Need Blogger Help Please!

Monday, June 30, 2008

I would like to change my URL to match my new blog name. I know the URL is available. Has anyone done this successfully? I understand it's a problem in the new Blogger templates. I found a tutorial online but would like hear it from you.


How did you let people know the URL was changing?

Did you have to change the address of each post?

What about people who have linked to me? Or the WFMW and Wordless Wednesdays?

Would it be easier to switch to a domain name and re-direct to that?

How hard it that to do? What are the costs associated with a domain name? Where should I buy the domain from? How do I check the availability of a domain name?

I know I should have thought of all this before I started blogging! Thanks for the advice!

Kids Say the Darndest, Most Embarrasing Things

Please welcome my friend and first guest poster, J.

So Melanie calls me and asks me to be a guest writer for her blog. I say, "Sure. I'd love to,” thinking that I'm going in that little box over on the right hand side or something. No big whoop. I can come up with some little antic dote about my 4 year old daughter, right?

How hard can that be, right? WRONG!!! I found out I AM the blog. What was Melanie thinking? It's all I can do to write out a grocery list- let alone write a blog [entry]. Come to think of it what was I thinking?! Lord help us all…

As I was saying I have a 4 year old daughter. Like all parents, she gives me immeasurable amounts of joy and adds so much life to my- er- life.

And like all parents, often enough, she makes me want to crawl under the very crust of the Earth and hide in the pools of molten hot magma below- forever. People's exhibit A…

Just recently she was playing at the park. Eventually she had to go potty. Secretly, I think she just likes to check out all of the facilities of every place we've ever gone to compare and contrast. So off to the potty we go.

Now, this park has a community pool so the bathroom was attached to the pool locker room. We get in, go, and now we're going to wash our hands. So far so good… should be relatively easy to clear this hurdle and then back out to play.

And for all intents and purposes it was. But, for reasons I cannot understand, I continually forget to take into account how easy a task is going to be based directly on and proportionately to factor X. Factor X being whether or not there is any human interaction. And to my complete horror- there, in this bathroom was a Factor X.

Factor X was an adorable, little old lady- most likely in her mid 80's just coming in from doing some no-impact aerobic activity from the swimming pool. And like my daughter, she too, was washing her hands. Factor X looked into the mirror and smiled at my daughter. My daughter half smiled with a slightly inquisitive look on her face.

My Mommy-Sense was tingling. This look meant that little brain of hers was working and working hard. Working hard at formulating a question that would undoubtedly be one of those afore mentioned moments where I wished that the earth would open up beneath my feet and like riding in an elevator, I would just sink down.

Before I even had a second to react my innocent and sweet little girl looks over at Factor X and says in her sweetest, little girl voice, "How come you've got so much skin?" I nearly hit the floor.

Well, the gods were taking pity on my poor soul that day because Factor X offered up a chance for me to redeem what was left of my pride. Before I walked out of the restroom that day with my head hung low, and my tail between my legs feeling like a failure as a parent AND a person, Factor X said, "What was that dear?"

Redemption! I seized the moment, "She asked, 'How come you're so tan?'" "Oh," she said with a chuckle, "I didn't quite hear her." I was saved.

Factor X looked at my daughter and smiled sweetly. "I'm out in the sun a lot honey. I should wear more sun block. I bet you wear your sun block like a good girl. That way you won't end up with all of this old, wrinkly skin- like me." And with that, she crinkled up her nose, turned around and walked out.

I too crinkled up my nose but it was at my daughter. Her innocence had once again, caused me an unbelievable amount of anxiety and near humiliation.

But, honestly, isn't that part of what being a kid is all about… embarrassing the hell out of your parents as fast as you can because when given the chance, we as parents, are armed with an arsenal of things to embarrass the hell out of our kids with.

We did it to our parents and now life is returning the favor. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. I wonder what words she'll use when I pull out the photo of her proudest moment to date… "Look Mommy! Poo-poo in the potty!" Ha! Bring it on little girl. I'm ready. And remember, no matter what, Mommy loves you!!!

100 Things Post

Sunday, June 29, 2008

I'm getting close to my 100th post! I can't believe it's snuck up so soon. Anything you want to know about me I can include?

A Vacation is Having Nothing To Do and All Day To Do It In- Robert Orben

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The Drama House is away for a long weekend (thanks scheduled posting!). We're bringing Drama Dad's laptop, hopefully one of my Mom's neighbor's has a wireless signal I can steal.


Mom does not have a computer at home (the horror!) but I'll try to check in on all my peeps in between the mani pedi, the trip to Dream Dinners, the homemade fried chicken (oh yeah!) and a date with Drama Dad. My mom spoils us so good! Later!
(photo by bluedesignsolutions.com)

Weekend Events for 6/27-6/29

Friday, June 27, 2008

Art
The La Jolla Festival of the Arts takes place Saturday and Sunday on the UCSD campus.





Music

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea are FREE every Sunday afternoon from now until August 22nd at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove.


Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the B-52's at Viejas (tonight)


Fergie at the San Diego Fair (tonight)


Fairs
The Ocean Beach Street Fair is Saturday from 10a-8p on Newport Avenue. Great food, crafts, music, rides for kids and a chili cookoff. Parking is a nightmare but this is always a good time. Have a Hodad's burger for me!


Movies
Wall E and Wanted both open today. Did you know John Ratzenberger has voiced a character in every Disney Pixar movie since Toy Story in 1995?

Mosaic Meme

Thursday, June 26, 2008

If Jamie and Jen are doing it then I will too (I know when to lead and when to follow!). This meme is pretty fun to do and pretty to look at too. You choose the photos and we get to know a little about you. Some of the search terms turn up odd answers but what you choose says a lot.

(click to enlarge)






Here's how to make your own (grab some paper and a writing utensil):
1. Answer each of the questions below.
2. Surf over to
Flickr (set up an account if you don’t have one–it’s quick and easy) and type your answers (one at a time) into the search bar.
3. From the choice of pictures shown only on the front page, click on the one that moves you.
4. Once the page with your picture opens, copy the URL (I put mine into a Word document along with the code to the mosaic just in case).
5. Surf over to the
Mosaic Maker, set up your mosaic, and paste your URLs. Click “Create!”


The questions:


1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you attend?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favorite drink?
7. Where would you go on your dream vacation?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. Choose one word to describe you?
12. Your Flickr name?
(I did my last name)




Thanks to Jennifer at Thursday Drive!

Works for me Wednesday- Repurpose Your Business Card Case

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My last job was the first time I ever had business cards of my own and didn't have to handwrite my name on the blank ones. So I went to the Coach outet and bought a super cute leather case in pink (purple came out later, grrr!).


Then I lost my job and all that cuteness stayed in the bottom of my purse like an old pack of gum. So I've given it new life.

The first is not much of a stretch as it involves business cards. I started keeping all the appointment cards from the doctor, dentist, pediatrician, nail salon, hair salon etc. so I have the office name and address of all our important contacts handy. Yes, I have them in my Palm and cell. But it was invaluable when I dropped my Razr (cheap piece of crap!). It died and I had to re-enter all my contacts into the new phone.


The second re-purpose came to me on a night out. I wanted to take a small clutch but didn't like the idea of my cash, ID and credit card loose inside.
I emptied all the above business cards and it fits everything perfectly. The case is easy to find in a dimly lit bar and I don't have to worry about something falling out while I'm digging for my lip gloss.


For other ways to make your life easier head over to Shannon's.
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20 Days of Giveaways

My friend Laurie at Tip Junkie will be celebrating her 1-year blogversary by giving prizes to all of you! For 20 days! Hop on over for all the details then mark your calendars. Giveaways start this Monday, June 30th.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday #3

Temperature on Saturday 6/21 at 5:30pm. INSIDE my house.

I Won a Trip to Chicago to See Coldplay!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

...but then I lost it. Because my cell phone was in my purse.

But let me back up a bit so you can get the whole story.

Last Wednesday, Drama Kid and I were on our way to the park for the standing summer playdate with the other soon-to-be first graders. We were running late (typical me). I pull into a space just as Viva la Vida comes on the radio.

My son has turned into a huge Coldplay fan, I think because of the iTunes commercial. It stops him in his tracks. It's cute.

Anyway, he didn't want to get out of the car until the song was over.

DK: "Wait! Don't turn it off. I like this man's voice."

Me: "Honey, the song is on all the time. The other kids are waiting. Maybe I'll buy it on the computer later."

He gets out. He runs all over the playground while the moms crowd into any available shade. We stayed longer than we should have and I didn't pack lunch (not typical me).

He had an appointment for a much needed haircut so we raced away from the park and stopped at the grocery store next to the salon for a Lunchable.

Again, Coldplay on the radio, this time Clocks, which I LOVE.

Me: "Listen to this. This is the same man who sings Viva la Vida. Mommy loves this song."

So we sit in the car, both of us listening. The Kid had his head cocked to the side, not looking at me, but really concentrating on the music.

Me: "This part right here, with the piano by itself, that's my favorite part."

We stayed in the car until it ended, heads bobbing, imitating playing piano. It was a sweet moment. A "stop and smell the roses" moment.

Thursday I'm at home alone. The Kid is in camp. I'm on the computer with the radio on in the background. And I hear the cue to call. So I do. And I won!

I have a copy of the new CD and am qualified for the grand prize: a trip to Chicago to see Coldplay and a little backstage action after the show.

Yeeeeeee Haaaaaawwwww!

I danced around the room to Viva la Vida thinking how happy The Kid will be when I tell him we can listen to the song. Whenever. We. Want!!

I wasn't thinking about the trip part of the prize because really? I'm just not that lucky.

Fastforward through the weekend of record high temperatures, hours of mini golf and arcade games, a movie night potluck in Santee, 5 1/2 hours at a birthday pool party, laundry, a little cleaning, catching up on my reader and researching ways to improve my blog and it's almost 1:00 in the morning on Monday. I'm beat.

I'm showering off the sweat, sunscreen and chlorine and I think, "Hmm, I should go get my cell on the off chance I actually win." And then I fall into bed.

Which is why I missed the phone call.

All 14 of them.

Because my phone was still in my purse, upstairs, completely out of earshot.

When I saw all those missed calls starting at 6:35am, my stomach dropped. I felt like I was going to puke. I couldn't eat until late afternoon.

I actually won. Hubby and I could have taken our first vacation in almost 6 years. I could have begged Chris Martin to call The Kid, his newest little fan. I would tell him about the time I saw him, Gwyneth and Apple in my Target and how cute Apple is.

I'm from Chicago and I haven't been back since Drama Dad graduated from boot camp in 1995. Pizza from Lou Malnati's. The Sears Tower. Navy Pier. Brookfield Zoo. The Magnificent Mile.

All gone. Because my phone was in my purse. I totally suck!

To the lady in Escondido who's taking my trip: you owe me!

*Side note: Viva la Vida came on while typing this up. I called to The Kid and we danced in his room. I swung him around, dipped him and flipped him. He laughed and laughed (I'm not usually silly with him). Not a bad consolation prize.
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The Scars We Bear

Monday, June 23, 2008

I went into Photoshop to revise my picture over there on the left. I'm new to the software and wanted to play around with the color and remove a few more strands of flyaway hair (anal AND a little vain, that's me!).

Just for kicks, I got rid of the keloid scars on my chest. And it made me tear up a little. I've had them so long, I don't remember what it's like NOT to have them. But seeing me scar free and smooth made me sad. This is the real me, the me I want people to see instead of my scars.

I hate these scars. I don't really remember how I got them but I hate them. They itch. Buttons, zippers and rough fabric irritate them. The seatbelt constantly rubs against them. People stare and kids point at them. I'm embarrassed by them. They make me feel ugly. Even on my best hair, make-up, and outfit day, the scars still ruin it a little. And I don't like having my picture taken. In any photo of me, they are always all I see.

I'm not as confident as I used to be but I can fake it. I'll buy a low cut top or dress because it looks good everywhere else but I'm convinced everyone is staring and thinking, "she'd be kind of pretty if it weren't for those ugly scars."

If they weren't smack in the center of my chest, I'd probably forget all about them. But, they are right there, staring back at me in the mirror. All the time.

It's a Catch 22: I don't want them showing, but I spend so much time scratching when I cover them it's just not worth it.

I try to tell myself to get over it. That they really aren't a big deal. If two scars are the worst thing in my life I should count my blessings and quit whining.

I've caught people staring and pointing. Someone asked me if they were a tattoo. I'd had a few Midoris one night and caught a guy at bar, staring. He apologized and gave the usual, "do you mind my asking what those are?" I told him they were scars left over from heart surgery where I almost died and it was hard for me to talk about it.

He looked horrified and apologized some more for bringing it up. I felt bad and fessed up. I said I got kind of tired of people asking about something that makes me feel so self conscious and that I try hard to forget. He still felt really bad and I got a free drink out of it.

I think we all have scars of some kind, physical or emotional. And they can be so crippling can't they? In the grand scheme of things mine are such a minor thing but they can alter my mood just like that [snap].

I wasn't planning to blog about it but since it made me emotional and I want to be as "real" as possible on this blog I started typing before I could chicken out. Do you have any scars (of either kind)? Do they get in the way of you living your life? How do you handle them?

Win A Bounce House!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

But not from me! I've been trying to get Drama Dad to buy one of these from Costco for a long time. With the money we've spent renting them, we could have bought one by now!
This would go over really well in our neighborhood. I'm shamelessly admitting that my inner Bree Van de Kamp wants ours to be "the cool house" on the block. Enter the contest at The Secret is in the Sauce.

Sunday News That Didn't Make the News

Girl power!
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/lemonade-stand-robbery-goes-sour/20080618090109990001

Good thing they weren't allergic
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25258734/

Those crazy Canadians
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/wretched_excess_2.php

Thanks to Everyone and Congratulations!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by! And heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those who mentioned my little contest on your blogs. I REALLY appreciate it!

I hope to see all of you here again. Hopefully I'll be hosting contests periodically. They're a lot of fun!

Now for the winner:


Yeah Cindy! Cindy said:

Now that is an amazing banner! You have brought "Mel-o-drama" to a wonderous height. Was that due to the stilleto's? Wink. Ok, I will behave. I only have maybe 15 pairs of shoes or so these days. When you begin to age and keep adopting children you find little "support" for such goodies. Okay, I had to throw one more pun in. But YOU started it! I do love coffee.

Check your email Cindy!

Take A Survey and Be Entered to Win $100 to Lands' End

The folks at Lands' End would like feedback from parents about our back to school shopping habits (it will be here before you know it!).

Take this short survey (18 questions) by midnight CST June 25th and be entered to win one of five $100 Lands' End gift cards. Easy peasy.

Around the Web this Week

Friday, June 20, 2008

These are two things I've come across on the web that have stuck with me this week.

Did you hear about the 17 high school girls in Massachusets who made a PACT to get pregnant?! And one of the fathers is a HOMELESS man!

Where are their parents? School officials say that 4 pregnancies is "normal" for the school. What the heck are kids learning today about relationships, sex and contraception? Obviously nothing at this school.

The Blogess wrote a great post on this.





Mommy's Martini had her son tell her that the teacher's at his preschool told another little boy, Ethan, that he "cried like a girl" and they were going to have to "change his name to Esther" if he kept on doing it. That type of ridicule coming from an educator (aimed at 4 year olds no less!) is irresponsible to say the least.

We look to the other adults in our children's lives to be role models and to support and uphold the values we teach at home, not undermine them with insulting, gender stereotyping comments. Head on over and offer her your advice on how to handle the situation.

*Today is the last day to win the discounted blog makeover, Starbucks and Target gift cards in my contest.

Weekend Events for 6/19-6/21

Concerts
Earth, Wind and Fire at the San Diego Fair tonight at 7:30. I'd love to see this. Shining Star is one of my favorites!


The Doodlebops Live! also at the fair on Saturday at 5:00. This one I'll take a pass on.
The City of Carlsbad TGIF Jazz in the Park concert series begins tonight at Stagecoach Park.

Movies
Get Smart and The Love Guru both open today. I've seen several trailers for Love Guru and it looks pretty funny.


The community of San Elijo Hills in will show E.T. as their first In the Park at dark summer movie (free).



Sports
The Padres take on the Detroit Tigers (Drama Dad's team) all weekend. The Friday giveaway is a drink koozie, Saturday there is a fireworks show and Sunday kids 14 and under get T-shirts.


One Word. Three Letters. Starts with 'S'

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The night my new design was installed there were technical difficulties that had me in a panic. So much so that I "outed" my blog to Drama Dad asking for his help. He was no use but thankfully the problem turned out to be a pretty simple issue with Firefox versus Internet Explorer.

Anyway, now that hubby knows I'm online he's started sending me things to blog about. He sent me an email with a link from a site for brides to be, AisleDash.com, and naturally it's about sex. The article is about a couple who had sex for 101 days straight and then wrote a book,
Just Do It (photo from Amazon).

Hubby's point, of course, being we should start our own attempt to break their streak and write
Doin' It More Than They Are.

At first I laughed. Hee hee, he's so funny. But then I got a little hurt. I like sex. We have sex. Not every day. But I'm sure we're no different than most couples (Right? Please tell me I'm right!). If I had to come up with an actual number, I don't think I could.

It fluctuates. And the determining factors are as varied as my shoe collection. I'm tired. He's tired. He's on the computer. I'm on the computer. It's 10:30 and Drama Kid is
still awake. No condoms. (Yep, the responsibility is on him, literally. I'm done with hormones. If they perfect the Male Pill he's welcome to it). Etc. Etc.

I'll admit the intimacy, or more aptly the frequency, isn't there the way it was before Drama Kid. And I do feel badly. But I won't shoulder all the responsibility. In fact, I'm taking credit for bringing some of the spark back.

When I had my job, it beat me up, spit me out and left me for dead. I was not me anymore. I was angry, stressed, exhausted, snappish and just no fun to be around (I have since apologized to Drama Dad for being such a bi*ch).

I was out of the house shortly after 8:00am after going through Morning Hell with Drama Kid and getting him fed, lunch made and dropped off at school, ate lunch at my desk most days and was still there when the boss left at 6:00. Sex was usually the thing
after the last thing on my mind. And we suffered as a couple. The "connect" was definitely missing.

But now that I'm at home, things have definitely perked up. I won't go into detail (you're welcome) but there have been times we've left Drama Kid at after school care a little longer than usual.

I buy the lacy nighties.

I buy the candles.

I bought the Vanilla Massage Oil.

It was my idea to go to one of THOSE stores and buy one of THOSE things.

I suggested we get a pool table.

I'm not saying I need rose petals and candlelight every night, but grabbing my tush or squeezing the girls is not foreplay. It was funny the first time. The 500th? Move along, nothing to see here.

My husband tells me I'm beautiful. He opens doors for me. He says "I love you." We go out when we have a free sitter. He does all the right things (thanks Art of Manliness!).

I guess my point is there's no one to blame. And while I agree with sexpert Ian Kerner in that you have to have sex to want sex, we're not 23 anymore. We need more sleep. We have a kid. Things ache that didn't used to.

I'm also one of those people who gets easily distracted and overwhelmed by piles of laundry, dirty dishes and Lego pieces everywhere. Kerner also says that "turning her on is about helping her turn it all off." [You heard him honey. The Swiffer's over there.]

I would like us to be together more often. And I know Drama Dad does too. But after the cleaning, folding, schlepping and mommy-ing (oh all right, and blogging) there's not always much left in me at the end of the day for wife-ing.

But I know how important intimacy is in a marriage so I'll take hubby's email as a not so subtle sign we need more together time.

Is this situation being played out in your bedroom too? How have you dealt with it?

*Tomorrow is the last day to enter my contest.

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Wordless Wednesday #2

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

This is second in a series. See the first picture here. Any guesses?

*Don't forget to enter my contest before this Friday!

Works for Me Wednesday: Kids and Proper Handwashing

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I will admit upfront that this was a bit manipulative on my part, but it worked! For some reason, my son would either fib and tell me he washed his hands after using the restroom when he actually hadn't, or he'd pass just the top digits of his fingers through the cold water without soap.

I was getting frustrated and nagging him a lot. We'd had the talk about using the restroom and germs.
I was even considering getting one of those kits with the glow in the dark powder to demonstrate how germs spread. But the solution turned out to be a lot easier.
I'd stocked up on foaming antibacterial hand soap during a Bath and Body works sale. I use foam instead gel soap because otherwise my son leaves little snail trails all over the sink.


One day, after he came out of the bathroom, I asked if he'd washed and he said, "yes, see?" and turned his hands back and forth in front of my face. He was so close, I could smell the lingering scent of the soap (I think it was Sweet Pea) and I thought A Ha!
The next time he used the loo, I asked again about the washing but this time said, "I don't believe you." He got a little upset and I took him into the bathroom.
Me: You know why I don't think you washed your hands very well?
Drama Kid: No, why?
Me: Because I can't smell anything.
DK: [looks totally confused]
Me: Here, let me show you.
I wash my hands really well, scrubbing both sides and dry them.
Me: Now smell my hands. Can you smell the soap?
DK: [knows he been caught] Yes, I smell it.
Me: These soaps I buy all have a different smell. So if you tell Mommy you washed your hands, but I can't smell anything, I'll know you were lying. And lying is a what?
DK: A big no no in our house.
Me: That's right, now wash again please.
So now, he knows I'm checking for the smell! And he gets in trouble for lying, not the poor hand washing. Kinda sneaky, but he washes better and I don't sound like a broken record anymore.
Is handwashing another sore spot in your house? How did you deal with it?

*Don't forget to enter my contest before this Friday!
For more tips head over to Shannon's
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I Need a Support Group and My Food Journal

Last Friday I went down into San Diego for my every-eight-weeks hair appointment (see photo, the bangs are new). Since I was allll the way down there, I decided, as usual, to go to my happy place, my nirvana, a little slice of heaven on earth:


Fashion Valley Mall. Sigh. I love that mall. It's so full of shopping promise. Granted, pretty soon I'll only be able to shop in the JC Penney wing (we're getting an H&M!!) because of all the high end stores that are coming (Jimmy Choo! Kate Spade!) but I don't care.

I can happily browse for hours surrounded by all the pretty things. Add a piece of cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory and it really is like a drug high for me (although, never having done drugs I'm not sure I can really say that, but you know what I mean). And despite me saying to myself, "No more spending! Budget! Budget! Budget!" I didn't leave empty handed.


In my defense, Bath and Body Works is having a massive sale (the sugar scrub? 75% off!). AND I needed the hand soaps for tomorrow's Works for Me Wednesday. AND my current MAC face powder is so old it's making me break out. (Are you buying it? No? Well it's the truth, so there!)

I have zero impulse control! Zero! Why can't I not control myself when it comes to green leafy veggies? Or housecleaning? Or spontaneous s*x with Drama Dad? Any of those would be much better financially (and make DD
really happy!) than my secret shopping. Sigh.

I HAVE to get better at not spending. Which means I'll be at home. A lot. To minimize the temptation.

On another note, I realize I haven't posted my food journal in a few days. I saw a neighbor friend over the weekend. She said I look a little thinner. Yeah! I have to say, the food journal at least makes me pause a little because I know I'll have to write down whatever I'm about to eat AND post it here. So, here's what I've eaten since Monday 6/9:

Monday
Banana
Strawberry smoothie from Panera Bakery (love that place!)
Bagel with peanut butter
Lean Cuisine
Tazo Apple tea
Grande Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte
100 Calorie Oreo pack
100 Calorie Chips Ahoy pack

Tuesday
Banana
Steak
Rice (2 helpings, I'd rather eat all the sides than the main)
Corn
Mike's Hard Lemonade (the redder the better!)
1 piece of Godiva

Wednesday
Chai tea latte
Banana
Peanut butter cracker
Small cake sample at Costco
15 Goldfish pretzels
Bottled water with Lipton To Go
3 Hershey's Bliss chocolates
4 Gummy Bears
Pasta with marinara sauce
Peas

Thursday
1 bowl of Cornflakes
My smoothie
Chick fil A (free fried food rocks!)

Friday
Granola bar
Jamba Juice breakfast meal
Hamburger Helper with ground turkey (won't do that again!)
Bottled water with Lipton to Go
Skinny Cow Vanilla Caramel cone

Saturday
Odwalla bar
Mini cheese pizza from Trader Joe's
2 bowls of cereal (Capn' Crunch with Crunchberries and Golden Grahams)
Bottled water with Lipton To Go

Sunday (Father's Day, hubby made breakfast)
Sausage
Pancakes
Steak
Baked potato
Corn on the cob
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie with vanilla ice cream (thanks Bakearella, it was really good!)

Monday
2 bowls of Golden Grahams
Jamba Juice breakfast meal
Chicken mini tacos from Costco (SO good!)
Refried beans with shredded cheese
3 Redvines
1 package lemon creme cookies
Chai tea latte

Is anyone else keeping a food journal? How's it working for you?


*Don't forget to enter my contest before Friday!

In the Dressing Room with a 5 Year Old

Monday, June 16, 2008

My search for the tankini was a bust. I settled on this instead: board shorts and a bikini top. I've got the butt and stretch mark coverage I need, and I don't have to worry about the bottoms creeping into no man's land.


Mervyn's has all swim stuff on sale 50% off this week so very little guilt involved. In the dressing room, my son had an "out of the mouth of babes" moment while I tried on the bikini top:

Drama Kid: [hee hee hee]

Me: What's so funny?

DK: You have two nip*les.

Me: No I don't, there's just the one.

DK: [pointing] Well, what are those, straws?

Me: [trying not to laugh] No honey. Those are ni*ples, but babies can drink from them. We talked about this before, remember? (I could have explained the nip*le vs. areola but didn't want to go there)

DK: Well, whatever they are they're embarrassing me. You need to cover those things up.

Me: [gave up on not laughing] Would it help you if I turn around?

DK: Yes, thanks Mommy.

OMG! It was hilarious. We've had the body parts talk and he knows the proper names so where he came up with straws, I don't know.

I told Drama Dad this story and his reaction was that DK is getting too old to be around me when I'm in the buff or topless.

At what age do we stop taking little boys into the dressing room? When are they old enough to wait outside (and more to the point, stay put!)?

Have you started to cover up more at home? Discuss.

*Don't forget to enter my contest before Friday!

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Memories of My Father

Sunday, June 15, 2008

My dad is a huge Motown fan. He used to travel a lot when I was younger, especially before we moved to California. During the Reagan years, he was gone all the time, especially when Maureen Reagan went on her 50 State Tour in support of her dad.

When he would come back from a long trip, he’d break out all his favorite records and we'd sing and dance around the family room. One of my favorite memories is when he would sing and slow dance with me to Daddy’s Home by Shep and the Limelights.


If I hadn't eloped, Daddy's Home would have been the song we danced the Father Daughter dance to at the reception. I get teary just hearing the song in my head.

You're my love you're my angel
You're the girl of my dreams
I'd like to thank you for waiting patiently
Daddy's home, your daddy's home to stay

How I've waited for this moment
To be by your side
Your best friend wrote and told me
You had teardrops in your eyes
Daddy's home, your daddy's home to stay

It wasn't on a Sunday
[Monday and Tuesday went by]

It wasn't on a Tuesday afternoon
[All I could do was cry]

But I made a promise that you treasured
I made it back home to you

How I've waited for this moment
To be by your side
Your best friend wrote and told me
You had teardrops in your eyes
Daddy's home, your daddy's home to stay
Daddy's home to stay
I'm not a thousand miles away
Daddy's home to stay
I'm gonna be here come what may
Daddy's home to stay...

Happy Father's Day Daddy. I love you.

Lyrics from lyricsondemand.com
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Ch Ch Ch Changes! *Updated*

Saturday, June 14, 2008

**Comments are now closed. Winner announced tomorrow**

TA DA! What do you think of the new look? I adore it! The wonderful ladies at Be Design put this together for me and I couldn’t be happier. To celebrate, I’m having a little giveaway! Woo Hoo! Free stuff!

I was very anal particular about what I wanted and really put Christy through the wringer making sure it came out exactly the way I pictured it in my head. She was SO patient with me. I know I was a royal pain and I really appreciate all her hard work. Thanks Christy!

I had another name picked out, Strawberry Doorbells, but decided against it. I couldn't come up with a design I liked better than this one and couldn't explain the inside joke publicly (thanks Jen!). So, I stuck with my attempt at a pun instead and I hope you like it as much as I do.

Thanks also go to 5 Minutes for Mom for helping me spread the word about the contest on 5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere.

Yeah,yeah, OK, get to the prizes already! One winner will receive a $10 Starbucks card, $10 Target card and a gift certificate to Be Designs for 50% off any service!

I would love it if you’d have a look around, give me feedback or leave a suggestion as to what type of content you'd like to see. Or help me with my diet. Or my cat situation.Or leave me a book suggestion. Or a movie suggestion. Or, head over to Be Designs and get to know Christy and Beth and their work before you win. Or help spread the word on your own site (be sure to tell me if you do so I can thank you profusely!).

But I won’t make that a condition to enter. Because I’m nice like that.


1. To enter, please leave a comment on this post only

2. The contest is open to US residents and runs from Sunday 6/15 to Friday 6/20

3. Comments will close at 11:59pm on Friday. A winner will be chosen at random on Saturday and notified here and through email. The winner has until Monday 6/23 to respond or an alternate will be chosen
5. Tell me a shoe story: how many pairs you have, what's favorite pair,
your favorite brand anything you like as long as it's about shoes (pure selfishness on my part, more interesting than "enter me")
4. Anonymous comments will be deleted, I need a way to get in touch with you!


*Update: You do not have to have a blog to win. If the winner is a non blogger, can we agree to draw another name for that portion of the prize? I think that's fair, yes?


Thanks so much for stopping by to see my new look and good luck!
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Weekend Happenings for 6/13 - 6/15

Friday, June 13, 2008

Concert
Johnny Lang at Humphry's. I haven't picked up any of his music since Lie To Me, but this guy has some pipes.
(Photo from mtv.com)


Movies
Opening this weekend are The Happening (R) The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)
(Photos from Yahoo! Movies)



San Diego Zoo Father's Day Sleepover. Reservations are required.


Sports BMX Olympic trials at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.


SD Fair
The San Diego County Fair starts on Saturday and runs through Sunday, July 6th. Tickets for Dollar Day (June 17) can be purchased at Ralph's. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Visit the Frugal Fairgoer's Guide for ways to save money on your trip.


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Eat More Chickin and Go Outback Tonight

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Hurry! Chick fil A restaurants are hosting military appreciation night TONIGHT! Active, retired and reservists (that's us!) and their immediate families eat FREE! The hours are 5-8. I would call and confirm with the restaurant in your area before you go. *UPDATE* At our location, we will be required to check in and show ID. They will then give us a set menu to order from that is our "meal ticket" to present to the cashier. Immediate family only.


In celebration of Dad, Outback Steakhouse is having a Outback's Dad's Day promotion. Take your husband, Dad, Grandad, uncle, etc. etc. to Outback on Father's Day (Sunday, 6/15) and they will receive a certificate good for $10 on their next visit.


Activate the certificate at http://outback.com/dadsday (the link will not be live before June 15th) and they will also be automatically entered to win a $100 gift card! That's a lot of Bloomin' Onions! The certificate can be used at any Outback location from June 18th - July 20th (a minimum $25 purchase is required). That's a pretty good deal, especially if you were planning to go anyway.

What's In YOUR Wallet?

Actually, I want to know what's in your purse. Right now. At this exact moment.

I'm stuck at home until the cable person shows up some time before 4 and I'm a little bored. Can you tell?


But, I think it's fascinating to see what people carry around with them every day. And you get to know them a little better.



I dumped my entire purse on the counter and here's what's in it:
Wallet

Checkbook

Sunglasses in case

Computer glasses (which I'm not wearing) in case

Small fabric pencil case with makeup (2 lipsticks, mascara, 3 lip liners, eye liner)

2 packs of gum

3 lip glosses

2 mini nail files
Mini tube of Aquaphor
Lip balm SPF 18
Tampon
Wet Ones Single- antibacterial

Pen

Mini flashlight

Clean and Clear oil absorbing sheets

Business card case (pink leather)

2 receipts (Barnes and Noble and JC Penney)

$5 shoe rewards certificate

MAC face powder

Small Dove hand lotion tube

Small Gap hand lotion tube

Scrunchie

Mini claw clip

Elastic head band

Food journal

Cell

PDA

iPod

Bluetooth headset for my broken cell

Mini tape recorder

Make up brush kit in purple metal tube


I've shown you mine, now you show me yours! If you want to play along, put your info in Mr. Linky below.


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Wordless Wednesday #1

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Works for Me Wednesday: A Bedwetting Solution for Parents

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Even though my son is in elementary school, we still have a problem with nighttime accidents. He was wearing underwear to bed and waking up in the night to use the restroom, but something happened about six months ago and he started wetting again.

The accidents were happening almost every night and it was really hard to keep up with the laundry not to mention tiring! Everyone was crabby and tired the next day, especially me because once I'm awake, it's really hard to get to sleep again.

I needed a faster way to take care of the bedding at night without digging through the linen closet for clean sheets and turning on all the lights so I could see what I was doing. So, I came up with a layering technique.

First, I bought a waterproof mattress cover.





Next, I bought another cover, but this one is a quilted mattress cover to give the bed some softness. That goes over the plastic cover. I went to Wal Mart and bought three sets of the exact same fitted sheets. 

I also dug up the small rectangular mattress protector pads we used when my son was still in a crib. I put a sheet on top of the quilted cover, then a crib protector, a sheet, crib protector, a last fitted sheet then the top sheet and quilt.

When he has an accident, now I don't need any light besides his night light. While he's changing into dry PJ's, I peel off a layer and straighten the top sheet and quilt over the new dry layer. If by chance he wet the top sheet or quilt too, I just cover him with one of the blankets we keep draped over the rocking chair.


This layering system has helped SO much! It's fast and not needing to turn on the lights means everyone can get back to bed while they're still groggy and fall back to sleep faster.


I think this system has also helped him take charge of the situation and not feel as embarrassed about it. If he wakes up and doesn't need help, he can peel a layer himself without waking us up. We told our son many times that bedwetting isn't he fault and he shouldn't feel bad about it. Some kids just need extra time for their bodies to adjust. I hope this is something the will work for your family, too. 

What has helped at your house? Do you have your own system?

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