Remember when no one cared about who you were voting for?
When people just cared about making sure you exercised your constitutional right
and just VOTED, PERIOD?
Yeah, me too.
And I miss those days.
Now it seems like everyone, including major news media, is just too busy telling me who to vote for, who they support, who they think the best man for the job is. Whether they just come right out and say it, every thing I see on the news is so slanted to one side, just about anyone with a brain can see who they are rooting for.
I, for one, am sick to death of it.
I remember the days of impartiality.
When the news was just that: THE NEWS.
Just the facts, nothing else. And a journalists' word was absolute truth and could be trusted.
Now when you turn on the news, all you see are talking heads. Men and women with big fat college degrees who are so biased they should be wearing donkeys and elephants on their lapels instead of an American Flag.
And I'm referring to them ALL. Fox, CNN, ABC, CBS, and the worst of all MSNBC.
I've gotten to the point where I trust none of them.
And I've found if I watch Fox News and CNN and then meet somewhere in the middle of what I've heard on both networks, it's probably pretty close to the actual truth.
It's also exhausting.
Watching 2 networks to find some balance is just ridiculous.
Our media circus goes hand in hand with the real problem with this election...with what's really holding this country back.
And it's something so simple, we all should have learned this at our mother's knee when we were toddlers.
Respect.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Even the queen of soul taught us all about it.
And it is G-O-N-E in today's society.
As a society, we respect nothing and no one. Yes, you might respect your parents, your teachers, your elders, your spouse...but when someone, ANYONE, disagrees with you on the smallest thing, the first instinct is to cut them off at the knees.
It's ridiculous.
And it needs to stop.
Here's a newsflash. We are all different. There's not a single person on this planet who is exactly like you. So why do we need to lash out and knock out those that are different?
Are we not allowed to voice our differences in opinion?
If I live in the suburbs and have a Obama sign in my yard, will be neighbors be rude or hostile towards me because we have a political difference of opinion?
And if I live in that same suburb with a Romney sign in my yard, does that give anyone the right to steal it thus denying my right to free speech?
WHEN DID IT BECOME OK TO DISRESPECT OUR FELLOW AMERICANS?
Politics are a touchy subject. So is religion. Real conversations regarding these 2 subjects are next to impossible.
But it can be done.
By intelligent people who respect each others opinions.
But that is a lost art.
Even between the 2 men vying for the Big Job.
I watched every debate. All 3 presidential and the vice presidential.
And I saw 4 very grown men, old enough to know better, act like disrespectful children.
I was glad my 7 year old son with autism couldn't completely understand what was happening because that was NO LESSON I wanted him to learn: interrupt and over-talk your opponent and you win.
I don't think so guys.
You win a debate by speaking intelligently about the subjects while respecting your opponent.
As my best friend so eloquently put it, "just because you interrupt and talk louder then the other guy, doesn't mean you win."
I couldn't agree more.
But then enter the media pundants...the ones who get to chose the victor.
And wouldn't you know it? The rudest guy ALWAYS WON.
I beg to differ.
I hold my candidates to a higher standard. I want a strong leader who will do what's best for this country while always maintaining an air of intelligence and respectfulness.
My ballot has already been cast. I educated myself like every American should. To me, political party affiliation has little to do with my choice. What truly matters is who is the best man for the job and who's policies will make America better and stronger over the next 4 years. Period. I could care less if he's a Democrat or a Republican.
And I'm not saying who I voted for. That's a personal decision that I feel no one has the right to question. I fulfilled my civic duty and that's what's important. And I hope all of you reading this exercise your right, as well.
But if you take anything away from this at all, it's this:
RESPECT the differences in opinion. Take a minute and listen. Educate yourself.
And most importantly,
RESPECT everything and everyone.
It's not easy but what a better person you'll be if you try.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Just when you thought you'd outgrown being bullied...
Monday, October 22, 2012 started out like any normal Monday.
Tired, up at 6:20 to get the kiddo ready for school. Seeing him off on the bus, coffee, breakfast, morning news....
Just a typical weekday morning. All that changed with a simple status update I posted on my Facebook page, inquiring about the new H&M store coming to my local mall...
"Douglasville peeps: anyone know when H&M is opening at Arbor Place? I need me some new skinny jeans!!"
I set down my iPad and went about my normal morning routine and checked it about 30 minutes later to find this:
Now when I first read this comment, I was sort of like "is he kidding? He's obviously kidding."
I'm not a skinny girl but I'm certainly not shopping in the plus section either. Not there's ANYTHING wrong with that. I've shopped there in the past but I've lost about 25 pounds since then. I'm pretty proud to be fitting into a size 12 after spending a few years in a size 16.
The more I re-read his comment, the angrier I got. Now with that said, I don't recall ever even seeing this man in person. He only knows what my body looks like from pictures I upload to Facebook. What gives him the right to even question whether I'm skinny enough for skinny jeans?
So I responded as you see above and posted a simple status asking why people feel the need to say things with no filter, why they don't think before the hit the post button...and told my Facebook friends if they wanted to know what I was referring to, go read my last status.
If you read the comments posted after Mr. Giglia's, you'll see my friends did EXACTLY THAT.
So I unfriended this person and decided to let it slide. He didn't know me, hasn't seen my body in person. Not worth my time.
And then I notice I have a private message.....I click on it and this is what I see.
I'm flabbergasted. Shocked. Stunned. Was he SERIOUS? I mean COME ON. Can someone really be this stupid?
That's when it hit me.
He's a bully.
He is bullying me about my weight. Just like so many others are experiencing in this country on a daily basis. Think of how many stories you've seen on the news lately about people being bullied about their weight....
The News Reporter in Winsconsin by the name of Jennifer Livingston who took a stand on air and told her bully off.
The bus monitor in New York who was bullied by CHILDREN so badly, people raised over 3/4 of a million dollars so she wouldn't have to endure that pain anymore.
Just this morning on the Today Show, I saw a story on a 18 year old girl who decided to take back her power from her bullies by posting a picture on herself online in nothing but her bra and panties.
And you know what?
She was a size 12 and she was BEAUTIFUL.
The craziest thing about this is I NEVER expected for this to happen to me. Yes, I'm not a skinny girl, probably never will be thanks to a hormonal condition called PCOS that I've had for years.
But I'm a NICE GIRL. I have lots of friends, always have, always will. And I thought that was enough to save me from a bully's wrath.
This just proves the point that so many have made: you CAN be bullied, anytime, anywhere, over anything.
I have blocked this person on my Facebook account so the messages have stopped permanently but the support and well wishes from my friends and family have continued through today.
And I love each and every one of them for it.
But I'm moving on.
I have a wonderful husband that loves me, thinks I'm the most beautiful and sexy woman on the planet. And a son that looks at my with so much love in his eyes, I could burst with happiness.
Those are the important things.
Their opinions are the only ones that truly matter.
And tomorrow, I'm going shopping for another pair of skinny jeans.
And I'm going to look AMAZING in them.
Tired, up at 6:20 to get the kiddo ready for school. Seeing him off on the bus, coffee, breakfast, morning news....
Just a typical weekday morning. All that changed with a simple status update I posted on my Facebook page, inquiring about the new H&M store coming to my local mall...
"Douglasville peeps: anyone know when H&M is opening at Arbor Place? I need me some new skinny jeans!!"
I set down my iPad and went about my normal morning routine and checked it about 30 minutes later to find this:
Now when I first read this comment, I was sort of like "is he kidding? He's obviously kidding."
I'm not a skinny girl but I'm certainly not shopping in the plus section either. Not there's ANYTHING wrong with that. I've shopped there in the past but I've lost about 25 pounds since then. I'm pretty proud to be fitting into a size 12 after spending a few years in a size 16.
The more I re-read his comment, the angrier I got. Now with that said, I don't recall ever even seeing this man in person. He only knows what my body looks like from pictures I upload to Facebook. What gives him the right to even question whether I'm skinny enough for skinny jeans?
So I responded as you see above and posted a simple status asking why people feel the need to say things with no filter, why they don't think before the hit the post button...and told my Facebook friends if they wanted to know what I was referring to, go read my last status.
If you read the comments posted after Mr. Giglia's, you'll see my friends did EXACTLY THAT.
So I unfriended this person and decided to let it slide. He didn't know me, hasn't seen my body in person. Not worth my time.
And then I notice I have a private message.....I click on it and this is what I see.
I'm flabbergasted. Shocked. Stunned. Was he SERIOUS? I mean COME ON. Can someone really be this stupid?
That's when it hit me.
He's a bully.
He is bullying me about my weight. Just like so many others are experiencing in this country on a daily basis. Think of how many stories you've seen on the news lately about people being bullied about their weight....
The News Reporter in Winsconsin by the name of Jennifer Livingston who took a stand on air and told her bully off.
The bus monitor in New York who was bullied by CHILDREN so badly, people raised over 3/4 of a million dollars so she wouldn't have to endure that pain anymore.
Just this morning on the Today Show, I saw a story on a 18 year old girl who decided to take back her power from her bullies by posting a picture on herself online in nothing but her bra and panties.
And you know what?
She was a size 12 and she was BEAUTIFUL.
The craziest thing about this is I NEVER expected for this to happen to me. Yes, I'm not a skinny girl, probably never will be thanks to a hormonal condition called PCOS that I've had for years.
But I'm a NICE GIRL. I have lots of friends, always have, always will. And I thought that was enough to save me from a bully's wrath.
This just proves the point that so many have made: you CAN be bullied, anytime, anywhere, over anything.
I have blocked this person on my Facebook account so the messages have stopped permanently but the support and well wishes from my friends and family have continued through today.
And I love each and every one of them for it.
But I'm moving on.
I have a wonderful husband that loves me, thinks I'm the most beautiful and sexy woman on the planet. And a son that looks at my with so much love in his eyes, I could burst with happiness.
Those are the important things.
Their opinions are the only ones that truly matter.
And tomorrow, I'm going shopping for another pair of skinny jeans.
And I'm going to look AMAZING in them.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Cry Me A River
I am an emotional person.
I admit it and I embrace it.
But I can't help but wonder if there are others out there like me.
It's currently 9:48 am and I have already cried twice today.
The day is starting off right.
Let me set things straight...I am not depressed or curled up in a ball in a corner somewhere crying my eyes out. I watched a Youtube video about a group of motorcycle riders who attend military funerals to shelter the families from any crazy protestors. This family's story about the man they lost in Iraq is so moving.
And then I went to one of my favorite websites to just mess around on...
www.thepioneerwoman.com and looked through the photography section.
The pictures of the Brothers contest were so beautiful...they moved me to tears.
Call me crazy but I love to cry. There is something so therapeutic in the shedding of tears for me. There is nothing in the world better than a happy cry or being so moved to emotion that you have to express it.
I'm sure there are others out there like me...who appreciate a good cry every now and then.
So I say bring on the Hallmark commercials! Your Lifetime movies! Extreme Home Makeover!
I have a box full of tissues....hit me with your best shot!
Happy weekend everyone!
Jessica
I admit it and I embrace it.
But I can't help but wonder if there are others out there like me.
It's currently 9:48 am and I have already cried twice today.
The day is starting off right.
Let me set things straight...I am not depressed or curled up in a ball in a corner somewhere crying my eyes out. I watched a Youtube video about a group of motorcycle riders who attend military funerals to shelter the families from any crazy protestors. This family's story about the man they lost in Iraq is so moving.
And then I went to one of my favorite websites to just mess around on...
www.thepioneerwoman.com and looked through the photography section.
The pictures of the Brothers contest were so beautiful...they moved me to tears.
Call me crazy but I love to cry. There is something so therapeutic in the shedding of tears for me. There is nothing in the world better than a happy cry or being so moved to emotion that you have to express it.
I'm sure there are others out there like me...who appreciate a good cry every now and then.
So I say bring on the Hallmark commercials! Your Lifetime movies! Extreme Home Makeover!
I have a box full of tissues....hit me with your best shot!
Happy weekend everyone!
Jessica
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I should have named him Kodak
I love my camera.
We bought a Panasonic Lumix camera with a Leica lens right after we had the kiddo. Had to have a great camera to capture all those precious moments. It's taken many amazing pics and it's never far away from my hand.
Now that the kiddo is a big boy, HE wants to take all the pictures. I guess he is so used to seeing me do it, he figures it's perfectly fine to just pick it up and start snapping away.
So now when I pick up the camera and view the photos on the memory card, I see lots of pics like these: His hair...maybe only a portion of it. An eye...maybe 2 if I'm lucky. Random toys. Lots and lots of toys. And my personal favorite, smudges from his fingers on the lens. He's a budding Ansel Adams I tell ya!
And then there's the series of self portraits...those are just genius!
So I wonder...is he talented or what? I guess only time will tell! Happy Tuesday!
We bought a Panasonic Lumix camera with a Leica lens right after we had the kiddo. Had to have a great camera to capture all those precious moments. It's taken many amazing pics and it's never far away from my hand.
Now that the kiddo is a big boy, HE wants to take all the pictures. I guess he is so used to seeing me do it, he figures it's perfectly fine to just pick it up and start snapping away.
So now when I pick up the camera and view the photos on the memory card, I see lots of pics like these: His hair...maybe only a portion of it. An eye...maybe 2 if I'm lucky. Random toys. Lots and lots of toys. And my personal favorite, smudges from his fingers on the lens. He's a budding Ansel Adams I tell ya!
And then there's the series of self portraits...those are just genius!
So I wonder...is he talented or what? I guess only time will tell! Happy Tuesday!
Monday, December 13, 2010
BRRRR!!!!!!
It's a balmy 20 degrees here this morning.
With a 13 MPH wind...gusting to 25 MPH.
Which gives us a wind chill temp of 7.
Yep...that's S-E-V-E-N. As in one more than six.
This Florida girl was shivering in her size 7 Fuggs this morning!
I got the Kiddo off for school this morning bundled in his 3 layers, hat, gloves...the works! And he didn't even complain about the cold! He was just excited to see the snow flurries flying around again.
Which brings me to the subject of today's blog...
I want a do-over of yesterday.
Yesterday was the perfect Sunday...a fire roaring in the fireplace all day, football on the TV, and snow flurries falling on and off throughout the day.
The white stuff started coming down in the morning and picked up a bit around lunch time...giving us just enough on the ground to play in and EAT.
The kiddo had snow all over his glove after picking up handfuls and trying to eat it.
Ahh. I wonder where he gets those ideas? (Me...totally me.)
But the joy on his face is the real reason yesterday was so much fun. There's nothing like a snow day.
Have a great week!
With a 13 MPH wind...gusting to 25 MPH.
Which gives us a wind chill temp of 7.
Yep...that's S-E-V-E-N. As in one more than six.
This Florida girl was shivering in her size 7 Fuggs this morning!
I got the Kiddo off for school this morning bundled in his 3 layers, hat, gloves...the works! And he didn't even complain about the cold! He was just excited to see the snow flurries flying around again.
Which brings me to the subject of today's blog...
I want a do-over of yesterday.
Yesterday was the perfect Sunday...a fire roaring in the fireplace all day, football on the TV, and snow flurries falling on and off throughout the day.
The white stuff started coming down in the morning and picked up a bit around lunch time...giving us just enough on the ground to play in and EAT.
The kiddo had snow all over his glove after picking up handfuls and trying to eat it.
Ahh. I wonder where he gets those ideas? (Me...totally me.)
But the joy on his face is the real reason yesterday was so much fun. There's nothing like a snow day.
Have a great week!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Greatest Woman I Ever Knew...
She was born Pattie Jane Blount on August 26, 1951 to a middle class family in Tampa, Florida. With white blond hair and big blue eyes, she looked like a baby cherub...so cute and chubby!
As she grew, she became a beautiful young woman...and she dropped the 'E' at the end of her name. From then on, she was known as Patti.
She met and fell in love with Michael Bernaldo at a high school football game in 1966 and married him 2 weeks after graduation in June of 1969.As she grew, she became a beautiful young woman...and she dropped the 'E' at the end of her name. From then on, she was known as Patti.
They had a baby girl in April of 1970. They named her Monica. She was the apple of their eye and started a happy life together.
3 years later, they were ready to grow their family again and along game a 2nd daughter, Jessica, in March of 1974. They moved to a larger home in 1978 and the happy times continued.
Until the came to an end in 1980. Patti and Michael split up and divorced in 1981. Patti found a job and became a single mom. She raised her girls and found the strength to begin a whole new life.
She started going out socially and dating...something she never thought she'd ever have to do. But she made an incredible life for herself and her girls. She changed jobs a few times...always moving up to something bigger and better.
In 1990, she got a job with Ford Motor Credit and along with that came a great salary and benefits. Her girls were all grown up and were becoming strong women...just like she had taught them to be. Patti never wanted her girls to be in the position she was put into when her marriage fell apart.
Monica was now in college and Jessica a sophomore...the years were flying by. Patti had a few serious boyfriends during the years but nothing serious enough to make her want to take the leap into marriage again.
Until she met Dick Saa in the late 80's. The relationship got off to a rocky start...Patti was dating his cousin and met Dick at a party where they were both in line for the bathroom. He was in front of her and she tried her best to get him to let her go first. He refused she hated him from that moment on.
She would run into him socially for the next couple of years, always mentioning him to her 2 daughters...telling them what a jerk he was.
Until things changed. The loathing turned into respect the more Patti and Dick got to know one another. Dick was divorced, too with 2 young children...Paul and Lindsey. Their mother had remarried and moved to Georgia, taking the kids with her. Dick had been devastated when they left and he took frequent trips North to make sure he still had a presence in his son and daughter's lives.
Patti was impressed. Any man who loved his kids the way Dick did was a good man in her eyes. The respect turned into love and Patti and Dick were married in March of 1991. They shared a deep love and respect for one another...and their marriage was well balanced. They complimented each other well and were so happy together.
Together with Michael and his wife Rhonda, they saw Monica and Jessica both marry...in 1998 and 2000, respectively. And they welcomed their first grandchild, CJ (Monica's son) in June of 2000. Patti was happy...married and in love, both of her daughters married and happy, and she had a new grand-baby to spoil.
Then came cancer. Patti was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in April of 2002.
She would need all her strength for this battle. Still a Ford employee, she took advantage of all those great benefits and took a leave from work so she could focus on her treatment.
She started chemo right away. Jessica would fly from her new home in Georgia as much as she could so she could sit with Patti while she was getting her chemo treatments. And Patti did great...she responded well and after 8 rounds of chemo, she was in remission by Christmas 2002. The family celebrated the good news and Patti looked forward to getting her life back. She went back to work and everything was back to normal.
She had to leave work again and prepare for more chemo treatments...this time more aggressive. Patti was incredibly disappointed but determined to press on. She didn't want cancer to get the best of her. So she tried to fight it again.
But she didn't have the strength this time around. The treatments were harder and her body just wasn't responding like it did before. Patti had fought all her life...she had to be strong for herself, strong for her daughters, and strong for cancer...which she had already beat once. She didn't have any left for a second round.
In the Fall of 2003, Patti was declining in health. She arraigned a big Thanksgiving celebration and made sure all four of her kids were present. Jessica, Paul and Lindsey came from out of town and Monica and her family was there, too. It would be the last holiday Patti would spend with her family. Her body was so weak but her spirit was strong...she made the best of the holiday.
Jessica flew home after Thanksgiving but flew back for Patti's next doctor's appointment the following Monday. She had a feeling the news would not be good.
And it wasn't. Patti was too weak to continue chemo treatments. There was nothing else that could be done but make her comfortable. It was finally time to face the inevitable...Patti's time was limited. Jessica was determined to stay by her mother's side and took a leave from work. Her mother had been the strongest person she knew...and it was time to return the favor.
Patti was admitted to the hospital for fluids over the next few days and the local hospice had set up a mini hospital room at home for her. Dick brought Patti home for the last time that weekend and the word quickly spread. Their home was filled with family and friends over the next few days...Dick, Monica and Jessica never left her side.
On December 9, 2003 at approximately 7:45am, Patti Jane Blount Bernaldo Saa took her last breath.
Her husband, daughters and sons, grandson, family and friends all mourned the passing of an incredible woman. She lived such a full life...one filled with strength, grace, laughter and love.
Patti was incredibly special. There was never anyone like her. She touched the lives of so many and those that knew her will never forget her.
If you haven't figured it out by now, Patti was my mom.
And not a day goes by where I don't thank my lucky stars she was.
It's been 7 years now without her and I can't believe I have survived this long without her influence in my life. She was my everything...my mom, my best friend, my confidant, my secret keeper, my cheerleader. I depended on her for everything.
But I guess I did inherit a smidge of that famous strength since I have made it this long without her.
As much as I loved her, I am happy she has moved on from this world. She suffered so much in the end and I am thankful she has left that cancer filled body behind. I just wish she had lived long enough to see her kids so happy.
Monica had another baby in August of 2005...and my son was born 12 days later.
Having both her girls pregnant at the same time would have brought her so much joy.
Paul graduated from college and married his college sweetheart. Mom got to know his bride before she got sick and loved her. I think she knew they were meant for each other.
Lindsey graduated from college, too and bought her first home last year. She's studying for her PHD now. Mom would be so proud of her.
Dick has a girlfriend that makes him so happy. Sandy is perfect for him. He is living again and is a better man because of Mom's influence in his life.
We are all okay...living life and being happy.
And that's the best way to honor her memory.
Patti Jane Blount Bernaldo Saa
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Rejuvinated!
I'm home.
Well...I was home over the weekend but now I'm really back home.
Are you confused yet? Because I kinda am too.
I guess I really have 2 homes...the one I live in for about 350 days out of the year in Georgia.
And then there's the one I visit...where I spend the remaining days of the year. The one I called home for the first 24 years of my life.
Florida.
Ahhh. Just saying it brings a smile to my face.
The hubby, the kiddo and I flew down for the weekend...a quick trip to see the family and for my man to attend a football game.
And it was wonderful. I haven't had such a good time in ages.
There's something to be said with reconnecting with those you love that made you into the adult you are today. It's where you were raised...where you made all those decisions that set you on the path you walk today.
I had an amazing childhood. Yes, I was a child of divorced parents but somehow, my sister and I overcame that and our family did such a great job at making it all seem normal.
On this trip, I got to spend time with my amazing grandparents...just walking into their house makes my heart sing. I have never known a home filled with more love than theirs. My grandparents house will ALWAYS be home to me...more so than any other house I grew up in.
And we stayed with my sister's family...her boys and mine love each other so much. I wish they could play together every day.
Not to mention I'd like to play with my sister every day. She is my best friend in the world...and my soul mate. I am so glad we are so close. I can not imagine who I would be today without her influence in my life. I love her so much!
And I got to spend time with my dad and stepmom. They are so wonderful...we hung out with them Sunday night. 2 of my stepmom's kids were there, too. I so love this new family we have created. I only wish they had married earlier so I could have grown up with my new brothers and sister...they are terrific!
And my little niece Lily...oh my. What a precious little girl. She just turned one and she is the most adorable thing! She makes me want another baby BAD!
Finally, I got to spend time with my Mom's family who I rarely see anymore. Since my grandmother passed last year, I rarely see them anymore. It was great to spend time with them...and it made me feel closer to my Mom. Going home is always a little bittersweet knowing she's not there waiting for me.
But overall, it was awesome to reconnect with both sides of my family.
I am lucky to be a product of such wonderful people.
Now I am relaxed, rejuvenated, and more in touch with who I am and where I come from.
And only good things can come from that!
Have a great Tuesday!
Well...I was home over the weekend but now I'm really back home.
Are you confused yet? Because I kinda am too.
I guess I really have 2 homes...the one I live in for about 350 days out of the year in Georgia.
And then there's the one I visit...where I spend the remaining days of the year. The one I called home for the first 24 years of my life.
Florida.
Ahhh. Just saying it brings a smile to my face.
The hubby, the kiddo and I flew down for the weekend...a quick trip to see the family and for my man to attend a football game.
And it was wonderful. I haven't had such a good time in ages.
There's something to be said with reconnecting with those you love that made you into the adult you are today. It's where you were raised...where you made all those decisions that set you on the path you walk today.
I had an amazing childhood. Yes, I was a child of divorced parents but somehow, my sister and I overcame that and our family did such a great job at making it all seem normal.
On this trip, I got to spend time with my amazing grandparents...just walking into their house makes my heart sing. I have never known a home filled with more love than theirs. My grandparents house will ALWAYS be home to me...more so than any other house I grew up in.
And we stayed with my sister's family...her boys and mine love each other so much. I wish they could play together every day.
Not to mention I'd like to play with my sister every day. She is my best friend in the world...and my soul mate. I am so glad we are so close. I can not imagine who I would be today without her influence in my life. I love her so much!
And I got to spend time with my dad and stepmom. They are so wonderful...we hung out with them Sunday night. 2 of my stepmom's kids were there, too. I so love this new family we have created. I only wish they had married earlier so I could have grown up with my new brothers and sister...they are terrific!
And my little niece Lily...oh my. What a precious little girl. She just turned one and she is the most adorable thing! She makes me want another baby BAD!
Finally, I got to spend time with my Mom's family who I rarely see anymore. Since my grandmother passed last year, I rarely see them anymore. It was great to spend time with them...and it made me feel closer to my Mom. Going home is always a little bittersweet knowing she's not there waiting for me.
But overall, it was awesome to reconnect with both sides of my family.
I am lucky to be a product of such wonderful people.
Now I am relaxed, rejuvenated, and more in touch with who I am and where I come from.
And only good things can come from that!
Have a great Tuesday!
Friday, December 3, 2010
What I'm Thankful For...
Okay so I'm a week late.
Sue me.
I decided today I would post the things I'm thankful for this year. Or just today. Or this week.
Forget it. Let's make this easy. Here's what I am currently thankful for.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the health of my husband, son, and self.
And throw the rest of my family in there, too. Health is the greatest gift we can hope for.
I am also thankful for my husband's job. He is the sole provider for this family so everything depends on that paycheck.
I am also thankful for that job because it means we get to fly for free to Tampa this weekend...I haven't seen my family since July and I CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME!
I am thankful for my friends...amazing women who deal with busy careers, kids, CANCER, husbands, crazy love-lives, and more every day and yet still find time to listen, love and laugh with me. I love you all!
I am thankful for the new clothes I bought last week on Black Friday. $130.00 boots for 29 bucks? Oh yeah...I'm thankful for that!
I'm thankful for the pumpkin pie I made last week that was AMAZING...my great-grandmother's recipe. I'll even deal with the weight I gained because I ate most of it by myself.
I'm thankful that I saw no kids in flip-flops this morning while taking the kiddo to school. All have been replaced with fuzzy, warm boots. Yay!
I am thankful for the roof over my head. It may not be the best or the biggest house but it's mine and I love it so.
And last but not least, I'm thankful for my readers. I appreciate all of you who read my thoughts and ideas. I hope I make your day even a tiny bit brighter.
Have a great weekend!
Sue me.
I decided today I would post the things I'm thankful for this year. Or just today. Or this week.
Forget it. Let's make this easy. Here's what I am currently thankful for.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the health of my husband, son, and self.
And throw the rest of my family in there, too. Health is the greatest gift we can hope for.
I am also thankful for my husband's job. He is the sole provider for this family so everything depends on that paycheck.
I am also thankful for that job because it means we get to fly for free to Tampa this weekend...I haven't seen my family since July and I CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME!
I am thankful for my friends...amazing women who deal with busy careers, kids, CANCER, husbands, crazy love-lives, and more every day and yet still find time to listen, love and laugh with me. I love you all!
I am thankful for the new clothes I bought last week on Black Friday. $130.00 boots for 29 bucks? Oh yeah...I'm thankful for that!
I'm thankful for the pumpkin pie I made last week that was AMAZING...my great-grandmother's recipe. I'll even deal with the weight I gained because I ate most of it by myself.
I'm thankful that I saw no kids in flip-flops this morning while taking the kiddo to school. All have been replaced with fuzzy, warm boots. Yay!
I am thankful for the roof over my head. It may not be the best or the biggest house but it's mine and I love it so.
And last but not least, I'm thankful for my readers. I appreciate all of you who read my thoughts and ideas. I hope I make your day even a tiny bit brighter.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Cyber Monday!
Good day friends! Did you miss me?
I decided to take some time off and recharge the ol' batteries.
I am happy to report it worked! I am refreshed, revived and ready for the Holidays!
And the kiddo had the WHOLE week off from school last week. That kinda had something to do with the week break but whatever. I can pretend it was all for me!
What a day to come back to the blog! CYBER MONDAY!!!!
I have to be honest with you. I am not participating in today's event. The hubby doesn't get paid till tonight at Midnight. Yeah, thanks a lot Delta!
But that doesn't mean I can't pass along some of those great deals out there to YOU!
So far, the best deals I have seen out there are at Overstock.com.
Overstock is loaded with Cyber Monday deals. I saw a leather ottoman for under 100 bucks, too. With free shipping. Check out the site...no one can beat their prices.
If you are buying toys (like I am), Toysrus.com has some pretty great buys, too. If electronics are you thing this year, check out walmart.com.They have extended Cyber Monday into Cyber week. The deals on their website will be available through Friday. Thanks Walmart from those of us that don't get paid till the 30th!
They have a Kodak C143 12 MP digital camera with a 3x optical zoom, 2.7 LCD viewing screen in your choice of green or blue. They are throwing in a set of rechargable batteries, a case and a wall charger for...
69 DOLLARS!!!!
That is an INCREDIBLE buy!!! And they will ship it to your local Walmart store for FREE!
And last but not least, Target.com has a lot of items on sale BUT their big savings deal is on their shipping.
They have over 900 items on the site today that are included in a great bargain:
Buy $50.00 worth of merchandise included in the deal, and your whole order SHIPS FOR FREE!!!
I'm sure there are a TON of other Cyber Monday deals out there...this is just a few to get you started!
Have fun shopping!
I decided to take some time off and recharge the ol' batteries.
I am happy to report it worked! I am refreshed, revived and ready for the Holidays!
And the kiddo had the WHOLE week off from school last week. That kinda had something to do with the week break but whatever. I can pretend it was all for me!
What a day to come back to the blog! CYBER MONDAY!!!!
I have to be honest with you. I am not participating in today's event. The hubby doesn't get paid till tonight at Midnight. Yeah, thanks a lot Delta!
But that doesn't mean I can't pass along some of those great deals out there to YOU!
So far, the best deals I have seen out there are at Overstock.com.
Overstock is loaded with Cyber Monday deals. I saw a leather ottoman for under 100 bucks, too. With free shipping. Check out the site...no one can beat their prices.
If you are buying toys (like I am), Toysrus.com has some pretty great buys, too. If electronics are you thing this year, check out walmart.com.They have extended Cyber Monday into Cyber week. The deals on their website will be available through Friday. Thanks Walmart from those of us that don't get paid till the 30th!
They have a Kodak C143 12 MP digital camera with a 3x optical zoom, 2.7 LCD viewing screen in your choice of green or blue. They are throwing in a set of rechargable batteries, a case and a wall charger for...
69 DOLLARS!!!!
That is an INCREDIBLE buy!!! And they will ship it to your local Walmart store for FREE!
And last but not least, Target.com has a lot of items on sale BUT their big savings deal is on their shipping.
They have over 900 items on the site today that are included in a great bargain:
Buy $50.00 worth of merchandise included in the deal, and your whole order SHIPS FOR FREE!!!
I'm sure there are a TON of other Cyber Monday deals out there...this is just a few to get you started!
Have fun shopping!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Blog Update: My Loot!
The consignment shopping experience was a hit!
I am happy to say my experience yesterday at Kid 2 Kid was awesome!
Here's what I sold:
1 Eddie Bauer Highchair in almost perfect condition
6 shirts...mostly long sleeve, button downs
6 pants...some jeans, some khaki, and 2 pair of cords
2 pair of shoes
1 sweater
2 puffy vest
1 jacket
My grand total for all this goodness was $53.00! ($63 if I had taken the store credit which I did not)
I decided to shop around a bit...the Kiddo needed a few items so I checked out the size 4 and 5 clothes.
And I must admit...they had some really nice stuff. Although not AS nice as I would have expected. Lots of the shirts had what I thought was too much wear...or had shrunk or faded. Which is funny because there were a few nice shirts of mine they rejected for that very reason.
But overall, I was pleased with what they had to offer. I wish they had more shoes in my son's size but I can get them elsewhere.
So what did I end up purchasing?
2 shirts (one from Gymboree and in PERFECT condition)I am happy to say my experience yesterday at Kid 2 Kid was awesome!
Here's what I sold:
1 Eddie Bauer Highchair in almost perfect condition
6 shirts...mostly long sleeve, button downs
6 pants...some jeans, some khaki, and 2 pair of cords
2 pair of shoes
1 sweater
2 puffy vest
1 jacket
My grand total for all this goodness was $53.00! ($63 if I had taken the store credit which I did not)
I decided to shop around a bit...the Kiddo needed a few items so I checked out the size 4 and 5 clothes.
And I must admit...they had some really nice stuff. Although not AS nice as I would have expected. Lots of the shirts had what I thought was too much wear...or had shrunk or faded. Which is funny because there were a few nice shirts of mine they rejected for that very reason.
But overall, I was pleased with what they had to offer. I wish they had more shoes in my son's size but I can get them elsewhere.
So what did I end up purchasing?
1 pair of black cords (perfect for Christmas photos)
3 pair of athletic pants (great for school or lounging around the house)
And my grand total for 6 items....$23.00!!!
That was truly the best part. Just the athletic pants alone at the Children's Place would have set me back $25.00 for just 2 pair!
Overall, I had a great experience. The staff was helpful, the selection was plentiful, and I was grateful! I'll definitely do it again...maybe once more before Christmas...
I need to find a sweater to match those cute black cords....
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, November 15, 2010
You Learn Something New Everyday
My little family was invited to a friend's house on Saturday to watch some football, eat, and just hang out. Oh and drink...beer and margaritas were involved.
The margaritas were fantastic...best I've ever had.
But that's not what this blog is about.
2 of the moms at the party started talking about a children's consignment shop here in my little town called Kid 2 Kid. Now I have driven past this store probably a thousand times and seen nice stuff in the window...
And never once went in.
Why? I wish I knew. They started telling me how great this store is...that they go in with just 10 bucks and walk out with 3 sweaters AND a pair of shoes.
I almost fainted right then and there. Good quality kids clothes for pennies?
Seriously...how did I not know about this? My son is 5...I missed out on 5 years of saving who knows how much money.
Needless to say, I am spending my day going through all the kiddo's clothes...he just jumped up another size so we have a truckload of stuff that no longer fits.
And I will be heading up to Kid 2 Kid this week with my loot...ready to go on a shopping frenzy!
Oh and they also take baby items such as strollers, playpens, bouncy seats, high chairs...they must be in near perfect condition and not under recall. I have an Eddie Bauer highchair that's collecting dust downstairs...I'm taking that with me, too.
Kid 2 Kid is a franchise store so you may have on in your area...here's the website if you want to check it out.
http://www.kidtokid.com/
I'll update you later this week with how I made out. I'm so excited!
Have a great week everyone!
The margaritas were fantastic...best I've ever had.
But that's not what this blog is about.
2 of the moms at the party started talking about a children's consignment shop here in my little town called Kid 2 Kid. Now I have driven past this store probably a thousand times and seen nice stuff in the window...
And never once went in.
Why? I wish I knew. They started telling me how great this store is...that they go in with just 10 bucks and walk out with 3 sweaters AND a pair of shoes.
I almost fainted right then and there. Good quality kids clothes for pennies?
Seriously...how did I not know about this? My son is 5...I missed out on 5 years of saving who knows how much money.
Needless to say, I am spending my day going through all the kiddo's clothes...he just jumped up another size so we have a truckload of stuff that no longer fits.
And I will be heading up to Kid 2 Kid this week with my loot...ready to go on a shopping frenzy!
Oh and they also take baby items such as strollers, playpens, bouncy seats, high chairs...they must be in near perfect condition and not under recall. I have an Eddie Bauer highchair that's collecting dust downstairs...I'm taking that with me, too.
Kid 2 Kid is a franchise store so you may have on in your area...here's the website if you want to check it out.
http://www.kidtokid.com/
I'll update you later this week with how I made out. I'm so excited!
Have a great week everyone!
Friday, November 12, 2010
My Super Easy Go-To Recipe
It's Friday...
You're tired...
It's been a long week and all you want to do it relax...
Cooking dinner is the last thing you feel like doing...
So what do you do? Make a big meal and curse the whole time?
Or throw a frozen pizza in the oven and then curse when you have heartburn?
Or take everyone out to dinner, wait in line, pay out the nose...and then curse on the way home for not saving your money for Christmas gifts?
Well I have your solution. Easy Peasy Homemade Chicken Strips!
These are the easiest chicken strips I have ever made...and they taste delicious! My 5 year old begs for more and eats them like he's for a hollow leg...
And the best part is they are pretty healthy, too.
So how do you make these crowd pleasing chicken strips?
Here's the recipe.
2 to 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or more if you want to feed an army...I use 2 and it's plenty for my family of 3)
1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs (You can use regular breadcrumbs but Panko is better!)
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized zip-lock bag and shake to combine.
Cut the chicken breast into strips and place on plate. Pour 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over them, coating all strips. (This is what makes the breading stick to make sure they are coated!)
Take one or two strips at a time and put them into the zip-lock bag, coating them with the mixture. Once coated, place them on a greased baking sheet. (I spray mine with a vegetable spray) Do the same with the remaining strips. You may not use all the mixture but you will use most.
Put the strips in a 400 degree oven and after 10 minutes, take them out and flip them over so both sides can brown up.
After they have been flipped, put them back in the oven and let them bake for an additional 5 minutes. (You can also put them in the broiler for a few minutes after than for additional browning but honestly, I don't think you'll need to)
You can also make a few easy dips for these strips...my favorite is an easy honey mustard. 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp mustard...stir them together and you're done.
Add some baked Ore-Ida fries on the side and you have yourself an easy, healthy dinner that your whole family will love!
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
You're tired...
It's been a long week and all you want to do it relax...
Cooking dinner is the last thing you feel like doing...
So what do you do? Make a big meal and curse the whole time?
Or throw a frozen pizza in the oven and then curse when you have heartburn?
Or take everyone out to dinner, wait in line, pay out the nose...and then curse on the way home for not saving your money for Christmas gifts?
Well I have your solution. Easy Peasy Homemade Chicken Strips!
These are the easiest chicken strips I have ever made...and they taste delicious! My 5 year old begs for more and eats them like he's for a hollow leg...
And the best part is they are pretty healthy, too.
So how do you make these crowd pleasing chicken strips?
Here's the recipe.
2 to 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or more if you want to feed an army...I use 2 and it's plenty for my family of 3)
1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs (You can use regular breadcrumbs but Panko is better!)
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized zip-lock bag and shake to combine.
Cut the chicken breast into strips and place on plate. Pour 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over them, coating all strips. (This is what makes the breading stick to make sure they are coated!)
Take one or two strips at a time and put them into the zip-lock bag, coating them with the mixture. Once coated, place them on a greased baking sheet. (I spray mine with a vegetable spray) Do the same with the remaining strips. You may not use all the mixture but you will use most.
Put the strips in a 400 degree oven and after 10 minutes, take them out and flip them over so both sides can brown up.
After they have been flipped, put them back in the oven and let them bake for an additional 5 minutes. (You can also put them in the broiler for a few minutes after than for additional browning but honestly, I don't think you'll need to)
You can also make a few easy dips for these strips...my favorite is an easy honey mustard. 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp mustard...stir them together and you're done.
Add some baked Ore-Ida fries on the side and you have yourself an easy, healthy dinner that your whole family will love!
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Countdown Begins
It's that time of year again....
It's like a monster looming just over the horizon...
And you aren't prepared...you never are...
Then all of a sudden, it's here!
THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SEASON!!!!
AHHHHHH!!!!! EVERYBODY RUN TO THE MALL!!!!
At least that's how I feel every year....and I absolutely despise it.
Let me say this: If I had a huge budget and could spend what I wanted this would not be a issue. I would wait till the first weekend in December and shop at my leisure...without a care in the world for bargains, sales or deals.
But that's not me. My budget is tight. So I've got to scour the deals out there.
And incredible holiday shopping deals can be found on only one day:
BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!!!
Doesn't it just sound scary?
Black Friday...a psycho escapes from prison and he's hunting people down...
Only on Black Friday! Buwwwhhhaaaa!
(insert scary laugh here)
And in a way I guess that's kinda true...only the psycho escaped from prison is me and I am hunting down the perfect deal.
If the thought of waking up at 3am to go shopping is a little strange to you, well I guess it is to me too. But I have done it every year for the past 5 or 6 years.
And Hubby comes with me. Yup. I married a man that will sit outside in the freezing cold and wait for a store to open.
But there has to be an electronics store involved. Even he has his requirements.
And we always get what we came for....and we're usually finished with our Christmas shopping by noon. That's my favorite part. Because then I get to relax and enjoy the rest of the season with no pressure or stress.
It's a wonderful life...pun intended!
So I have already been checking out the 2010 Black Friday ads online to see what's being offered this year. Not every retailer has released their deals yet but a few have so I'm linking you to a site that will post them all.
Here is it...
http://www.blackfriday2010.com/
And whether you're a 4am shopper or not, I wish you a happy shopping season.
I'll be posting some cute gift ideas over the next few weeks so watch for them.
Have a great Thursday!
It's like a monster looming just over the horizon...
And you aren't prepared...you never are...
Then all of a sudden, it's here!
THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SEASON!!!!
AHHHHHH!!!!! EVERYBODY RUN TO THE MALL!!!!
At least that's how I feel every year....and I absolutely despise it.
Let me say this: If I had a huge budget and could spend what I wanted this would not be a issue. I would wait till the first weekend in December and shop at my leisure...without a care in the world for bargains, sales or deals.
But that's not me. My budget is tight. So I've got to scour the deals out there.
And incredible holiday shopping deals can be found on only one day:
BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!!!
Doesn't it just sound scary?
Black Friday...a psycho escapes from prison and he's hunting people down...
Only on Black Friday! Buwwwhhhaaaa!
(insert scary laugh here)
And in a way I guess that's kinda true...only the psycho escaped from prison is me and I am hunting down the perfect deal.
If the thought of waking up at 3am to go shopping is a little strange to you, well I guess it is to me too. But I have done it every year for the past 5 or 6 years.
And Hubby comes with me. Yup. I married a man that will sit outside in the freezing cold and wait for a store to open.
But there has to be an electronics store involved. Even he has his requirements.
And we always get what we came for....and we're usually finished with our Christmas shopping by noon. That's my favorite part. Because then I get to relax and enjoy the rest of the season with no pressure or stress.
It's a wonderful life...pun intended!
So I have already been checking out the 2010 Black Friday ads online to see what's being offered this year. Not every retailer has released their deals yet but a few have so I'm linking you to a site that will post them all.
Here is it...
http://www.blackfriday2010.com/
And whether you're a 4am shopper or not, I wish you a happy shopping season.
I'll be posting some cute gift ideas over the next few weeks so watch for them.
Have a great Thursday!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Another Angel In Heaven
Have you gone years without seeing someone...
Someone who was an important person in your life at one time...
And then you find out that person has passed away...
And your present life sort of comes to a screeching halt...
And you're right back in the past...
All the memories come flooding back...
And you just break down and cry your eyes out?
It happened to me yesterday.
My best friend in grade school's mother passed away Sunday morning.
I found out through a mutual friend on Facebook late that night and then had it confirmed by my old friend on her Facebook page the next morning.
And in a split second, I was back in time, sitting in her bedroom talking about boys...
And her mom puts on a record...yes, a record...on the stereo. (I'm a child of the 80's...what can I say?)
She comes into my friend's room and tells us to come and listen to the new album she just bought. So we do and she puts it on...
The room fills with the sound of the Miami Sound Machine and she starts to dance all around the house.
Before we know it, my friend and I are dancing with her.
She was such a infectious person. I don't think I have ever met someone who at her age, was so youthful and fun-loving. She was like one of the kids and loved us all as her own.
This picture is from our 8th grand graduation party. She threw my friend a party...and included me and another friend. She wanted it to be for the 3 of us...her daughter and her 2 best friends. We had the best time...it was an amazing night.
My preteen years are filled with memories of her....she threw parties thrown for every reason imaginable. Birthdays? For sure. Christmas AND New Year's? Yup. Halloween? Oh yes...biggest of the year.
I got my first real kiss outside my friend's house at a Christmas party. If hadn't been for her mother throwing that party, I would have never had that moment with Rene Escobio. Gosh...what memories!
But her mother was so much more than a great party thrower.
She was generous and kind...always there for anything we needed.
And most importantly, she was her daughter's best friend. I don't think I have seen a mother and daughter as close. My mom was MY best friend and I loved her with every fiber in my being. And I still think their relationship was the closer than our was.
Which is why losing her is going to be so hard. She meant so much to so many...but to my old friend especially. My heart breaks when I think of what she's going through right now.
So I ask...if you are a faithful person and pray...
Please remember my friend, Raelisa Torres French.
Pray for her and her family as they deal with this tragic loss.
I know first hand how terrible it is to lose your mother. And I hate that Maria's gone.
But she is still with us and always will be.
And Raelisa now has one very special angel watching over her forever.
RIP Maria Torres...You were loved by so many and will be missed by us all.
Someone who was an important person in your life at one time...
And then you find out that person has passed away...
And your present life sort of comes to a screeching halt...
And you're right back in the past...
All the memories come flooding back...
And you just break down and cry your eyes out?
It happened to me yesterday.
My best friend in grade school's mother passed away Sunday morning.
I found out through a mutual friend on Facebook late that night and then had it confirmed by my old friend on her Facebook page the next morning.
And in a split second, I was back in time, sitting in her bedroom talking about boys...
And her mom puts on a record...yes, a record...on the stereo. (I'm a child of the 80's...what can I say?)
She comes into my friend's room and tells us to come and listen to the new album she just bought. So we do and she puts it on...
The room fills with the sound of the Miami Sound Machine and she starts to dance all around the house.
Before we know it, my friend and I are dancing with her.
She was such a infectious person. I don't think I have ever met someone who at her age, was so youthful and fun-loving. She was like one of the kids and loved us all as her own.
My preteen years are filled with memories of her....she threw parties thrown for every reason imaginable. Birthdays? For sure. Christmas AND New Year's? Yup. Halloween? Oh yes...biggest of the year.
I got my first real kiss outside my friend's house at a Christmas party. If hadn't been for her mother throwing that party, I would have never had that moment with Rene Escobio. Gosh...what memories!
But her mother was so much more than a great party thrower.
She was generous and kind...always there for anything we needed.
And most importantly, she was her daughter's best friend. I don't think I have seen a mother and daughter as close. My mom was MY best friend and I loved her with every fiber in my being. And I still think their relationship was the closer than our was.
Which is why losing her is going to be so hard. She meant so much to so many...but to my old friend especially. My heart breaks when I think of what she's going through right now.
So I ask...if you are a faithful person and pray...
Please remember my friend, Raelisa Torres French.
Pray for her and her family as they deal with this tragic loss.
I know first hand how terrible it is to lose your mother. And I hate that Maria's gone.
But she is still with us and always will be.
And Raelisa now has one very special angel watching over her forever.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Uggs...Fuggs
It's the time of year again...
The temperatures dip into the 30's and 40's and we dive for our warm Winter gear...
And everywhere you look, you see these...
Yup...for it's UGG season once again.
Don't get me wrong. I like them. I actually have 2 pairs.
So what if they are both knock off's...they look somewhat cute with a pair of jeans and they do keep your feet warm...
If you live in the North Pole.
I'm a very warm nature d person. I hate to be hot and sweaty. The only time I'm okay with it is if there is a body of water nearby and I'm in a swimsuit.
So it goes without saying I'm not one of those people that piles on the layers when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
But where I live there are a couple of weeks out of the year that require some serious bundling...and on those days, I break out my FUGGS.
And what is a FUGG exactly? Why a Fake pair of UGGS of course!
Like this morning: It was a balmy 34 degrees out when I took the Kiddo to school.
But even in that kind of weather, I can't wear them with socks. My feet would sweat like a hooker at a church picnic. Since I don't like to be hot AT ALL, this is a no-go for me.
Now don't get me wrong...I love the real UGGS.
But what really gets me about them is the price.
Can someone tell me why they cost an arm and a leg? Is it because they are imported from Australia? Or do they use a certain type of suede for the outside or some super fancy fill for the inside? Yes, the real ones do look nicer than the fake ones close up but who is really going to be on their knees checking out your feet? If you glance down at them, they don't look all that different.
Let me wrap this up by saying this. Would I ever buy a real pair of UGGS?
Sure. If I won the lotto or moved to a colder climate, I'd buy them for sure.
But for a single income family living in the North Georgia 'burbs...
My FUGGS suit me just fine.
The temperatures dip into the 30's and 40's and we dive for our warm Winter gear...
And everywhere you look, you see these...
Yup...for it's UGG season once again.
Don't get me wrong. I like them. I actually have 2 pairs.
So what if they are both knock off's...they look somewhat cute with a pair of jeans and they do keep your feet warm...
If you live in the North Pole.
I'm a very warm nature d person. I hate to be hot and sweaty. The only time I'm okay with it is if there is a body of water nearby and I'm in a swimsuit.
So it goes without saying I'm not one of those people that piles on the layers when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
But where I live there are a couple of weeks out of the year that require some serious bundling...and on those days, I break out my FUGGS.
And what is a FUGG exactly? Why a Fake pair of UGGS of course!
Like this morning: It was a balmy 34 degrees out when I took the Kiddo to school.
But even in that kind of weather, I can't wear them with socks. My feet would sweat like a hooker at a church picnic. Since I don't like to be hot AT ALL, this is a no-go for me.
Now don't get me wrong...I love the real UGGS.
But what really gets me about them is the price.
Can someone tell me why they cost an arm and a leg? Is it because they are imported from Australia? Or do they use a certain type of suede for the outside or some super fancy fill for the inside? Yes, the real ones do look nicer than the fake ones close up but who is really going to be on their knees checking out your feet? If you glance down at them, they don't look all that different.
Let me wrap this up by saying this. Would I ever buy a real pair of UGGS?
Sure. If I won the lotto or moved to a colder climate, I'd buy them for sure.
But for a single income family living in the North Georgia 'burbs...
My FUGGS suit me just fine.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Rings Come Off Tomorrow!
It's finally here. The weekend I wait all year for.
Sunday, November 7, 2010...Game 1.
Bucs versus Falcons.
Oh yeah baby!
First, I need to state the obvious...I love NFL Football. More specifically, my home team...The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I grew up with the old orange and white pom-poms hanging in my bedroom.
I even had a Ricky Bell jersey.
Who's Ricky Bell you ask? Just one of our best running backs back in the day. And for those of you that are football illiterate, a running back is the guy that runs the ball after the quarterback has handed it off.
If you don't know what a quarterback is, you should probably stop reading this blog. You might not get this one.
Anyway, I have been a Bucs fan my whole life...even when they were awful.
And they were awful for a LONG time. Decades of pure awfulness.
And then they changed the uniforms in the late 90's and they started to win.
Including the Super Bowl back in 2003.
That was an amazing year. I'd love to see them do it again in my lifetime.
When I moved to Georgia back in 97, my love for all things Bucs came with me.
And then I met my husband....a die hard Atlanta Falcons fan.
It was a match made in heaven...even though we didn't love the same team, we loved the same sport. We went to games and even became Falcon season ticket holders.
At our very first Bucs vs. Falcons game in Atlanta, you can imagine the looks we got as we walked to the Georgia Dome hand in hand, each wearing the ememy's jersey!
And in 2003, the NFL realigned the divisions and created the NFC South...
Putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons in the same division.
Which means we play each other 2 times a season.
So now twice a year, Hubby and I are enemies. Foes of the gridiron.
We joke that on those 2 Sundays, the wedding rings come off.
We are not husband and wife.
We are a Buccaneer and a Falcon. And we both want to win.
The really great thing is we usually get to go to both games.Since my family lives in Tampa (and my step-dad, sister and best friend are or have been season ticket holders) we go with them.
In 2005 when our son came along, another layer of the rivalry came into play...
Which team would the Kiddo support? He had plenty of gear for both teams.
So made a compromise. If the game was in Atlanta, he's wear his Falcons outfit.
And if the game was in Tampa, he'd wear the Buccaneer gear.
He looks so much happier when he's supporting Mommy's team...
When we moved into our home, we started inviting my family up for the games and it was great to have a houseful of Bucs fans. We would tailgate and truly make it an all day event.
So tomorrow is the first game...in Atlanta. And it's a biggie...we are tied for first place right now and both teams are playing great football.
And I'll be there in my Buccaneer gear...wearing it with pride. I'll take all the jeering with a grain of salt. It's all in good fun.
After all, you can take the Buccaneer girl out of Tampa...
But you can't take the Buccaneer out of the girl.
Go Bucs!
Sunday, November 7, 2010...Game 1.
Bucs versus Falcons.
Oh yeah baby!
First, I need to state the obvious...I love NFL Football. More specifically, my home team...The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I grew up with the old orange and white pom-poms hanging in my bedroom.
I even had a Ricky Bell jersey.
Who's Ricky Bell you ask? Just one of our best running backs back in the day. And for those of you that are football illiterate, a running back is the guy that runs the ball after the quarterback has handed it off.
If you don't know what a quarterback is, you should probably stop reading this blog. You might not get this one.
Anyway, I have been a Bucs fan my whole life...even when they were awful.
And they were awful for a LONG time. Decades of pure awfulness.
And then they changed the uniforms in the late 90's and they started to win.
Including the Super Bowl back in 2003.
That was an amazing year. I'd love to see them do it again in my lifetime.
When I moved to Georgia back in 97, my love for all things Bucs came with me.
And then I met my husband....a die hard Atlanta Falcons fan.
It was a match made in heaven...even though we didn't love the same team, we loved the same sport. We went to games and even became Falcon season ticket holders.
At our very first Bucs vs. Falcons game in Atlanta, you can imagine the looks we got as we walked to the Georgia Dome hand in hand, each wearing the ememy's jersey!
And in 2003, the NFL realigned the divisions and created the NFC South...
Putting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons in the same division.
Which means we play each other 2 times a season.
So now twice a year, Hubby and I are enemies. Foes of the gridiron.
We joke that on those 2 Sundays, the wedding rings come off.
We are not husband and wife.
We are a Buccaneer and a Falcon. And we both want to win.
The really great thing is we usually get to go to both games.Since my family lives in Tampa (and my step-dad, sister and best friend are or have been season ticket holders) we go with them.
In 2005 when our son came along, another layer of the rivalry came into play...
Which team would the Kiddo support? He had plenty of gear for both teams.
So made a compromise. If the game was in Atlanta, he's wear his Falcons outfit.
And if the game was in Tampa, he'd wear the Buccaneer gear.
He looks so much happier when he's supporting Mommy's team...
When we moved into our home, we started inviting my family up for the games and it was great to have a houseful of Bucs fans. We would tailgate and truly make it an all day event.
So tomorrow is the first game...in Atlanta. And it's a biggie...we are tied for first place right now and both teams are playing great football.
And I'll be there in my Buccaneer gear...wearing it with pride. I'll take all the jeering with a grain of salt. It's all in good fun.
After all, you can take the Buccaneer girl out of Tampa...
But you can't take the Buccaneer out of the girl.
Go Bucs!
Friday, November 5, 2010
I need to vent a little bit...
Today's topic is something that has been a thorn in my side since moving to Georgia over 13 years ago.
The lack of reflectors on Georgia roads.
I know that sounds totally silly but let me explain.
Road reflectors.
They are so small, so insignificant.
But they will save your life if you are driving on a wet, country road late at night.
I grew up in Tampa. Just outside the city limits so lets just say I'm not used to rural driving conditions. All the streets I drove back home were wide, well lit and usually populated with other cars.
And the major streets all had reflectors everywhere. Seeing the road was NEVER an issue. Plus there are no hills and for the most part no curved roads there.
Which is the exact opposite of North Georgia roads.
When I first moved to the big city in 1997, I was shocked how few roads had reflectors. Even big streets...Peachtree Street for example.
Everyone knows about Peachtree Street. It's like Atlanta's major street, running from Downtown to Buckhead.
And it has no reflectors.
6 lanes once you get to the Midtown area (3 in each direction), curving all over the place, tons of traffic, and when it's wet and dark, you can't see where the hell you're going.
And don't get me started on the side streets. I can't tell you how many times I almost ran off Peachtree Battle (yes, yet another Peachtree in Atlanta) at night when I first moved there.
Now I live in the suburbs and unfortunately it's no better out here.
The road I take to get my kiddo to school is narrow and curvy...
And it doesn't have a single reflector anywhere.
Tuesday morning, I took the kiddo to school like normal...
It was pitch black dark and raining. I can't tell you how many times people were about to run off the road cause no one could see where the road was!
I just don't get this. Are reflectors that expensive? Can no city budget support putting one of these little babies down about every 20 feet or so? I haven't figured out why Georgians think they aren't important.
While I was researching for this, I stumbled upon this picture:
This is such a beautiful sight...I almost cheered out loud when I saw this.
It seems some genius has invented solar reflectors. They have LED lights so they are super bright and run off a tiny super battery.
Which kinda made me a little sad. If my cheap county can't swing for the el cheapo reflectors, they sure as heck aren't going to pay for something that comes with a battery that will eventually have to be replaced.
So until someone deems it necessary, I will drive my curvy country roads with caution.
And if you are stuck behind me, sorry...you just have to deal with the city girl trying to not run off the road!
Have a great weekend!
The lack of reflectors on Georgia roads.
I know that sounds totally silly but let me explain.
Road reflectors.
They are so small, so insignificant.
But they will save your life if you are driving on a wet, country road late at night.
I grew up in Tampa. Just outside the city limits so lets just say I'm not used to rural driving conditions. All the streets I drove back home were wide, well lit and usually populated with other cars.
And the major streets all had reflectors everywhere. Seeing the road was NEVER an issue. Plus there are no hills and for the most part no curved roads there.
Which is the exact opposite of North Georgia roads.
When I first moved to the big city in 1997, I was shocked how few roads had reflectors. Even big streets...Peachtree Street for example.
Everyone knows about Peachtree Street. It's like Atlanta's major street, running from Downtown to Buckhead.
And it has no reflectors.
6 lanes once you get to the Midtown area (3 in each direction), curving all over the place, tons of traffic, and when it's wet and dark, you can't see where the hell you're going.
And don't get me started on the side streets. I can't tell you how many times I almost ran off Peachtree Battle (yes, yet another Peachtree in Atlanta) at night when I first moved there.
Now I live in the suburbs and unfortunately it's no better out here.
The road I take to get my kiddo to school is narrow and curvy...
And it doesn't have a single reflector anywhere.
Tuesday morning, I took the kiddo to school like normal...
It was pitch black dark and raining. I can't tell you how many times people were about to run off the road cause no one could see where the road was!
I just don't get this. Are reflectors that expensive? Can no city budget support putting one of these little babies down about every 20 feet or so? I haven't figured out why Georgians think they aren't important.
While I was researching for this, I stumbled upon this picture:
It seems some genius has invented solar reflectors. They have LED lights so they are super bright and run off a tiny super battery.
Which kinda made me a little sad. If my cheap county can't swing for the el cheapo reflectors, they sure as heck aren't going to pay for something that comes with a battery that will eventually have to be replaced.
So until someone deems it necessary, I will drive my curvy country roads with caution.
And if you are stuck behind me, sorry...you just have to deal with the city girl trying to not run off the road!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
When life gets in the way...
I have been a bad blogger.
I didn't post yesterday. Dang! Shoot! Crud!
So today I was going to get back on the stick...and I had my blog topic all lined up.
And then I got a phone call from my son's school nurse.
Don't those phone calls make your heart stop for just a split second? I see his elementary school name on the caller ID and I have a mini freak-out.
It seems my little boy has a bite on his back. It's big and red, it's itching and it's NASTY.
The nurse seems to think it's a spider bite so I call his doctor and they want to see him immediately. We have an appointment this morning.
So my blog topic is put off at least one more day...
Unless something happens tomorrow!
Hope your week has been great so far!
I didn't post yesterday. Dang! Shoot! Crud!
So today I was going to get back on the stick...and I had my blog topic all lined up.
And then I got a phone call from my son's school nurse.
Don't those phone calls make your heart stop for just a split second? I see his elementary school name on the caller ID and I have a mini freak-out.
It seems my little boy has a bite on his back. It's big and red, it's itching and it's NASTY.
The nurse seems to think it's a spider bite so I call his doctor and they want to see him immediately. We have an appointment this morning.
So my blog topic is put off at least one more day...
Unless something happens tomorrow!
Hope your week has been great so far!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Block the Vote!
It's Tuesday, November 2, 2010...
And for those of you that have been living under a rock for the past few months, it's ELECTION DAY in the good ol' U.S. of A.
Yes, we are all no doubt sick of the ads, the phone calls, the commercials...
But it still doesn't take away from the fact that today is an important day.
The right to vote is something we should never take for granted...especially if you're a woman. In fact, we've only had this right for less than 100 years.
If you want to blow your mind, click this link and look at the time line of international woman's suffrage...it's kinda scary this right is so new for so many women around the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_suffrage
So do your duty as an American and VOTE VOTE VOTE!
So now that my public service announcement is out of the way, I'd like to tell you what else I am celebrating today.
Today is my 2 year Blockversary.
And what is a Blockversary you ask? Today has been 2 years since my very first New Kids on the Block reunion show, of course!
I'm a Blockhead. There. I said it. I'm a 36 year old woman and I still love Jordan, Jon, Joe, Danny, and Donnie.
I was a huge fan 20 years ago when I was a 16 year old kid, buying albums, going to concerts and wallpapering my room with posters...I shared a room with my sister back then and we divided the walls up like this:
Wall 1-Jordan (my favorite...back then and today too)
Wall 2-Donnie (my sister's favorite)
and walls 3 and 4-group pics
The crazy thing is 20 years later, they look better than they did back then.
Why is it men age so well? It's just not fair.
When they announced the reunion tour, my sister and I were thrilled. It was like we were sixteen and twenty all over again. They announced a concert in Tampa and we bought our tickets as soon as they went on sale.
Just like the old days....floor seats. With our two high school best friends going with us.
We had an incredible time. The guys were better entertainers now then they were then.
And something amazing happened. All those screaming little girls grew up. And they were ready to profess their love for the New Kids...something they had been teased and ridiculed for back in the day. These women didn't care what people thought about them anymore. And the community on the NKOTB.com website took off.
I frequented the site at first to look at concert photos. While I did have floor seats, they weren't very good so I admired shots from those towards the front. And then I found a thread called Fashion Disasters.
It was full of snarky women who could laugh at both their own bad 80's fashion and the guys....after all, the New Kids weren't exactly the best dressers the first time around!
These women quickly became my friends and we began to meet up all across the country for New Kids concerts. We formed incredible friendships because of our mutual affection for 5 men from Boston.
Some of the women I met on these boards have become my best friends and I love them dearly. So today I'm actually celebrating the anniversary of what brought me to a new place in my life. Surrounded by friends that mean the world to me.
The November 2 Tampa concert was the first of many. I saw the New Kids on the Block in Denver, Orlando (where me and my sister went backstage and FINALLY met the guys!), Portland Maine, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. (Remember my husband works for an airline so I fly for free...we are not rich by any means!)
I treasure these memories...how many of us can say we got to relive our teenage years well into our thirties?
Have a great Tuesday!
And for those of you that have been living under a rock for the past few months, it's ELECTION DAY in the good ol' U.S. of A.
Yes, we are all no doubt sick of the ads, the phone calls, the commercials...
But it still doesn't take away from the fact that today is an important day.
The right to vote is something we should never take for granted...especially if you're a woman. In fact, we've only had this right for less than 100 years.
If you want to blow your mind, click this link and look at the time line of international woman's suffrage...it's kinda scary this right is so new for so many women around the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_suffrage
So do your duty as an American and VOTE VOTE VOTE!
So now that my public service announcement is out of the way, I'd like to tell you what else I am celebrating today.
Today is my 2 year Blockversary.
And what is a Blockversary you ask? Today has been 2 years since my very first New Kids on the Block reunion show, of course!
I'm a Blockhead. There. I said it. I'm a 36 year old woman and I still love Jordan, Jon, Joe, Danny, and Donnie.
I was a huge fan 20 years ago when I was a 16 year old kid, buying albums, going to concerts and wallpapering my room with posters...I shared a room with my sister back then and we divided the walls up like this:
Wall 1-Jordan (my favorite...back then and today too)
Wall 2-Donnie (my sister's favorite)
and walls 3 and 4-group pics
The crazy thing is 20 years later, they look better than they did back then.
Why is it men age so well? It's just not fair.
When they announced the reunion tour, my sister and I were thrilled. It was like we were sixteen and twenty all over again. They announced a concert in Tampa and we bought our tickets as soon as they went on sale.
Just like the old days....floor seats. With our two high school best friends going with us.
We had an incredible time. The guys were better entertainers now then they were then.
And something amazing happened. All those screaming little girls grew up. And they were ready to profess their love for the New Kids...something they had been teased and ridiculed for back in the day. These women didn't care what people thought about them anymore. And the community on the NKOTB.com website took off.
I frequented the site at first to look at concert photos. While I did have floor seats, they weren't very good so I admired shots from those towards the front. And then I found a thread called Fashion Disasters.
It was full of snarky women who could laugh at both their own bad 80's fashion and the guys....after all, the New Kids weren't exactly the best dressers the first time around!
These women quickly became my friends and we began to meet up all across the country for New Kids concerts. We formed incredible friendships because of our mutual affection for 5 men from Boston.
Some of the women I met on these boards have become my best friends and I love them dearly. So today I'm actually celebrating the anniversary of what brought me to a new place in my life. Surrounded by friends that mean the world to me.
The November 2 Tampa concert was the first of many. I saw the New Kids on the Block in Denver, Orlando (where me and my sister went backstage and FINALLY met the guys!), Portland Maine, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. (Remember my husband works for an airline so I fly for free...we are not rich by any means!)
I treasure these memories...how many of us can say we got to relive our teenage years well into our thirties?
Have a great Tuesday!
Monday, November 1, 2010
What to Expect When You Wear a Box for Halloween...
Halloween 2010 is in the books.
And after last night, I think it moved into first place in my kiddo's holiday list.
He tricked. He treated. He ate candy.
He had an absolute blast.
I, however, realized a costume made from a box is a rather big pain in the butt.
One of our local churches has a Trunk or Treat festival which we went to last night.
I tried to put the box on my son and at first he wasn't having it.
All the construction I did to put this thing together and he wasn't going to wear it?
I. Don't. Think. So.
He wore it...and he tried to take it off every 5 minutes.
So on we went to my neighborhood for some good ol' fashioned trick or treating.
We dropped the rear seat in the van and left the hatch up so we could jump in and out. This was Hubby's strategy, allowing us to hit the maximum number of houses possible...and it worked like a charm!
But every time we got out, he had to put his costume on.
And every time we got back in, he had to take it off.
And of course, with all this putting on and taking off, the box started losing pieces. We lost the tail, one wing support, and back top flap became unglued.
But what do you expect from a cardboard costume?
As you can imagine, wearing this costume quickly became a large pain in the posterior. After about 10 houses, he wasn't havin' it anymore. He trick or treated in his hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, and sneakers for the rest of the night.
And we changed his costume from an airplane to a punk kid...
or a boxer/runner...
Or Justin Bieber.
But the bottom line is he had a great time and while the costume was a hit when he wore it, it's the last time I'll made a cardboard box into an airplane.
Hope your Halloween was wonderful! Have a great week!
And after last night, I think it moved into first place in my kiddo's holiday list.
He tricked. He treated. He ate candy.
He had an absolute blast.
One of our local churches has a Trunk or Treat festival which we went to last night.
I tried to put the box on my son and at first he wasn't having it.
All the construction I did to put this thing together and he wasn't going to wear it?
I. Don't. Think. So.
He wore it...and he tried to take it off every 5 minutes.
So on we went to my neighborhood for some good ol' fashioned trick or treating.
We dropped the rear seat in the van and left the hatch up so we could jump in and out. This was Hubby's strategy, allowing us to hit the maximum number of houses possible...and it worked like a charm!
But every time we got out, he had to put his costume on.
And every time we got back in, he had to take it off.
And of course, with all this putting on and taking off, the box started losing pieces. We lost the tail, one wing support, and back top flap became unglued.
But what do you expect from a cardboard costume?
As you can imagine, wearing this costume quickly became a large pain in the posterior. After about 10 houses, he wasn't havin' it anymore. He trick or treated in his hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, and sneakers for the rest of the night.
And we changed his costume from an airplane to a punk kid...
or a boxer/runner...
Or Justin Bieber.
But the bottom line is he had a great time and while the costume was a hit when he wore it, it's the last time I'll made a cardboard box into an airplane.
Hope your Halloween was wonderful! Have a great week!
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