Inside my mind

Sometimes when I sit and let my mind wander I end up in places I don’t want to be. I’ll remember the phone calls that I need to make or the paperwork that has went undone. A deadline I am avoiding suddenly pops by as soon as the drowsiness touches me. A conversation I want to have bugs me and the reasons I haven’t had it irks me. Not getting my point across and still wanting to do it. Wanting to be there for everyone’s event, birthday; wanting to plan every party and cookout; wanting to be apart of a larger circle of true friends… Wanting more.

It’s the random thoughts that sometimes bring on a frown as I try to figure out a solution. Do I feel like crying? Exercising? Laughing? Staying up late? Asking someone for help? What in the world is the solution?

What about the things I’ve worked so hard at that make the work I’ve done seem irrelevant? The official court documents that don’t make a difference. The disregard others have for anyone but themselves.

Then there’s a corner of my brain that wants the runaway plan. An entire day at the movies. A vacation I can’t plan or afford. A weekend trip that I want to take. Children to share with my long-distance relatives.

More thoughts lurk as I try to anticipate what people are thinking, what people are needing, what they are wanting… It’s those that are important to me that worry me. Concern me. Make me think and wish I could do something for them.

It’s all of that and more. It’s not being able to articulate to you exactly what I’m thinking. It’s not wanting to reveal, to complain, to vent… I guess I just need to release. Maybe the release will come in a journal entry, the necklace I’m making, spending time with BF and my children, the book I’m reading… maybe it’ll come in something bigger: writing a book, taking a vacation, making a difference in life and in this world…

Maybe my brain is so caught up in everything that I have to do that it’s feeling the stress of the jumble. The lack of time to complete everything and find a solution. Maybe I’ve lost confidence in myself to do anything, but stay within my mind.

What’s on your mind?

Hot and heavy for Father’s Day

A giveaway

Here’s another opportunity to help you get things all hot and heavy in the bedroom, and this time it’s for Father’s Day, which is June 20th. Thanks to MyPleasure for sponsoring another giveaway and giving you – my favorite set of people – the chance to win a $25 gift certificate toward sex toys or whatever goodies you like. This time I’m not reviewing a product, but – if you’re a regular reader – you know that I’ve done so in the past. Click here to read my MyPleasure review.

If you’re thinking that you don’t know what type of gift you would like to get your guy for Father’s Day, don’t fret because there’s a link on the MyPleasure homepage to Five Fantastic Men’s Toys. Whether you get something that’s pleasing to his eyes or to his senses, I’m sure he be pleased (literally!) with whatever you choose.

Let’s get to the part you’re waiting for… How to enter to win

$25 gift certificate to MyPleasure:

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment on this post sharing the best Father’s Day gift you’ve given or received (yes, guys can enter too!) OR the worse you’ve given or received.

Optional entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry and ensure your email address is included in your comment.)

1. Go to MyPleasure and sign up for their newsletter. The link is on the homepage.
2. While you’re at MyPleasure click around, find what you’d like to purchase then come back here and leave a comment telling us about it. Don’t forget, MyPleasure sells more than just vibrators. (TWO ENTRIES. Leave two separate comments.)
3. Follow both of us on Twitter: @My_Pleasure and @Petula1968.
4. Follow the MyPleasure blog.
5. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the "subscribe in a reader" at the top right of the page. If you're already a subscriber, please let me know that in a comment.
6. Write a post about the giveaway and link back here. Leave the exact URL (not the main page) in your comment. (TWO ENTRIES. Leave two separate comments.)
7. Friend me on Facebook. Leave me a comment telling me who you are on Facebook so I can keep up. 

If you do each entry you'll have a total of 10.

Who is eligible?
This giveaway is open to US residents only.

Deadline, etc.

The contest ends on June 11th and the winner will be announced Saturday, June 12th. The winner, who will be chosen by Random.org, will receive an email and have 48 hours to respond. If a response is not received in that time then a second place winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a code via email directly from the sponsor. Now, come on, get to commenting for your chance to get hot and heavy.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this review and all the opinions expressed are my own. Click here to review my entire disclosure policy.

Saving on closeouts

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like to get something they love for a fabulous deal? I don’t. That’s why I thought you would like to know about a wholesales, closeouts, liquidations center that stocks seasonal and holiday items for consumers. That’s shopping at its best.

Where’s the love, trust

Here I am at the pediatrician’s office searching for a signal. Why are the networks I trust – the pediatrician and her husband’s real estate business – secured? I mean, where’s the trust?

I’m not going to stay on the unsecured network long because I really brought my laptop along to do non-Internet related work and the first thing I did was look for a signal. I can’t resist. I haven’t been online in more than 12 hours. It’s like I need a fix. That’s bad.

What’s even worse is that I’m going to talk to my computer wizard best friend to find out if he can hook me up with my own wireless network portable thingy? What’s that called?

If I get that then I’m sure my computer usage will become obsessive. My BF will most likely forbid me from taking places. People will wonder what I am always doing. And I my children will probably need psychiatric care (you should have seen the look I just gave my daughter for saying something while I’m typing).

Uh, can you say addict?

Well, I better get to work. Hope you’re having a happy, love-filled and productive day.

I don’t wanna!

I bet you think I’m going to give you some cute and/or frustrated mommy story that involves one of my children, right? Well, this time, you would be wrong. I’m the brat today. All I want to do is relax. I am so exhausted. My eyes are burning and I’ve been yawning all day everyday for more than a week. And although I am way behind on writing work, editing work and housework (and continue to get even more behind) I am still not committing to a firm schedule.

It’s hard to commit with the children’s schedule, Amareah’s recent sickness, Amber starting her summer college courses, the last week of school for the two middle, Anna’s birthday… There is so much going on that my head is spinning just writing it here.

Well, I don’t wanna do any work, don’t wanna take care of anyone, run any errands, scrub a tub, wash clothes or any of the other things that need to be done. And that’s it.

I don’t even wanna finish this rant. Uh… think I need a vacation.

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Lil Bit

Can you believe the baby is 3 years old now. Happy Birthday Anna… You’ll always be mommy’s Moomie, Lil Bit and Moomalicious. I love you.

Take a gander at more of the pictures I’ve posted. And there are more Wordless Wednesday participants at 5 Minutes for Mom.

My nightstand

Regardless of how hard I try to read one book at a time, I always have more than one – plus several magazines – being read. And, to top it off, the books don’t stay on my nightstand. They trickle (yes, on their own) around the house and end up in the darnedest places. I was going to stack them all neatly on my nightstand for their photo op, but decided to be honest.

Here’s the nightstand… (Notice the booby-trapped journal and no books in sight.)

Here are the books on the table near the front door… (The dots in the background? Dried beans glued to a paper plate!)

And here there are some on the kitchen table…

This neat stack here is on my desk…

I’m not even going to mention the books that sit on my shelves wondering when I will get around to them. Soon, my lovlies, soon.

A little details:

I won The Threadbare Heart by Jennie Nash through a contest I entered at 5 Minutes for Books. Although I didn’t get the grand prize, I got an honorable mention on Jennie’s site and the novel, which I can’t wait to read.

 

Last night I began reading The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fibromyalgia and I’m excited about that as well. I am looking forward to learning more and will add it to my medical book library.

I’m about a fourth of the way through 2012 The Secret of the Crystal Skull by Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas. I’m not sure why, but I’m having a difficult time getting into the flow with this one. Maybe I just need to find a good bit of quiet time to get into the reading flow.

Be sure to return so you can read my reviews of some of the books I’m reading.

Today I’m participating in 5 Minutes for Books' “What’s on Your Nightstand?” To read more hop on over. Also, take a gander at my On a woman’s bookshelf posts.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I didn’t receive any compensation (other than review copies) for including the books in this post, but if you click on the Amazon links/photos and purchase I will receive a small commission. (Click away! LOL) Click here for my complete disclosure policy.

Not even a doorknob…

I’m tired. Like most moms understand saying “I’m tired” carries a whole lot of information behind it. My “I’m tired” probably started almost 19 years ago (LOL) and was exasperated about three years ago when I became a single parent again.

Parenting multi-generational children has it’s own set of challenges and being a single parent can be exhausting. Let’s briefly work our way backwards over the last 48 hours or so. Last night I got about three hours of sleep. Mostly my fault for goofing off all day and not doing any work then having to stay up to meet a deadline. Can you say, “Duh?!”

Prior to that (yesterday) my three younger children reached a new level of behavior and discipline. All of their toys have been placed in jail, the little television removed from their room (it’s what they used to watch their sister's old VHS Disney tapes) and the doorknob removed from their room. About a week or so ago they lost their closet door because they broke it – the thing was hanging on by one hinge. SIGH.

   I’m pass the point of being tired of repeating myself. “Stop playing with the door…” “Pick your toys up…” And a litany of other phrases that are repeated several times per day has gotten old really fast.

I’ve told people that I don’t trust my younger children as far as I can throw them. They are way more undisciplined, disrespectful, pouty and with an attitude of entitlement that my oldest daughter never displayed. Yes, they are more precocious and whatnot, but I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

When you add the daily responsibilities of running a household and caring for its inhabitants (you know, the chores, the paperwork including my oldest daughter’s college stuff, the appointments, the work from home stuff, the bills… Do bills fall under paperwork?); it can all be a bit … uh… tiring.

On a good note…

<—Isn’t he cute & cool?!

My second child – my only son – graduated from kindergarten tonight. (Even though school doesn’t end until Friday.) It was a sweet moment. A once-in-a-lifetime event – per child LOL – that I thoroughly enjoyed. The ceremony, thankfully, wasn’t as long as I thought it would be, but it still ran pass dinnertime so it’s 9:13 and my children aren’t in bed yet.

Did I mention I’m tired?

       

#1 – Before the program began. He was just looking at me…

#2 – Missed the shot again. Now, he’s checking out what his classmates are doing. …

#3 – Of course he’s looking right at me when I zoom out to get his entire class.

#4 & #5 – Little people sure do move quickly. A blurry Andre walking to get his certificate and finally standing still (sort of), but I think he was in the middle of a blink.

#6 – There are the three little people with their father. Caught Andre with his eyes closed, but at least Anna is looking in that one.

#7 – I’m not going to say how displeased I am with my outfit ‘cause I couldn’t find the shirt that I’m sure is supposed to be in my closet. Oh, this isn’t about me. I have on the pink, that’s Amber to my left, the twins are on either side. They’re Amber’s ex’s sisters. The ex is taking the picture. And, of course, in the front are Amareah, Andre and Anna.

#8 – The little graduate (eyes closed again – oops!) with his big sister!

Computers make dreams come true

It’s been quite some time since I’ve used a desktop computers on a regular basis. I’ve used a laptop for a few years. My first laptop, which recently died, I acquired from a client. We made an agreement for him to pay me one half of my fee in cash and the other half in a laptop. Why didn’t I just purchase one? His business included finding computer items at extremely low cost. So I transitioned from desktops to laptops.

I’d like to get a desktop again with all of the features that enable me to sync up my laptop. That would make it easy to use both computer systems and get maximum performance out of each. At least that’s what I think.

A laptop is convenient for on-the-go usage, but a desktop allows for a stationary workstation that has all the elements you need to maintain an effective home office. Really. I often have daydreams about walking into my perfectly decorated and maintained office with my laptop in the coolest bag ever. I unload it and pop it into the docking station that’s connected to my desktop computer. With all systems operational, I begin working on my second book. The first one has reached bestseller status.

Maybe getting a desktop will make my dreams come true. (If you’re not smiling now I don’t know what to do.) Anyway, what do you prefer – desktops or laptops:

Why is the light on?

and the case of the missing pizza…

Early this evening I left the house on “errands.” At least that’s what I told the younger children. The truth is I just wanted to get out of the house. Those of you who work from home and are the primary caregiver to your family can relate. There are some people who have the luxury of getting up on a Saturday and doing what they want to do without consideration or thought to anyone else’s desires. Even if those other individuals live in the same house.

My errands consisted of slowly browsing around Barnes & Noble and a possible stop to Walmart for some item that was yet to be determined. A little while before arriving at Barnes & Noble I had decided to get a gift for Anna who will be 3 on Wednesday. I walked directly to the children’s section as I chatted on my cell phone (no, I was not talking loudly) and when I focused in on the books I noticed that lots of shelves were empty. When I said a lot, I’m talking about rolling shelves that were cleared, moved from their regular area and lined up against the wall.

Long story short: The Barnes & Noble that I frequent is closing.

I digress. That has nothing to do with the light and the pizza.

I found something for Anna then went to Walmart to browse the office supplies, artwork and pick up a free grocery items. When I left Walmart I saw that it was about 10 p.m. (I left the house around 7) and I was content in knowing that the children would be in bed and I could enjoy the rest of the evening in relative peace and quiet.

I pulled into the driveway and saw the light on in their room. Surely I was mistaken, I thought, as I stared at the window and willed the light to turn off. Maybe someone needed something or was sick. Not the case.

When I opened the front door I was greeted by a medley of little voices and little people. “What are you guys doing up?”

“You’re not the pizza man,” I thought I heard someone say.

“You just ordered pizza?” I directed the question to my teenager.

“Yea,” she said, “’bout three hours ago.”

WTF?

Turns out she ordered the pizza around 8 and according the online ordering system the pizza was scheduled to arrive around 8:45 p.m. At something after 9 she called. They told her he was en route or something like that. Another call quite some time after that said he would be here in 10 minutes… and so on.

It’s 11:58 and the pizza never arrived. And they never called. I fixed the children grilled cheese sandwiches (they had already eaten fruit and French fries while they waited) and sent them to bed feeling a little sad about the missing pizza.

Although I should be asleep now I wanted to enjoy the quiet so I decided to share the evening’s events with you. The sandman seems to be kicking in so I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Make sure you tell me how your weekend has been.

Good night.

Death, desire and the Demonborn – book review

I recently finished reading the third book, Forbidden Passion by Rita Herron, in The Demonborn series. Prior to reading this book I’d never heard of the series, but I’m so hooked that I’d like to go back and read the first and second books as well.

Herron takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions: excitement, fear and suspense as Marlena Bender and Dante Valtrez’s paths cross again. From the book jacket:

Fueled by her family’s murder years ago, Dr. Marlena Bender has devoted her life to understanding violent criminals. But when a serial killer in this small Southern town starts taking the lives of women in diabolical ways – leaving trophies of his kills on Marlena’s doorstep – it all hits too close to home. Terrified, Marlena turns to the only man she can trust… the man who saved her life.

Sheriff Dante Valtrez would move heaven and earth to keep Marlena safe, but he’s not the savior she thinks he is. A dark legacy runs through his blood and a dangerous secret lies within him. Now a fierce, hot, ruthless desire draws Dante and Marlena together – as a demonic force from his past threatens to rip them apart, destroying everything they hold dear.

Forbidden Passion was really hard to put down. It was like watching a scary, suspenseful movie where you can’t wait to find out if they catch the serial killer, if the heroin and hero act on their lust and if everyone will discover the secrets that lurk just beneath the surface of reality.

For me, this book is like chick lit on caffeine. It’s a book that even guys can sink their teeth into. The murder scenes are just as descriptive as the love scenes and the details make you believe every word Herron wrote. It’s definitely a book that makes you want to keep on reading. That’s why I can’t wait to read the first and second books; can you?

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of "Forbidden Passion" by Rita Herron to facilitate my review and no other compensation was received. The opinions expressed here are my own. Here is my complete disclosure policy.

Slow down for speed bump

I’ve been cruising along lately and suddenly hit a large speed bump on the road of life. (That sentence makes me chuckle.)

Let’s try again…

Life has been quite busy lately with all four children at home. Yes, the beautiful teenager is home for the summer and, in addition to her almost household full of belongings, has brought …

That’s not working either…

In the past I’ve told you about my health issues and how, sometimes, the aches, pain and whatnot cause a little brain fogginess. A sort of attack, as I’ve come to call it. Well, the attack was fueled by a not-so-nice stomach issue that developed yesterday while I was out.

I met with a potential new client (yip-freaking-pee!), accompanied my oldest to the local college campus and ran some errands. While meeting the client at Barnes and Noble I tried a Green Tea Frappa-thingamajig. (I’ve been getting flack about my coffee intake so I decided to be good.)

Moments after the client arrived my stomach lurched, rumbled and protested. (I’m blaming the drink; should have stuck with my mocha drink.) After that meeting I spent the rest of the day visiting one public bathroom after another. Before I knew it my stomach was hurting and I felt weak. That feeling has flowed over into today and now I drowsily sit on the couch wishing upon the stars, clouds and sun (no, not really) that the feeling would go away. I feel a little better on and off, but I think part of the problem is I’ve not really been hungry today so it’s possible that my body needs more fuel. (Think a cup of coffee will help?)

I don’t have time for an attack. I don’t have time to feel weak. Drowsy, Exhausted. Helpless. Especially when there’s so much that needs to be done.

I’m off to see about some tummy fuel and sneak a cup of coffee; I’ll tell you about the medical stuff at another time when my brain is fully engaged.

Yucky chore made easier – product review

Besides the mounds of weekly laundry, my most dreaded chore is cleaning the bathroom. So when BzzAgent had a campaign to test Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean power sprayer I signed up quick, fast and in a hurry.

There are two things I like most about the product: 1) the power sprayer. 2) the way it cleans. I’ve never seen anything like this (that’s because it’s the first ever one-touch continuous sprayer). All I had to do was push the trigger and the cleaner just continually comes out until the trigger is released. It’s such an amazing feature that the Arthritis Foundation has given it the “Ease-of-Use Commendation.” As a person who suffers from chronic pain I was really sold on this aspect and was pleased that I didn’t suffer any additional discomfort from cleaning.

The cleaning was as easy as it was described to be: Spray on, let sit, wipe and repeat for periodic cleaning. This spray is designed for the occasional deep cleaning. Most areas in my tub and shower were easily cleaned, but – especially since I have older tile and linoleum – there were some areas that required more attention.

There are two things I didn’t like about the product: 1) It was quite strong especially in my bathroom, which has no windows and inadequate ventilation. The bottle does indicate it’s best used in a well ventilated area. 2) It seemed like the product was gone rarely quickly. I didn’t notice how full the bottle was when I started, but when I was finished there was about two inches of liquid left in it.

All of the facts: The suggested retail price is $8.99 for the start kit and the refill is $3.99. You keep the one-touch continuous sprayer and just buy another bottle. There is also a Scrubbing Bubbles Daily Shower cleaner that also has the trigger and I can’t wait to try that.

I give Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean power sprayer two thumbs up. Have you tried it yet? If not, will you? If so, what do you think? Leave a comment and let me know.

Disclaimer: I really like being a BzzAgent because I get to try products that I’ll actually use. (I receive products, tell people about them then submit BzzReports about what I said. I earn MyPoints in return.) Although I received the Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean for free, the opinion expressed here are my own. No other compensation (besides the MyPoints) was received. Here is my complete disclosure policy.

Stem Cells May Benefit Stroke Patients

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of CryoCell International. All opinions are 100% mine.

In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in adults in the United States and it has been discovered, according to the 'Stem Cells and Development' article that thrombolytic therapy only benefits approximately 2 percent of the ischemic stroke patients. The article suggests, as determined by a study, that menstrual blood-derived stem cells may be a potential source for stem cell therapies in stroke and other central nervous system disorders.

Even though this sort of therapy is still in its experimental stages of treatment for neurological disorders, many believe this to be a viable option. “Transplantation of menstrual blood-derived stem cells, either intracerebrally or intravenously and without immunosuppressant,
after experimentally induced ischemic stroke in adult rats also significantly reduced behavioral and histological impairments compared to vehicle-infused rats. Menstrual blood-derived cells exemplify a source of ‘individually tailored’ donor cells that completely match the transplant recipient, at least in women.” The possible benefits of menstrual blood for stroke patients includes behavioral recovery including asymmetry and coordination as well as  improvement in motor and neurological impairments

Advancement such as these make a huge difference in patient recovery. Cryo-Cell is in collaboration with researchers world-wide on pre-clinical studies of Célle for potential future therapies. These therapies may be able to treat diabetes, breast cancer and wound-healing, just to name a few. Published research regarding Célle stem cells have revealed that the cells have demonstrated the potential to transform into many other cell types for future regenerative therapies.

Those interested can read more about C'elle in 'Medical News Today'. Also, Célle is being offered for $399, which is a $100 discount on the $499 retail price, and includes collection, processing, testing and the first year of storage at $399. To take advantage of this discount, which is for a limited time, use code CLSTR.

Lovely honorable mention

I entered a Mother’s Day “Famous Fictional Mother-Daughter” contest at 5 Minutes for Books that was in honor of Jennie Nash’s “The Threadbare Heart.” Although I didn’t win the grand prize, Jennie did mention my entry among those that stood out to her. The winning entry was fabulous as were all the others. Take a look at Jennie’s site, read the entries when you get a chance and check out her books.

Happy weekend

Do you know that moment when you’ve conquered something and you wonder if it was just a fluke or a permanent fixture of your personality? I’m having one of those moments today. This weekend, although it hasn’t gone perfectly, has been one of the best. Why? I have no earthly idea. I didn’t do anything special. Nothing overly wonderful happened. I guess it was just the way that I’ve dealt with things and conducted myself.

The younger children went with their dad on Friday and I was so happy for the quiet. RP left late in the afternoon – to run errands I think – and I was way super unhappy that he was going especially when I found out later that he wasn’t coming home before he went to work.

I decided to just go to bed. I took my laptop so I could finish some work, put on summer comfy, semi sexy PJs, grabbed my book and made myself comfortable. Before that Amber decided to hang out with friends.

Not 10 minutes after I settled in RP came in the door with a bag of peanut M&Ms as a peace offering. He’d tricked me. Again. I wanted to be “mad” at him, but his presence lightens and lifts me. We enjoyed a little less than an hour together before he went to work.

Yesterday after I ran some early morning errands, Amber and I watched a movie (I think it was called The Long Walk) then we goofed off a little lot before deciding what to do for the evening. She made plans with her friend and I made plans with RP. Our plans didn’t go as anticipated, but – once again – the time spent together was wonderfully amazing.

I had a little tiff with a friend a little while before that but even that, which would normally mess up my entire day, didn’t cause any ruckus within my brain.

Today, RP and I got up and watched Sherlock Holmes, which we rented from the Redbox last night, and sat around to relax for a moment. I’m now trying to get a little work done, knock out some housework then I’m going to get dressed. I’ll hopefully be decent enough to help Amber get the groceries out of the car. Yup, the dear, sweet, responsible teen is off picking up some supplies for the house while I fight the good fight (against grime, laundry and the written word) here at home.

I’m sipping my last drops of coffee as I finish writing this and feel some amazement at my relaxed state. I hope that your weekend has went well, that you’re relaxed and happy, and that you took a moment to smell the proverbial rose. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Ouch!

That was humiliating!

It isn’t something I can give you any details about. Why? Number one, I’m too embarrassed. Number two, uh…. no, there’s probably really just one reason. I guess number two could be because it’s kind of personal.

You know how someone does something unintentionally (well, thinking that must be true ‘cause I don’t wanna make any assumptions) and it makes your face turn bright red?

Well, I don’t necessarily turn bright red – just a little red – and my face was burning up. I left the room so fast I think my shadow and spirit are still back there.

It’s hard not to judge future situations and what you’ll do based on something like that happening. I just wanna crawl under a rock… never to be seen from again. I guess I can show my face to those who don’t know my shame. I can’t remember the last time I felt like this.

You best be believing I won’t do that again! Never.

Beautiful bathroom

To say that my bathroom needs a little remodeling and repairs is an understatement. First, before anything else is done, the actual floor needs to be replaced and then we can work from there. It would be so nice to choose from all the nice bathroom vanities and other accoutrements that make a powder room comfy.

Ventilation debate

I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention or not, but if you have then you know that I recently revealed that I have a boyfriend. Why the whisper? Because I think boyfriend is such a silly term/word/title/label for a 41-year-old woman. An-t-way, that’s neither here nor there; it just sets the stage for my ventilation debate. (Calm down, calm down… I’ll tell you more about him later.)

I’ve noticed over the past year or so that my internal temperature has risen. Whereas there was a time when I was normally chilly, now there’s rarely a time when I’m chilly. I like fans, air conditioner, windows down – anything that’s gonna bring a breeze and some relatively fresh air.

One of the things I don’t like about my home is that 98 percent of the windows can’t be opened because of various reasons. There are many times when the air is stuffy and suffocating and I just want to sit outside to feel some type of airflow.

When I get in my minivan I have to have the windows down (even on chilly mornings) or the air conditioner on. Not just the window on my side, but I need a cross breeze; a flow of air. The debate comes in when RP (the BF) and I are riding together. When I get in my van the first thing I do is open my window. I may lower it all the way then raise it a little once I get moving or I may just have a crack and I do the same on the passenger side. If RP is in the car then he’ll put the window back up and sometimes leave just a 1/4 of an inch open.

When we get in his car all windows are up, sunroof is closed and air conditioning is off. If it’s sweltering then he’ll turn on the air, but I’ve already suffocated. :-) He has acquiesced a little and started opening the sunroof, but for me it’s often not enough. I try to sit quietly and enjoy the ride and his company, which I love, but on the inside I’m screaming, ‘I can’t breathe, I… can’t… breathe…’ You picture me fading away, right? I know, I know, I’m a little dramatic.

RP has explained that he does not like the feel of Georgia air blowing in his face or on his skin. He prefers to keep the windows of his car up for – if I understand correctly – appearances purposes. He does have a nice ride with tinted windows and I must admit it looks good… However, I… can’t… breathe… ROFL.

Today he rode with me to take two of the children to school and I had my window down almost the entire time. The breeze felt wonderful. I was thinking that he was probably thinking, ‘I wish she would put that window up.’ :-D … But he rode nicely– allowing no cross breeze! – and we enjoyed our moment together.

The reason I can write this and chuckle is because we don’t argue or debate and we don’t fuss or get mad; I just want you guys to be on my side. (Yes, I’ll tell him I wrote this and maybe he won’t be able to resist leaving a comment.) As a woman in her early 40s you can understand my temperature discomfort, right?

The premenopausal feelings…?

Does anyone feel my pain?

Okay, so I’m putting it to you. Windows up or windows down? Who do you think should get their way?

If you put we should always compromise then you’ll be sent dagger eyes and pebbles will fall out of the sky and get stuck in your head. If you don’t have hair they’ll stick to your head. Mwuhahahaha…

How did you learn to blog?

It was about three years ago when I started my first blog. I sort of stumbled into blogging when an associate of mine told me I should write a blog after I told him about a book I was working on. I started a very basic blog, called Single and Celibate that’s still floating around out there, and my journey into blogging began.

That blog gave me the spark I needed to fuel my love of blogging. I started blog hopping and learning more about it then realized I would like to write a more universal one. One that incorporated more of my life and that could cover a wide variety of subjects.

Every once in awhile someone will ask me how to blog and I’ll give them a quick rundown of getting started. They usually start looking confused and their eyes glaze over… LOL …that’s when I tell them if they start one (‘cause I want to see if they’re really serious) then I’ll help them.

I don’t think there’s any one way to start; you just have to jump in. With this blog I learned as I blogged and, in fact, I’m still learning. There are things that I’d like to incorporate, changes I’d like to make and – with anything that I love – I want it to be the best that I can make it.

So, tell me, what made you started blogging? Did you learn on your own or start because of someone else?

Be still my heart

How exciting! I won a copy of The Threadbare Heart by Jennie Nash. I entered the the Threadbare Heart contest at 5 Minutes for Books and I’m now eligible to win the grand prize. Pop on over and take a gander at my entry; I wrote about my favorite mother/daughter pair in fiction.

I needed a little good news after the cell phone incident!

I really want to cry…

You see that pretty horrendous little, dark-colored, leaf-shaped object on the screen of my phone? Well it appears that something happened to my phone. The phone I’ve only had for a few weeks. … I am spittin’ mad (not exactly spittin’, but it sounds good and dramatic).

I’ve retraced my steps trying to figure out what I did to it and I can’t come up with one darn thing. This is what I recall:

I was in the office and I had just finished cleaning off one of the desks and moving some papers and magazines over that were on the floor surrounding my desk. To my surprise I saw a little lizard on one of the magazines. I didn’t know what it was at first because the office isn’t well lit so I crept closer. Thinking that it was definitely a critter, I slid my phone open and called Amber who was on the other end of the house in her room with the door closed.

“Amber?! … Come here.” I whispered.

She said okay, I closed the phone and put it on my desk. At least I think I put it on my desk ‘cause that’s where I found it later when I went to look for it. When she got there I pointed and said, “What’s that?”

We discovered upon further inspection that it was a small dried up lizard. Where the heck it came from I have no idea and I’m super extremely happy that I didn’t see it while I was touching the magazines.

While she was investigating it I held my desk lamp out to shed some light on it and at one point some books that were propped on my desk fell. I jumped and she jumped.

I think I was leaning on my desk, I don’t recall anything dropping on the phone and I know I didn’t drop it. About 45 minutes later I went looking for it and found it on my desk, face down. When I picked it up that’s what I saw:

It doesn’t work… Amber tried calling and said it goes right to voicemail. Over 300 contacts are in there and I only have three numbers memorized. I could go on and on about the inconvenience of not having my phone – especially since I don’t have a landline – but I’ll just stop here. …

And concentrate on not crying… SNIFF. Guess what my first errand will be tomorrow?

Wordless Wednesday: Homework, projects

Working hard, aren’t they?

For more Wordless Wednesday posts,

check out the linky at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Click here for more of my photos on It’s a woman’s world!

What are you thinking?

I have noticed a lot of bloggers mentioning how they enjoy blogging, and social networking in general, because of the friendships that develop. Some of us email each other to encourage, check in and share. Outside of our blog winnings and giveaways, we send packages, goodies, notes and such. We make arrangements to meet in person at blogging events, conferences or our homes and local restaurants. We celebrate our successes together and cry when someone else cries. We help our fellow bloggers out in times of stress, distress or tragedy; even doing so when we only know the blogger through the blogging grapevine.

Overall we’re a community. A family.

That community exist within forums as well. I, for one, was surprised to discover how many there are. There are forums for mothers, singles, couples, those with new babies, those who just want to share their thoughts, those with chronic illnesses or have recovered from an illness and there are most likely more that I don’t even know about.

The Internet has turned into a place that often doesn’t feel virtual. It’s a place where we know our international friends’ names and the names of their children. We remember their birthdays and anniversaries. And we share in the successes and failures.

Some have expressed hesitancy to reveal much about themselves and use pseudonyms or code names for their loved ones. Most of us don’t reveal exact locations or the location of our work and children’s schools.

What do you think? Has this little (read: large) world of blogging and social networking made you feel more connected, love and cared for? Or is it just something that doesn’t feel/seem realistic?

Please turn the page

Amber (my sweet eldest child) and I are very close. We can normally finish each other’s sentences; we start talking about the same thing at the same time and we get each other’s jokes - normally. We’re almost always on the same page.

Almost always.

Today she is going to the community college to finish up her paperwork and registration for the couple of classes she’s going to take this summer. When I went into her room she asked me if I could fill out some forms to the best of my ability.

Sure, I say.

I get started on the forms and realize I need more information than is available on the kitchen table, which I’ve taken over during the day*, so I get up to look for what I need in the office. The office, which has papers strewn about, piled on the floor, tumbling off of books, etc. The office that I have been trying to organize forEVER. I find what I need and I rush through the forms trying to get everything accurate. I berate her with questions, telling her I need this form or I can’t read that form and on and on I go.

To put you, and myself, out of misery I’ll just get to the point: The forms she asked me to did not have to be done so she could leave the house. They had to be done so she can fax them back to her college at a later date.

Why in the world would she give me those forms when she didn’t need them right them before I had my coffee.

“Go… leave…” I say as I prepare my coffee mug. “Maybe when you get back we’ll be on the same page.”

I hear a teenage sigh and a “Geez… I was wondering…”

As she’s walking out of the door I sweetly say, “Call me if you need anything.”

“Yea… hmmmm? Okay.”

 

This photo was taken early last year. It seems to fit the post. LOL

Right now I’m just going to sip my coffee and try to grasp what I was about to do before I started filling out the forms. I’m going to ignore the papers I managed to spread across the kitchen floor and relish in my caffeine moment.

Then I’m going to make me another cup, get some work done, tackle my to-do list and try to keep the tiredness at bay. All the while I’ll be hoping that no one else will involve me with anything that is not on the same page.

*At least I’ve moved from the couch and I was in the office for a couple of days.

Shopping for auto insurance

I remember when I joined the Air Force about 22 years ago and my expenses exceeded my income. I would complain every month about how little money I had left over or that I couldn’t afford to purchase something. Finally, my supervisor asked me how much I was paying for different necessities. When I told her how much I paid for car insurance she recommended a different company and said I could get it for way less than I was paying and she was right.

In 1988 there was a little more legwork (cold calling or visiting offices) to find the best deal, but now in order to find the best deals on auto insurance one can simply go to NetQuote.com and find exactly what they need in their local area.

I’m glad that I was able to get a referral years ago and now – when I need to – I refer to online resources for up-to-date information.

‘I’m getting my brain started…’

Today a spark went off in my son’s head. He realized all the reading, writing, phonics and other work he has done has an end result. I suggested that he read a book to his little sister. The only book that was out was one that was fairly long. He sat down, opened the book and his little face sort of fell to the ground.

“Too long,” I asked. “Too many words?” He nodded.

“Okay, let’s find a different book.”

We went into his and his sisters’ room where a million books are on the shelf in the closet. “What about ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ the Dr. Seuss book?”

He didn’t look thrilled.

“You can read these words… see?” I held the book open to a page and his eyes brightened and his eyebrows raised.

He took the book, sat on the couch and read it in its entirety book all by himself. We were so proud to listen to him read (my boyfriend and I were sitting in the kitchen).

After he finished the book he was so excited. “I read it all by myself!”

We gave him high fives and told him how great that was.

“Do you wanna read another book?” I figured why not keep the fuel going.

“Babe…” RP (the boyfriend) said.

“Let’s just see what he says,” I whispered.

Andre decided on another Dr. Seuss book and read that one too. Then he went into the office, got a little notebook and a colored pencil and started writing words. He wrote, read and told us about what he was writing.

Once I looked over and he had his head in his hand, eyes focused on some far away place outside and his pencil was poised. “Whatcha thinking about?” The nosey mommy in me asked.

“Nothing,” he said with a smile and went back to writing. I joked that he was pondering, daydreaming and plotting his next educational moment. And I secretly smiled because I think the lover of books and all things learning has finally emerged in my son.

RP (who’s just as nerdy as I am) said something like this to Andre: “What made you sit down and write?”

“I think I’m getting my brain started…”

Video contest winners

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

You may have missed out on entering the “You Gotta See This” Video Contest, but it’s not too late to take a look at the winners. In order to enter the contest, entrants made videos that showed the impact that improved vision would have on their lives. The video made them eligible to win cash and prizes.

Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO), a global leader in laser vision correction, sponsored the iLASIK Video Contest.

Here are the prizes and the winners. The $5,000 grand prize was awarded for “You Gotta See This Music Video” by Alex. That video was not only funny, but very well done.

In category 1, My Contacts Are Getting In The Way Of My Good Time, the first prize was won by “You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A True Story” by Robbo. The prize was a HDTV package with a $2,500 value. The second prize, which is a Flip UltraHD camcorder worth $199.99, was awarded to windysail for “Contacts Stink.”

In category 2, My Favorite Sport Or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler With Better Vision, the first prize: “iLASIK Would Make Surfing More Enjoyable” by jhbmw007.  Second Prize is “Foggy Riding” by Snowman  who won a Flip UltraHD camcorder. 

In category 3, You Should See Life After The iLASIK® Procedure, the first prize for “Orbs Of Perfection” went to Danny V and second prize (Flip UltraHD camcorder) went to “Army LASIK” by ahowalton.

Even though you may have missed out on this  iLASIK Video Contest, you can view the winners as well as some of the other entries and register to win eye care products. You can view the winners — and all the other entries — at www.GottaSeeThisNow.com. You can also register to receive valuable eye care products.

Surprised by the death of Lena Horne

I can’t believe Lena Horne, legendary singer and actress, has died. Yes, she was 92 years old so it’s not surprising in that regard, but it’s a shock. I rarely post about celebrities, current news and the like, but – for some reason – I needed/wanted to make mention of her passing.

Horne’s experiences of racism and injustices opened a path for black entertainers who often mention her (along with other greats) as we continue to make strides and successes. Horne was one of the first black performers who was hired to sing with a major white band.

If you aren’t familiar with Ms. Horne then read up on her life and accomplishments. I’ll help you get started with a link to the Associated Press article posted on Yahoo News.

Great prices on equipment rental

Hawaii Photo Rental rents photo and video related equipment including underwater cameras, video equipment, lighting gear and much more. There are two convenient locations Hawaii Camera and Maui Camera.

 

Technorati Tags: camera,Hawaii,photo,video,equipment rental

Where does the time go?

It really seems like the day just flew by. It’s a little after 11 p.m. and lights are still burning, the washing machine is running, a floor is drying, I still have work I need to do and there is a hot shower calling my name.

I’d like to get into bed before 1 a.m., which isn’t that bad since I don’t have to wake up ‘til about 7:30 or 8… Well, I actually don’t have to wake up, but I know I’ll be awakened around that time.

If you’re a mom then you’re probably not even wondering why I am up this late doing things. You’ve probably figured that like most moms, my work is never complete. You’d be right… for the most part. But this weekend is special. Tomorrow my boyfriend and I head to Amber’s campus to pick her up. She’ll be home for the summer!

She has successfully completed her first year of college and I want her to come home to a comfortable, welcoming and CLEAN home. LOL… The other thing is that Sunday is Mother’s Day and I don’t plan on doing one little bit of housework.

Normally, the weekend before Mother’s Day Amber does a big cleaning job and asks what I want for dinner. While I was cleaning the floor I thought, ‘I don’t recall cleaning this time of year…’ My thought trailed off and it dawned on me that times have changed. I’m laying in wait for my younger children to responsibility take over the house and take care of me.

Yes, I’m hoping they’ll be like their older sister. A mom can hope, can’t she?

So what are you up to this evening? Relaxing, working, reading, housework, watching television?

Oh and if I don’t talk to you or come back on Sunday, have a Happy Mother’s Day.

Time for good hair days

You know I’ve lamented about the state of my hair in the past. I’m not going to say anything negative about my hair, but I will say that it’s not the way I like it right now. I remember the different hairstyles I’ve had over the years: Braids, straight perms, hot combed, curly perms, locks and natural. The last – being natural – has caused me the most trouble and dissatisfaction.

After getting rid of my locks, the texture of my hair had changed significantly. To get it to look like I want it, minus length, has been an ongoing saga. Right after the locks, I started wearing it in two-strand twists. That looked great for a few months or so then it started to do something weird. What exactly? I have no idea.

I resorted to combing it out into a semi afro and pulling it back in a puff. Not the best look for me, in my opinion, but it was neat and clean. Now I have braids and it’s time to take them out. I think I need a hair superhero. I heard that Chaz Dean is just that hero.

Chaz Dean's WEN^® Healthy Hair Care System is reportedly a new approach to the way individuals cleanse their hair. He says we should never have another bad hair day. Wouldn’t that be great? His system was created with a blend of herbal and natural ingredients to cleanse the scalp and hair as well as moisturize, soothe, strengthen and add sheen. That’s an awesome claim and I would love to try it out for myself. Whataya think?

Child-free or child-centered Mother’s Day?

Most would not dispute the fact that mothers, for the most part, are busy individuals. And with Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, thoughts are on how to best recognize the mothers in our lives. I’ve noticed a lot of us posting giveaways (mothers like surprises), gift ideas (will all need a little help) and tips on how or what to do for mother.

Some of us like to spend the time doing something that represents us as a woman or individual like going to the spa, sleeping in while the kids are out with someone else, half the day with children and the other half with hubby… the ideas and choices are endless on what can be done.

Charlotte Reznick, PhD - a child psychologist, associate clinical professor or psychology at UCLA and author of the bestselling book “The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success” – says there’s an immediate benefit to spending quality time with your child and suggests that it’s something to consider this Mother’s Day.

The quality time is said to benefit children in a number of ways including lowering the obesity rate and scoring higher on verbal tests. Those of us who have more than one child may need a few ideas on how to maximize our Mother’s Day time if children are included in the activities. And I have a couple of suggestions (and keep reading for fabulous ideas from Dr. Reznick)…

  Since I have children from two different generations it takes a bit of planning and organization to fit everyone in. But, overall, my main goal is to have a relaxing day. The first idea involves the entire family:

• Even if you’re being served breakfast in bed make it a family affair. Mom gets the tray of goodies and everyone else perches on nearby chairs or the floor to enjoy the company. The key to this is for someone else to be responsible if the children make a mess or need help. While eating the “person in charge” can ask younger children, “What do you like most about mommy?” Older children can be asked, “What do you appreciate the most about mommy?” If you’re an adult treating your mom to this; try beginning a conversation with “Thanks for all you’ve done. I really appreciate your…”
• To spend time individually, focus on things that mother and child like to do together. Preferably a hobby or something. For instance, my middle daughter enjoys photographer so it would be fun to spend an hour taking pictures outdoors, loading them onto the computer then making cards or notes for people we love. We shared our time doing something we both love, did a project and thought of someone else in the process. What types of things do you and your child like to do together? My only son likes bugs and critters, so getting a book about them or looking something up on the Internet and finding it in our yard would be a delightful time for him.

Here are a few of Dr. Reznick’s ideas:

• Make a card together and pick someone you both want to send it to. (I really like that I had the same idea as she did.) Creatively decorate paper that’s been folded in half, write a message, add a picture of the two of you, if you like then mail it together.
• Make self portraits by drawing the outline of your bodies on an old sheet then decorate with words, symbols, pictures, markers, crayons, paint, etc.
• Make a movie using a Smart phone, flip cam or other video camera and produce a movie, talent show or skit that you can post on YouTube (or host a viewing!) to share with family and friends.

Dr. Reznick creates therapeutic relaxation CDs for children, teens and adults as well as teaches workshops on the healing power of children’s imaginations. Learn more at ImageryForKids.com.

Blogger’s note: I haven’t reviewed Dr. Reznick’s book, but I did look over her website and I found her information to be fascinating, interesting and well worth the time and effort to implement her techniques. I simply decided to write this post because the press release about bonding with children on Mother’s Day interested me.

Leave me a comment and let me know whether you’re going to have a child-centered or child-free Mother’s Day!

Have a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – Mid-morning snack to scare away the grumpiness

There’s more Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Check out my last Wordless Wednesday photo.

Benefits of earning an online degree

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you already have an undergraduate's degree? If so, have you thought about going back to school to get your master's degree? I know I have. Recently, I did some research on the best institutions to get another degree from. I've considered those that are not within my local area, which would mean moving, and those that have online programs.

One of the best things about obtaining a degree online is the ability to do your work at your leisure and take your classes on-the-go. In today's society, which is extremely fast paced, not too many people have extra time in their days so they stress themselves out trying to fit other things in. An online program can easily fit into your life.

You can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC, an internationally renowned research institution with a 100-year history of educating teachers to be agents of change. This School of Education has been ranked number 22 in the United States and number nine among all private universities by US News and World Report.

The program information listed is impressive: MAT@USC has an highly interactive online learning environment that is paired with field-based experiences in your local area. They offer a tuition reimbursement program designed exclusively for MAT@USC graduates and have the opportunity to learn from distinguished USC faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education. Even online learners have full USC student status and benefits, participation in commencement ceremonies and free lifetime Alumni Association memberships. All of that along with the opportunity to become part of the elite USC Trojan Family. 

It’s the full education experience minus the travel and onsite class time. If this sounds like something that would fit your lifestyle and improve your life, check out MAT@USC today.

Did you smell that?

I was driving home after picking up my youngest child. I had the windows down and was enjoying the fresh air, music and my private thoughts. Suddenly there was a scent. I inhaled. Paused then inhaled again.

The same scent hit me.

One deep breathe later I said, “Country air.”

Very seldom do I smell country air in this part of Georgia. Yes, I’m near some very rural areas and often drive through them, but my nose is normally assaulted with pollen, exhaust or road kill fumes.

Experiencing the smell of clean, crisp air still lingers with me. It’s a smell that I didn’t realize I miss. It made me recall the days I used to sit on the front steps of my mother’s house in MD. I would wait until after the sun set and an evening breeze kicked in. The tall trees that separated my mother’s property from my aunts would sway and rustle in the wind.

After a trip to Hawaii, I would relish in the sound of the trees because they almost mimicked the sounds of the surf. With my eyes closed and my face tilted toward the sky I would travel between the ocean in Hawaii, the magical feel of the air against my skin, the reality of the graceful trees and the dark sky with twinkling stars.

It’s amazing how the senses can send you back in time to previous experiences. Sometimes the memory is joyful and other times it isn’t. It’s the joyful, pleasant memories that I love; the ones that include images and smells.

From now on I’m going to be sure to take a little whiff of the air; I never know when I’ll get a pleasant experience from it. Have you had a pleasant sensory experience lately?