XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL
If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.
This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking to time to support our military!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Buzz
Confession time...I love the book series "Twilight". Love it. From the moment I picked it up off the sofa where it my oldest had shoved it in between seat cushions (more convenient then taking it back to her bedroom). I'm a sucker for a good love story, and I am jello for a good vamp-love story. And while this series is a love story, there is so much more going on. It's not complex writing by any means, but then again, I find nothing pleasurable in reading something that makes my brain hurt.
So I became a "Twilight Mom". I'm not proud of it, but I also realize I'm over the age of 25 and therefore cannot run around in "Team Edward" t-shirts. I pledge my allegiance to Edward silently. I camped out at the last two book releases and got the hardback editions as soon as they were available (I never pay for hardback...too expensive). When my daughter was out of town visiting her father, I begged her best friend to go with me to the midnight release of "Breaking Dawn" so (a) I wouldn't have to hang out for hours by myself and (b) so I wouldn't look like the one mom who doesn't know that she is, in fact, twenty years older than those she's trying to impress. We are even planning a girls weekend in Forks, although I am not so obsessed that I knew the exact weekend they were reenacting the prom scene from the first book, so I kinda blew that one.
Now to the movie, Twilight. It was....eh..... Nothing great. It actually pains me to watch Kristen Stewart play Bella. She's so...awkward as my daughter would say. I think she puts so much energy into being angst-ridden that she just ends up looking constipated most of the time.
Hey Bella, have a pepto. Please.
Rob Pattinson does Edward justice. Not a big fan of Taylor Lautner either but his role in Twilight was minimal, so I really didn't care.
I can't bring myself to say they are "hot" because it makes me feel old. And dirty.
A cougar.
Which brings me to New Moon, the 2nd installment that was released last night. At 12:01 a.m. If you've not heard of it, my only question would be "what's the name of the galaxy in which you live?"
And yes, we were there. In the midst of 500 teens. And I was sober. Painfully. At least I had my daughter to entertain me. Oh wait -she's got her IPOD on. I made her put that away. So then the texting started. I will admit though - I was impressed that she snuck a shot of the "super hot guy" standing in front of me without him or I seeing it, and sent it to her best friend. Creepy, yes..but she has got mad skills...
And she wanted to be there. At midnight. With me. So that was kind of cool.
The movie? It was fantastic. Waaaay better than the first one. Granted, I was having to splash my Diet Coke into my eyeballs to keep them open but it was good. And my neck hurt from being three rows away from the screen, but it was good. And my rear hurt from sitting for two hours after sitting all day. But yes, it was good.
And I let her stay home from school the next day. Even though I went to work.
And the best part??? She wanted to be there. With me. And wants to go see it again. With me.
Definitely worth it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Life's Lyrics
As some of you know, I am a scrapbooker. Not by trade, unfortunately (I am amazed how those people have turned their passion into a money maker) but I think if I had to do it as a job, maybe I would lose the passion for it...maybe...
Anyway, back to my brain flow...for one of the classes I took I had to choose 12 songs that reflected parts of my life. Seems easy, right? Take a few minutes to think about it. Which songs bring back memories for you? Can a simple melody remind you of a happy time, or even a sad time? Once I started thinking about it, I couldn't stop. I was having way too much fun and there were only so many pages available in my project. So I limited myself to Beatles songs (go figure) and made a list of my favorites. Then I matched up the pictures to the songs, either by titles or lyrics. Granted, I haven't finished the album yet but it's a work in progress.
But I wanted to share the other songs that mean so much to my life, and why:
"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" - by Journey. When I was growing up, after my parents' divorced, my mom was rediscovering her youth, we'll say. And this song was one of her party themes. I can remember sitting in the backseat of her Datsun 210, with all of our arms hanging out the window, weaving to the beat of the music.
"Mercedes Benz" - by Janis Joplin. Again, reminds me of my mom. Any Janis, actually. One of my favorite conversations with her.
Me, about 13 yrs old, "Mom, where where you when John Kennedy died?"
Mom " In school. Devastated".
Me, "And where were you when Elvis died?"
Mom, "Living on base in Ft. Cambell, chasing you and your sister around".
Me, "And when Janis died?"
Mom, "Don't remember. Probably passed out somewhere with a case of beer and a fifth of Jack". If you knew my mom, you'd be laughing your asses off right now because that is SO her.
"Rock Lobster" - the B52s. It was my introduction into Alternative music.
"Add it Up" - Violent Femmes. Same...I was shocked by the language but loved the song. These two songs were the "gateways" into an alternative lifestyle, which at the time meant that my hair was dyed black, I wore black (always) and listened to weird music. It did not mean that I was a lesbian as the term connotes today. I was the predecessor to EMO (at least that's what my kid tells me).
"Kick" by INXS. It was the most popular album at the time I had my first real boyfriend. I can remember him changing the lyrics to "Now slide over here, and give me a beer"...
The Globe Sessions - the ENTIRE album by Sheryl Crow. The first time my heart was broken as an adult. I fell to pieces when the man I thought I was going to marry dumped me. Long story but turned out that he already had a wife. Couldn't have told me that in the 18 months we dated???
"Cruisin'" - Smokey Robinson. I hear this song and sing as loud as I can for the first few bars. Then my emotions win out and I start to tear up because it makes my think of my husband, and how much I love him. While there are many songs out there that remind me of him, including the songs played at our wedding, this is the one that gets me in the gut. Or heart, as it were...
"Here Comes my Girl " - Tom Petty. Makes me think of my baby. My oldest baby. For many years, it was just her and I. She was my reason for getting through each day, taking crappy jobs with crappy pay, just to get by. She was my girl. And she still is. Except now she's taller than me.
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" - Mitch Miller. My grandparents played this album over and over to my sister and I, every summer when we'd come out to visit. And we'd all sing together. Loudly. They've both been gone for several years now, but I still remember these days. And I still remember the words. All of them.
I could keep going on and on. Music is such an important part of my life. No, I don't play an instrument and can't read a note but it evokes such strong feelings in me, both good and bad. It reminds me that I woke up today and that is beautiful. And it is everywhere, in the wind, the little critters talking to each other. And that is beautiful. And it reminds me that to someone, I am beautiful. Even if that someone is me.
Go home and turn on your cd player or your ipod, find your song, crank it up, and DANCE YOUR ASS off. You'll thank me tomorrow!
Anyway, back to my brain flow...for one of the classes I took I had to choose 12 songs that reflected parts of my life. Seems easy, right? Take a few minutes to think about it. Which songs bring back memories for you? Can a simple melody remind you of a happy time, or even a sad time? Once I started thinking about it, I couldn't stop. I was having way too much fun and there were only so many pages available in my project. So I limited myself to Beatles songs (go figure) and made a list of my favorites. Then I matched up the pictures to the songs, either by titles or lyrics. Granted, I haven't finished the album yet but it's a work in progress.
But I wanted to share the other songs that mean so much to my life, and why:
"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" - by Journey. When I was growing up, after my parents' divorced, my mom was rediscovering her youth, we'll say. And this song was one of her party themes. I can remember sitting in the backseat of her Datsun 210, with all of our arms hanging out the window, weaving to the beat of the music.
"Mercedes Benz" - by Janis Joplin. Again, reminds me of my mom. Any Janis, actually. One of my favorite conversations with her.
Me, about 13 yrs old, "Mom, where where you when John Kennedy died?"
Mom " In school. Devastated".
Me, "And where were you when Elvis died?"
Mom, "Living on base in Ft. Cambell, chasing you and your sister around".
Me, "And when Janis died?"
Mom, "Don't remember. Probably passed out somewhere with a case of beer and a fifth of Jack". If you knew my mom, you'd be laughing your asses off right now because that is SO her.
"Rock Lobster" - the B52s. It was my introduction into Alternative music.
"Add it Up" - Violent Femmes. Same...I was shocked by the language but loved the song. These two songs were the "gateways" into an alternative lifestyle, which at the time meant that my hair was dyed black, I wore black (always) and listened to weird music. It did not mean that I was a lesbian as the term connotes today. I was the predecessor to EMO (at least that's what my kid tells me).
"Kick" by INXS. It was the most popular album at the time I had my first real boyfriend. I can remember him changing the lyrics to "Now slide over here, and give me a beer"...
The Globe Sessions - the ENTIRE album by Sheryl Crow. The first time my heart was broken as an adult. I fell to pieces when the man I thought I was going to marry dumped me. Long story but turned out that he already had a wife. Couldn't have told me that in the 18 months we dated???
"Cruisin'" - Smokey Robinson. I hear this song and sing as loud as I can for the first few bars. Then my emotions win out and I start to tear up because it makes my think of my husband, and how much I love him. While there are many songs out there that remind me of him, including the songs played at our wedding, this is the one that gets me in the gut. Or heart, as it were...
"Here Comes my Girl " - Tom Petty. Makes me think of my baby. My oldest baby. For many years, it was just her and I. She was my reason for getting through each day, taking crappy jobs with crappy pay, just to get by. She was my girl. And she still is. Except now she's taller than me.
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" - Mitch Miller. My grandparents played this album over and over to my sister and I, every summer when we'd come out to visit. And we'd all sing together. Loudly. They've both been gone for several years now, but I still remember these days. And I still remember the words. All of them.
I could keep going on and on. Music is such an important part of my life. No, I don't play an instrument and can't read a note but it evokes such strong feelings in me, both good and bad. It reminds me that I woke up today and that is beautiful. And it is everywhere, in the wind, the little critters talking to each other. And that is beautiful. And it reminds me that to someone, I am beautiful. Even if that someone is me.
Go home and turn on your cd player or your ipod, find your song, crank it up, and DANCE YOUR ASS off. You'll thank me tomorrow!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Flat Stanley
Have any of you ever heard of Flat Stanley?
Well, if not, let me be the first to introduce you.
Flat Stanley gets around. A "Renaissance Man", if you will. He is a world traveler, fairly independent and super low maintenance. The only negative about Flat Stanley is that he expects everyone else to fund his travels and doesn't do anything to raise his own money. He relies on the hospitality of others to get him from one place to the next. Amazingly, it's worked for him.
The guy's got style.
So, friends, without further ado,
FLAT STANLEY.
P.S. If he comes your way be sure to tell him I said "hi!".
Well, if not, let me be the first to introduce you.
Flat Stanley gets around. A "Renaissance Man", if you will. He is a world traveler, fairly independent and super low maintenance. The only negative about Flat Stanley is that he expects everyone else to fund his travels and doesn't do anything to raise his own money. He relies on the hospitality of others to get him from one place to the next. Amazingly, it's worked for him.
The guy's got style.
So, friends, without further ado,
FLAT STANLEY.
P.S. If he comes your way be sure to tell him I said "hi!".
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
"Desmond has a barrow in the marketplace
Molly is a singer in a band..."
Yes, dear bloggers, above is the opening line to one of my most favorite Beatles songs. My oldest daughter and I would sing it together when she was little, scream it actually, at the top of our lungs. Even to this day, I hear the first few notes and just feel awashed with...happiness.
I think that's why I love this song. It's just pure, unadulterated happiness.
"Desmond says to Molly 'Girl, I like your face'
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand:
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Life goes oooooooooon, la la la la Life goes on"
How true is that? In most situations, life really does go on. Even when it may feel like your entire world is crumbling around you, the reality is that you will get through this. Eventually. Maybe one should just do like John and Paul did and make up some non-sensical word that just feels good. Then, put that feeling to words and music.
And what could be better than a love story with a happy ending? Desmond and Molly have a bunch of kids, and live happily ever after. It's just a warm fuzzy, don'tcha think?
Happy Thursday everyone!
Molly is a singer in a band..."
Yes, dear bloggers, above is the opening line to one of my most favorite Beatles songs. My oldest daughter and I would sing it together when she was little, scream it actually, at the top of our lungs. Even to this day, I hear the first few notes and just feel awashed with...happiness.
I think that's why I love this song. It's just pure, unadulterated happiness.
"Desmond says to Molly 'Girl, I like your face'
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand:
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Life goes oooooooooon, la la la la Life goes on"
How true is that? In most situations, life really does go on. Even when it may feel like your entire world is crumbling around you, the reality is that you will get through this. Eventually. Maybe one should just do like John and Paul did and make up some non-sensical word that just feels good. Then, put that feeling to words and music.
And what could be better than a love story with a happy ending? Desmond and Molly have a bunch of kids, and live happily ever after. It's just a warm fuzzy, don'tcha think?
Happy Thursday everyone!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Family Traditions
Growing up, we didn't have many family traditions. Actually, now that I am writing, none come to mind. Except one: New Years Eve, my mom would let my sister and I go out on the back porch, banging spoons and pans at midnight to ring in the new year. I bet our neighbors LOVED us. Other than that...drawing a blank.
Maybe that's why it is so important for my that my girls know tradition. Some activity that we do as a family year after year, no matter the weather, our moods, our schedule. Life will not get in the way of our traditions, dammit! With my girls so far apart in age, and me having matured greatly (okay, at least a smidgen) between the first and the second, I feel that it is super important to establish traditions.
With the holidays quickly approaching, our traditions are out in front. The big neon sign that tells me fall is here? Picking out our pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. We've gone to the same one three years in a row. And somehow, it still takes us FOREVER to find our way through the corn maze. What is that all about? Maybe it's psychological and has some underlying meaning of which I am unaware. Maybe it's just that I am directionally challenged. Who knows?
Tradition.
I don't think it should take over an hour to complete the "easy" maze. If so, how long does it take to wind your way through the "hard" maze? Do you have to pack c-rations and a sleeping bag? Sheeesh...
Tradition.
Both girls pick a pumpkin. Generally, my little one wants a small pumpkin and my big one just wants to get the hell out of there. As quickly as possible. With the hope that no one she knows will see her.
For the last few years, we've gotten lucky with the weather. In Seattle that is no small feat. Not this year. The torrential downpours of yesterday caused quite the mudslides in the cornmaze. Good thing I wore layers. Oh wait - I was so busy getting everyone else's stuff together, I forgot my own jacket.
Tradition.
Maybe that's why it is so important for my that my girls know tradition. Some activity that we do as a family year after year, no matter the weather, our moods, our schedule. Life will not get in the way of our traditions, dammit! With my girls so far apart in age, and me having matured greatly (okay, at least a smidgen) between the first and the second, I feel that it is super important to establish traditions.
With the holidays quickly approaching, our traditions are out in front. The big neon sign that tells me fall is here? Picking out our pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. We've gone to the same one three years in a row. And somehow, it still takes us FOREVER to find our way through the corn maze. What is that all about? Maybe it's psychological and has some underlying meaning of which I am unaware. Maybe it's just that I am directionally challenged. Who knows?Tradition.
I don't think it should take over an hour to complete the "easy" maze. If so, how long does it take to wind your way through the "hard" maze? Do you have to pack c-rations and a sleeping bag? Sheeesh...
Tradition.
Both girls pick a pumpkin. Generally, my little one wants a small pumpkin and my big one just wants to get the hell out of there. As quickly as possible. With the hope that no one she knows will see her.
For the last few years, we've gotten lucky with the weather. In Seattle that is no small feat. Not this year. The torrential downpours of yesterday caused quite the mudslides in the cornmaze. Good thing I wore layers. Oh wait - I was so busy getting everyone else's stuff together, I forgot my own jacket.
Tradition.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Whatever...
I am amazed at how long it takes for the weekend to actually arrive and then how quickly it seems to fly past me. Granted, this weekend was a little more hectic than normal. My oldest had her first homecoming dance and my youngest was my shadow all weekend - and no I am NOT exaggerating.
Throw into the mix two extra teenagers and another 4 year old for a few hours.
Oh, and did I mention that my husband was out of town for the weekend? On my suggestion.
And now a Monday morning looms in my near future, the cycle of the week right back at the beginning.
I had great plans for the weekend. I was going to be supermom. "Sure, send your kids over. The more the merrier." I would make sure that the older girls got dressed in time, shaved their legs, had their hair done and brows waxed. I wouldn't let them wear too much makeup and would make sure to get them where they needed to be. Of course, my girls were all in their dresses at 2:00. For a 5:30 photography time. Whatever...
I was going to make a Costco run. Perhaps clean up the house a bit and do some laundry. I was even thinking I'd have time to work on the thank-you cards from my youngest's birthday...three weeks ago. Because I just cannot bring myself to send store bought cards. Not when I have it all right there at my fingertips and actually enjoy the feeling of giving something homemade. I just can't.
I actually got the layout designed. Which was a big step. And simplicity is winning out. But they will appreciate the fact that I took the time not only to say thanks but to do it with cards straight from the heart. Right?
My bestie needed me to watch her dd while they ran an important errand. "Sure, bring her over. She can keep my youngest company and maybe the three older ones will watch them for an hour or so." She was the easier of the two. Mine grew horns and a tail. For the entire weekend. I am not so sure they have disappeared either. Seriously.
Now that I think about, Monday morning might not be so bad.
Whatever.
Throw into the mix two extra teenagers and another 4 year old for a few hours.
Oh, and did I mention that my husband was out of town for the weekend? On my suggestion.
And now a Monday morning looms in my near future, the cycle of the week right back at the beginning.
I had great plans for the weekend. I was going to be supermom. "Sure, send your kids over. The more the merrier." I would make sure that the older girls got dressed in time, shaved their legs, had their hair done and brows waxed. I wouldn't let them wear too much makeup and would make sure to get them where they needed to be. Of course, my girls were all in their dresses at 2:00. For a 5:30 photography time. Whatever...
I was going to make a Costco run. Perhaps clean up the house a bit and do some laundry. I was even thinking I'd have time to work on the thank-you cards from my youngest's birthday...three weeks ago. Because I just cannot bring myself to send store bought cards. Not when I have it all right there at my fingertips and actually enjoy the feeling of giving something homemade. I just can't.
Whatever...
I actually got the layout designed. Which was a big step. And simplicity is winning out. But they will appreciate the fact that I took the time not only to say thanks but to do it with cards straight from the heart. Right?
My bestie needed me to watch her dd while they ran an important errand. "Sure, bring her over. She can keep my youngest company and maybe the three older ones will watch them for an hour or so." She was the easier of the two. Mine grew horns and a tail. For the entire weekend. I am not so sure they have disappeared either. Seriously.
Now that I think about, Monday morning might not be so bad.
Whatever.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
My Tragic Flaw
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to actually say the word "NO" to someone? Especially if it's someone for whom you have a tender spot? My best and worst trait is that I always want to help. Always. It doesn't matter if I have a deadline at work, dinner to cook, homework to check, lunches to pack...I will still somehow get myself stuck in the middle of a party or a birthday. And it's usually for someone that I barely know. As soon as I hear one of the trigger words (and believe me, there are too many too list ) it's like I go into a trance-like state and start spewing out ideas and volunteering myself to implement them. And then I shake it off and realize what I've done. The worst part...I've gotten better over the last few years. My husband just shakes his head. What else can he do? It's like I need Parties Anonymous...lolol
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A little note to say hi
Welcome to the 22nd Century!!
Yes, I know we're still in the 21st century. But come on...let me have my moment. It's usually my DH that geeks out over technology. Not me. And I figured out how to do this all on my own. Like a big girl!
It's my hope that this will become a family blog, at least with those that are old enough to write. I'm pretty sure my DH will write about...soccer and....soccer. My oldest DD - boys and bands (not necessarily in that order). School might fall in there somewhere, who knows. Me? I'm a talker - anyone who knows me will tell you that. I can talk about anything, but my loves are my family and my crafting. Oh and music. Did you get the title of the blog - clue #1 to me: I'm a HUGE Beatles fanatic. Just wait until I get the Beatles Rock Band for xmas...lolol
It's my hope that this will become a family blog, at least with those that are old enough to write. I'm pretty sure my DH will write about...soccer and....soccer. My oldest DD - boys and bands (not necessarily in that order). School might fall in there somewhere, who knows. Me? I'm a talker - anyone who knows me will tell you that. I can talk about anything, but my loves are my family and my crafting. Oh and music. Did you get the title of the blog - clue #1 to me: I'm a HUGE Beatles fanatic. Just wait until I get the Beatles Rock Band for xmas...lolol
Here's to the start of a fun and hopefully entertaining acquaintance with you all!!
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