It's a Beauty Filled Life

Plastic

2010-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I was super young – well, in my 20s at least – I vowed to never ever ever ever eeeevvveeeeerrr get plastic surgery or Botox or any of that crazy stuff. With my clear, firm, smooth, and glowing skin, why would I even consider it?

Well, now that I’m in my 30s, with a child, and a husband, and a mortgage, and a belly, and no sleep, and stress, and lines showing up, WELL, maybe the young me was a bit premature in my self-righteous judgment of women who did get those procedures done.

… Men on the other hand, I still judge them. Have you SEEN Kenny Rodgers lately?!

Anyway, since the bathroom is usually the one place in the house I can be alone (though, that is a bit of a stretch, as Monkey refuses to let me use it alone or with the door closed – ARGH!), I find that I stare at myself a lot in the mirror. Most times it’s because I don’t recognize the lady I’m looking at: I’m softer, chubbier, and older than I remember.

Hey! When did THAT happen?

I have to admit that on my really stressed out and tired days, I wonder what I would look like if I got a shot of Botox between my eyebrows or how easy it would be to have a doctor do a little lipo…

But then, I watched the video below, and decided getting some sleep and cutting out Nutella from my diet would probably be the safer (and least frightening) choice.

... I love my body, I love my body, I love my body, I love my body…

BTW: Thank you all for the warm Blogiversary wishes!

Things That Go Bump In The Night

2010-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

I’m sitting here, minding my own ding dang business, when I here something like balls dropping on my wood floor. I look around to see where it’s coming from, and notice one of my dogs near the back door walking in a circle. “Hmmm, that’s pecul…”

HE’S TURDING ON MY FLOOR! HE’S TURDING ON MY FLOOOOOOOR!

The dog had to go so bad, he couldn’t even wait for me to look up and notice him at the door to let him out!

Which, ironically, brings me to a comment that I left this evening on my friend LZ’s blog, My Messy Paradise, regarding her feelings about dogs:

But don’t tell HABL. More than likely, he’ll hold me to my word, and I’m sure I’ll be singing another song when that dreadful day comes.

Oh. My. Gosh. It’s My Blogiversary?!

2010-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday friends! I don’t post on the weekends, but seeing as how I just realized it’s my BLOGIVERSARY (doing the happy dance), I just had to come post it from the mountain tops!

One whole year that this bloggidy blog has been on the internets! And one whole year of meeting fabulous people like you!

Aaaaaaahhhh!

Thanks for sticking by me, friends! You are the greatest!

Neglect-ation

2010-01-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

So.

Posting has been sporadic at best here, no? I am very sorry it. It’s not that real life has taken over my free time so completely that I haven’t had one moment to get on Dreamboat. I have been reading up on your blogs. It’s just that my reader is chock full of awesome blogs, in order to keep up with you all and still have enough time to take care of my real life these days, I have had to sacrifice two things: commenting and posting.

Me so sorry. Me bad bloggy friend.

So, I’m on a mission this 2010: to get my ducks in a row and write. And write. And comment. And write. It may not be that I post as much as I used to, now that Monkey is literally eating/screaming/jumping/wrecking me out of house and home, but I have a goal to balance out life in 2010 and not turn myself into a couch potato. Because, if you don’t know me by now, I love me some starchy root vegetable.

Would you like to see what has been taking up my valuable blogging time? Here’s the short list:

Monkey jumping. On everything.
Monkey having tantrums. About everything.
House hunting
Monkey biting me/pulling at everything. On my person.
The holidays
Auditions and career building
Monkey not sleeping through the night yet (!@#$%^&*!!!)
Talks of adding another baby into the mix (how will this be possible if #7 is still in play?)
Me worrying about getting fat. Oh wait. Change getting into being
Did I mention Monkey AND house hunting?

As you can see (and I’m sure most of you know first hand), I’ve had to do a lot of prioritizing in my life because of this list, and still, STILL it’s crazy.

Honestly, if you would have asked me three years ago if I thought my life would be crazy and hectic and out of control just by getting married and having ONE child (how do you moms with more than one do it?!), I would have poo-pooed you and said I had it in the bag.

Man. Was I an ignoramus.

Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying the beginning of your 2010!

The Thought of Sick Kids + Me = Don’t Mix

2010-01-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

The blogosphere is a wonderful thing. And then, it’s not. Last night, while I was on Twitter, someone I follow retweeted @natalienorton. So of course, interested, I go to her blog and read that her eight-week-old baby is sick.

Then, just now, I read and learned her baby passed.

And my heart hurts.

And I’m scared for her.

And I realize, there are a whole heck of a lot of babies, and kids, and mommies, and daddies who are facing life threatening things, who have already faced the life threatening things..

And I get sad.

And overwhelmed.

And basically shut down.

I am the first to say that I could not, would not, will not try to imagine myself in such situations because I am a coward, easily freaked out, and the first one to stick her head in the sand when even the thought of something bad happening wants to rear its ugly head.

So, while I am torn between NOT reading all these stories and turning off the internets, I am obsessed with the strength that these people possess in the face of potentially losing their child. Or losing their child.

I. Can’t. Take. It.

I hope my reaction to these kinds of things is not unusual. Because let’s face it, who wants to be the person who buckles under pressure? I may as well call myself that stupid random person in horror movies who has to check the dark, empty room, ignorning the scary music playing in the background. Hello? Idiot!

I don’t know. I just wish that bad things didn’t happen to babies. I wish I didn’t have to read something on the internets or watch something on the news about babies getting sick or hurt. It scares me too much. It hurts my heart too much. I wish I didn’t have to see mommies and daddies (even when they’re fifty or sixty year old mommies and daddies!) crying about their loss, because automatically, I put myself in their shoes. And I can’t take that feeling. That helpless, devastating, sinking, life/heart/air sucking feeling. Because, if what I feel is not even a titch of what those parents are feeling, then God forbid, I wouldn’t survive it.

So, parents, mommies, daddies: you deserve all the medals in the world for your strength, your courage, your energy, your dedication to your child. I pray for you guys, I pray for your baby, I pray for them.

For Gavin David Bruce Norton

October 24, 2009-January 7, 2010

And his mommy, Natalie, whose story I only learned of last night.

The First Cut Is The Deepest

2009-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

You would think that with all the whining and complaining I do about being tired, and not getting enough sleep, and having a crooked spine from having to carry my two-ton baby around, that I wouldn’t have such a hard time with cutting his hair. But, I do. I did.

Last night, we cut Monkey’s hair for the first time. I tied up his baby mullet with a ribbon and HABL took a picture of me snipping it off.

And the feelings started to bubble.

Then HABL took over and started trimming around his ears, complaining about how it takes three people to cut the hair off of one toddler’s head.

And the knot in my stomach started to grow.

Then HABL gave up, with my poor sweetheart wearing half a bowl cut and half a girl’s bob, I had to take over. I evened it out as best as I could, and the end result was crooked and cute.

But then, he was done. He started running around, jumping on the couch as if nothing had changed, nothing had happened. And I sat there, watching him, looking at him, and started bawling my eyes out, mourning my little, my tiny baby boy.

As I type this, my eyes are welling with tears. I’m trying really hard not to have a complete and utter breakdown over this first haircut of his, but HABL literally had to hug the tears out of me. He was so matter-of-fact about the haircut, “He’s a year and a half. He needed a haircut.”

Blah, blah, blaaaaah. I’m busy missing my baby!

HABL was clearly confused by my reaction to the whole thing. He said, “Babe, he’s still the same!” And of course, I had to tell him it wasn’t about the haircut but what it symbolized!

I miss my sweet baby! If you can recall in previous posts, I’ve mentioned how I felt like I was out of sorts in his early months (heck, I was out of sorts till he was one!). And now that I feel like I’m actually getting to enjoy him, he’s growing up into a boy. And soon, he’ll be a teen. And then a man. And then bye-bye mommy!

*sobbing*

I really should not be working myself up like this, but I can’t help it. It feels like breaking up with your first real love, only an infinite amount worse!

Oh Monkey! I miss you already! I miss you, I miss you, I miss you! I love you forever!

BTW: Sorry I’ve been M.I.A. Chalk it up to a combination of the holidays, life, and laziness. Sorry!

Top Ten Thursday – My Top Ten Favourite People I'd Like To Meet - Zeemaid

2009-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

This week’s Top Ten Thursday is brought to you by Zeemaid from In The Mommy Trenches*!

Aaaah, favorite people. Zeemaid’s list makes me wonder over the many amazing people I’d like to meet. Sure, my list may comprise of celebrity hunks and all my childhood TV crushes, but still, that's gotta count for something, right?

Enjoy this sneak peek!

Another week has gone by and it's time for another Top Ten Thursday. Last week I did my top favourite gifts I'd like to receive so this week why not My Top Ten Favourite people I'd like to meet.

1. Colin Firth - He's an absolute hunk and with that British accent he could say just about anything that would make my socks roll up and down.

2. Oprah Winfrey - no not for her free stuff. I'd just like to be able to say I met her. Strip away the talk show etc and she is definitely an interesting person.

3. Albert Einstein - I once did an oil pastel drawing of him in art class and I'd like his opinion on his hair. Is it crazy enough?

To read the rest of Z’s list and to link up with your own Top Ten Thursday list, visit her blog, In The Mommy Trenches!

*I totally messed up and originally posted that our TTT sister, LZ from My Messy Paradise, was this weeks featured TTT. Well, I seem to have had my head stuck in the hole somewhere, because I should have said it was Z! My apologies to Zeemaid and to everyone for the confusion!

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:
Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!

I Locked Myself In The Bathroom, And Then Everything Was Good

2009-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was hectic, to say the least. Paying bills, dealing with a hysterical baby, laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping - I was on the verge of a Calgon moment, but held it together.

On any given day, this kind of To-Do list wouldn’t have me feeling like I was just lobotomized like Jessica Lange in the movie “Frances”, but yesterday was just that kind of funky day.

I was handling myself pretty nicely all day long. But somewhere between feeding Monkey his dinner and washing him up, my Meltdown Button was pressed. I stood at the sink in the kitchen and used up all my strength to say to HABL in a calm voice, “I. NEED. A. BREAK.”

Yes. It was an ‘all caps’ moment.

I handed the Monkey over to HABL, climbed over the baby gate, and headed straight for the only room in our house with a lock: the bathroom.

I sat on that toilet seat and cried. I just let it go – my fatigue, stress, worries, frustrations. I tell you, I needed that cry in a bad way. I can usually get it out by watching a super sad movie, but it’s been a while since I’ve been able to get that into my schedule. I think I had a sort of ‘crying build up’.

During my little episode, Monkey kept beating on the door for me to come out. Then, HABL kept coming by to make sure I was okay. But that irritated me more, and every time he’d come around, I raised my voice, “Can’t I get a break?!”

Of course, midway through my crying, I realized that I was having a serious pity party, so I pulled myself together and instead, used my time wisely by giving myself a mini manicure. Then, when I was done with that, I sat there quietly and read a magazine.

Tired? Always.

My life as a SAHM? Maybe.

PMS? I think so.

I need a vacation.

The Case Against Having Nice Things And A Child Under The Age of Thirty

2009-11-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

Last night, we spent Thanksgiving at my good friend’s house. Dinner was lovely, the company was lovely, and not having to do the cooking and the cleaning afterwards was also lovely.

Once things were cleared away, all the little kids were running around screaming, yelling, and getting into and out of things, while the adults either played Monopoly or caught up on some must-see TV.

As I sat there relaxing, my son’s face popped into my head randomly. Usually at my friend’s house, I’m not worried about where my son is because more often than not, one of her three daughters’ will have Monkey in check. But the hackles on my neck were raised, so I looked over in the general direction of where he might have been, and saw some Bad News happening in real time: Monkey had his powdered formula container and was shaking it like a champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve.

*Sob*

I did what I could to help and swept most of it up. Then my friend - who did not seem to flinch at the site of powdered milk all over her foyer - vacuumed it up like it was nothing... Um, mortified, much?

Anyway, after some time, we called it a night and drove home, happy, full, and carefree. That is, until we got home and saw the real damage of the Bad News: Monkey also sprayed the Powder Love inside everything in his diaper bag… and all over my beloved purse and Blackberry.

Interesting Fact Number One: Did you know that powdered formula is sticky, even when dry? And even when a brush or towel passes over it (or you turn blue from trying to blow it off), it refuses to budge?

Interesting Fact Number Two: Did you know that even though you may think you are making your life easier by putting your purse and phone in a large canvas bag (so as to be able to carry a bunch of other things at the same time), that canvas bag also doubles as a Death Trap for said items?

It’s midnight as I write this, and I am still trying to get bits of this ding dang formula out of the crevices of my purse and phone’s speaker. It’s worse than sand! But at least sand, when dry, will fall off. This stuff is dry and sticking to everything. I’m so afraid of my purse getting ruined. Don’t even get me started on my phone.

And this is why I can’t have nice things. Because, even when I vow to take care of my things, there is a little boy who lives in my house that doesn’t recognize vows. Or rules. Or order.

So, there are only three ways I can protect the nice things we have from being ruined:

Lock them up in a hermetically sealed vault, never to see the light of day – that is, until Monkey turns thirty
Lock Monkey up in a hermetically sealed vault, never to see the light of day – that is, until Monkey turns thirty
Do not have nice things until Monkey turns thirty

I. Want. To. Cry.

Top Ten Thursday – Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! It’s quite unusual for me to be blogging on a holiday, but since I am only in charge of making the mashed potatoes, gravy, and dessert this Thanksgiving, I’ve got plenty of time to sit back, relax, and think of what I am completely and utterly thankful for.

Now, there are a million little things (tweezers) and a million great, big things (Jesus) that I am thankful for, but I’ve got to keep this list down to ten. So, I’ll list the things that come to mind immediately. In which case, don’t be surprised if ‘hand soap’ makes the cut...

I hope you all are having a great day, filled with love, good food, and lots of family and friends to spend the day with!

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!

Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For

My precious, precious baby boy – without him, I would not know what deep and true love is
My ever-loving husband – This guy has taught me a thing or two about love. But I imagine the most important thing he’s done for me is actually the single most important thing he could have done for humanity: Without him, I would have become the super crotchety old lady with the ten cats, living alone on the corner, in the decrepit house, making you want to move
Dessert – on those crazy, I-need-a-new-life days, this stuff reminds me that my real life is actually fantastic. All I need to do is breathe… and eat.
My sister – I love her. Though I took my role as her big sister seriously by being bossy and mean, we still managed to love each other and become besties
My dishwasher. I’m going over to the kitchen to give it a hug right now…
Frozen vegetables. No washing or cutting necessary!
The internets
Polar fleece in the wintertime
Musical Theater – it’s like sipping hot chocolate on a winter day – in bed!
Nick Jr. – keeping my son occupied (and me sane) for a little bit of time every day

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:
Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!

The Purge

2009-11-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

The New Year is a-comin’ and I’m on a quest to purge my house of all unnecessary items. Unlike my mom and my grandma (who both have black belts in Pack Rattery), I have an aversion to keeping things for potential future use… will I really need that empty butter tub five years from now?

I’ve moved so many times in my life, I can officially say I hate having extra stuff. Oh, and I hate packing and lugging around said extra stuff from one place to another - I don’t want to carry heavy boxes of things that should’ve been chucked a year ago!

Even now, when I look around my house and see all the picture frames, or think about the things hidden away in bookcases and cupboards, I start to freak out a little. One day, I will have to pack all that stuff up…

Ugh.

This afternoon, while Monkey was enjoying his nap, I decided that the guest bedroom would be a great place to start the process, since most of our out-of-use things are stored there. I did a great job going through my collection of books. But then, when I looked over and saw a box of old papers that needed to be sorted through, my stomach dropped, and I said, “Uh. I’m done for the day.”

This is why purging needs to happen every day for me, because the thought of going through all our stuff is making me want
to hibernate.

Or I could just put it off till next year…

Top Ten Thursday – Top Ten List And Our First TTT Giveaway!

2009-11-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

This week’s Top Ten Thursday is brought to you by Zeemaid from In The Mommy Trenches! Her topic this week: Top Ten List of Things I Do To Get Out of Cleaning!

On a related note, our TTT girl, Sara from Domestically Challenged, is moderating our very first Top Ten Thursday giveaway! By commenting on Zeemaid’s Top Ten post today, you will be entered to win a copy of “Alienated” (visit Domestically Challenged for book details) AND one other book! Sara will choose the surprise book, based on your child's age and gender, and send it to you along with “Alienated”! Um, hello? You could cross off a gift from your Christmas list!

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to In The Mommy Trenches now, enjoy her post, give her some comment love, and you are automatically entered to win some great books!

Still want a quick look at Zeemaid’s list? Enjoy this sneak peek!

I recently stumbled across a blog called Should be Cleaning and thought girl, that is definitely a metaphor for my life. Should be Cleaning. I should be cleaning something but instead here I am. So I thought I'd do my Top Ten List of Things I Do To Get Out of Cleaning

1. Blog - okay that was obvious and a no brainer

2. Read - anything and everything. I will pick up a science book, comic book, reader's digest magazine, newspaper, back of the cereal box.. literally anything just so I can read something. (my husband says this should be #1) *L*

3. Surf on my Blackberry. It's so fun looking up free apps. Free cause I wouldn't spend money for some weird little program that sits on my phone. Okay, I did pay for my Pink ring tone but after that I draw the line.

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:
Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!

Wordless Wednesday – My Iron Gut(s)

2009-11-18T00:20:00.000-08:00

This is the snack I had the other day:

Chips.
Salsa.

And soy ‘nog’. Yes, that’s right. The soy version of egg nog.

I’m sure you’re wondering how I didn’t get the runs or a sour stomach after eating that combo, but don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? I am like a cow: I have six stomachs that act as a filtration system, protecting me from this kind of food mixture!

No, I’m not pregnant. It’s just my salty/sweet craving gone wild, coupled with the beauty of having a strong stomach.

For more Wordless Wednesday or Mostly Wordless Wednesday, visit Wordless Wednesday HQ, 5 Minutes For Mom, and 7 Clown Circus!

Whaddaya Mean I'm Not Tagged? No Prob. I’ll Tag Myself!

2009-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

This meme was not sent to me from LZ at My Messy Paradise.

What happened was, I read her post, loved the questions so much – they’re not your ordinary meme-y questions – and tagged myself! Actually, she hadn't gotten around to tagging anyone yet, but I couldn't wait to see if I would be in. I just had to do it!

So thanks LZ, for giving me an easy posting day!

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you.
Lauryn Hill, Anne Heche, and Mike Myer

2. Where was your first kiss?
Playground at school. In kindergarten. On the tricycle run. I work fast.

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property?
Yes. Three times: when I was six or seven, I peed in my aunt’s waterbed – twice in one night. Then, with said aunt, I think I was eight or nine, I thought it would be a great idea to write, “Hi Auntie!” on the hood of her brand new car – with a rock. Third, me and my cheerleading team egged a house. Shameful, really. Believe me when I say I’ve gotten it back ten-fold…

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex?
My brother (many times) and my husband (a handful of times). With malicious intent, you ask? Ummm…

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people?
But of course! It’s my job! Well, before becoming a SAHM!

6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex?
Their eyes.

7. What really turns you off?
Narcissism, pretentiousness, and racists who say racist things, but use this disclaimer,"But I'm not racist or anything. I have [enter race of choice] friends!"

8. What do you order at Starbucks?
Light Caramel Frappaccino.

9. What is your biggest mistake?
Dating one particular boy in college.

10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?
Uh huh. When I was in junior high, I was out of Midol and having terrible period cramps. I was pulling a ‘terrible twos’ tantrum over it as my mom stood in the doorway of my room, laughing and watching me punch myself in the stomach to ‘distract’ from the pain.

Dramatic much?

11. Say something totally random about yourself
Wasn’t my period cramp story enough? Insatiable, you are.

12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
Yes. I used to always get, “Hey, has anybody told you, you look like that asian chick in ‘Kickboxer’?” (it’s some Jean-Claude Van Damme movie). Boring. Why couldn’t they say I looked like an Asian version of Angelina Jolie or something? Sheesh.

13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows?
Heck yeah! Having a kid just gives me a legitimate excuse!

14. Did you have braces?
Yes, in junior high. Oh, and I also had to wear head gear. Oh, and I also wore bifocals to correct my astigmatism. Pretty girl, right?

15. Are you comfortable with your height?
Meh. I wouldn't mind two or three more inches… That's what she said!

16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you?
Fed me. And given me the last bite of food. Oh yeaaaah…

17. When do you know its love?
You kiss them – with tongue – and they have morning breath.

18. Do you speak any other languages?
I speak bits of two languages: a Filipino dialect called ‘Ilocano’ and French.

19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon?
Nope. I was born with a tan.

20. What magazines do you read?
Get ready. Subscriptions to: Elle, Allure, InStyle, Lucky, Parents, Traditional Home. Buy off the rack: Oprah, Real Simple, People Magazine’s Style Watch Issue, Vogue, Smart Shopper. I'm so transparent.

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo?
No, but I have been on two party buses. 

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away?

Both my grandpa’s have passed – my maternal one, when my mom was eleven and my paternal one, when I was fourteen.

23. Do you watch MTV?
Not anymore. My sister and I both stopped watching when we noticed how skanky the girls were getting. It made us feel icky.

24. What’s something that really annoys you?
My love/hate relationship with food. Oh, and my love/hate relationship with the gym. You think these two are related?

25. What’s something you really like?
Clothes. And baths.

26. Do you like Michael Jackson?
I was a huge fan when I was younger, but he got weird, so I stopped. I still enjoy his music, though.

27. Can you dance?
Yes. Can I dance like the kids on SYTYCD? No.

28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up?
Oh man, I’ve been up twenty-seven hours (give or take) once… and several times after. It’s called ‘youth’.

29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room?
No, thank the Lord!!! And I hope I NEVER have to be!

30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out?
Totes. How can you not, they’re such easy reads? And, I love people’s answers! You can learn so much!

Generally, I’m supposed to tag people, but since I tagged myself and am not officially obligated to tag anyone, follow my lead! If you like the questions, tag yourself! Let me know! I’d love to come over and give you comment love!

Holiday Season Eating: The Monster That Is Out To Get Me

2009-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

It seems to me that every year, the holidays come earlier and earlier (Happy Fourth of July! Oh, look, they’re selling Christmas trees!). And though, generally, I enjoy seeing Christmas decorations in the stores and watching the cheery commercials on TV, I’m finding that that’s not the case anymore.

You see, to me, the holidays aren’t only about holiday cheer and warm fuzzies. Holidays mean one thing: EATING.

Now that people seem to be falling prey to the early holiday push, they are, as a result, throwing parties and get-togethers earlier and more frequently. And what do you do at these parties? Eat. What do I do when I go to these parties? I turn off my sensor and my appetite control, and I let my sweets consumption go into overdrive.

Oh, I can hear you out there, “Whatever, Jennifer! Just put the kibosh on it and you’ll be fine. Stop being such a glutton. If you really didn’t want to eat, you wouldn’t! Stop your whining!” But I tell you now, the Power Team that is my mouth and stomach are stronger than my desire to stay fit and exercise self-control during the holiday season! My taste buds? They are more powerful than the non-elastic waistbands of my favorite jeans. I am to food as Super Man is to Kryptonite – and there is no one out there, not even my burly husband, that can help.

This past week, I had a very busy social calendar. What does that mean? I ate my weight in brownies, salsa, and meat. Every day.

Sometimes I wish I had the kind of friends who’d say, “Hey, let’s go work out for three hours, then grab a tomato and a hard boiled egg after!” or, “Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen you in forever! Let’s go for a walk!” But I don’t. My friends and I, we grab lunch, dinner, and whatever else will trigger a food coma. And even if they know how to eat proper portions, I do not.

So what am I doing about it? Simple: I am day nightmare-ing about gaining ten pounds this holiday season, my pants not fitting, and my mommy pooch looking like I am five months pregnant, even when sucking in and wearing a 19th century corset.

Welcome to my fat holiday life.

Once A Mother, Always A Mother

2009-11-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

Last night, I went to my friend’s house to enjoy a childfree (for me), laughter-filled evening with lots of reminiscing and karaoke.

I went to my friend’s house to get a break from my day-to-day routine of having someone tugging on my clothing/hair/face, of dodging flying toys, and watching sports.

I went to my friend’s house to relax and do absolutely nothing.

But what did I actually do? I held her baby because I missed mine and I tidied up her kitchen because I felt guilty just sitting there enjoying myself.

It baffles my mind how well my husband and baby have me trained.

Top Ten Thursday – Why I Shouldn't Have Another Baby

2009-11-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

This week’s Top Ten Thursday? Top Ten Reasons Why I Shouldn't Have Another Baby, brought to you by Zeemaid from In The Mommy Trenches!

Enjoy this sneak peek!

So I thought I was done. I mean done done. This womb is closed for business. My milk supply is in a permanent drought. Especially after my last delivery of O. Some of you have heard about that. That was, however, 2 1/2 years ago and now there are people all around me or so it would seem having babies. One mom of a girl in E's class just had her 7th, yes 7th baby and he is just so sweet. sigh.

I know I've mentioned this subject before but lately it's just been ever present on my mind. It makes me sad to think I might never have another child. So I thought this week's top ten would be the

Top Ten Reasons Why I Shouldn't Have Another Baby

1. I hate pain. I spend the last 3 months stressing over how awful labor is going to be. There are no pain free guarantees except schedule c sections.

2. We have three kids already. Three should be enough. We are already busy busy busy.

3. Financially - we are just getting by the way we are. A third child would strain those already slim finances.

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:
Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!

Sometimes, Having A Blog Sucks

2009-11-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am doing my best impersonation of a lump of clay, here, on the couch this morning. And while spreading out, my mind constantly wanders over to my blog. What’s it doing? How is it doing, is it bored? Is it sad I’m not there?

I can’t take it, the guilt. The guilt of not writing a post, of being too busy with real life, of not wanting to write, of not wanting to be anywhere near a computer. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt. It’s blaring in my head! Make it stop already!

Initially I began this blog to pass the time while pregnant. Then, it turned into something to do while awake at all hours of the night. Then, a tether between sanity and being a bored-out-of-my-mind SAHM. But now, of course now, my Monkey is running around, requiring I trail behind him. Unfortunately, by the time he’s down for his nap – my usual blogging and commenting time – I’m too tired to do anything but eat and veg out and let my brain ooze a little before my next shift starts.

And so, the guilt.

I love my blog, I love my readers, and I so desperately want to make it to my one-year blogiversary, but I can’t seem to find any inspiration, writing wise. I’m tired of copping out and turning my blog into a meme home. And the idea of thinking even a little bit more about what else to say in this post is making my eyes close. My mind is shutting down.

The whole point of blogging is to write about life, right? But how is it possible to have a life when I am strapped to the couch and the computer? And on top of that, I’ve eaten a whole jar of Nutella by myself in a week’s time.

Wah wah.

Which is why my new obsession is my Twitter app on my Blackberry. Connection, a paragraph, and more time to clean house? Sign me up!

Oh friends, when you break it down, I don’t want to lose touch or even give up my bloggy home, but my mind is throwing up right now. Ugh. I’m going to go Twitter.

Have you suffered bloggy burnout? Wanted to quit this blog life? What have you done to snap yourself out of it?

Wordless Wednesday – Boy Oh Boy

2009-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

This little boy just brings me to my knees:

No, really. I was trying to take more pictures of him, when he started going nuts, running around in circles, then running right into me, knocking me over.

Boy oh boy.

For more Wordless Wednesday or Mostly Wordless Wednesday, visit Wordless Wednesday HQ, 5 Minutes For Mom, Ordinary and Awesome, and 7 Clown Circus!

HABL and The Beast That Is Facebook Online Poker

2009-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was the very first night in almost two weeks that my dear husband fell asleep before the stroke of midnight.

No, he’s not working double shifts or working a second job, nothing like that. The thing that has been keeping HABL up all hours of the day and night has been that addictive sleep thief, Facebook’s Zynga Poker.

Sheesh, you would think he was tending to a newborn baby, the hours he’s keeping these days. You know what? Scratch that. He’s actually tending to his online poker playing more than he ever did when our own son was one! When Monkey was a newborn, HABL was so super protective of his precious Z’s (you know, because of ‘work’? Ha.), Monkey and I slept on the couch for a month!

Doesn’t look like the rules apply to poker playing.

Anyway, I’ll tell you, as fun as it’s been, seeing HABL looking like me (tired with red, dry computer eyes), it sure was starting to bug because he was cutting in on my alone time. But my patience paid off because the dude couldn’t hang for more than two weeks before he crumbled under the weight of his fatigue. Amateur.

Now, now, I know this is not a competition, and even if it were, it wouldn’t be much of one. After all, it wouldn’t be a fair fight since I’ve had way more time to condition.

Oh well. I’m just glad to have my private time back so I can eat my special mommy treats, read magazines, and watch my girly movies without someone rolling his eyes at me. Aaaaaaaah!

Top Ten Thursday – They Don’t Call ‘Em Crackberries For Nothin’

2009-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I’ve been pining away for the iPhone, I refuse to go to AT&T. So what’s a girl who’s jonesing hard for a smartphone to do?

Blackberry, baby!

I know, I know, a lot of you may be thinking, “Oh, hoooh! If she were really hard core, NOTHING would stop her from getting an iPhone. Not even AT&T!” But I tell you now, folks, unless AT&T paid for my family plan, gave me and HABL free phones, and then offered us insurance on the uninsurable iPhone, ‘taint gonna happen.

And so, with a smile on my face and a new phone in hand, I give you the top ten reasons why I love my Blackberry.

Enjoy!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love My Blackberry

Internet: anytime, anywhere. Must. Feed. The. Beast.
I feel like I’m a Jetson with this mini computer in my pocket. Mini computer in my pocket? That’s like saying I own a time machine!
Mobile tweeting – ‘nuff said
I can hold my head up high whenever I talk to my family, as I was the last hold out. The trash talking at family reunions is so over
Modern times? I’m here! No more T9 texting for me!
It makes me feel complete: my inner child always felt stupid pulling out my Brick when surrounded by phones as thin as sliced cheese
I’m ready for the next blogger conference. Heeey!
I can have my email sent directly to my phone *Angels singing*
With my old provider, I could sit in three different places on my couch to get good service, marginal service, or no service at all! Whaaa happaaa? Switching cell phone providers has been fantastic!
It’s like the electronic version of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll made by Paula Dean. Mmm…

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:

Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!

Wordless Wednesday – Empty Inside

2009-10-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

This is what the pool at our community center looks like now:

*sniffle* It’s oh-so-lonely for people. Sure, it looks warm enough to swim, but those meanies closed it down for… (Wait for it)… cold weather.

Does it look cold?

Pffftttthhtttt!

For more Wordless Wednesday or Mostly Wordless Wednesday, visit Wordless Wednesday HQ, 5 Minutes For Mom, Ordinary and Awesome, and 7 Clown Circus!

SITScation and The Girl Who Sweat Her Way Through It

2009-10-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Remember when I said that I was going to be a shy, sweaty mess at SITScation?

I didn't lie. I was.

Luckily for me, there was a matter of actually listening to the fantastic guest speakers and learning a thing or two (or a hundred) about integrity and staying true to oneself in the blogging world. So, I wasn’t able to embarrass myself totally… I think.

Sweating and shyness aside, friends, I’m here to tell you that the SITScation conference this past weekend was both a joy and an inspiration! It really got me thinking about my goals, my life, and where blogging belongs between the two.

The ladies from SITS (who, let me tell you, are AWESOME! And might I add, I luuurv Tiffany!) threw a sweet blogger bash: intimate, manageable for introverts like myself , with speakers who know their stuff. And next year? I would recommend you try and make it. I know finances are tight for a lot of us – the only reason I was able to attend was because it was being held here in Vegas, and I didn’t have to pay for a flight or a hotel – but, if you are able to save a little at a time from here until they start letting us know about the next one, then I would say, “Do it!” It was worth it.

Anyway.

There were some fantastic speakers at the conference and some equally fantastic bloggers there, too. And I wish I was able to take good pictures, but, unfortunately, I was too engrossed with what was being said, and also, too shy and sweaty and nervous to approach more than a handful of peeps – right Angie?

Oh, the life of a sweaty person. Bullets, rolling down my forehead.

I told you guys.

Aloha Friday – Moisturizing Matter

2009-10-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

According to An Island Life:

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

I’m on a mission to find my Holy Grail in nighttime moisturizer. The nighttime moisturizer I’ve been using lately? Well, I’m allergic to it. Dryness and red bumps. Itchy, red bumps.

*Whimper*

My skin is mad at me. Why? Because I’m still using the stupid moisturizer! Again, why? Because I paid good money for that jar of acid cream, and it’s past the return date, and I refuse to throw away that kind of money.

I know, I know. My skin is worth more than what I paid for that jar of cream. And yes, I am going to go back to my old stuff. But still.

Boo on me. Lesson learned.

My question today:

What is your favorite facial moisturizer?

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at today's installation of Aloha Friday at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Top Ten Thursday – Top Ten Jobs I’m Glad I Don’t Have

2009-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week’s Top Ten Thursday? Top Ten Jobs I’m Glad I Don’t Have, brought to you by Sara from Domestically Challenged!

Enjoy this sneak peek!

Top Ten Jobs I’m Glad I Don’t Have

I think that there are times in all of our lives that we think of the jobs/careers we could have had, if things had played out differently. If only we would've taken that path rather than this one, if only we wouldn't have flubbed the lines during our 2nd grade school play... maybe we'd be the current Angelina. If only.

However, on a far more interesting (to me) train of thought is- what about the jobs we are glad we don't do? I mean, think of all the jobs you could be doing that would send you over the edge. Here are my top 10:

10. Car Detailer- um, I have ADHD and not a whole lot of attention to detail. More of an ideas person. I'd last through the front drivers seat.

9. Accountant- When (for a short, short period of time) I was in charge of figuring out the checkbook? If I found an error, I'd just adjust it. Rather than go back through and find my error, let's forget it and move on. In the past, right? (Or if you are my husband, wrong. Let's find the $.03 error. NOW.)

8. Bank Teller- I actually did this for one summer, right after high school. Terrible. The money was smelly and gross and I was terrible at balancing my drawer. My nose ran the entire summer, which I believe was from the grossness factor of the money coming in.

To read the rest of Sara’s list, shower her with comment love, and to link up with your own Top Ten Thursday list, visit her blog, Domestically Challenged!

Why not take a break and play Top Ten Thursday? Grab our button, choose your Top Ten topic (or use ours!), post it on your blog, and link up!

Check out my lovely co-hosts and their awesome blogs:
Domestically Challenged, My Messy Paradise, and In The Mommy Trenches

Happy Thursday relaxing!