A whole year of housecleaning would be great for my mental health and my marriage. I might even go so far as to say it would be life changing. For the past several days I’ve been cleaning and straightening, cleaning and straightening. And I’m over it.

Cleaning is a catch-22 for me because I’m anal and I LOVE a nice clean house, but I don’t like to clean. When the house is clean I can relax. Clutter makes me jittery, anxious and distracted. Even if I’m reading or watching TV, if the house isn’t clean I’m not completely relaxed because my sitting down is time I’m not spending cleaning. And then I feel guilty so I straighten. Then I get angry because cleaning is kind of a time waster.

When I think of all the hours I’ve spent scrubbing, dusting, wiping, sweeping and vacuuming I get sad for the time I’ve lost. Those are hours I’ll never get back and I could have enjoyed them so much more! I could have relaxed with my family. I could have read all the books in my ‘to be read’ pile (which, at last count, has ??? titles). I could have watched more academy award nominees. I could have started my scrapbook (well, maybe not that). Point being I’ve spent hours maybe even days or weeks! doing something that makes me feel anxious, jittery, distracted, guilty, sad and angry.

Tonight I asked my husband if he would make a video explaining why he thought I deserved to win a year of housekeeping services from BidMyCleaning.com. I thought it would be nice to turn the blog over to him for a change.

His response? “Sure, just tell me what to say.”

I tried again. “Just talk about what you think winning would mean to me.”

“My brain doesn’t work that way. I need a script. Have Drama Kid do it.”

Oh, hell, forget it. I’ll do it myself.

That anecdote perfectly sums up why I need this. Because it seems that most days, if something needs cleaning I do it myself. That’s not to say my two boys aren’t helpful. They are. But if someone were to ask all the members of my household “who here has ever scrubbed the toilets?” I feel confident I’d be the only one raising my hand. Cleaning just isn’t that important to them. But it is to me so I take on the bulk of it. And back comes the anger and sadness but this time there’s a little bitterness and bitchy mixed in.

So let’s recap: angry, sad, jittery, anxious, distracted, guilty, bitchy and bitter. That’s one hell of an emotional roller coaster. I love roller coasters but this one has me tired and I’m ready to get off. I’ll still clean because hi, nice to meet you, I’m anal. But knowing that once a month someone will be coming to help me would take such a weight off. I could legitimately relax. And a relaxed mommy is a happy mommy. A relaxed wife is more likely to put out (Shut up. You know it’s true).

I need this. My family needs this. Free me from housecleaning. Please.

You can enter too. Rules and info here. (photo from here)

Random Thought (Warning, A Little Gross)

When you squeeze a pimple and it explodes, have you ever wondered how fast the white stuff is traveling when it hits the mirror or is it just me?

Mabel's Labels BlogHer 2009 Contest

I've made some really good friends through blogging, both online and live and in color. Saturday night I went out for dinner and coffee with Deb from SanDiegoMomma. It was a lovely evening. We talked for hours about almost everything. We're alot alike. And apparently so are our husbands. It's almost eerie. Deb is my bloggy twin. She's my sister from another Mister.

And I may never have met her if I hadn't started blogging. The same goes for my other blog friends. If I hadn't decided to give blogging a try I would never have saved Jamie's son from a bee. I wouldn't have commiserated with Jenn about our lack of angst, watched my son be fearless in Cheri's pool, defended Kate from a nasty commenter or developed a bit of a crush on Aaryn.

I also wouldn't have met the wonderful ladies I refer to as the Disney Crew, or Maria Bailey who I look up to and respect. These relationships are so important to me. With my friends, I'm not just Drama Kid's mom, Or Drama Dad's wife. I'm Mel. And I can let my hair or my guard down depending on the situation. With them I can be myself. And that is the sign of a true friend.


Blogging has given me more than just great friends. I've also regained my sense of self. I think our society places a huge emphasis on jobs and career. When introduced to someone, I'll bet that "so, what do you do?" is one of the first questions asked in conversation. Back when I was a "working" mom, I could answer that I was in marketing. Before that I was in radio admin, before that it was retail management and before that I was a student. In between some of these stages I also added wife and mother to my titles.

But then I lost my job and I was at a loss as to how to answer that question. I could be honest and say I "do" laundry, grocery shopping, wiping pee off the floors, scooping cat poop and any of the other things on my To Do list that had started to define me. But, I decided to apply the KISS method and reply that I was a stay at home mom.

I can't speak for other moms but for me, "what do you do?" started to feel like a really loaded question. Depending on who was doing the asking, once I answered that I was an at home mom, I started to notice that some people would check out of the conversation right then and there. I could see that moment where suddenly I didn't matter quite as much as I did in the few seconds before I gave my answer when there was still hope that I'd have a conversation worthy career.

And it got worse when the other person asked if you "used to" work and if you went to college. It's as though I've thrown away all my potential just so I can take my kid to practice.There is nothing more humiliating, degrading and demoralizing than to have another person write you off because you stay home with your family.

This blog changed all that. Since I started adding Mom Blogger to my title, people don't disconnect as much anymore. People want to know what I write about and how I like it. They're interested in me. I know I shouldn't need the external validation. It shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. But I do and it does. I'm more than "just" a mom and this blog has been a way for me to show it. I started this blog as a way to connect with other people, get my thoughts out and use the creative side of my brain that was bored to tears by the endless lists and tasks that the other half was always making. But it has morphed into something much bigger.

It feels strange to say that I’m grateful I lost my job but I am. I really feel that this was the path I was meant to take when I walked out of the office for the last time. Who knows what else is in store for me or what other roles this blog will play. I know it will keep getting better and better and I’m so excited for the journey ahead.

This is my submission to the Mabel's Labels BlogHer 2009 sponsorship. Thank you for your generosity! Good luck to all the participants.

Rules, sponsorship details and how to enter found here.

**ETA: I'm a finalist! I'm having a contest to say thank you for supporting me and my blog. Read the details here.

San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park No Longer Allow Outside Food

News spreads fast over the web and bad news spreads even faster. I read a Tweet today from San Diego Bargain Mama that the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park will no longer allow visitors to bring their own food. An article on the San Diego Union Tribune's website quotes park spokesperson Yadira Galindo as saying the policy was brought in because of the number of guests bringing large coolers and bags into the park, which get in the way during the busy season.

The decision is supposed to make park visits more enjoyable for all guests. I do not agree with this decision and not just for financial reasons or because of the current economic climate (though those are definitely big factors).

I try to keep our family eating healthy and most of the options at parks are burgers, fries, greasy pizza and fried chicken fingers. We don't eat those types of meals too often at home, so why should we when we're out? I typically bring fruit, pretzels, sandwiches, crackers, bottled waters and other portable foods that are easy to eat while walking or waiting in line.

And what about the families who are dealing with allergies and special diets? Are they going to need a doctors note to visit? No one in my family has special dietary needs but for me and my son, we need to eat a little something every few hours. When our blood sugar gets low, it gets ugly real fast.

The Zoo and Wild Animal Park do not have lockers, nor do they have picnic areas where families can bring their food and sit either before entering the park or during their visit. Schlepping back to car to eat a meal has zero appeal for me, but I forsee a lot of tailgating and parking lots littered with trash.

For my family, we generally end up spending some of the money we save by bringing our own food on special treats like ice cream, a souvenir, feeding the giraffes or the Skyfari. Those things would certainly not be an option anymore. And how do I tell my son he has to choose between eating and riding on the double decker bus?

My son's school switched from a year round schedule to a traditional, which means loooong summer breaks. Up until now I'd argue that a Zoo/Wild Animal Park membership is one of the best values in San Diego. I was planning to renew our membership so we'd have more options on things to do this summer but now I'm not so sure.

Between the membership, gas to get to the parks, the parking fee at the Wild Animal Park and at least one of the extras, it's definitely an investment for a one-income family. Let's hope the park takes our concerns to heart and comes up with a solution we can all live with.

*This story also posted on San Diego Mommy Spot with a discussion thread in the forums.

For Your Listening Pleasure

I LOVE these guys. One of my best friends from high school does PR for Venice and is one of the founders of their non-profit project, Artist for the Arts. AFTA partners the Venice boys with corporate sponsors, musicians and schools.

All the money from ticket sales goes to keeping arts programs in schools, which is so important because those programs are almost always the first to be cut when school's are facing budget issues (and aren't they always?!)

I have yet to make it one of the benefits but the next show on the 27th is in my hometown. I can visit my mom, see a great show and deduct it on my taxes.

*wheels are turning* This is one of my favorite Venice songs.

Sick Day Part Deux

I'm actually feeling much better (thanks for all the get well wishes!) but now I'm even more behind on household stuff and my contributor posts etc. etc. so today is a catch up day. Go visit these fine folks instead.

How do you feel about Jon and Kate Plus 8? Really real reality TV or shamelessly sell-outistic? (Yep, made that word up just now) Go read why Tena at My Therapy is no longer watching (me too).

Braja lives in India. Braja talks about what it's really like to live in India. Braja takes great pictures of India. One more time: India.

Auds at Barking Mad on the mom who gave birth to eight babies. Give her another Amen from me.

And meet Steph's latest knitting project, Septy The Septopus.

I should be back on Monday. Until then,


Delicious photo from here with many, many thanks.

Wordles Wednesday: Proud As A Peacock

Photos taken here
For more Wordless Wednesday visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Mom Dot, What's That Smell

Takin' A Sick Day

I feel like crap. I'll be back when my eyeballs stop pulsing and my sinuses don't feel like they're going to explode.

Here's a few posts I read over the weekend that have stuck with me:

Casey talks about self acceptance, inner demons and doughnuts.

Kelly from Don Mills Diva challenges us to stand up to journalists and "mainstream" media and force them to take bloggers and their writing seriously.

Bakerella does it again with a stunning Valentine's Day box.

Label Daddy BlogHer 2009 Sponsorship Opportunity

I know so many people, myself included, who want to go to BlogHer this year and can't afford all the costs. MomDot and Label Daddy have partnered to give away five sponsorships. Generosity like that deserves a little publicity! Click the logo to go to MomDot for rules and how to enter.

January Bloggy Carnival Winners

Thanks again to everyone who entered! I really appreciate all the positive responses. The winners are:

Day 1: Rebecca, who also gets a Starbucks card for sending out a Tweet


Day 2: Sarah


Day 3: The three winners are Tammy, Dorothy and Margelina


Day 4: Janet, who also gets a Starbucks card

Day 5: Jean, who will also be enjoying a latte on me


Congratulations!

January Bloggy Carnival

Bloggy Carnival Giveaway Day 5- Encouraging Me Time For You

***CLOSED*** I don't know about you guys but I'm about carnival'd out and I still have so many to enter! But I have to take the time to thank everyone for participating and Tweeting for me. I really appreciate it and I'm sure the sponsors do too. I've got new followers on Twitter and here on the blog and I hope you stick around. You won't regret it. I can be pretty funny sometimes. Moving on. Short and sweet today:

This giveaway is a little self serving. I just agreed to do book reviews at a fairly new site, MahoganyButterfly.com and I want to have an arsenal of books at the ready (see that? sounding literary already!) So, to enter this contest please leave me a suggestion for a really good book. Maybe your favorite of all time or one that made you think, made you cry, or was just so good you read it in a few hours.


My only caveat (again with the literary!) is no Twilight or Sisterhood of the Shopaholics. Not that those books are bad (I don't want to incur the wrath of you Twilighters. You're serious about that Edward guy. Plus, I read plenty of chick lit). I just want books with a little more.... meat to them.

In exchange for providing me with your suggestions I will buy a book for you.* I know there are a lot of fellow readers out there and I'm sure your "to be read" lists are just as long as mine. So to enter:

1. Leave me a comment with your most awesomest book suggestion (required).

2. *The winner will receive a book from me in the form of a $20 gift card to Borders, Barnes and Noble or Amazon for an international winner (some countries don't allow Amazon cards, make sure yours does before entering).

3. For an extra entry (not required), send out a Tweet about this contest and come back to this post with the link to your Tweet. Here's the shortened link to this post: http://tiny.cc/XbqCD (you'll need a Twitter account.)*ETA: If you're the chosen winner and you've sent out a Tweet to help me publicize, I'll throw in a $5 Starbucks card!

4. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.You can leave your email address in the myemail [at] thisaddress [dot] com format to prevent spam.

5. Comments will close on Friday, January 30th at 11:59pm CA time.

6. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post on Saturday 1/31.

7. Winner will have until Monday, 2/2 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

8. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)

Below are my other giveaways which also end tonight. Click the picture or follow the link in my upper right sidebar to enter.



(Coffee photo from here)
Be sure to visit the carnival giveaway hub all week for more great contests!

Bloggy Carnival Day 4- Chocolate Truffle Cookies

***CLOSED*** Today's giveaway comes from the Liz of The Cookie Chew. I found Liz almost by accident. I was getting the mail a few weeks ago and sorted through it dropping items into the recycling. I flipped through one of the circulars looking for restaurant coupons and landed on a page with her ad on it. The cookies looked so good I read the ad and was excited to see she's a local. I sent her a message through her site, she called me back and now I get to give away some of her awesome treats to you!

Liz was starting a career in accounting but stepped away from the computer to focus on turning her passion for baking into a career. Liz is offering one winner a half pound bag of Cocktail Cookies and a package of six Truffies! A White Chocolate Russian Cookie or Raspberry Chocolate Martini Cookie? Sign me up! This is the point where you tell me how much you love me. (Kidding. Sorta.)

To enter (two entries possible):
1. Go to The Cookie Chew site and look at the cookie menu, the Truffie or Cocktail Cookies flavors (the site has Flash animation, hover over the little pictures in the top left).

2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me what other item you'd buy - required.

3. For an extra entry (not required), send out a Tweet about this contest and come back to this post with the link to your Tweet. Here's the shortened link to this post: http://tiny.cc/dJEf2 (you'll need a Twitter account.)*ETA: If you're the chosen winner and you've sent out a Tweet to help me publicize, I'll throw in a $5 Starbucks card!

4. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.You can leave your email address in the myemail [at] thisaddress [dot] com format to prevent spam.

5. Comments will close on Friday, January 30th at 11:59pm CA time.

6. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post on Saturday 1/31.

7. Winner will have until Monday, 2/2 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

8. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)

*I have links to my other four giveaways in my right sidebar (more jewelry and $20 for books).

Be sure to visit the carnival giveaway hub all week for more great contests!

Bloggy Carnival Giveaway Day 3- Part 1: Fused Glass Pendants

***CLOSED*** My addiction to Twitter gets stronger every day. I'm following (and being followed) by some really great people. I got to meet a follower for the first time on Monday, and I just connected with a woman who lives near me and will be helping me train for the breast cancer walk. I take back everything I said about Twitter being useless and pointless!

The first of today's giveaways comes from one of my followers. I'm not sure what I Tweeted to get Kevin's attention but I'm so glad I did. His Etsy shop, KanYoFuse, is full of beautiful pendants made of glass, which is one of my favorite materials to wear. Kevin has generously offered pendants to THREE winners!


Ooh, ahhh! I love these and hate that they will not be adorning my neck (top to bottom they are named Champagne Hearts on Shimmering Purple, Be Mine Flowers and Lovesick Dragonflies).

To enter (two entries possible):
1. Go to the KanYoFuse shop to see the other items Kevin offers.

2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me what other item you'd buy - required. (You can also tell me which of the three you'd like most - optional)

3. For an extra entry (not required), send out a Tweet about this contest and come back to this post with the link to your Tweet. Here's the shortened link to this post: http://tiny.cc/tPM8s (you'll need a Twitter account.)*ETA: If you're the chosen winner and you've sent out a Tweet to help me publicize, I'll throw in a $5 Starbucks card!

4. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.You can leave your email address in the myemail [at] thisaddress [dot] com format to prevent spam.

5. Comments will close on Friday, January 30th at 11:59pm CA time.

6. I will use random.org to draw the three winners and post the results/notify winners via email and in a "Winners" post on Saturday 1/31.

7. Winners will have until Monday, 2/2 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

8. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)

*I have other giveaways: One for a really cute enamel pocket mirror here, a different glass pendant here and gourmet cookies here and $20 for books here.

*Be sure to visit the carnival giveaway hub all week for more great contests!

Bloggy Carnival Day 3- Delayed

I'm so sorry everyone! I have to leave for the dentist soon and time got away from me. If I don't eat before I go I'll be miserable. I'll try to get two giveaways up to when I get back to make up for it. Take a sneak peek here and here. Be back later!

(Not Even Close To) Wordless Wednesday: Tide Pools

I was trying for an On Golden Pond type of look with this photo. The father walked into the shot and I decided to go with it. I love how it turned out. I took a few more of them but this one is the best. While I was reviewing the pictures on the LCD, they ran off down the beach. I was going to offer to email him since I know a moment like this is so precious. Seeing a dad with his child like this always makes me melt. Kids grow so fast.


For more Wordless Wednesday visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Mom Dot, What's That Smell

Bloggy Carnival Day 2- Handmade Glass Pendant

***CLOSED*** My second giveaway is from another Etsy seller. I'm very happy to have the type of positive response from all the Etsy sellers I've worked with in their willingness to partner with me and offer such unique items!

Rachel is the owner of the Legion Creative shop. Rachel's design are very striking and colorful. She has a graphic design background and it definitely shows in her work. Rachel is offering one winner this beautiful daisy pendant which I absolutely love!
To enter (two entries possible):
1. Go to the Legion Creative shop to see the other items Rachel offers.

2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me what other item you'd buy - required.

3. For an extra entry (not required), send out a Tweet about this contest and come back to this post with the link to your Tweet. Here's the shortened link to this post: http://tiny.cc/7lklx (you'll need a Twitter account.)*ETA: If you're the chosen winner and you've sent out a Tweet to help me publicize, I'll throw in a $5 Starbucks card!

4. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.You can leave your email address in the myemail [at] thisaddress [dot] com format to prevent spam.

5. Comments will close on Friday, January 30th at 11:59pm CA time.

6. I will use random.org to draw the winners and post the results/notify winner via email and in a "Winners" post on Saturday 1/31.

7. Winners will have until Monday, 2/2 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

8. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)

*I have another giveaway for a really cute enamel pocket mirror here, pendants for three winners here, gourmet cookies here and $20 for books here.

*Be sure to visit the giveaway hub all week for more great contests!

Bloggy Carnival Day 1- Cherry Blossom Pocket Mirror

***CLOSED*** Wee! It's Carnival time! It really does seem like we just had one. To those who are here for the first time, welcome and thank you! I enjoy finding new things to bring to you and hope this round of giveaways lives up to my previous ones. I'll be giving away a different item each day (2 more from Etsy sellers!) so please check back throughout the week.

My first giveaway is from the Etsy shop Little Pink Plum. I found Janet while researching a piece on affordable Valentine's Day gifts. I like the idea of supporting small, local, mom-owned businesses and Little Pink Plum is all three. Janet is offering one winner a Cherry Blossom pocket mirror in an organza bag. So cute!


I like the idea of a small mirror. Sometimes having to use my foundation mirror is pain and I've dropped the applicator and not noticed until later. Plus, this would be great in a small bag for a night out.

To enter (two entries possible):
1. Go to the Little Pink Plum shop to see the other items Janet offers.

2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me what other item you'd buy - required.

3. For an extra entry (not required), send out a Tweet about this contest and come back to this post with the link to your Tweet. Here's shortened link to help: http://tiny.cc/rrX3b (you'll need a Twitter account.)*ETA: If you are the chosen winner and you've also sent out a Tweet to help me publicize, I'll throw in a $5 Starbucks card!

4. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info. You can leave your email address in the myemail [at] thisaddress [dot] com format to prevent spam.

5. Comments will close on Friday, January 30th at 11:59pm CA time.

6. I will use random.org to draw the winners and post the results/notify winner via email and in a "Winners" post on Saturday 1/31.

7. Winners will have until Monday, 2/2 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

8. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)

**I have another giveaway for a glass pendant here, three winners will get fused glass pendants here, gourmet cookies are here and $20 for books here.

*Be sure to visit the giveaway hub all week for more great contests!

Jealousy Is An Ugly, Ugly Thing

Just a quick heads up that I'm participating in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival that starts Monday. And I hate that I have to give this great stuff away!

I will expect effusive thanks and people prostrating themselves before me when they see what I'm offering. OK, not really. Just be sure to come back all next week to see what I have for you! (Hint: jewelry and cookies!)

Study Examines Moms by Race

I could sing the praises of Maria Bailey and her team at BSM Media for, oh, about a week. I have learned so much from Maria and really look up to her personally and professionally. I was beyond flattered when she asked me to participate in a research project focusing on the values of moms of different races.

BSM sent out the press release of the findings last week (below and in PDF form here). I really hope companies, advertisers and media pay attention to the findings. This past Tuesday really was (IMHO) the beginning of a new era and a new social consciousness. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television and any other media need to be prepared for the shift in demographics I believe will be coming.

One of my comments to Maria was that, because of our new President and First Lady (squee!), there may be people of different ethnicities and backgrounds participating in media they never would have before. A grandmother who has never read the USA Today may pick it up because Obama is on the cover. A mother may buy an issue of a magazine she's never read before because of an article on the First Lady.

I'm considering subscribing to Time or Newsweek because I really want to be more active and knowledgeable politically than I was before.

I really do believe the demographics are going to change and I hope companies and the media are prepared to make sure they are reaching this new audience.

FT. LAUDERDALE (JANUARY 13, 2009) – When it comes to motherhood, nothing is black and white. As we usher in the inauguration of our first African American President, a new study examines the behaviors and values of mothers across racial lines. The research shows that while all mothers are battling with the growing concerns facing our nation, some of a mother’s coping strategies and motivations are tied to her culture and ethnic background.

The research was conducted by BSM Media, www.bsmmedia.com, a leading marketing to moms firm led by Maria Bailey, author of “Mom 3.0: Marketing With Today’s Mothers by Leveraging New Media and Technology”.

“Moms share universal concerns for their children,” says Maria Bailey, CEO of BSM Media. “It is clear, however, that the way she reacts to the economy, rising food costs and the dreams she has for her children is impacted by her personal experiences, upbringing and ethnic background.”

BSM Media partnered with several prominent African American mom bloggers to field the research: Jennifer James, editor of Mommy Too! Magazine (www.mommytoomag.com), Melanie Sheridan from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy (www.meladramaticmommy.com), Kimberly Coleman from Mom in the City (www.mominthecity.com/), and Michele Dortch, The Integrated Mother (www.integratedmother.com).

“Identifying the specific needs of African American Moms is timely,” said Melanie Sheridan from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy, www.meladramaticmommy.com. “Companies and media need to be more culturally aware and prepared for the expanded audiences recent historic events may bring their way.”

Key Findings of the study include:

· Although the majority of all moms have made household adjustments to cope with the economic crisis, African American moms are more likely to delay major purchases (57%) and avoid stores to reduce shopping (54%). Caucasian moms are coping by using coupons and discount codes (73%) and driving fewer places to conserve gas (62%).

“It takes a lot of time and concerted effort to use coupons effectively and save money, and time is something that many African American moms don’t have”, says Jennifer James, editor of Mommy Too! Magazine (www.mommytoomag.com), “In addition, many of the manufacturer coupons found in the newspaper are not found in the retail locations in urban communities and if they are, many African American moms opt to purchase lower cost generic brands which usually don’t issue coupons.”

· African American moms are more likely to turn to clergy for support (60%) than Caucasian moms (41%). Other popular support outlets among both races included spouses, parents and other moms.

· Although moms across racial lines ranked education as their greatest dream for their children, African American moms are more likely to aspire for their children to have a deep religious commitment as adults than Caucasian moms.

“For many of us, our faith has sustained us.” says Kimberly Coleman of Mom in the City, www.mominthecity.com, in response to the importance of religion in the African American community.

· Caucasian moms named managing the desires of their children for material things as a challenge (45%), while African American moms are battling with affordable housing (35%).

· While online, African American mothers are more likely to read articles (68%) and experience music (45%). Caucasian mothers are likely to frequent social networks (45%) and message boards (43%).

“The results of BSM’s research confirm one very important fact - we may share a common bond as mothers, but each of us brings a unique approach to motherhood that must be recognized,” says Michele Dortch of The Integrated Mother.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Why I Will Be Offline Tonight

Two words: Sawyer and Jack!

Barack Obama, Our 44th President

I did not think a day like today would happen in my lifetime. I never thought I'd be talking to my child about what a historic day this is and why it is significant and meaningful. I'm still so in awe that I have no words.


Welcome to Washington Mr. President.(Photo from ABC News)

Moms With Mini Vans: Does This Look Familiar?

Unfortunately, I can relate. Thanks to San Diego Bargain Mama for sharing the link!

She May Never Speak to Me again After This

Have you ever been in a situation that reminded you of someone you know, at a totally inappropriate moment? That happened to me today when I thought about Bejewell.

I went for an ultrasound this morning (no, not that kind!). When I got into the exam room, the tech told me my doctor ordered two different scans, one abdominal and one v@ginal. Yippee! If you've never had an internal ultrasound, the wand is like a vibrat@r for newbies only not nearly as fun.

So, after the outside ultrasound, I had to use the loo so as not to pee on the table for the internal exam. I got undressed, stretched out, and the tech smeared me up. (Side note: sincere thanks to whomever designed the gel warmer thingy.) Despite being female and having the same ladyparts, she couldn't find the, um, entrance and I had to insert the wand myself. Yeah, I know!


I'm staring at the ceiling while the tech is moving the wand around. Left, right, up and down like a vajajay joystick. Despite having an empty bladder, my discomfort is growing and I'm sure my uterus and ovaries were all, "the hell?" And the more the tech stirs my innards the more pressure I feel until I'm scared I might toot. Which made me think of the "musical fruit" song from when we were kids, and that made me think of Beej.

Which? Totally made me want to laugh. But I couldn't because I was worried the muscle contractions would force the joystick out AND make me toot. So I had to try and hold in my laughter and gas at the same time which, let me tell you, was not easy.

Now that I have embarrassed myself and potentially lost a friend, it's your turn! Where have you been that made you think of someone even though the circumstances had zero to do with the person?