All I Want For Christmas...

.... is my blogging mojo back!

OK, fine... and an ipad. Oh, and some new pj's! And bookstore gift cards. But that's it.  Oh wait.. maybe some jewelry? But seriously, I'd be happy with just some blog inspiration. (but hey, if you're heading to the mall, I could always use some new boots. A nice chunky heeled gray pair..but really, don't go out of your way. By the way, I'm a size 8 1/2. I hear Aldo has a good sale going on..) But, honestly, don't go to any trouble.


We've made some major changes around here lately, so I guess that makes good blog post material, right? Well, I don't know how interesting the changes are to anyone but us, but I'm gonna tell ya about them anyway. Unless of course, you'd rather I go on with my rambling Christmas wish list??


The biggest development in the past month or so has been with our daughter. We took her out of public school a few weeks ago.  She is now attending an amazing, much smaller private christian school. We are over-the-moon happy with this decision. I have seen such a change in Roslyn in just a few short weeks. It's amazing. She is happy. She actually WANTS to go to school. This, from a kid who used to cry every morning before school. She loves gym class now, when before she was always "sick" on gym class day. (I think she was being teased, but she won't tell me.) Now, she can't wait until she's old enough to join the school basketball team. She actually asked for a basketball and football for Christmas. The course work is much, MUCH, harder but she is having a great time learning. The teachers have smaller classes so they are able to play learning games with the kids and explore subjects much more freely. My daughter now comes out of school with a huge grin on her face, when before she would just slump in the car and mumble that school was "boring".  I'm not knocking public school at all, our public school teachers are awesome, but the environment just wasn't right for our kid.  I didn't how wrong it was for her until  we took her out.  


As for me, I'm not working at home anymore. My job, I think, has finally fizzled out. And that's fine. I'm okay with being a stay at home mom.  I've never really gotten to just focus on home, so I'm looking forward to getting the house in order and gettin' my housewifery on. Just call me June Cleaver. Actually, no. Don't.  If you're gonna call me anything but Kel, let it be something like "Mistress of Awesomeness."  June Cleaver was kinda boring.


Let's see...what else? Craig ran away and joined the circus.  I bought a pet sheep and named it Lady Baabaaa.  Wait a minute? You're still paying attention? OK, scratch those last two things.  I was just checking to see if you were paying attention.  


I'm sure there are some other things I should be informing you of, but well.. this is the longest I have wrote on here in a long time and if someone is actually still reading this blog. I'd better quit while I'm ahead.


Hopefully, I will be opening a big old box-of-inspiration next Saturday and will soon be blessing you all with some witty and fascinating blog posts. 


Or, I'll just blabber on about nothing as usual. But maybe I'll be wearing some sweet new boots while I'm at it. (seriously, have you got the hint yet? I want some boots.)


I've missed you all!

 

What I'm Lovin' Right Now...

Once again, I am totally stealing an idea from Jess over at Nerdy Jess. Because I'm a follower, not a leader, people! I'm having some major blog inspiration brain farts lately. So, what do I do? I "borrow" from other bloggers. 'Cause I'm ruthless like that. And please, check out and follow Jess. She is the awesomest! (yeah, that's a word.)

Ten Things I am Lovin' Right Now:

1. The fact that Hubby and Kid are out with our friends at an Ice Cream Social thingy and I have the house to myself. (With my own bowl of ice cream and a screening of the movie Snatch, all to myself.)

2. Chillin' with my girlfriends and our kids during the week. We've got like twenty kids between us and they're all buddies. They swim, we gossip and talk about swimming laps for exersize and never quite get to it.

3. Iced Tea, by the gallon. It's hot out. Nothing but iced tea will do. Or booze. Whichever.

4. Our weekly date night with friends. Every Thursday is "date night". We go out to dinner, the movies, or just hang out at each other houses and play games and drink. This week it was take out and the game "Catch Phrase". It got funnier with each drink. Here is a taste of the conversation:

B: Ok, this is a country....
L: RHODE ISLAND!

5. Family movie night. We've been having a lot of these lately. We're working our way through the classics. Princess Bride, Big, Goonies, etc.

6. No alarms in the morning!! woo hoo!! My daughter has this monkey alarm clock that drives me effing nuts during the school year!

7. The massive pile of books that I've got waiting for me!

8. Fireworks! Can't wait until the 4th! I Love me some fireworks!

9. The fact that I've got my job back for awhile. I know, I know. I complain. I want to go back to school. But Craig lost all his overtime right around the time I was considering quiting for good. They ran out of work for me for awhile, but I'm back. And we need it. I've definitly got enough work to keep me busy for the entire summer and then some.

10. Cold suppers, like salads and sandwiches. No oven! Easy clean-up!

So, what are so happy about? Make a list on your blog and play along!!

How To Be A Bad Blogger...

It seems that I have become a expert on the subject of horrible blogging. I am the epitome of the the scatterbrained and fickle bloggess. So, of course, it would be my honor to share my wealth of knowledge with you, my dedicated readers.

How To Lose Readers and Alienate Followers:

* Do not post regularly. There should be no rhyme or reason to your frequency of posting.

* When people comment on your posts, don't comment back. Be as rude as possible and don't reciprocate even with the smallest of compliments on their blog. They may return the favor and visit your blog again! Which of course, means you need to post again, to give them something to read.

* Please, start lots of regular features on your blog, like "would you rather wednesday" and "funny friday" and "question of the week"... and then only post them sporadically and on the wrong days. This will keep your readers aggravated and annoyed.

* When you do post, make sure there are lots of spelling and grammatical errors. Nothing pisses off a reader like reading a unedited post. Keep them guessing your meaning with misspelled words, and incorrect usage of adjectives.

* Also, post several times explaining your absence from your blog, and ensure your loyal readers that you will soon be back to regular postings. You must complain that "life has gotten a little hectic", but please, don't specify how or why. (because then you would have to explain that really, you've just been lazy and taking naps with the dogs.)

*And finally, if you are a bad blogger, accept your failings. Run with them, make a post up about how awful you are at commiting to anything, even something you love, like writing. Share your slackery-ness, and teach others how to fail at blogging as well. Because it's no fun to be a loser by yourself. Please, drag others down with you.

So practice these easy steps and you too can be a failure at blogging just like me!!
YOU'RE WELCOME!!

I'll be back Monday...

I am so behind! I need to catch up on my blog reading and comments!! I am going to take this weekend to catch up and maybe get some blog posts set up. So, I will see ya on Monday! Have a great weekend!!!

Question of the Week...

So, here's your question of the week, hopefully sparking some blog creativity. You can post your answers here in my comments section or take the question on over to your blog and do it there! Just trying to spread some inspiration!

If you could read the mind of one other person for one day, who would it be and why? It could be a movie star, a family member, friend or even your pet.

I guess I would choose my husband. I know that sounds weird.. but I just want to hear what goes on in that mind of his. I want to see his day through his eyes. I want to see just how amazingly annoying I can be sometimes. Craig is a quiet guy. Getting him to talk about serious things is like pulling teeth. He tends to sit and brood, unlike me, who likes to talk a subject to death. Sometimes it drives me insane trying to figure out what the hell he is thinking. I can ask him twenty times what is wrong and he says "nothing." But hours later, after begging and pleading, he will tell me. I would love to just hear what's going on in that cute head. I can see sometimes that there is something on the tip of his tongue, but he bites it back. The man is a mystery to me sometimes. He is shy around some people and doesn't say much. When he does speak, he usually has something hilarious and totally random to say, which I love. I would love to hear the sillier things going on in there that he doesn't say. Most of all, I want to know what he thinks of me. Of us. He doesn't say much. But I know he loves me. Sometimes though, I would like to know how much and why. I'm not always lovable. Hmm.. maybe reading his mind wouldn't be that great of an idea?

An Interview with the most interesting person in the world....

Ok, maybe not. It's just me! I am still answering some questions from some of my readers... so here goes. (Please, don't see this as a desperate attempt to blog SOMETHING today and I am out of ideas.. cause that is not the case. I am a wealth of creative ideas and I, um, just can't choose which awesome idea to go with... yeah, that's it...)

1.what are the top 5 sites you log onto when you get on the Internet?

Well, this is easy!
1. Newsweek.com
2. thesecretsiteforawesomebloggersonly.com
3. Rocket Scientists.com
4. brain surgery for dummies.com
5. Supermodel body doubles (I'm a regular contributor)

Ok, maybe not. This could be embarrassing and make me look like a superficial brainless, un-cultured (is that a word) cow. But I actually visit...(in this order)
1. Perez Hilton
2. TMZ
3. I Has A Hot Dog
4. Fail BLog
5. I can has a cheezburger

But I swear, after I visit those, I am off to research time travel and cures for diseases..(or, I just go to webmd and look up my recent ailments.. concluding that I do in fact have every incurable and very rare disease know to man..)


Question #2
Do you ever post things and then delete them because it was either not a good post or knew that if the person it was about ever read it you'd be embarrassed?

yes, and the person was myself... see question #1

Question #3
What book do you remember reading as a child that literally sparked your lifelong love of books?

Oh yes! The Little House on the Prairie series! I remember I got the box set for christmas when I was 9 and I was so excited.It was my favorite gift, ever. I also got a bike that year, so you can see where my priorities lie. I recently bought the box set for my best friend and she was so excited!! I may just have to borrow them!

So that's it... I am just plain fascinating, ain't I?

#160!! how the hell did that happen?

I was gonna celebrate my 150th post...but I forgot.. so I am celebrating 160th! To commemorate this special occasion I am going to compile a list of some of my fave(and possibly stupidest) posts :

1. I've been Bamboozled!
2. This is why I shouldn't clean!
3. Eww! Put that down!
4.Whatever happened to good old anarchy and angst?
5. Abc's of Me

6. The Ballad of Teddy Rippedskin
7. Seduction by TicTacs?
8.Cause nothing says friendship like branding
9. Note to self - it's not the black plague

and I was gonna do ten, but I got nothin'.

I just wanted to say thank you to all my readers. You freakin' rock! Put your arms up, I'm giving you a virtual high five... now down low.. too slow. (yes, I am this cool in real life.) Here's to another 150 (oops, 160) posts!

Seriously, you guys are the best...

I got tons of questions to answer!! So I am going to grab a couple and work down the list for the next few days! Bye, bye blog funk! So here are the first few:


1. How many books do you usually read in the same time period?
Ok, so this is where my true nerdiness will shine through. I usually have about 4 going at once. One in my purse (for waiting rooms, waiting to pick up the kid at school etc..) One for the bathtub (has to be a cheapy paperback.) One or two next to the couch.. and usually one on my ipod touch (audiobook or e-reader). See.. I told you.

2. Would you like to write a book of your own?
Only if I wanted to bore an untold amount of people to sleep... just kidding. I have tons of ideas for stories and I have amazingly vivid dreams. I wake up thinking, "damn.. that would make a great book!". But I am not patient enough to really stretch out a story. I used to write like crazy as a kid. I would love to take some writing courses and see if I can overcome my itch to just blurt out the whole story in one sentence.

3.What do you eat for breakfast?
I really only eat breakfast on the weekend, when the hubs goes to Wawa (a convenience store) and gets me coffee and something nummy. Generally, I down copious amounts of coffee and vibrate uncontrollably until lunch.

4.Who designed your header?
I did... you can totally tell, can't you??


5.What's your favorite book ever?
What the frig kind of question is that, APRIL?? That's like asking me who my favorite child is... ok, maybe not, I've only got one kid.. but still! Just kidding, girl, you know I love ya!
Now, lets see.. my one favorite book... um.... well, there's..., wait, I can't forget about.... and what about......
forget it... can't do it.

6.Have you ever considered the fact that with your blog title what it is that you can never have laser eye surgery or wear contacts?
Why, yes, I have. And ya know what? I don't care!! I cannot stand anyone messing with my eyes! ewww. eyes gross me out. I will be in glasses forever.. who cares if I look like a librarian!! I could never put in contacts.. oh my god... eww.

Blog Funk...

I'm in a blog funk. I guess I could say I have writers block, but blog funk sounds cooler.

So, this is solution for my funk. I am soliciting questions from my readers. Got any questions for me? whatcha wanna know? NO questions will be discarded. I'm an open book, baby.

Now, I am off to visit my fav blogs to steal some ideas... I mean, get inspired.

To all those who said I would amount to nothing....

YOU CAN SUCK IT! CAUSE I AM A SUPER STALKER!! In your face, guidance counselor who said I would prosper in the fast food industry. In your face, mean high school girl who called me a loser. Because I have gained popularity amongst my bloggy buddies.. and that's all I need. (well, that an any extra millions you have lying around.. oh, and Brad Pitt if he's available..)

I would like to thank you, my bloggy friends, who I love dearly. When I got into blogging again, I was a little jaded. Like I've said, I had an old livejournal account a few years ago and ended up being harassed by a very creepy reader. So far, so good this time around, but I'm prepared if it happens again. (BRING IT, FREAKS!) I truly do enjoy reading all of your blogs and getting to know you. I love the camaraderie and support that we all seem to have for each other. I just wish the off-line world were as sweet.

For those of you who don't know what it is, The Super Stalker award is a brand award over at BSU. I am just touched that I was chosen as the very first recipient!!

This award is presented to a Super blogger. This person is not only a terrific person, but a great bloggy friend. More than just a Stalker, they are a loyal reader who cares. The comments that they leave in their wake are sincere and heart-felt -making it apparent that they are truly interested. That someone cares. To which we reward them by saying:
YOU ARE A SUPER STALKER!

All we ask is the following:
1-In your own time, share this award with ONE other blogger who you feel is worthy of the Super Stalker title. This award is not to be handed out freely, but deliberately given from one Super Stalker to another -Making the recipient deserving. Keeping the award true to its form and the reason for its beginning.
2-As you award that one Super Blogger, include this message in its entirety along with your acceptance speech.
3-Enjoy your REWARD! You DESERVE IT! You EARNED IT!

I am just so overwhelmed with warm, toasty bloggy love. I am getting all choked up..please give me a minute and talk amongst yourself..... need a topic? Here is one:
JUST HOW AWESOME IS GIRL IN THE GLASSES? ok, DISCUSS!

Ok, I'm back. Now to the hard part. I have to give this award to just one person. Just one. Crap. I've got tons of people I want to hand it out to. But the first one that popped in my mind is Catherine, over at Evolving Mommy. She is just a sweetheart. She has always has a kind or funny comment. You can tell she actually reads my posts and leaves a thoughtful comment in her wake. She's even checked up on when I hadn't posted for a few days.

So, Catherine @ Evolving Mommy..... you are A SUPER STALKER!!

I am just so proud of receiving this award. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sit down... Let's have a little chat...

I know, it sounds like I just called you to the principle's office, but I swear, you're not in trouble! I just have some questions for you, my bloggy friends. I am starting to think about possibly doing reviews or posting ads.. but I'm not sure if I want to. So I have some question for those of you who do (or don't, for that matter, I want to see both sides). I used to do book reviews on an older blog, but I felt like I couldn't be honest if I really didn't like it, because they sent me the book for free, of course! And then, I felt like I was misleading my readers.

So here goes...

1. Do you make any money blogging? how do you chose which ads to run? Do you run whatever you are given?

2. Do you do reviews? If so, do you feel pressured to give a good review, even though the product sucks?

3. Do you turn down any reviews for products or do you do all that are presented?

I have no problem with any of those, by the way. I totally get it. I wish I made money at this, or at least got free stuff! I am looking into it, but I want to be honest and not sugar coat. I guess what I am saying is that I don't want my blog to turn into a job. Although I need the money!! Maybe I should start a second blog just for reviews?? I don't know. Help me out ladies!!

Google Reader.. I won't be a slave to you!!!

I can't do the blog reader thing. It stresses me out too much. Even before I got backed up on here, I didn't like it. I feel like I am rushing through precious posts and just dropping a quick comment to make it known that I was there. I don't like that. Maybe it's naive of me to think that I can make some true friendships on here, but I like the idea. I feel like if I were doing this in person, as a person spoke, I would be barely listening, just hoping they would hurry up so I can move to the next person in line. I prefer to respond to people as they comment to me and stop in on my friends for good conversations. So, goodbye blog reader. I may take some time responding to some, but I feel I will be more articulate and tuned in if I do it this way. Do you use a reader? Do you feel rushed? I don't want this to feel like a job to me! It's an outlet, a way to make friends, and have good conversations.

Quick Christmas Recap...

Ah.. Christmas...what can I say? It was magical, mystical, enchanting and ....boring. I love, love, love the holidays and usually get very into baking, making crafts, finding the perfect gifts and wrapping. But not this year. Not really sure why, maybe it's money or maybe I am just tired. Who knows?

What I do know is that we spent the past week in bed. And not in the good way. You know about Roslyn's hospital visit, and Tuesday we found out she had a double ear infection. I came down with a raging cough and ear infection the next day. So instead of popping Christmas cookies and candy canes, we've been downing antibiotics and Imodium!

On Christmas eve, she woke at 1:30am..no, I am not kidding. She had a coughing fit and couldn't go back to sleep. Finally at 4:30 we gave up and let her open her gifts. She was very happy with her haul. She got a huge stuffed Yoshi(from Mario brothers), pink webkinz dragon, a Leapster Didj and games, books, lots of crafts, a locket with interchangeable gems, games like checkers and connect four, a bedding set.. lots of stuff. Her only disappointment was the fact that she didn't get the Beanie Baby hummingbird she asked Santa for. (however, a few hours later, she realized that was because Nana and Pop got it for her, making her Christmas complete.)

Craig actually got his new road bike (bicycle) last week for Christmas and since it was over a grand, I couldn't get him much else. So he got a mountain bike calendar for work, a bike medallion necklace, and a movie from his childhood (Explorers, remember that movie?)

I was very happily surprised that I got an Ipod Touch!! Lord, how did I live without this thing before? I can check email, watch videos, load all my music, listen to audio books. It has a planner, Internet, radio.. oh my! I love, love , love it! Does anyone have one?? aren't they amazing? I know, I am so old school... I can't believe I was an ipod virgin!

Anyway, that's about it... we seem to be getting healthy again, and Hubs has the week off so things should be looking up!!

And don't forget to check out the song of the day on the sidebar!

Ahhh!! I'm Overwhelmed!

I am completly behind on reading and responding to all my favorite blogs. We have been battling illness after illness around here, (finally winning, I think) and Hubby is on vacation for a week. I've got to catch up, but it's gonna take some time! Bear with me, folks, and we will be back to original programming shortly!

My Favorite Things..(well, those that start with B anyway)

Abby over at Me and My Boys did this yesterday on her blog and I signed up! You have to list 10 of your favorite things, but they have to start with a certain letter (assigned to you by the blog owner) If you want to play along, comment and let me know! I'll assign you a letter!

1. British accents - Roslyn and I can do a mean Cockney accent. Click right HERE for an example.

2. Books!- I can't get enough!! I read four or five at a time.

3. Bookmarks - love pretty ones! Each book has to have their own.. you can't go dog earring books!

4. Bubble baths - yay!

5. Bath and Body Works - Love their stuff!

6. Beaker!! - did you watch the Muppet Christmas Special last night?

7. Barnes and Noble - seriously, if they have the starbucks in there, I could move in

8. Bulldogs - I want one!!

9. Black clogs - Hubby suprised me with a pair of sketchers sweater clogs.. they are soft and furry and yummy. They feel like cozy little sweaters for my feet. I want them in every color!

10. Bread - hot and crusty and warm and smothered with butter. drool

Let me know if you want to play!!!

I think I'm done..

Ok, I think I am done with the renovations on my site... what do you think? Is my header corny? I made it myself (smiling proudly). I've discovered digital scrapbooking and my life will never be the same. Is my site easy to read? Anything weird you've encountered with it? Let me know and I will try not to be insulted.. (kidding).. I'm sure it will only sting for a second.

I've been awarded!!

Thank you Abby! You are awesome!!

Here are some rules:
1. The winner can put the logo in his/her blog
2. Link the person you receive the award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the persons you nominated

My nominations for this one are:
1. Sabrae
2. Babbling Brooks
3. Amy
4. Mamma Joss
5. Tena
6. Deb - hope you're feelin' better, girl!
7. Kat

Check out these blogs.. cause they're awesome, that's why!

Manic Monday

Wanna join in? go here manic monday


What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
HOLY CHRIST... IS THAT DRIED DROOL? WHY IS MY ONE EYE SO SWOLLEN? DID A SMALL BIRD NEST IN MY HAIR?

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.
I CONSTANTLY HAVE THE "HIGH SCHOOL" DREAM. I AM IN CLASS AND ITS THE END OF THE YEAR. I THEN REALIZE THAT THERE WAS AN ENGLISH CLASS THAT I SKIPPED EVERYDAY AND I NEED IT TO GRADUATE. IT IS ALWAYS ENGLISH CLASS. I ALSO HAVE THE "CAN'T REMEMBER MY LOCKER COMBINATION" DREAM.

List three foods you can’t stand: LIVERWURST (I'M GAGGING THINKING ABOUT IT), LIMA BEANS AND COTTAGE CHEESE.. EWWW

First Of All I Would Like to Thank....

I got my first blog award! Yay!
Thank you Evolving Mommy for nominating me!!
The provisions of the award state that I now have to list 6 things that I love and pass the award onto 6 other blogs that I enjoy. So here goes:
1. I love to laugh, especially at things other people just don't get.
2. I love coffee and lots of it.
3. I love bookstores. I could spend all day in there and never get bored.
4. I love reading with my daughter. She is into chapter books now and its fun to have something to share.
5. I love dogs. We have two and they are spoiled rotten. It is physically impossible for me to pass a dog at the park and not stop to say hi.
6. I love secret confession sites. I don't know why. I just find them really interesting.

And now I pass on my award!

Please go see these blogs. Why, you ask? Cause they're awesome, that's why!

Jam's Own Reality


Forever Fat Girl On The Inside


Random Thoughts

Cheaper Than Therapy

Mom Spark

Happy Meals and Happy Hour

New blog or New Project I Will Never Keep Up With?

Not quite sure why I think anyone would be interested in reading what I have to say but here goes. A few years ago, (pre-motherhood) I had a very active blog on livejournal and actually made some money at it, so here we go again. I am not looking for income, just an outlet. I tried to jump back on at livejournal but it just didn't feel the same, so I thought I could go for a fresh start. I have discovered that I really need the outlet of writing, even if its just a bunch of verbal diarrhea...

Being a stay at home mom is kinda lonely. Don't get me wrong, I've got plenty of friends and we talk on the phone everyday (several times) and meet up for lunch sometimes and weekends are busy. But with Roslyn (my six year old) in school all day now, I find myself having conversations with the dogs way too much. Hmm.. now that I think about it, maybe it's not so much loneliness as much as it boredom. I feel kinda wasted at home (and not in the good way.) I want a job where I can dress up and go to work and have a separate life than home. I miss the work atmosphere. A housewife, I am not. I hate to clean. I enjoy cooking, but its not enough to keep me entertained. (besides, my waistline can't take the stress.) I am not a decorator. I can appreciate a well decorated home, but when it comes time to do the painting and sanding, count me out. Don't they have professionals for that? And I am just way to indecisive to chose a paint color and stick to it.
So basically, I sit at home from 8:30 to 3 everyday, sitting here doing data entry for work (for those of you who don't know me, I work at home currently at a job that is literally going nowhere fast). I watch movies, listen to music and talk to the dogs while I work. I give up around noon and try to do some housework. When the house is clean , at least to my and my hubby's standards, and the laundry is done, I indulge my main passion... reading. Time to pick the kid up, cook dinner, do homework, bathe and time for bed. And the cycle starts again. God, it sounds damn boring, even to me. I gotta get myself another project, something just for me... arc welding maybe?? scuba diving? sharpshooter school?? ...

I may pick up book reviews like I used to do on my old blog. I made some money (and lots of free books) doing that. I really loved it. I am considering joining a gym too, but I am always so self conscious in those places, I may just use the treadmill at home. I would love to take up running again, but lord knows, its gonna take awhile before I get back to that!

So, looking back on this post, I notice I did nothing but bitch. I'm tempting to highlight the thing and hit delete, but I'm not going to. I've got to start somewhere.