My Blog Life: One Year Later

I guess it's an anniversary of sorts.  I've officially had my Blogger account for 1 year now.  I started blogging here on December 2010.  My son had just turned 6 months old and I thought it was time for me to revisit an old hobby of mine: Blogging.  I first started blogging in 2004 (well BEFORE marriage & motherhood).  My first blog was on Xanga.  I fell in love with blogging INSTANTLY.

Some of you may already know my little secret:  that I do TRY to maintain more that one blog.  Reason:  I never did find my "niche" with blogging.  I may seem scatter-brained in blog life, but as I see it:  I am organized in my own chaotic way.  I don't find a need for a formula or to follow any guidelines. I blog for the enjoyment of blogging.  Pure & simple.  I am hoping that 2012 will present more time for me to invest in blogging.  We shall see!

My BLOGGER Blogs:
Mommied Life by Cynthia | My Life as Mom

• Married Life by Cynthia | Happy Wife, Happy Life
• Life by Cynthia
• Confidential Conversation
• Dollars & Sense
• Recollection Collection
• The Skinny
• The Novice

I mention my BLOGGER Blogs above because to add to the mix I also have other ventures out there.

This is my life. Thanks for visiting it!

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving

2010

Seltzers

I drink my fair share of plain water.  I surpass my daily recommended amount in fact.  But  I have to admit that I love fizz when it comes to my drinks.  Nowadays if I indulge in a bubbly beverage my go-to is Diet Coke. I am a grown up now, and I actually like the taste of Diet Coke.

Let's  rewind to circa 1987-1989:  I would never dream of touching a diet beverage!  My favorite during my teen years was either Zeltzer Seltzer or Original New York Seltzer.  I loved the variety of flavors that I could buy.  I would walk to the local drug store after school and buy a bottle at a time.  If you wanted to court me - you wouldn't bring me candy or flowers.  Instead, bring me a seltzer & maybe we could chat for a bit!  Yes, I enjoyed these drinks THAT much!  I wish that these flavored Seltzer drinks would make a comeback!

Photo: Google Images
Original New York Seltzer

Please tell me that there is somebody else out in the world that remembers this sweet elixir!  I found it odd that these babies were sold in a 4 pack instead of 6 and if I were to indulge & buy more than my usual 1 bottle - I would switch flavors so that I could enjoy 4 different flavors. Thankfully, the checkout clerks never minded when I did my little switcheroo.  I wasn't loyal to any particular flavor.  I LOVED them ALL.

Photo: Google Images
Zeltzer Seltzer Ad

Wheels!

When I first learned to roller skate, I used skates with METAL wheels.  Yes, I am that old.  I loved graduating to rubber wheeled skates.  Many years later I moved on to Rollerblades.  I even know how to ice skate very well.  It all took some time learning.  My new venture will be learning to roll on Heely's!  Exciting right?  My niece owned a pair when she was little and they looked like so much fun.  I have been selected to try out a pair of my very own Heely's and I can HARDLY wait to get them!  Stay tuned!  I may even be brave enough to post a video of my adventures online!

"Wordless" Wednesday: Beyoncé, the Dog?

I intended for this post to be wordless, but I could help but to write a little bit about this cutie!

Beyoncé

She isn't ours. We met this cutie at a birthday party that we attended over the weekend. Her name is Beyoncé. Before her owner told us her name, he prefaced it by asking us not to laugh. I laughed.

We had a couple of dogs during my childhood when we lived in Hawaii. My dad named them.  Our dogs were named Apollo & Rocky. Those names, to me, sounded like "dog" names...I can't picture my dad calling for "Beyoncé" to "come".  I guess I thought of that when I heard this puppy's name and couldn't help but to laugh!

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with naming a dog Beyoncé, I just didn't expect to hear that.

What did your name your pet?  Does their names fit personality-wise?  Hear of any unique pet names?

Ear Buds? No Thank You.

I am kind of like Warren from There's Something About Mary.  It's an ears thing.  I prefer headphones with earpieces that go OVER your ear and not IN your ear.  I guess I'll be the dork at the gym with the Walkman type headphones...Unless I can find something more streamlined. Wait - I haven't BEEN to the gym in eons! Well, I am planning on it.  An WHEN I do, I'll want to listen to my own tunes.  Oops! I don't have an iPod.  How silly will I look (not that I care, but you know) with my Sony D-NS505 Portable Sports CD player? Hey, don't laugh.  When I got this baby, she was high end!  I need to get with the times don't I?  Too bad it costs money to get with the times!  Here is my technology wish list that I am NOT BUYING because I am saving up for our sons future instead:

• E-reader
• Tablet
• Camera stuff for vlogging
• iRobot Roomba

Now if someone out there can help me get out of the dark ages, let me know! We have registered to attend The International CES tradeshow which is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow so maybe I'll get lucky and connect with some of the exhibitors.  I'd gladly volunteer to be a case study on consumer use! YOU NEVER KNOW.

Kindle - Will We Ever Meet?

Books vs. E-reader

I know that e-readers are all the rage.  I myself don't have one (YET).  I would likely fall in love with it.  I'm fighting that technological advance for as long as I can. It makes me sad when I hear of book stores closing.  I love books. I can't take my Kindle to a book signing and have a favorite author scribble their autograph... I can't drop it repeatedly and expect it not to break.  My books are more durable than that, do not require a power source, and I love turning pages.  I'm sure that it's just a matter of time before I join the masses...

Punky Brewster - Mommy!

I grew up watching Punky Brewster on Television. I can hardly believe that the spunky little girl played by Soleil Moon Frye is now a mommy of two!  Thanks to Twitter and @TargetBaby, I am happy to announce that I just won a copy of her new book Happy Chaos!  I'll be sure to share my review of the book.  I am a new mommy, so we shall see how long it takes me to find time to read!


Other stuff that I have won recently: Thank You Twitter.

Blogger's Block

I remember writing assignments in school and suffering with occasional writer's block.  Teachers would encourage us to brainstorm and just write ideas down in a free flowing manner - no matter how random.  I guess it worked, but it was so long ago that I now can no longer recall.

I've been struggling to post anything in my blog(s).  I have quite a few things that I have in mind.  Getting started has been such a pain.  I really don't have the time, the energy, or the motivation.  It's crazy.  Normally, all I ever want to do is write a post or two (or eight).

As you all know BlogHer '11 just happened.  I attended as a first timer.  I got a lot of out if. I'm still buzzing with the excitement of the experience.  I just can't seem to pour out a blog post.  This will serve as my attempt.

I have pictures on my camera from BlogHer that I haven't transferred.  I have people that I would like to recognize. I would love to write about all of the wonderful happenings in my day to day life.  I even want to rant about situations at work and observations about what has been going on there.

I haven't found the time.  I haven't made the time.  In this space of time now, I really should be sleeping.

Here is my tiny effort, my little running start, my brainstorming session....This TINY effort at just random mind spew has actually been a HUGE undertaking.  I am exhausted.  I am tempted to hit "delete" instead of "publish post"...All of these words are just seemingly a waste of blog-space.  There.  I did it. I got something out.  Something is better than nothing at this point.  For the first time ever, I am hoping that NO ONE READS THIS POST.

Do any of you recall moments like this?

BlogHer '11: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Today I read a tweet entitled: BlogHer Conference Update -- August 12, 2011 | BlogHer.  Cool.  Since I attended the conference, I wanted to read the write up.  I open up the attachment and lo and behold!  I see my face!  Admittedly, it is not the most flattering of photos since I am clearly in mid-speech!  I was telling my new blog buddies what I blog about.  I am thrilled all the same.  What a great souvenir of my BlogHer moment!

Asher-Sears Photography

I am now able to cross "Have my photo on front page of BlogHer website" off of the bucket list! It's already quickly being bumped lower and lower on the page as more posts are put up. But at least it was up there at ONE point. I'm giddy!

Also pictured is Nicole Aro of The Sunlight Foundation which is a non-profit. I met a few ladies that are involved with non-profit organizations. She was kind enough to ask if I wanted company at breakfast since I was eating alone. It touched me even more that she came up to me because there were PLENTY of other empty tables available.

BlogHer '11: Day 1

Too tired to blog about it as there is SO MUCH to say! I will post a few photos though. I didn't bring a camera since I didn't have a buddy to snap photos for me/of me/with me. I will bring one tomorrow.  I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos taken with my DumbPhone.  I think I was the only one in the entire Convention Center without a SmartPhone or a Tablet! OH - and the only one without business cards. Well...I ordered some but not in time. Boo.  Oh Well.

Note: No pictures of me with fellow Bloggers = I was feeling shy!  No shyness though with the Sponsors.  Weird, I know.

One of the Welcome Banners & Attendees Registering

Meeting Room for session that I am in charge of the Mic.
I scoped it out early for Saturday's Session, just planning ahead!

EXPO Floor: Awesome sponsors!  Met really sweet people.

Diane Amos & Me: That's the power of Pine Sol, baby... 

Cookie Monster, Elmo, and ME.  I plan on bringing our son  before the conference ends.

Brawny Man & Me

When Cameras Required Film

I remember dropping off film to be processed.  The excitement of picking up your photos to see what actually developed.  I miss those days.  This was long before the days of 1 Hour Photo developing.  110 film. 35 mm film. Polaroid pictures came along a bit later for me.  Instant gratification these days robs my nieces and nephews of the joy of waiting.

Don't even get me started on flash cubes!

BlogHer '11 - I'm Going!

Guess who's going to BlogHer '11?!  I am!  I have been dreaming of going for some time now.  I'll be a first timer.  My husband knew how badly I wished to go and offered to pay my registration fees.  Truly sweet of him but I wanted to make my way there without him buying my way in.  I have been getting my feet wet again in the blogging arena since I had dropped the habit back in 2004.  I  couldn't quite justify the cost.  Especially since I have been a bit directionless.  OK not directionless - just headed off into EXCESSIVE directions!  I'm all over the place when it comes to blogging.  I can't find my niche.  Quite honestly, I don't want one.  I don't want to be wedged into any one place no matter how much I'm told it is a necessity.  Maybe I'll change my ways once I have a few sessions under my belt at BlogHer.  I'm stubborn though - so I doubt it.  It's bad, but I don't always care what "experts" think.  I do what makes me happy.

I looked into doing sponsored posts as a means of  raising funds to spend on my BlogHer registration.  I do work outside of the home and earn a decent living but I refused to spend our family resources on my blogging venture.  So far I'm proud to say that I've earned a pretty penny dabbling in  Sponsored Blog Posts.  Enough in fact to cover the cost of registration PLUS a couple of cute outfits!  It's been a gratifying experience earning money doing something that I enjoy.  Especially since I would be doing it ANYWAY.

I was thrilled when I was invited to participate in a contest sponsored by Naturalizer Shoes & MyBlogSpark (Blog Post: BlogHer '11: Cynthia The Super Hero?!).  The prize?  An entry to win a sponsorship for my attendance to BlogHer '11 and to share some great shoes with conference attendees!

I even attempted to volunteer a few months ago.  The volunteer positions were all filled.  Apparently they fill up quickly.   Recently BlogHer re-opened their call for volunteers.  Of course I had to find out all I could about that.  They were only looking for a few spots to fill.

Today I registered for the conference.  The cost?  $0.  Lesson learned:  Where there is a will, there is a way!

Hmm...now I've got to find a way to obtain a SmartPhone to use while at the convention!  My current phone is ultra low tech!  Do I have time before the conference to locate a sponsor for a SmartPhone and learn how to use one?!  That way I can leave my laptop at home.  If not, how about a sponsor for a stylish and comfortable laptop bag?!  Oooh....a clothing sponsor to help me with my BlogHer '11 "Look".  Maybe a company to offer new hair & make up?  I'm dreaming but like I said: Where there is a will, there is a way!

Wordless Wednesday

          

Link Up!

Roll Down Your Car Window!

Photo credit: USAToday

This morning my husband got into his car a bit before I did and I had to ask him something before he drove off.  I motioned for him to "roll down the window" as if there were a handle to do so.  You know, like the good old days pre-automatic style!  I laughed and joked with him about how silly my motioning would be to our nieces and nephews who have never in their lifetime "rolled" down a car window. Instead they push a button and the window lowers. Sigh...my niece is here with me and I worked my imaginary hand crank for a car window and asked her if she knew what my motioning looked like to her.  She looked at me puzzled!  When I explained to her she then lit up and said OH....like in grandma's car!  I found a picture online to show her.  Talk about a generation gap!

When People Wore Watches

Photo Credit: Ashlandpics

I remember when people wore watches.  It was a conversation starter.  You see someone that you might be interested in (or is interested in you) and your approach could start off with: "Excuse me, do you have the time"? That line can't be used now since everyone has a cell phone or other device that keeps time.  I'm sure that many watch wearers are older folks like me and do so out of habit. For others a fashion statement.  Today I'm going to observe how many people I encounter that still wear a watch.  I may throw them for a loop and ask for the time!

My all time favorite watch that I had ever owned was my Mickey Mouse watch.

Bubble Gum Memories

Photo credit: Croaker Inc.

Juicy Fruit Gum. I still have the smell memorized. In the 70's there was a commercial of people picking packs of Juicy Fruit Gum off of a tree as if it were actual fruit that had grown from that tree.   I was a very young girl at the time but I distinctly remember the commercial because I would HOPE & DREAM to have a tree like that!  I wanted a tree like that for my birthday for a couple of years!  I think I'll have to do a search on YouTube for the commercial!


Now don't even get me started on Fruit Stripe Gum! I can still taste it's yummy-ness! I used to keep the packaging and enjoy smelling it once the gum was all gone!

Photo credit: whateverhappenedtothat

As I entered middle school and into high school the "stick" type of gum switched to the HubbaBubba, BubbleYum and Bubbalicious types!

Photo credit: Hubba Bubba on facebook

I don't chew gum anymore since I have TMJ and my doctor and dentist discouraged banned gum chewing. But I still have happy memories of my gum chewing, bubble blowing days! I was oh so proud of myself when I first learned to blow a bubble!

And YES I have had gum stuck in my hair many times!!  Ever fall asleep with gum in your mouth? I think I was five or six when that happened!

Wordless Wednesday: When I Was A Kid...

Photo Credit: The Guardian

Link Up!

I Remember When...

...Watermelon had SEEDS!

Photo Credit: Google Images

Yes, this is ANOTHER "When I Was a Kid" Story.

My childhood memories of summer include family picnics/bbq at the beach or park.  Watermelon was naturally part of the menu.This post was prompted by the recent 4th Of July holiday.  We had watermelon and my son loves it.   It was pre-cut and seedless.  Oh how convenient. Boo for convenience. I like it better the old fashioned way cut in wedges and eating it down to the slightly salty rind.  I vividly remember spitting out the black slippery seeds to see how far they would fly!  Now kids eat seedless watermelon.  Well that takes the fun out of it.  Does anyone else in the world remember swallowing a seed accidentally and being told that a watermelon would start to grow in your tummy?

Summer Fun: Water Parks and Kiddie Pools.

It's summertime!  What better way to beat the heat then splashing in the water.  My nearly 3 year old nephew recently received his first kiddie pool from his loving parents.  FUN!  Of course he loves it - it even has a built in slide!  We never had a kiddie pool when we were kids.  We did enjoy our water fun though since we were resourceful kids!  We would turn on the lawn sprinkler and run through it.  Tell me that we weren't the only kids to do this!  We never did ask for permission before doing so and I am surprised that we never got in trouble for it.  Sometimes our water fun would leave our front lawn nearly swamp like!  Those were the days.  Water parks? The COST for admission to the water parks? Not necessary during our childhood!  We would opt for the beach over a water park...

I'm not saying that we aren't going to take our child to the water parks. I'm just saying that during my parents time with children it sure was less expensive AND we STILL had a lot of FUN growing up!

Admission to Knott's Soak City San Diego = $26.99 x 2 Adults =$53.98 + Child's Admission (once he is old enough to enjoy attractions) $21.99 + Parking $10 + Locker Rental $10 = $95.97


Here I am at 40 and with my first child writing "when I was kid" stories...

Wordless Wednesday

Link Up!

When I Was A Kid: Tuesdays = $1 Movies

I was so pleased to see that there is still "dollar day" at the movie theaters. I am stunned!  Ice Cream by the Scoop sure increased in price, but dollar movies still exists!

SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS

Regal's Summer Movie Express 2011. Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am.

Thrifty's Ice Cream by The Scoop

Summer Memories:

I remember when my siblings and I would want an ice cream cone we would walk down to our local Thrifty's Drug Store and head straight for the Ice Cream Counter.  A single scoop was 05¢, a double was 10¢, and you could go all out and get a triple scoop for 15¢!  Yes, I'm old....I think it's over $1.00 for a single now at Rite Aid which sells Thrify's brand ice cream.  Our favorites included: Chocolate Malted Crunch, Mint & Chip, Rocky Road, and Rainbow Sherbet for my baby sister.  What was your favorite flavor?

I am on a hunt for the ice cream "scooper" with the trigger handle!  If anyone finds one before I do please let me know!  I did find something that makes "cylinder" style scoops, but I would rather have the "gun" type that they used in the store.

Why am I on such a mission? Well we have a huge tub of ice cream at that was intended for our son's First Birthday Party but we forgot it in our freezer at home. Now I am thinking of having an ice cream social for my son and his cousins to create some new summer memories for them!


This was something that I found on Amazon that looks nice, but I really have my heart set the "old school" one!

Cuisipro Scoop and Stack Ice Cream Scoop

Wordless Wednesday: Letter to Daddy

Link Up!

I remember when...

I remember when I was a kid and on summer break from school.  I hated it.  It was BORING.  My parents were strict - I was their first daughter and they were ultra old school.  I didn't get to go to summer camp, hang out at a friend's house, cruise the mall, etc.... I stayed home bored. They would let me go to the library.  It's a good thing that I  loved to read!  My dad would drive me to and from even though I could have walked (if he let me).   I would check out as many books as they would let me and then lock myself in my room to read.  One summer I read the entire YA (young adult) section!  Friends and family thought I was nuts - since it was never "required" reading. By the time I was in high school I would voluntarily take summer school classes just to be out of the house!  As an adult I still read "just for fun". Not as much as I would like to, but whenever I can squeeze in a moment.  Imagine that - what felt like my escape from the feeling of punishment is something that I look forward to still. Go figure. TO mom & dad: Thank you for "ruining" my summer vacation!

Do kids today even have a chance to be bored? With all the access to online activities, video games, countless TV programs, and social networking sites??  I'm glad that I didn't have access to all the excess as a child.  My summer boredom fostered my love of reading.

What I'm reading now:
Grimm's Fairy Tales (Barnes & Noble Classics)

"First Time" Friday

Do you remember how you felt your FIRST TIME?  Were you nervous & scared?

I wanted to share. Let's do First Time Friday shall we? Oh kids, minds out of the gutter. I am NOT talking about THAT first time.  I'm talking about your very first time blogging.

I am hoping that some of you will play along and share your first blog post via comment.  Please leave a link to the very post that you have written, the date of the post, and a few of your thoughts.

I'll start:

XANGA - WHY I'M HERE Posted 10/6/2004 5:45 PM.  I was excited but nervous about what information I put out on the world wide web.  Once you put it out there - It's there. Forever.  I have since closed my first blog but recently reactivated it and left only a handful of posts.  I am a little embarrassed by my first attempts but now I am a much more confident blogger.  It's now more about what I want to do, say, and share.  In the past it was more of a worry that will others like me? Will anyone read my blogs? How do I get better at it?  Then - BAM, I was addicted!  I stopped for a few years but have since returned to my beloved hobby.

Whew...What a Weekend!

Once upon a time my weekends were MUCH different.  From getting ready for a night out dancing to vegging out and doing absolutely NOTHING.  Times sure have changed!  For the better of course.  I will soon post what my weekends looked like prior to being married, mommied, and close to 40!

My Weekend Recap

Friday:
Surprise 40th birthday party for my brother in law. It was a happy celebration. However, eating a veggie burger at a BBQ joint was a slight bummer.  We made up for it with ice cream cake.

Saturday:
I actually had time to clean my house.  I mean really clean, not just tidy up. First, I took my son out for a walk. I have to tell you all that I love my go-to, no-fail nap trick! It works every time. Bonus:  I get to have a great workout.  I "wear" him while I walk so I have a 20 lb "weighted" walk. We bond. He falls asleep. I get a great workout + fresh air + sunshine. Win-win.  After our walk I asked my husband to lie down beside him since he naps much longer that way. I wasn't too surprised to find that hubby ended up napping also.  I should have taken a photo.  As they napped I had a full 2 hours of uninterrupted cleaning time.Yay! The Shocker: I want to do more!

Sunday:
Church with my 2 guys.  We are there every Sunday but this was our son's first Palm Sunday Mass. To see him raise his palm frond along with the entire congregation was heartwarming.  He blew flying kisses to the people near us during the Rite of Peace - they couldn't help but come up to him.  He kept waving to them after. He is such a charmer. Just like his daddy.

Later...off to a spa day with my 2 sister in laws (hubby's side). We had massages in the afternoon followed by lunch with the whole family.  While the mommies were "spa-ing" the daddies had all 6 boys!  No injuries.  Woo-hoo.  Imagine that:  6 (very active) boys with 3 dads in charge. 3 boys still in diapers...

Your turn! What did you all do this weekend?

Candy Cigarettes?

Looking back now, I can hardly believe that as children we could be candy cigarettes from the ice cream truck. Did they just not have any groups that would complain about children's causes then? Once upon a time there were also vending machines located right alongside the candy & soda machines that you could purchase your ciggies from.

My high school actually had a segregated "smoking section" during my freshman year. I believe that it was the following year before they got rid of it.


Wow.

Children's Birthday Parties

We are going to brave the chilly weather and head our to our nephews 7th bithday party at Boomers. FUN.  My recollections of childhood parties were also fun.  But not as complicated as parties for children today. Our house. Food. Punch bowl. Cake. Candles. Some basic decor - balloons sometimes streamers. A handful of classmates. Our house.

Times were much simpler then.

We enjoyed the day nonetheless:

My other Web Logs

Why so many separate blogs? Read:  BLOG BACK STORY

Confidential Conversation :  My diary style blog. A conversation with myself if you will. Much like a diary. Just my personal thoughts for the day. Something for me to look back on and ponder.

Dollars & Sense :  Retail therapy for cost conscious folks like myself. I love the challenge of finding a good deal. I gladly share what I find.

Happy Wife, Happy Life  Stories of a newlywed.

My Life as Mom   All about a first time mom. This blog is dedicated to all of my mommy thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Recollection Collection: Reliving random memories from days of old. Born in the 70's. Grew up on the 80's. Early adulthood in the 90's. Now a "grown up".

The Skinny : "The skinny..." is a relatively recent idiom that means to give the bare facts about something without a lot of unnecessary detail: a concise, detailed report on. No holds barred...An invite only blog, so let me know if you want in.

February 14 St. Valentine's Day

I've been thinking about my first Valentine's Day impressions and this is what I came up with:

Do you remember "having to" fill out Valentine's Day cards in grade school?  I sure do.  We had to be fair and make one out to everybody in the class.  The obligatory Valentine. Where's the "special-ness" in that?  I just didn't like that everyone was obligated to give each other a Valentine.  Psh.... can I just give one to the boy I thought was neat?  Or receive one from someone that thought I was neat? Those are my grade school feelings about that...

On to middle school.  We would have "dedications" that we could send out to each other, usually in the form of a carnation flower with a note tied to it and delivered during class.  I guess that was nice. Until a friend would sign one anonymously as "secret admirer".  Imagine a pre-teen's frenzied mind trying to figure out who the mystery person is??  Just to find out at the end of day that it was a friend being sweet.  Sweet?! Imagine the let-down?

Now on to high school...  First off, my first job ever was at a flower shop.  (Ye Olde Flower Shoppe in Coronado, CA).  It is still around but under different ownership.  On weekends I would work at the flower shop and had all the flowers that I could ever want or need.  Valentine's Day for me usually meant work. Super busy helping people "be romantic" and thoughtful.  That's when I realized it shouldn't be that hard and not done up for one day. February 14.  It's almost expected.  That, to me, is just no fun.  Did I receive flowers on Valentine's Day? Sure, from my MOM who is a professional florist.  If a boy did send any to me it was at a discount and from my MOM. Oooh....romantic (yes, intended sarcasm).

As a grown up I have a wonderful, romantic man in my life that will shower me with flowers on random days.  It doesn't require a date of 2/14!

So, thank you grade school teachers for giving me my first "fair"-ness laden obligatory Valentine's Day impressions!

Disclaimer:
Don't get me wrong...I've had my share of wonderful Valentine's Day celebrations with my sweetheart.  One I will never forget is when my hubby (then boyfriend) made a surprise candlelight dinner for me.  Surf & Turf (fave).  Steak and lobster and lots of love, what more can a girl ask for?  Also, I have been a recipient of gorgeous arrangements from my hubby delivered at work - yes, I've been "that girl" who office mates would swoon and tell me that I am so lucky (true, I am)!  I'm lucky that hubby doesn't need a commercialized holiday to prove love to me.  Proof is in the everyday....

Edit:  I think that I'm a Valentine's Day beliver once again... thanks to my Hubby's Gift.

Sick Day

I'm at home today. Sick day. I remember when I was in grade school and would miss a day due to illness...I would have to say that I secretly enjoyed it.  It meant one on one time with Mom (a mother of 3).  I am the middle child. That should speak volumes!  Anywho...I can taste the 7-Up now... or sometimes it would be Tang...I can feel the Vicks VapoRub schmeared all over me!  Saltine Crackers crackers and Campbell's chicken noodle soup.  I remember very clearly that I was home on the day the assassination attempt was made on Ronald Regan.  I was laid up on the couch in front of the TV and watched it unfold live on the news.  No, we didn't have remote controls then or I may have changed the channel. No on the cable TV as well.  No Cartoon Network.  Back then cartoons were only shown on Saturday mornings or after school.  I think it was either watch the news or daytime soaps.  Yes, my Mom was cool like that, I got to watch TV.  She didn't have me cooped up in my bedroom but instead allowed me to be propped up on the couch in our living room which had more fresh air & sunlight.  I think she secretly liked that I was home too.  Anyway, Mom's magic worked. I was at school the following day.  Thank you Mom.  Maybe I should try Mom's remedies...I really do want to get well.  I don't want to be sick all weekend...

Note: The ONLY reason that I am up to blog is that I have to pump or else die from pain. My breastfeeding mom friends will be able to relate to me on that one! The multi-tasker in me just had to use the opportunity to my advantage. Must take meds now and go to sleep.

Single White Female Re-deux?

Is imitation really a sincere form of flattery? Or is it just plain creepy?

Since it is Friday and I am excited for the weekend, I started brainstorming on ways to spend it.  We have one event planned but that is only for a couple of hours. Perhaps a movie?  I was thinking about what is, or what will be, out in theaters.  I see trailers for No Strings Attached (seems like a fun movie), Black Swan (looks interesting), and The Roommate.  Ok, I say that The Roommate appears very "Single White Female-esque".  Creepy.  I just might want to watch that one for the freak out value. Copycat crazies.  Maybe we'll see all three. I think I could do two Natalie Portman flicks & a creepy weird chick one as well. I wonder if anyone has any real life experience with something like that?!

Well...maybe Charles Caleb Colton was on to something. One of Colton's most famous quotes..."Imitation is the sincerest (form) of flattery".  Looks like someone liked the concept of Single White Female!

So thank you movie trailers for bringing me back to memories of the 1990's and the movie Single White Female!

Check out Random House Dictionary of America's Popular Proverbs and Sayings: Second Edition for info on where some of our popular phrases originate from.

Nestle Alpine White, where are you?

Though I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, I did love Nestle's Alpine White candy bar.  What ever happen to those?  I tried locating some online with no luck.  I have definitley not seen them in stores since the 1980's.  I am too busy to research this at the moment.  I did find the cheesey commecial though.  I have posted it here for your enjoyment!

I won't be a slave to my craving, not this time at least.  If anyone out there gets a lead on this one please let me know. 

Foiled again?

I miss foil.  Yes I said it.  It's recyclable and it reminds me of days of youth. Foil does this for me.  T.V. Dinners as a kid meant a combo of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and a brownie for dessert all cooked up toasty warm in an aluminum foil lidded tray that was baked up in the oven.  No plastic over wrap on a paper tray that got nuked in the microwave.  Foil wrapped Juicy Fruit gum.  Foil wrapped Hostess Ding Dongs. Jiffy Pop Popcorn instead of popcorn from a paper bag (again nuked in a microwave).  Can we get rid of microwaves and plastic? I want to go backwards to days of old.

Oh sweet memories....

This Christmas was my son's 1st.  When I saw this item online I felt a tug on my heartstrings that sent me reeling into happy childhood times (I love when that happens).... I couldn't resist and bought him his 1st set of wheels.  A Tricycle.  I have fond memories of my own three wheeler.  Growing up I have listened to various stories about me & my trike.  My mom would say, "Cynthia, be careful".  I would say in reply, "I am being careful-ing".  "Careful-ing".  I still smile when I hear that.  Another story involved my Mom having to deal with an angry mom because I pushed her daughter off of said tricycle.  In my defense, I thought she was stealing it.  I loved that trike.  Here is one similar to the one I had as well as the "cool" version I purchased for my son.  I hope that he loves his as much as I had loved mine.

Baby's 1st set of wheels: Schwinn Roadster Trike (Left) - Mommy's 1st Trike, minus the rust (Right)