Follower Giveaway - We Have A Winnah!!!!!!!!!!

I am so grateful for all of my followers - as I have said before.

These past few weeks have been really rough for me - personally and professionally - and I apologize to everyone for my lack of me-ness.

So, without further ado-do...the winner of the pearl earrings is Jen from The Tennyson's Today...

Jen is actually one of my IRL friends who has been a follower since the beginning!! She is a great girl who lives a crazy life...she and I went to high school together and then reconnected once we found out that we were having our kiddos close to each other.

It is a wild ride we are on, friends, and I am happy to share a few of those experiences with you!!

Lesson #75 - When It Rains, It Pours {Part I}

(This lesson was originally supposed to be posted on Friday, February 26th)

Is there some sort of rules that says more than one bad thing must happen at once?? Why is it that the walls are all to crumble at the same time??

Wednesday night I started feeling a little sick. Not sick enough to think about staying home the following day - especially not with a work event coming up on Monday!

So I woke up on Thursday morning and got ready for my day like any other. Picked my lunch out of the fridge, locked the front door, stepped into my car and drove to work. I sat down at my desk around 7a and had to run (RUN) to the bathroom around 9a.

Without giving all of the details, let us just say that I am thrilled each floor of the office has a bathroom. If I was working in a normal office building where I had to run down the hall, around the corner and wait for an elevator in order to get to the loo...well...I wouldn't want to clean up the mess(es) that would have been made.

Try as I might, I just couldn't get through my entire day. I called the man and he agreed to come and pick me up from the office. By the time I got in touch with the man, it was almost time for him to get to work. He called, though, and decided to take a sick day to take care of me (awwwwwwwwwwww..isn't he great?!).

Hopefully a sick day and the weekend will help me recoup enough to make it to my work event next week. Business must go on as usual, I suppose...so off I will be - away on an airplane - to my destination. I really hope I am feeling better in time to catch my flight on Monday. There really is nothing worse than being sick and having to fly. Airplane bathrooms really don't lend themselves to constant trips back and forth to get sick.

Wish me luck!!

Lesson #74 - If I Knew Then What I Know Now {Part II}

{To see Part I, go here}

February 25, 2010

Dear College Me,

Wow...off to college with you! Thank goodness you got out of that little-itty-bitty hometown of yours! You have done some crazy things in life - so far...freshmen living is something else, though, isn't it?? You'll wish that you went to college with someone you know - so that the whole roommate raffle wouldn't be such a shock. Being away from home isn't so bad - but when the roommate assigner completely IGNORES the 5 million answers from the housing questionnaire, then things can be miserable.

You are an athletic cheerleader - she is a lazy pig (and I don't mean cop). You are a social butterfly - she is an introverted, quiet pig. You decided to join a sorority - she hates people...all people. Your favorite color is pink - hers is black. You are a morning person - she is just climbing into bed when you wake up. You shower every night before bed - she showers MAYBE once a week. You are a PC girl - she owns a MAC.

Seriously?! You won't know how they could have gotten it SO wrong!! Freshman year was a horrible experience...due to a crappy roommate you were hardly EVER in your room. Oh well...that is one of the great things about dating an older guy - right?? He is established and mostly importantly has an apartment to run away to...thank goodness!!

Again with the questionnaire garbage for sophomore year. Who is running the crap in that housing office?? Doesn't anyone pay attention to that stuff?? Guess not!! So, the new roommate is VERY religious...which, really, isn't a problem...except for the fact that she will pray every hour - on the hour - in the middle of the room! Be grateful that you are in a suite because the girls in the adjoining room are really awesome! They'll both end up rushing your sorority - and one will become your little sister!

Things will get rocky with the post-high school borefriend - even though you've been talking about getting married for the last year. You'll begin to get close to a frat guy you meet at a party (oh - the horror!!) - and the suspected proposal over Thanksgiving will be a bust. After that debacle, you're going to decide to study abroad in Italy for five months...and the post-high school borefriend will leave you weeks before your flight. The previously mentioned frat guy lives in the frat house, but a room is a room and even though you aren't dating each other, he is going to let you crash with him before you leave for Italy. You will leave in January and in March the frat guy will fly to Italy to visit you over his spring break...awwww...how sweet! That relationship is going to start out great...then cool down at year 3...become a way of life at year 4...and the realization of having something better out there will round out year 5...so you'll only really lose the last 2 years of your life. You're going to learn a lot from him and, in the end, he will make you a better person.

College was a whirl wind of activity. Not only did you have to deal with crap roommates, ending one relationship, starting another, traveling to Italy not knowing ANYONE and overloading on credits during summer sessions, you also held down a full-time and (somehow) 2 part-time jobs. If nothing else, college has definitely prepared you for what has come at you in life now!!

Lesson #73 - The Sun Is Always Shining...Somewhere

My lap top has been in shambles...I am still at work (and it is WELL past 5pm) so I figured I'd get in a few posts while I have an internet connection. I hope you enjoy my sunrise montage...

 

  

  

Sometimes I really enjoy going to work...even if it IS just for the sunrise!!

Lesson #72 - There Is Nothing More Beautiful Than Being A Girl {Giveaway}

When the babe was born she had a TON of platinum hair...alas...not enough to make her look like a girl though **sads**

I never wanted to put those little thin headbands on the babe - no offense, but I think they look a little silly! So you can imagine how happy I was to find a THICK elastic headband - handmade by a wonderful woman, who I found out lives not far from me...SUPER happy!! The babe is happy too~she loves her pretty headband!

Pink & Pigtails makes STYLISH and AFFORDABLE hair accessories for your "little" lady. The designer behind Pink & Pigtails prides herself on designing pieces comparable to those found in high-end boutiques while still keeping things practical in terms of cost. 

 

Chandra specializes in designs which are not your typical motifs as it relates to hair accessories for the young. Therefore, many of the items can easily transition into other ages - making the hair-ties and headbands an even more practical purchase. In the event you can’t find the perfect item, custom creations can be discussed and made to your exact specifications.

Giveaway:
There will be 2 winners of this giveaway!! One will win a custom headband (similar pictured) and the other will win the hair-tie (one pictured - one not pictured)

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry:
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the Pink & Pigtails Etsy site and tell me which P&P product is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" Pink & Pigtails on Etsy
1 entry if you share your favorite hair accessory
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

Follower Giveaway ~ YAY for 200+ Fans

HOLY HECK!!!! I WENT OVER 200 FOLLOWERS!!! That means it is GIVEAWAY time!!!

I don't know about you but I am an accessory JUNKIE!

Diamonds are great, but I am a pearl girl!

So, in celebration of 200 followers, I am giving away the most fabulous pair of pearl earrings.

They are natural white pearls (similar to the picture above) with 14k gold backings from Helzberg Jewelry.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post. Only 1 comment per person will be counted. A winner will be chosen on February 28th at noon (EST) - before I leave on a business trip - and announced that evening.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Lesson #71 - I Am Thankful Not To Be A Lawyer

I read one of the BEST articles EVER {found here} about the top 10 worst drivers. Isn't it great how insurance companies and AAA keep records of these things?! I just LOVE it!!

Without further ado...this list of worst drivers - by profession - is as follows:

1. Attorney/Judge
2. Financial professionals
3. Government worker
4. Bartender or Waiter
5. Business Professionals
6. Dog Groomer
7. Marketing/Advertising professionals
8. Barber/Stylist
9. Coach
10. Nurse

When I first saw this list I have to admit that I agree with at least a few...but, seriously - a dog groomer?? So, I decided to come up with my own list of the top 9 worst drivers - I wanted to be different, okay...and because I believe in saving the best for last, we're starting from #9...so strap on your seat belts, kids - HERE WE GO!!

9. Back seat drivers

8. School lunch people

7. Those who are spacially deficient

6. First time gas pump users

5. Those who don't pay attention to what is going on

4. People who INSIST on driving in bad weather - in the wrong car

3. Drunk drivers

2. People with road rage

1. Anyone named Britney Spears

What number are YOU?!?! Do you agree with this list??

Lesson #70 - Being Single Is A Bitch...Then Again, So Am I

Okay friends...my Blogger totally f-ed me and I didn't even know it!!! My laptop died (I mean, hardcore D-E-D DEAD) , but before it went out I had quite a few posts planned (minus the one where I chose a giveaway winner because, duh, I had to wait until Sunday). However, for some reason the posts never posted :-( **tears** Anyways, here is the long awaited guest post from - THE BITCH!!!!! So, kick up your feet folks - here she goes.......

-I recently found myself turning to a close friend and firmly stating, "The next person to make a comment in regards to my relationship status is going to find my foot up their ass."  Unfortunately, Working Mommy was almost that person.  (Again, Dearest Friend, I apologize.)  But, seriously: Why is it such a big deal that I'm 25 and single?  I have a good job, I'm in school studying Business Law, I have an amazing circle of friends, my family is fantastic, I'm in good shape, my health is fabulous... It is really necessary for me to have a man in order to lead a complete life when I'm not even 30 yet?!  Me thinks not.

-While I am quite happy with my life as it is at the moment, I do often find myself a bit sad when put into a certain situation.  For those of us who have spent extended periods of time living the single life, we all know what that situation is: being the third or fifth wheel.  Ugh.  I just cringed a bit.  Don't get me wrong, I have a couple friends with whom I can have a total blast with when their significant other is around.  Working Mommy has landed an amazing husband who I absolutely adore and I always have fun with the two of them.  [*Correction: Working Mommy's husband has landed an amazing woman.]  However, I also have friends who know exactly how to make me feel uncomfortable when their partner is around.  I know it's bad when I realize that I am physically restraining myself from running toward the door.  No, I don't think your boyfriend is the most amazing man in the world.  No, I don't care about what the two of you did last weekend.  Stop rubbing his back.  Stop holding hands.  Stop caressing his knee.  Stop running your fingers through his hair.  "Please excuse me, I need to make my way to the nearest restroom, as I suddenly feel the urge to vomit."

-On that note, I completely understand how a gal is when she's head-over-heels for the man in her life.  I've been there (believe it or not).  You want to talk about him all the time.  You want to spend every free second of your day with him.  You greatly anticipate the next time you'll hear his voice.  You get giddy at the thought of making plans to go on a vacation.  I totally get it.  However, it IS okay to spend time with your friends... ready for this?... away from you boyfriend.  GASP!  He doesn't have to tag along for everything.  I promise: you won't forget how to breathe when he's not around.

-Now on to the dating dilemma.  Yes: I have tried the whole online-match-me-with-my-perfect-soul-mate thing.  Maybe I'm just impatient, but it was unsuccessful.  After several awkward and/or boring first dates, I became apprehensive and soon stopped replying to messages.  Wait, I take that back... One lucky man made it to date #3.  Then quickly became obsessive/stalkerish.  (Side note to the male followers: When a woman says she doesn't like getting flowers because they're too showy, don't insist on sending a dozen  embarrassing roses to her place of employment.  It's not a good idea and will quickly backfire.  However, arriving to pick her up with a few simple daisies: adorable and sweet.)  Then there are those guys who are friends of friends of someone's second cousin.  Set me up on a blind date with a guy named Maynard? Sure, that sounds like a brilliant idea.  And when the date ends horribly, I'm supposed to apologize for it not working out with so-and-so's coworker's dog sitter?!  Um, no.  Sorry your friend's a loser, but I refuse to feel bad because you have inadequate match-making skills.  (I once went on a date with a die-hard liberal.  For those who know me: REALLY bad idea.)  Then there are the bar-pick-ups.  When we first meet, we have a fantastic time and think it'll be a brilliant idea to exchange numbers.  On the first actual date, we both quickly realize that it isn't going anywhere unless the waiter brings us three rounds of shots.  Pronto!

-At this point, I'm just venting my frustrations.  I know I won't be single for the rest of my life.  I'm just getting impatient.  Damnit!  But let's face it: When your friends have significant others, you hate your single life and feel overwhelmingly lonely.  Then, when you find yourself a year into a relationship, you secretly long for those nights out as a single gal.  The grass is always greener on the other side... And there are very few weeds.

Lesson #69 - My Tribe Is Pretty Friggin AWESOME

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE...or click on the "Get Rewarded" button for other giveaway information!!**

Okay...so, this post is a little late, but better late than never - right?!?! So, on the Saturday before last (1/30) and last Saturday (2/6), I read this post and this post about finding people who you connect with and creating your own "tribe" of folks who have become - or could become - good bloggy buddies. So, in this post I am going to give you the 5 bloggy buddies of mine whose blogs I just can't wait to read...can't wait for them to read my blog...and who will have the longest back-and-forth email chats with me!

If you've ever looked at my "I follow" bloggy list, you will notice that I follow a TON! One of the ladies whom I follow is Darla @Hissyfits and Halos. This Texas pistol is the mother of three daughters, the wife to a car-crazed, power-hungry husband and the daughter to a Preacher man and a non-farting (or does she) mama. This FABULOUS lady even sent me a birthday card, folks...so you should all aspire to be her (Loubs, diamonds and all)!! Scoot on over to her place and give her a huge Texas HOWDY!!!

I can barely keep up with the babe...nevermind THREE babes, two elderly in-laws, a hubs and a partridge in a pear tree!! Well, the Crayon Wragler - over @Coloring Outside the Lines - does JUST that (and I don't know how). She gives good blog...get your mind out of the gutter...all while feeding the toddler crayons and changing the wee crayon. She is another Texas spitfire folks!!

Then there is Joshua @The Technical Parent. He was my first...male follower!! Good grief, what is WITH you people today?!?! He does something with a children's hospital, but won't go into specifics...which is okay, I guess! Both of his children were born premature and the lessons he has learned from them are priceless!

Shandal (you know, like Chandelier) @My Life In 3D is a hoot!! She blogs about everything from her two little angels, her hubs, parenting fails, her struggles and joys of being a SAHM and her newest endeavor - P90x! Shan is a great lady who leaves wonderful comments and has wonderful advice.

Last, but certainly not least, is Boops!!! Now, Boops is currently having a "Prince" moment (hence the title of her blog, The Blog Formerly Known As Boops Does Tulsa), but I love her anyways!! She first started blogging in November of '09 and I have been laughing ever since. She is brutally honest and really makes me think sometimes - which is hard for me, being blonde.

So...these folks are part of my tribe...I'm working on a button lovers...I promise you'll get it soon!! There are others who are part of my tribe, but the post said focus on 5 - so I did!! I do love all of my wonderful followers and the comments that are left for me...what can I say - I am a fan of getting my ego stroked (who doesn't?!)!

Lesson #68 - Enough {Snow} Is Enough {Wordless Wednesday}

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE...or click on the "Get Rewarded" button for other giveaway information!!**

 

Just playin with her wipes!

 

Doesn't she look like that poor kid from A Christmas Story?!

 

Sleeping soundly - YAY!

I'm not usually a fan of headbands...but this one ROCKS!!

Lesson #67 - It Is Good To Be The Dad

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE...or click on the "Get Rewarded" button for other giveaway information!!**

Welcome to "Transient Tuesdays"...I am glad that you decided to stop by! Have a seat, kick up your feet and enjoy this week's post from The Technical Parent. Joshua was my very first male follower (YAY!) and he always leaves some of the best comments! Recently, a friend of Joshua's lost their little angel to cancer. No parent should ever have to go through that kind of pain and no child should ever have to fight such a terrible disease. I hope his guest post today will show everyone that they should slow down and enjoy life a little bit more!

Originally this was going to be a list of sorts -- probably along the lines of my regularly scheduled Tuesday bit -- called "The Things We Lost As We Grew Older" which then morphed into "Things This Father Once Lost, But Has Found Again." Both of those ideas centered around things that I enjoyed as a child that were lost to me for a time, but made an appearance once I had kids, and really once The Girl (now 2.5 going on 13) was able to understand it. Basically these were things like Candyland and the simple act of coloring with crayons, or "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein, old school Disney movies, and jumping into a pile of leaves. The never-ending joy associated with a game of tag from our kitchen to her bedroom and back again ad nauseum. These are things I enjoyed as a kid and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that they would be so fun for me again, because I get to teach the joy of them to these two little beings.

So, what this started out being is not what I'm supplying today. In fact, I've had a few months to get this together and it's only now, a week before it's going up, that I'm finally doing more with it than the few notes I typed in all that time ago.

I make no secrets of the fact that I love being a parent. I also don't hide the fact that 10 years ago I was 19, getting ready to finish off my sophomore year in undergrad, single, and a whole host of other things. If my current self had appeared to my then self and told me that before I was 30 I would be married for eight years with two kids, a mortgage, daycare that cost more than the mortgage, and everything else I have going on right now, well it may be cliché, but I would have laughed in his face. And maybe offered him something to drink. Some people, I'm sure, imagine these things when they're 19 or even younger. Believe me, it was the furthest thing from my mind up until the moment I met her in the summer of 2000.

And so we arrive at today.

I remember with fond memories those things that once dominated my existence as a child and take great joy myself in doing them once again. It's not just the reminiscent quality of these things; it goes beyond that. It's that dad is the best jungle gym in the world because he's strong and can lift you and can flip you and can catch you. The bliss in the simplicity of repetition; of rolling or kicking a ball back and forth, back and forth.

These are new feelings. The overwhelming sense of je ne sais quoi...I can't describe the feeling, but it's real, and it's there; a thing in your brain and a physical pang to your heart when you look at your child and they look back at you. It's that look in their eyes when they see you again, and you know that you are the bulk of their entire existence; that to this little person you can do no wrong; that you are their world. It's real and I feel it. Every time that child walks up to me, hugs around the legs and says, without prompting or in response to my saying it first, "I love you soooo much."

It's pride, to be sure. It's love in its purest and most basic form. I hear this and I know, unequivocally and without hesitation, that it's good to be the dad.

Lesson #66 - Quality Bloggy Buddies Are Priceless

Gooooooood morning bloggy buddies!!!! I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank each and every one of you for following me!! When I first began writing in my little blogtopia, I never thought that I would get the following that I have. My goal was to get out everything I had been wanting to say - and couldn't keep telling the man without him going crazy...meeting all of you and gaining some great friends was the cherry on top!!! As a "thank you" I am going to be holding a one day giveaway - prize to be disclosed the day of the giveaway - once I reach 200 followers!!! I can't even IMAGINE I am so close to 200 followers...so thank you all so much...for wasting even a few minutes each day reading my babble (the man thanks you too!!)!!

Lesson #65 - Everyone's Home Needs Beautiful Things {giveaway}

The Wallflower Company is the brainchild of *Genevieve* and *Sam*, two artists who believe that the objects we use in our everyday life should be beautiful, functional and well-designed! Every piece in their store is thoughtfully, carefully designed and crafted in their NEW Studio, and takes time to complete--you will never catch them selling things just to make a quick buck. They are committed to The Whimsical, The Eye-catching, and One-Of-a-Kind works of art.

For those of you familiar with Coney Island - yes, that is New York City - you know that it is about to be bulldozed...you heard correctly. A piece of American history - made into rubble. Well, Genevieve and Sam were recently part of a major fundraising event to save the American icon! You can see pictires from the show here.

I love the description of herself - and her passion for art - that Genevieve wrote in her Etsy profile:

"I have worked with glass for three years, and discovering this material changed my art forever. It is incredibly flexible---anything you can think of you can find a way to make in glass. It's a tricky medium, it takes years to develop the skill you need to control hot glass--but I am sure that the challenge is what keeps me interested!! Although glass is my main thing, I am also a metalworker and welder--and on the softer side, a knitter and seamstress. I still paint--that's how my life as an artist started-- and I still bind my own sketchbooks--that was my first business 12 years ago. So, I am always looking for a new medium to learn and incorporate into the work I do."

Genevieve makes the most beautiful sculptures,

colorful glasses,

and hand blown centerpieces,

In addition, Genevieve also makes beautiful handmade cards!

The prize:

Giveaway:
There will be 2 winners of this giveaway!! One winner will receive the yellow etched poppy vase (pictured directly above) and one winner will receive a handmade Valentine of choice.

Here are the rules...please leave a separate comment for each entry (remember, 3 entries = 3 comments):
3 entries if you "follow" me - please comment and let me know
2 entries when you visit the Wallflower Company Etsy site and tell me which collection is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" Wallflower Company on Etsy
2 entries when you visit the Tarts and Hearts Etsy site and tell me which Valentine is your favorite
2 entries if you "heart" Tarts and Hearts on Etsy
1 entry if you follow the Wallflower Company blog
1 entry if you "spread my education" on your blog
1 entry if you blog about this giveaway - please provide a link back to the post in your comment

Lesson #64 - A Birthday Is Just Another Day

That is what I tell myself every year. Okay, so it is my birthday...so what?! I am another year older - waahoo! This year I happen to be half way to 52...SUPER! I digress!! Since everyone loves getting presents...and hopefully you all want to see the presents I got (wink), let us review what I got this year for my birthday (and what I gave to others):

Before going to sleep on Friday night, I thought to myself - my birthday should be a national holiday, darn it...and so - for my name's sake - I figured I'd give a VAST majority of people the most fabulous snow fall they've ever seen...30 inches in my area, of course, so that I could enjoy it as well!

I woke up on Saturday morning and made the man and I breakfast...and what better for a princess's birthday breakfast than pink pancakes?!

After breakfast, it was time to put the babe down for her nap...and she wasn't happy with me at ALL. She ever gave me the stink eye!

I went into the bedroom to chat with the man, while he was getting ready for work, and saw a wonderful card on my side of the bed...

Since I gave everyone snow, I thought I should probably give the man a few helpers to dig him out...he did have to go to work after all!

I can't forget the angry babe that greeted me after her nappy nap...she has not been happy thanks to her first tooth cutting through!

Before her afternoon nap, I thought I would give the babe a wee bit of vodka on her gums...because I couldn't find the Baby Orajel...don't judge - our parents did it to us and we turned out just fine!!

So, in review, I got the following for my 26th birthday:

* Pink Pancakes (YAY)
* Stink Eye (from the babe)
* A Beautiful Card (that made me cry) from The Man
* An angry crying child post-nappy nap

...and I gave the following to those around me (because I'm just THAT damn nice):

* Snow...and not just some piddly snow...I'm talking 30 friggin inches, people!
* Helpers with Dust Pans...to dig out the Hummer!
* Vodka...hopefully The Babe's gums weren't in so much pain after that!

The one thing that I really wanted...but didn't get...a nice juicy STEAK (I promise, there is a grill under there)!!! BOOOOOO!

Lesson #63 - If I Knew Then What I Know Now {Part One}

February 5, 2010

The Younger Me,

Well, hello there!! I betcha never even DREAMED that you'd be getting a letter from the older me - huh??

I'll give you a minute to pick yourself up off the floor.

Better?? Good!! So, since tomorrow is our birthday - Happy Birthday, by the way - I wanted to send you a quick letter with a few things I've learned since I was your age. While I know that we head strong and stubborn, I feel that you will take these lessons to heart and use them to your advantage. Here we go:

High School

That boy...oh, what is his name - Justin, Jimmy, Jason - whatever...that we start seeing 1st semester of freshman year...yeah, him...he is NO GOOD for us! Keep our head in the books, concentrate on our grades and have fun with our cheerleading friends. There will be a time to worry about boys - and this is not that time. Just have fun and enjoy life. If not, we'll look back and wish we had taken each minute to bask in youth. The reason that boy is no good for us...he'll introduce us to things, like marijuana, that we just don't have time for. We're going to make time, though, and our grades are going to fall because of it. If the thought of asking grandma for a pot and soil to plant those "herb seeds"...just push it away. She is going to tell dad and life will suck...fair warning! Thankfully, we'll eventually leave him for an older guy. Joining the power-lifting team 2nd semester...smartest choice EVER...or not. The guy we meet on the team...the one that doesn't go to our school, but only works out with the team...stay away from him. If not, he will do things to us that we will never be able to forget...we will have nightmares...forever. The guy that you do end up dating is okay - for the time being. We will break up...multiple times...and he will be the one crying. I know, I know...what a guy! We're better off, though...he is going to end up getting married and divorced in less than a year. He'll never find anyone as great as us - but we can do better! Junior year there will be a guy...a great guy...who comes along. We'll become friends with his sister first - that is our "in". We'll date him for 4 years and think HE. IS. IT. He isn't...promise. We are both in different places in life...and that is just fine. We wanted to get married and he had other plans. Try not show how heartbroken we are when he gets married a year after the split. Senior year will come and go like a blur...just be sure to maintain those important friendships with the key girls we love. I know, I know...we aren't much for girlfriends because females are so petty, but they are going to get you through some of the lowest points in life...we are going to need them in the future!

I'll leave it at that for now...college is a whole other set of skeletons!!

All my love,
The Older, Wiser, More Mature Me

Lesson #62 - Time Goes Too Fast

Dear The Babe,

How is it that in a mere six months you have gone from this:

to this:

If you don't mind...could you please slow down with the growing thing a little bit, please?? Mommy wants to be able to remember every minute!!

Love You,
Mom

Lesson #61 - Being A SAHM Has Advantages

Hello!

It’s me, Dumb Mom, and I’m taking over the Working Mom’s blog, but just for today.

She can have it back shortly, because I don’t think my lounge pants and Isotoners are particularly appropriate for the working world.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if they were though?

If I could just roll outta bed, shower if I want, work my locks into a loose ponytail, and go! Actually, that’s exactly what I do.

But that’s only because as the official Casa de Dummies DOHH! (more on that title below) my audience is just not that picky. They couldn't care less about what I wear as long as I make it happen in the kitchen (and the bathroom, and the bedroom, and the basement, and anywhere else they require my assistance).

And, my life as a problogger (I totally am ‘cause I made like $50 last year), a prophotog (a largely seasonal position that is WAY more busy in the summer), and a freelance writer (very exciting gig that requires more computer time than it does face-to-face time) is pretty flexible when it comes to clothing.

Lucky, right?!

So, I’m dedicating this post to The Working Mommy and to those of you who hold down a full time gig and still manage to be a successful (or semi successful) parent, I salute you.

You women rock because honestly, I don’t think I could cut it.

I mean, as it stands, I run a moderately successful blog and an occasionally successful photography business (pictures good; marketing, client base, and income not so much), I write articles for local publications on a freelance basis, I work part time at the hospital, and I consider myself a mediocre Director of Homeland Happenings, DOHH! (thinking of converting this position into five separate ones since I attempt to do the work of five separate people).

If I had to add full time teacher (my pre-kid title) to my resume, I’m pretty sure I would run away.

I know people are always saying you figure it out, you (and your family) adapt, but I’m not so sure.

I didn’t choose to stay home because I was afraid I couldn’t hack it as a full time employee and a full time mommy. I chose to stay home when I was pregnant with my first, which meant I was still mildly delusional about life with kids. My decision to be a SAHMish person was influenced by numerous factors (not all well thought), none of which were that I didn’t think I could handle my job and my life as a mom. I was 23 when I had my first son, so I was still in the “I can do anything you can do better” phase of my life.

I’m so over that.

Three kids later, I realize that I’m just not cut out for life in the workforce. I’m not sure I could pull myself out of bed each morning, squeeze myself into professional attire, and schlep off to work leaving a happy, healthy household in my wake.

Call me lazy, or unmotivated, or weak.

Call me all of those things if you must, I know my weaknesses.

Let’s not forget, I am the person who breastfed all three kids for a full year each simply because I didn’t want to have to tromp downstairs in the middle of the night to get a bottle.

Some people call my commitment to nursing “an amazing devotion to baby”, I call it being lazy.

So I’m giving a big round of applause to all of those mommies who are out there doing their thing, making money, and growing people.

Because seriously, you rock!

Not that we SAHMs don’t do our share, ‘cause really, we do.

But, at least I get to do it in a muumuu, and that is a huge advantage in my book.

HUGE!

Now, come on over to my blog, parenting BY dummies, and see how this Dumb Mom of 3 handsome boys singlehandedly teaches them that life is not all about sacrifice and responsibility, it’s about awesomeness too! Well, I guess it’s not exactly singlehandedly because I do share this responsibility with my hubby, aka Dumb Dad, but he really doesn’t do much in the way of hands on teaching; he’s more of a what-your-mom-said kinda guy.

Oh, and I’m running a super fun photo contest that just started today so get on over there right now for your chance to enter and win!

Lesson #60 - Breaks Don't Only Happen To Bones And Hearts

The winners of the ePLUSc giveaway are...

Comment #13 - Headaches, Hormones and Hot Flashes
and
Comment #28 - Life as a "CEO"

CONGRATS LADIES!!!

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 This past weekend was my 1st anniversary!! The man and I had a wonderful time - dinners were eaten, movies were watched and...well...yeah ;-)

Needless to say, I did a little slacking on the posting because I was busy spending time with the man. That and this is my birthday week - yes, I said week - which is a national holiday in my book!! What are you all still doing at work?!?! I will try for a real post later on today, but no promises. You'll be able to see me tomorrow at parenting BY dummies for a guest post AND Dumb Mom will be guest posting ova hea - horray!!! Then on Wednesday, I promise to be back with hilarity, snarkiness and all other debauchery.