You learn a different type of respect for that new vehicle or new house when you get up every morning and go to work for it, and take pride in having new furniture and buying gifts for someone knowing your hard earned money is being used for something that is appreciated and respected. I would however give a big sum of money to a type of charity, but I don't think it's something that I could just send say, send one million to XYZ charity and that's it... I'd like to say, okay, I'm going to send this amount to X and I want it to be used for Joe, Bob and Sue and little Jimmy for putting food on their table and new clothes for the next year, and this amount to Y to be used for all the foster children who don't have a home and who don't have the opportunity to enjoy the things some of us enjoy and take for granted and send this amount of money to Z to be used for all the families who have recently lost everything they have ever known, regardless of how it was lost... they still deserve to have something in life. And the other part of the money that I don't give to charity, I would put into some sort of safe place (whether that's in banks, under my bed, etc) and open up a few savings accounts for my children and grandchildren some day and give my kids a sum amount every year, as long as they are working for the majority of the things they have and show respect and a desire to want to BE and DO something in life, that's all that matters... if they continue that, I will gladly share my funds with them to show them how proud I am of them and who and what they've become.


Who would you rather marry (cause it’s all about fantasy), Mickey
Mouse or Goofy?

I would have to say Mickey Mouse, he's that loving caring, hugging little guy that is there for you and will do anything for you. He shows a sense of happiness and belief that many others don't have or don't share, and having that little spark in a relationship would be incredible.

Where would you like to be at in life at this time next year?

Realistically... I would love my husband to be back at his job (he was laid off in May 2009), me to have my salary bump at my job, us to be in a nice house whether it's renting or buying, and enjoying our life with the three of us (me, husband and our dog)... and to push it a little further, I would absolutely love to know that we would at least be trying for our first child, or even pregnant...

Ideally... I'm not sure my husband will be back at his job... but hopefully he will be at one that is comparable... I will have my salary bump and we will be moved into somewhere, however where, I don't know. We will still have the three of us (me, husband and our dog) and we may or may not be at the point to start trying for a baby. That is up in the air, I wanted one YESTERDAY, and well, it's a subject that is getting talked about a little more around here now days; and I will say that I know it's not that far off the horizon.


Do you live for music? If so, what kind do you like? Favorite artist/group?

Music to me is kind of like sugar to cookies... you have to have it, or it just isn't the same. I can't imagine my life without music; there are times when I just need to decompress and I can turn on my favorite music or artist and get lost in it. I enjoy many different types of music; the music I listen to mainly depends on my mood that day. If I'm having a hard day or rough time with something, I turn on my Pandora station or Grooveshark and listen to Josh Groban, Jim Brickman, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Hayley Westenra, etc... when I am excited for something, anxious, I like to listen to the top Hip Hop/Pop hits, you know, like now the top pop hits are Lady Gaga, Owl City, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, etc... and I find myself listening to alot of country music as well; nothing old, it's the new stuff from Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, etc. Music makes me feel at peace, regardless of the situation and I can't go without it.


Best movie ever made?

This is a hard one for me, I'm not a very big movie junkie... but I do have to say hmm, probably... oh I don't know. I'd be lying if I picked one right now because I truly don't know what the best movie is or what I'd choose. Now, if you asked my husband, he'd probably tell you something like The Jerk or something ridiculously stupid and funny all at the same time. He's one of those that can recite lines from movings that he seen 5 years ago, just as though he heard it yesterday.

You’re having a dinner party, what three people (dead or alive) would
you want to invite most?*

This is another hard one for me, I don't think about this stuff too much... so because of that, I'll aim towards the type of people I'd like to have a dinner party with. These are in no particular order... I'll keep it short and sweet. I love listening to grandpa's or those who have been in the military or traveled around the world, I enjoy listening to their stories, their fears and triumphs, the amazing things they did back in the day, and realizing just how technology stuck up our entire society is. Now we can't even write letters via mail without getting criticized. Listening to their stories from the past make me want to escape back into that time frame (minus the obvious things like war), like the end of WWII and the photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt: V-J Day. Seeing pictures about stuff like that makes my heart flutter, and I truly would love to just sit down with anyone from those eras and talk with them.

You’ve admitted to being an office supply junkie. You are my hero.
What’s your favorite pen? Do you like all things Sticky Notes? If I
gave you a $1,000 and unlimited time at the office supply store of
your choice, where would you go and what would you buy? (You know
that’s hypothetical right?)

Hahaha, I LOVE this question. Seriously, you hit the nail on the freakin' head! So! Okay... favorite pen at the moment is probably my Sharpie Pens; I'm kind of a nerd with those, they're smooth and neat and don't bleed! As a true real pen though, I just ran out of ink on my favorite one *BOO!* but I HAVE to have medium point or ball point, and when I buy my pens, I test them out right away after I open them. Each and every pen, even though I won't use them all at the same time... it's a fetish, I have to see which one writes the best. I've been loving the Paper Mate Profile clicky pens, they're just cheap and regular but they write SO NICE. I need some more though; every time I walk through Walgreens or any store like Target, etc, I absolutely have to walk through the pen isle, it's a sickness, I swear. As for sticky notes, yes, yes I love sticky notes, I've got quite a few along with this daisy pop up dispenser - and they're all colorful, lime green, pink, yellow, orange, dark green, flowers, etc... none of this blah yellow business here. We like color! If I had $1,000 and unlimited time at the office supply store... which OMG, I seriously... it gives me palpitations thinking about it. I get the giddy stomach feeling when I'm at a regular store looking for new little gadgets and pens, but an office supply store like Office Max? OMG. OH EM GEE, you have no idea. You know, kind of like this or this... ha, only kidding - kind of..uh..not really. Okay really though, I'd buy things like ...I have butterflies just searching online, for realsies... in all fairness, I love these, the good old fashioned Big Round Stic Grip Ballpoint but at work, I don't know why, but I have to have a rubber band at the end of the pen, on the cap, and I like to have a blue gripy thingy over the regular grippy thingy that actually comes on the pen... see? I love me some Sharpie Pens...love the purple :) and oh, when I'm writing notes at work, I have to do it on legal pad with LINES, I NEEEEEED lines. I love all things organization... pen holders, file trays, file drawers, envelope/file holder, and paper clips - the big ones that are smooth, not the riveted kind that are rough, GAH! I love to have all of my papers/charts that I use at work to be in page protectors, the Avery ones that are matte, NOT glassy - those show a glare! Three ring binders, colorful... with page protectors for the pages inside...I love me a good planner, like the ones from Carolina Pad or Hot Chocolate and I've got a few things that match this set at work...and I love the rubbermaid wire mesh office organizer collection too. I'd also LOVE me the new HP Printer, ugh! LOVE! I used it at BlogHer last year in the HP lab and oh em gee, ah-mazing. I could go on and on with other supplies and stuff, buuuuut I love too much!


So as you can see, especially with that last question, KINDRED SPIRIT.  Excuse me while I go blow my monthly food budget at Carolina Pad...

Do you want to sign up for the Great Interview Experiment?  Just visit this link at Citizen of the Month.

*Thanks to JA for asking me that question at his dinner party.  This is an fantastic ice breaker!

We made history

The largest December snow storm in Philly in 100 years. Officially for my suburb - 15.5 inches.

Hold onto your hats...

By golly it's a Nor'easter.



Yes that's 8-14 inches of snow. It's beginning to look a lot like...something white for Christmas.

It's Friday.

Yeah.  It's Friday.  If you want to see my shoes CLICK HERE to visit Jodifur.  I'm participating in her Shoe Friday event.

Have a great weekend.

Who would get your millions?

I remember reading long ago about Bill Gates planning to leave the bulk of his wealth to other people rather than his then only child.  I can no longer find a link to whatever article it was where he said that but I did find the one below from Warren Buffett, who has similar plans.


From Woopidoo.com The frugal billionaire had no intentions of leaving the bulk of his billions to his children as he felt it would be more of a burden than a blessing to them. He once remarked that "I want to give my kids enough so that they could feel that they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing."

This idea of not leaving it all to the kids is interesting.  My kids will inherit my millions in the form of books, thousands of scribbled papers, a pile of laundry and music (sorry kids).  I think there are some who would see Mr. Buffett as a horrible person for not giving away his money to his family.  Just the same, others would say he's doing an amazing thing by forcing his children to make something of themselves, rather than money making them into something. 

I'm not sure which I would choose.  I can see the benefit of giving my children the money.  They could have the opportunity to do and be so many things.  They could also fall into a pattern of being lazy and feeling as if they were privileged above others (not a good thing).  I think a lot would depend upon when they would recieve the money, if they had to wait until they were 30 versus 21, and if rules were attached to the inheritance.

It's an interesting question so I pose it to all of you.  If you had a few million to your name at your death, would you give it all to your kids?  Or do you believe they should have to earn it themselves?

Ittttt'ssss RAAAANnndom TUUESDAY! So here are my thoughts

It's Random Tuesday.  Sit down, shut-up and hold on.  There are no other choices.  See Keely at The UnMom for more.

Have you ever made a peanut butter sandwich with a spoon?  Because for the last two days I have.  Every knife in the house is either missing or dirty.  How is that possible?  I'm the only one allowed to use the knives!  How can they all be gone?  And now all the spoons are gone too.  Someone better get over here and do the damn dishes alright?

I discovered this great new site.  Thanks to Becky (at Mommy Wants Vodka) and Badass Geek the creator (I can't wait to see what kind of hits I get from that one).  It's called Fiction Five Hundred.  The idea is to write a 500 word story.  No MORE than 500 words.  I thought it would actually be hard but I sat straight down and wrote mine in about fifteen minutes.  Huh.  I let CP read it and he said and I quote "that's freakin' dark".  It's not rainbows and kittens my darlings, but I am thrilled with the piece.  It will appear at Fiction Five Hundred on January 1, 2010!  In the meantime check out the site, it's fantastic.

Where's the spellchecker on the New Editor feature on blogger?  Am I really, really blond (always possible even though my current shade is something akin to black) or is there not a spell checker?

I won something!  I won something!  Thanks to Gina at My Own Brand of Crazy.  I didn't even enter and I still won, how awesome is that?  Granted I won a broken cell phone someone donated to her boy scout garage sale.  But wahoo!  I won something!  Thanks Gina!

Yesterday morning I went out to walk chick to the bus (at the end of the driveway) and fell spectacularly on my butt.  Let's be thankful I wasn't carrying Chick at the time.  Black Ice + Black Driveway + Me= Laughter for the neighbors.  Dang if my BUTT doesn't hurt...not to mention my ego.

I'm giving away a really, really cool automatic wine opener thingy from CSN (they also have awesome wine racks).  I'm going to test out my own and write up a review then offer one up to all of you.  Be on the lookout for that, it'll be coming soon.  Who doesn't need to uncork some alcohol over the holidays?  If you can face your family (or your spouses) sober, more power to you.

I have 9 unread messsages according to my blackberry.  But you know what?  I can't find them on the dang thing!  Since I have this habit of never deleting emails.  EVER. (One of my email addresses has 4934 emails in in :)  If you emailed me and I never responded, sorry about that.

I signed up for Neil's Great Interview Experiment thanks to reading about it over at SciFi Dad's place.  When I sent over my questions to the blogger I'm interviewing (SnarkyKisses), it made her laugh.  I hope that was a good thing...

The other day Thor had scrambled eggs, four pieces of sausage, two pieces of bacon and a piece of toast and asked for more.  He's not even 8 yet.  What happens when he turns into a teen?

The Wall Street Journal started arriving yesterday thanks to Thor's 'spend them or lose them' airline miles swap.  I love this paper.  I have no idea when I'm going to find time to read it but hey...I love this paper.

Do you have a Random affliction?  There's only one cure.  See Dr. Keely at the UnMom.  I hear she works for free.

The Naked Truth: What I had to learn

The winners of the Dork Diaries giveaway are: Mrs. Bear, Christin, Colleen, Donna and Sarah Billington! Congratulations and thank you to everyone who stopped by to enter. I'll be having a giveaway with CSN in the next two weeks and coming in mid January a new book - Wish Stealers. Thor and I are reading this one together and I can't wait to tell you about it.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I thought it was time for another go at The Naked Truth.  Previous editions can be found here. Today's truth is coming to an end on Tuesday.  As of 4:20 pm Dec. 15th, I will no longer be playing the role of Single Mom.  For the newbies, no I'm not getting married, I already am married.  My husband and I will just finally be living on the same continent again.

The past six months have taught me a lot about myself and my kids.  We are more resilient than I thought.  Way back in May, while we all still were living in Germany, Cycling Papa and I had to make a decision.  I could remain in Germany with the kids and wait until February when his contract officially ended and we could all move together.  Or I could take the kids and move to Philadelphia alone.

It wasn't an easy decision as much as I was missing the one place that had been home for ten years.  For the good of my kids, both of whom need extra support, we decided to make the move early, get the kids in school and not move mid-year.  CP packed up and moved in with a work colleague.  And now he's finally packing up and moving here.

It's going to be an adjustment.  I have my routines, my way of doing things.  When he would visit once a month things shifted into a chaotic existence for a week and then once he was safely back at the airport we readjusted ourselves.  Things would slip back into our new normal.  Don't misunderstand, I'm happy that my world is about to get a seismic shift.

The one thing I've learned most is that I can be a single mom.  If I had to do this, then I could.  Not that I ever want to.  It's hard being the person who does everything.  From bills, to cooking, to cleaning, to full-time kid care; there aren't any breaks for a single parent.  You are the Go To person 24/7.  And that is exhausting.

It is also rewarding.  I think I've grown closer to my kids (despite my less than stellar temper sometimes).  We know each other better and they see that I'm not just the discipline parent but I am also the fun parent.  I can take them out to eat by myself.  I can take them into the city on my own and we can all survive the experience. 

In the past six months we've seen dinosaurs, explored a 'southern' event, had many a movie night, attended a cranberry festival, gone to the shore and had a wonderful time.  We've also had tears, screaming, a few slammed doors, time-outs and plenty of back-talking.

I'm coming out the other side of all of it knowing that if I had to, I could handle being a single mom.  Who knows what the next six months will hold?  We may have to do this again if CP gets a job out of state, a distinct possibility at this point.  Whatever happens, I know that I will survive it and my kids will survive it and somehow it will all work out.

Kudos to any of you who take on the role of Single Parent.  I've been in your shoes, and I don't know how you do it.

Final Day! Dork Diaries Giveaway!

Goody. The forecast for the day:

Sunny 

26°F 

Feels Like 

15°F 

Updated: Dec 11 09:45 a.m. ET 

UV Index: 1 Low 

Wind: From WSW at 14 mph 

gusting to 27 mph 

After an infinitely scary morning, in which my blackberry Would. Not. Turn. On. and I nearly froze to death buying groceries, let me just say TGIF.  Today is the last day for the Dork Diaries Giveaway.  I'll announce the winner on Monday.

Since my bb  seems to be having all sorts of issues, the other day it froze in the middle of typing an email and I couldn't even turn it off, bb is on my brain.  Someone once commented to me that it was strange that I always answered comments on my phone.  I thought that comment was strange.

I'm not sitting in front of my computer (at least on the internet) all day long.  Bb is easier for me to dash off a reply to something since it is by my side pretty much all day.  It's THE phone in my house.  Not one of, but the only one.  I tend to always know where it is and that's why this mornings 'episode' sent shivers down my spine.

But is it me that's the abnormal one?  How do you reply to blog comments?  Do you use your phone/handheld device or do you reply through your computer?

Have a great weekend and if you could send Non-Freeze My Butt Off thoughts my way that would be awesome.

What did you do Tuesday Night?

This new blogger post editor thingy is really great.  Let's hope it stays that way.  Don't know what I mean? In your dashboard click the Settings tab, then Basic.  Scroll down to Global Settings and Select Post Editor.  Click Updated editor!  They finally included a strikethrough button for dumb challenged people like me!  Yea!

Have you entered my Dork Diaries giveaway?  There's still time!  Giveaway ends Friday night.

A little thing called website envy

I've been wondering if this little blog needs a prettier package. Don't worry, my penchant for change isn't going to shake things up too much. I've finally come to love my header (which I did myself) and the way things are laid out. Sort of anyway. But I am wondering if it isn't time for a more professional blog. You know, one that links all my blogs under one place?


That could be a risky move of course. Because personal blogs and work blogs don't always belong on the same page. But if I'm trying to be known for my writing, it would be good for people to see my writing. Most of you don't know about my 'other' little black secret blog (you're looking it up now though aren't you?)


The catalyst behind all this is thanks to Nathan Bransford (not that he knows it). He's a literary agent with a blog and the other day he unveiled his new professional look. Color me envious. It's nice and pretty and organized and professionally put together. (The guy who did his site, Sean Slinsky, also did the Dad Gone Mad website. I love the header on that site.)


Of course I'm not a literary agent but I'm trying to get one. It made me realize that maybe, if this place looked a bit better, I could pass out the address. After all, technology and social network is all the rage these days. If I can cash in on that in order to uphold a dream of being published, why not?


I'm on a budget though. As in whatd'ya got for free? So, wonderful readers, does anyone have any fantastic Build Your Own Website Design-ish links for me? Have you had your site professionally upgraded? If you could, would you?

The Tail of A Dog

*This post was written before recent events on other bloggers sites. After some thought, I've choosen to publish it anyway.

My kids want a dog. Badly. But given that the reality is that our landlady asked if my Kids would destroy her house, can you imagine her response to a Dog?

I think a dog - eventually - would be great for the kids. And I admit, me too. We had a daschund growing up named Daisy and she was the greatest dog. She was a little dog though.

Thor wants a dog like Copper. A friends dog, a dog we haven't seen in almost three years. Yet, he remembers. Copper is a Hungarian Viszla and is beautiful dog. They have loads of energy and are the sort of dog that probably has to be walked. A lot.

I'm not a dog walking kind of gal, at least I don't want to always have to walk a dog. When it's cold outside I want to open a door and let the dog into the fenced yard. And that's it. A bigger dog does appeal to me though because it would be fun to have a dog to play with. A larger dog is also good if CP has to travel overnights. There is that sense of someone else being in the house with me and the kids.

The other problem is Cycling Papa is allergic to different types of dogs. We know because we had to give back two dogs (prekids) that he had reactions to within an hour of bringing them home. The first was a yellow lab and the second was a golden retreiver. So the long hair - short hair argument is kind of moot.

Thor keeps asking for a dog though. Chick thinks dogs are like food - she can't live without either one.

You go ahead and resist that cuteness!

Do you have a dog? What types are good for allergies? And who gets stuck with the dog chores, you or your kids?

I stole the pictures from the internet. No, I don't remember where.

Have you entered my giveaway of the book Dork Diaries? Contest ends Friday.

Book Review & Giveaway: Dork Diaries

Today I'm going to review a refreshingly cute book that is published by Aladdin, Simon & Schuster's Children's Division. Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell is aimed at the 9-13 age range.

I was very pleasantly surprised that even I could relate to Nikki Maxwell's troubles. Recently transplanted into a preppy private school, Nikki faces the challenges of being the new girl. Without the latest greatest cell phone, mall quality clothes or friends, what Nikki does have is a brand new diary to record her thoughts. As Nikki navigates the horror of having her locker next to popular 'mean girl' MacKenzie, she discovers two allies in the form of friends Zoey and Chloe. Throw in an art show, tattoos and the usual dance of a first crush, Nikki has more than she can handle at her new school. How will she deal with middle school woes and still keep true to herself? Only Nikki's diary will reveal all.

The language in the book easily reads as if it is coming straight from the mind of a teenager as she faces the difficulties of adolescence. With great imagination the author draws on the real experiences we all face. I liked this book and the style in which it was written. The entire book is handwritten on lined pages just as if you were truly holding Nikki's diary. It's an unique choice that lends to the authentic feel of the story.

The author has also created a website 'written' by Nikki. Nikki Maxwells's Blog is a cute way to continue the story and readers can interact with Nikki and ask questions. You can find out more about the next book in the Dork Diaries series Tales From A Not-So-Popular Party Girl as well.

Now the really fun part. I'm going to be giving away five copies of Dork Diaries courtesy of Simon & Schuster. All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know you'd like to win a copy. This would make a great holiday gift for that preteen on your list! The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM Friday December 11, 2009.

Good luck!

*I was provided with a copy of the book by Simon & Schuster to complete my review.

Uhhh, seriously!

Happy snow day

Nothing Like a Recipe on a Friday

Since I am all out of stories for the week I thought maybe I would do up a few recipes. With the coming holiday season I figured there's no better time to get creative.

Since flying-by-ties-of-my-apron is usually the way I cook, I pulled these together at the spur of the moment. Just like last week, not knowing what to make for dinner, I scrounged the fridge and cupboards and 40 minutes later laid chicken parm on the table with pasta. Last minute is what I'm good at. This chicken was originally intended for Chicken Tikka Masala but I didn't feel like making that.

How about some Oven BBQ'd Chicken (with homemade sauce) and a Blogging Mama's Red & Green Cocktail instead? Surely that screams holiday. So let's get started.

You will want to make the chicken first. Unless of course your dexterity with knives increases with alcohol. If that's the case start at the bottom of the post and work your way up.

Oven BBQ'd Chicken:

2 to 2 1/2 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, and drumsticks - I used thighs)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
3/4 cup bottled chili sauce
2 tablespoons honey (I don't like honey and don't normally have any around, but I had some lavender honey and used that instead)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

You can also add 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, neither of which I had on hand.

1. Skin chicken, if desired (I did). Rinse chicken; pat dry. Arrange chicken pieces, meaty sides down, in a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Drain fat.
2. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender but not brown. Stir in chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, mustard, horseradish and red pepper (if used); heat through.
3. Turn chicken skin side up. Brush about half of the sauce over the chicken. Bake for 20-30 minutes more until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Reheat remaining sauce and serve with chicken.

(makes 6 servings)

Blogging Mama's Red & Green Cocktail

There is no exact science to this and I am sure this is called something else, somewhere else but here is what I do:

Into a highball glass mix the following:

a few cubes of ice
3 oz of cranberry/raspberry juice
3 oz of tonic water
1 shot of vodka
two slices of lime

You could add a few cranberry's for extra color and flavor but I didn't have any to hand.

Remember to enjoy all recipes responsibly!

Do you plan out meals in advance or take it as it comes? What sort of traditional holiday foods do you eat? If you have a favorite recipe or food item please share. It can be for any December holiday, not just Christmas.

And that's why you don't get my business

Yesterday during my monthly trek to the airport to return Cycling Papa, we stopped by a car dealership. In another month or so two cars is going to become a necessity. We went looking for a used Pathfinder or a Murano (CP likes suv's). The Salesman was kind enough, fetching keys, opening doors and answering questions.

We indicated, as we were on the way to the airport, that we did not have time to drive anything. Salesman kept pushing a bit. We again declined. He wanted to see if we'd been inside a Forester. Umm, that's not an suv. I don't care what you call it but I call it a glorified station wagon.

Playing nicely though (cause we are nice people) we went inside the showroom and looked at his Forester. Nope, to un-suv for CP. Of course now that we were inside we had to give the usual name, phone number, yada yada. {As an aside, I, once upon a lifetime, worked at Saturn for six months. I get that this part is part of the job. It's the next part that made me go WTH.}

After giving blood (or what felt like having to give blood) we told him, "hey really need to get going to the airport. Have a flight to catch!"

"Just give me two minutes."

"No, we really have to go." We stood.

"Just one minute to see what else we have." Now annoyingly pleading.

"No we have to go." Still trying to be polite. "How about we take your card and you can email us the info?"

"Just give me 30 seconds." Now even I am getting really annoyed. We proceed to the doors as Salesman is still pleading his case. CP gives it to him straight.

"If you can get me before I get in my car, go for it." We exit the building with Salesman scurrying (like the rat he was) over to the next showroom. And exactly what was he wanting 30 seconds for?

I have no idea.

Chick is buckled in. CP and I are in the car. We drive away. I have never met a more pushy, annoying, makes-me-want-to-scream NO Salesman in my life.

What's the worst Salesman experience you've ever had? Have you met anyone like my Salesman?

Stupidity Tuesday: Otherwise known as Random Tuesday Thoughts

It's Tuesday. Again. It's really funny how that keeps on happening, week in and week out. I mean just try to think about not having Tuesday as a part of your life? It wouldn't be nearly as much fun would it?

It's time to play Random Tuesday Thoughts with Keely at the Un-Mom. Link up or lose out.

Tiger Woods In Car Accident. Does anyone else care that he ran into a fire hydrant and a tree at 2 something in the morning? Nope, me neither.

Did everyone have a lovely Turkey Day and stuff themselves silly? My favorite part of the day - wine and dessert. There's just nothing better.

Cycling Papa and I have been catching up on last season's House. Which is good and yet confusing after watching this weeks episode where the relationships are totally different. For one thing Cutner is still alive last season and House was a pill popping (though handsome) lunatic. Not much has actually changed I suppose. I love that show.

I was reading in Time magazine last week about the Worst Decade - 10 Years of Hell (or something like that). It was a bit scary and shocking to read about the past tens year's of American demise. But here's to a new year right?

Chick started school yesterday. Four mornings a week from 8:30-11:15.

I'd write more about that but I am too busy basking in the glow of SILENCE (from Starbucks!).

Thor went to the doctor the day before Thanksgiving. He does officially have Aspergers, though very mild. It's a blow (because what did I do wrong for this to happen?) It's good at the same time. I'm remembering to repeat that often.

In just over two weeks Cycling Papa will be here. Not just visiting here, but here here. As in living here - finally after five months of him living there. As in I'm going to have to start cooking full meals again and cleaning every so often. And occasionally do laundry.




Does anyone remember the music store The Wall? I found some cd's the other day with The Wall blue stickers on them. If you put the sticker on the cd it covered it for any damage or something. It was on a Bush cd.

In a fit of nostalgia for the 'good old days' I listened to the cd's I found. Bush - Sixteen Stone, Toad the Wet Sprocket - Coil (which I admit I stole from my sister 13 years ago or so) and my very first EVER cd - Hootie and the Blowfish - Fairweather Johnson. Say what you want, in 1995 (my first year in college) that was the band of bands.



Last week I discovered I was 32. I know how could I forget? But honestly I thought I was 31. For two days I was seriously depressed by that. It did remind me of the Friends episode where Joey realizes he's 30.

I saw this Christmas card on my desk yesterday and I got all excited. Wahoo! My first Christmas card. Actually not. It's from three years ago. It was in a drawer and I it put on my desk, it became buried under the usual detritus on my desk and I forgot all about it till I knocked a stack of papers on the floor.

Find the hidden object


7 Bedrooms/7 Bathrooms for $250,000 INSANITY

That's it for another edition of Random Tuesday Thoughts. Click this LINK for more life altering Random.