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...