NaBloPoMo 2016

In case you can't tell - it's November.

And I'm participating in NaBloPoMo again.

National Blog Posting Month. It's coordinated by BlogHer, but you can participate even if you don't officially sign up with them to do so.

November is the month when many people sit themselves down and write their novels. NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - cool, right? And every year I think, maybe. Maybe this will be the month I actually turn my words into something book-worthy.

But nah. Not this year.

It's too much.

I've got my own thoughts and deadlines and whatnot, and I've been so danged busy, and so much has been happening and I have so many things thoughts and whatever else running around my brain a novel just isn't going to fall out and land on the paper through my fingertips.

Not now, anyway.

So, I sit here, instead, eating from a 15oz box of golden raisins, refusing to let my streak of blog posts die a sudden death on November 6th.

NOT ON MY WATCH.

So, even if my post turns out to be a ramble - which it most definitely has - I'm going to declare it a win. Because aside from get a lot of non-social work work done today I did absolutely nothing. Although that's not entirely true. I did some reading. I'm finishing up Inside The O'Briens by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Genova. It's so good. She's an amazing and talented writer.

Have a look into this book (aff link) and find out why I'm already recommending it even though I haven't finished reading it yet:

And we watched Supergirl tonight.

If you're not watching Supergirl you need to be. It's the perfect family show. And if you're not watching then you probably missed the replay of the first season, which was aired again since the show moved to the CW. So you can head on over to Amazon to watch (aff link) by clicking the image below - an image that has to stay semi-small or it turns super blurry:

And so - there you have it. My first week of November posting is complete. Give or take a day or two. Dang. Sunday doesn't start a new November week, does it? Halloween was on Monday.

Man. My head is a hot mess! Maybe this week I'll talk a bit about the conferences I attended in October and fill you in on my plan for blogging, etc. moving forward.

Chat atcha later, peeps.

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Let's Talk About The Other F Word

* This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Other F Word. All expressed information is on behalf of the show, however, all opinions are completely my own. *

The Other F Word is a new series that you're going to want to look into.

Look at these ladies. Don't they look like instant fun?

So, let me tell you why you need to watch.

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Shemar Moore is working hard. #TheBounceBack

Disclaimer: I was asked to participate in this campaign by the Bounce Back Film Campaign as part of a first-of-its-kind blogger initiative. I will cover the making of the movie from fundraising to premiere throughout the next year. I am being provided promotional material, giveaways and exclusive interviews but this is not a paid post. As always, my opinions are my own. 

If y'all don't know who Shemar Moore is, give me a minute. You'll know. Or you'll want to.

Shemar currently plays Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds. Whew. Have you SEEN him? Yeah. You should. Go on, look here ...

He's a beautiful man. For serious.

And he's apparently quite passionate. *Get your minds back on track, people, this is a big project he's got underway here!*

Shemar Moore is trying to fund a film he truly believes in. He's trying to do it without being taken into the fold and forced to lose control over the decisions he truly wants to make. So, yes, he's using his star power, but he's using it to work towards something he believes in. More power to him, I say.

And in order to get things underway, he needs your support. He is working to raise money to get The Bounce Back underway. He's connected with Indiegogo and has created a wonderful list of perks for those interested in investing. If you think that could be you, check out the how to invest in The Bounce Back page at Indiegogo today!

Also, there's a video clip of him talking about his dreams for this project. When I tried to embed it it looked pretty huge, and as much as I adore his face, I would prefer that you click on over to reach it.

You'll want to - there's a totally gratuitous shirt-changing moment. Yeah, I mean it. Check out The Bounce Back campaign video directly and you'll see.

I'll remind my readers that I am participating in a sponsored campaign for this production. I am NOT being financially compensated in any way, but I will be provided with promotional material, products, etc. for giveaways and more as I participate. I hope you'll continue to come on by and check out what I have to share.

There may even be a chance for YOU to come up with some questions for me to ask Shemar. So start thinking of them now and I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

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Jump the shark - who me?

Excellent.

I've been in the mood to write, but my head hurts and my sinuses were bothering me and so I just couldn't think about what to say.

My heart pushed me to be emotional and do a Father's Day thing, but I'm not up for it right.this.second.

So, Monday Listicles to the rescue!



TEN TV SHOWS THAT WERE CANCELED TOO SOON!!

AHA!!!

I've SO totally got this!!

I'm always iffy about what can and can't be shared on the blog when it comes to YouTube, but if it has a share option and is public I can do it, right?

I'm starting with my first choice because I just HAVE TO.

OCTOBER ROAD.

omg. I was so horribly sad when this show left and disappeared permanently. SO much so that right now I'm looking for a clip and found a supposed "series finale" and am watching it. It's kind of awful, mind you, but I'm watching anyway. I need to find the season finale prior to that episode, because my DVR/TiVo didn't record it and it made me super sad.

Hmmn. So, this was the end of the season finale episode, and it appears they did "solve everything" in a ten-minute answer to it all that was added to the DVDs. I almost kinda' wish I hadn't seen it. But I'll get over it.

Either way, it's a show that was gone way too soon. * Don't mind the first ten seconds. Then watch! *



You're going to see that I have an addiction. My next show also featured the one and only Geoff Stultz aka Eddie Latekka from October Road.

THE FINDER

Sadly this show was canceled so quickly it barely had enough time to get off the ground. Even more sadly, Michael Clarke Duncan has passed away, which made me so sad - even before I knew the show was gone. Sigh. Plus it was a spinoff of BONES, which I love.



Another one I always have to look up. I remember the actress, the story, the whole deal. But I forget the name every.single.time. We loved this sitcom. Even though it was quirky.

COMMITTED



I was absolutely not ready for this next show to go off the air. #sadface Even though it kind of jumped the shark when Jim died. But then he didn't die. It was horrible. But I had hoped they'd make it disappear and come back better. And I'm still scarred by the episodes where Andrea died. Broke my heart.

GHOST WHISPERER



I was so not ready for this show to end! This isn't the series finale, but it's a great moment anyway.

NUMB3RS



Geez, I've got five and this is already the longest post of all time ... give or take a little ... but I have two more, so I have to share them!

JOAN OF ARCADIA



Another fave, that suddenly has me realizing that I have liked a lot of shows with dead characters.

DEAD LIKE ME



I can't believe I couldn't think of ten. Honestly, I could surely give you a whole list of shows I miss, but I think lasted just the right amount of time ... but I won't. Not now, anyway. I'll just remind you to head on over to NorthWestMommy's place and check out everyone else's list. Or link up with your own. Because I'd love to see what you're missing, too.

Chat atcha later!

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Writer's block and hushpuppies

I keep starting a new post and leaving it blank.

I'm lacking things to say and I don't quite know why, exactly.

What's happening with you?

Quiet here, for the most part.

We had a beautiful weekend. Seriously.

Weird word to use? Maybe. Just how it was.

We took the boat out on Saturday and it was a pretty day. It stormed on us for a minute or two, which wasn't as awful as it sounds. It was actually kind of fun to get slightly soaked. Then we headed to the dock, it cleared up and we went back out for another spin.

On Mother's Day we left the house for a late-ish breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts - place of my choosing - and enjoyed a non-stressful meal. Took a ride after that to the mall, quick stop to pick up something the child dropped at Build-A-Bear after her girl scout outing there and I made a pit-stop at LUSH. Ah, have you ever been to LUSH? Pure heavenly products. Bought myself a small Mother's Day gift of a hair treatment and got some free samples. Went to Old Navy because I thought that they were starting to carry plus-sized clothing IN the store (how much would that ROCK!?!) but no dice. So I bought a new pair of sunglasses instead.

And a jump rope.

For the child.

Who is now completely and utterly addicted to jumping rope.

Which, I must add, she actually does quite well.

The things you learn in Kindergarten, I suppose!

After that we went to the Food Truck Rodeo - which is exactly what you think except nobody ropes up any food trucks or nothin'. It's just kind of like a NYC street fair but loads of trucks that sell pretty amazing foods. Yum.

I also ate the best hushpuppies I've ever tried in my life. Or my seven or so years down south. Come to think of it - about seven to be exact in that I moved down here in May of 2006. Wow.

Back to the hushpuppies. Take a look. You'll be drooling. I promise.

I just went to look for a "description of hushpuppies" and found this: hushpuppies are finger-shaped dumplings of cornmeal that are deep-fried - yum.

oh my YUM. I kind of would like some now. For my breakfast. It's a food truck delicacy, so I wonder if they deliver? Probably not.

You know what I can't stand? When people write prolly. Prolly. It grates at me. Horribly.

I took the dogs for a walk yesterday. Both of them. TOGETHER.

.8 miles. So not quite a mile, but yeah. It was good. And then I walked solo for over a mile with a little bit of jogging, as well. And this morning after I left the kiddo at the bus stop I almost started my work out but realized I had my non-athletic sneakers on. And my glasses. I just can't work out with my glasses on.

So instead I've been sitting here reading and trying to write and meh. I don't have anything exciting to talk about - everything is mostly status quo - which is good, right?

And now I'm catching up on General Hospital. Because I'm addicted. Like I have been my entire life kind of addicted. Also? The NCIS finale is this week and omg. I'm dying. It's so freakin' good. I don't know what I'm going to do without the show during the summer. That and New Girl. Have you watched New Girl? If you haven't - you should. Seriously. I wonder if they need a New Girl blogger? I could start a forum or something. New Girl fans non-anonymous. Not like Candy Crush. That's a whole other addiction.

So, fill me in on what's news with you. What are your latest addictions?

Also? I'm still trying to find the perfect orange bag. Any leads?

Talk later!

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The one where I can't stop talking ... #vlog

When it comes to entertainment you have to know by now how addicted I am to my shows. Whether it's General Hospital every.single.day (on DVR, so I absolutely need to catch up!) or NCIS every week, when I'm a fan I stick with a show as long as possible.

I've honestly watched GH since I was a kid. Seriously. A kid! I'd head home after school and watch with my mom or my childhood best friends. Sounds crazy, right? But I plan on getting my own child addicted, too. She's already there. She heard that theme song enough times in utero that she knew it by heart when she joined the world outside of my belly!

Anyway, I haven't vlogged in a while so I figured I'd give you a taste of what I'm watching now. So, here's my latest vlog chatter. I hope you'll stick around and watch the entire almost six minutes of it. Is that too long? Tell me the truth, I can take it. I might not change my vlogging style or lose my need or tendency to ramble, but at least I'll know - right? Enjoy!

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AMC and OLTL are BACK!

** This post is part of a campaign I am participating in via One2One Network. I have not and will not receive compensation for this post. I will be entered in a drawing for a prize when my post is completed, but there is no guarantee I will win. I like soap operas enough that I figured I'd share this info anyway. Why not, right? All soap-related chatter below is my own, minus a few pieces of specific information provided to me for this post. **

Anyone who knows me knows I'm addicted to General Hospital.

But wait - you say - that's not what the title of this post said. I'm here for AMC and OLTL info!!

I know. I'm just trying to explain why I'm an expert in the world of soap operas. I've watched GH since before I was born. My own daughter knew the theme the minute she popped into the world. I've watched Days of Our Lives, Another World (long gone) and many more.

Because of that, again, I'm an expert, people.

And when I tell you that All My Children and One Life to Live have, like many a soap star, returned from the dead, like the Phoenix rising ... well, you'd better believe me.

Many fans were devastated some time back. How could you replace our soaps with MORE talk shows? COME ON! Doesn't anyone know what we like? Are the soap star-fests not enough clarification of how dedicated we fans are?

It might be rough to accept new characters. It often is. But having some of the old fan favorites return is going to pull everyone on in. Seriously. Take a few minutes to watch the previews. It's like your favorite old shows are back after a spring cleaning.





I'm loving the music. I'm also loving fan favorites like Jessie and Angie, Vicki and Clint, Bo and Nora, Dorian (AH! DORIAN! I've loved her forever!). Blair and Todd? Maybe? I honestly can't tell what the deal is with Todd. After his stint on GH I don't know what's happening with his character ... but he's here in these clips at least!

OM-GOSH! I just found this video which might be even better at getting you guys excited. Here's why these two shows are returning and how the cast and crew feel about it.



Plus check out the new hottie(s)! They're definitely reaching out to the younger audiences, as well. With this new half-hour online format the hopes of bringing in new viewers, along with old faithful fans is sure to be reason enough to spice up the episodes.

So - where can you find them, you ask?

I'll tell you!

AMC and OLTL will be airing via The Online Network starting at midnight on Monday, April 29th.

Each show will have their own Hulu page, as well, that you can find here:

All My Children Hulu Page

One Life To Live Hulu Page

One important piece of info for you guys ... if you used to watch these episodes in front of or with your kids or your little siblings, you might want to test a few out first. Since the shows have moved off of network television there's a chance for some profanity (profanity! cool!) and more "adult content" than we're used to seeing. Nothing to deter you, but just an important reminder I was asked to pass along.

So - what do you think? Will you be tuning in?

** This post is part of a campaign I am participating in via One2One Network. I have not and will not receive compensation for this post. **

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Bazinga!

The Big Bang Theory is on in the living room.

My husband and my daughter (yes, she's five) are watching. At the same time she's sorting her "day kit" - which would be more along the lines of what you'd call your first aid kit.

She's taken to Band Aids lately. I don't know if it started before my hand-bite incident, or after, but the Band Aids and their non-name-brand copies are all over her stuffed animals.

Perry (the platypus) had two on his eyes yesterday morning.

Pugsly (her beanie baby pug that used to be mine) had a tiny one on his head, as well.

Pounce (we have a thing for P-names, it seems, he's a beanie baby cat that was mine many moons ago, too) hasn't had any yet, but he's her favorite these days so it's important that he stay healthy.

As I sit here typing this she's telling my husband that he "needs a check-up!" ... come to think of it, it could be Doc McStuffins' influence. Have you watched that yet? It's really super cute. I think it's a nice change from the typical kids' shows out there, especially what's been out there for girls.

We're waiting to start grilling dinner (hamburgers and turkey burgers are sitting on the newly cleared island) - well, my husband is going to. I have never actually learned to use the grill. I mean, I know the concept, but it's not something I have ever tried.

Have I mentioned my daughter enjoys The Big Bang Theory? Lately she's taken to shouting:

"BAZINGA!"

When she teases us about something, or pretends to be.

If you're unfamiliar with the word or the concept, watch this.



The ballpit scenes? All one episode. Pee-worthy.

If we're not shouting that out we're singing the theme song. A little BNL that isn't exactly kid-specific, but she loves it anyway.

And my puppy - the one out of prison? Is sitting here licking the bottoms of my arms, whimpering like a looney toon because she wants to go back to her crate, I'm sure.

Le sigh. Just another Tuesday night at our house.

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It's totally okay ... right?

I'm linking up with It's OK Thursdays today.

I was trying to come up with an actual post that suited my mindset and I just hadn't had a brainstorm yet and then I saw this meme and said, aha! That's it. ;)

Sooo ... here I go.

IT'S OKAY:

... that I often sometimes let my daughter watch TV all day long while I entertain myself on the interwebs.

... that I enjoy reading how other parents let things slide, too, because it makes me feel that much better about where I'm at. (Right?)

... that my daughter asking if she can watch the movie with Andy and the dog made me happy and flashed me back to my own memories of singing "The Sun'll Come Out, Tomorrow" at random while running down the street with my very first best friend.

... that the idea of joining Facebook makes me almost physically ill and yet I know I'm going to just suck it up and do it already to create a page for my blog. Soon.

... that I'm looking at it as a silver lining that it's possible that I can reconnect with that friend once I DO get on Facebook. (I mean, I've gotta find something - right?)

... to stuff tissues in the waistbands of my sweatpants so I have them on-hand every second of the day because my allergies suck so badly that I need them every second of every day. Sigh.

... that my daughter sees Ellen on a commercial or two and says, "That's your girl!" OOPS.

AND

... that when watching an episode of Ellen yesterday she (my daughter, not Ellen) got all excited and shouted CeeLo when she saw he was going to be a guest. Watch The Voice much, mom?

... to wish that all of the people I love in Blognia lived in the same community that I do so we could sit, chat, have coffee or tea or milkshakes (fine, smoothies) or wine together while our children played in the backyard (minus the dog poop), front yard or down the street in the cul-de-sac.

... to really REALLY mean that last one. That's okay, right?

Happy Thursday, everyone. Hope you're all well!

Also? It's okay that after all these years I pretty much remember every single word to not just the songs but the actual movie itself, right? "Mi, double S-I, double S-I, double P-I." Ah, Annie. Love her.

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Ten guilty pleasures.

Just ten?

I'm linking up with Monday Listicles today ... and yes, I know it's a Tuesday. But I did Muffin Tin Monday yesterday - ya know?

Anyway, for more info on this meme, click the button below:



10. Glee
* I'm addicted to the show. To the music. Oh, to the music. And I'm not ashamed of it. I could probably fill this entire list with television shows. In fact, I might just ...

9. Chick lit
* Not every single kind of chick lit book - but there are some I truly do enjoy enough to get caught up in. For reals.

8. Peanut butter. 
* OK, I don't really feel that guilty. But I could live off of it. But what really gives me guilty pleasure is ...

7. Nutella. 
* 'Nuff said.

6. Starbucks Iced Chai Lattes
* Talk about living off of something.

5. Sweet tea
* I've drastically reduced my intake in the recent months, but I could drown myself in this Southern chill.

4. Ice cream and sprinkles
* At home there is no greater topping for ice cream than a splash (or more) of rainbow colored sprinkles.

3. Crime dramas.
* You know the ones. NCIS. The Mentalist. Bones. The Finder. I used to watch a lot more (like Criminal Minds - for instance) but I can't seem to sit through some of them (like Criminal Minds, for instance) without my husband in the room because they royally screw with my head. I'd try it to enjoy Shemar Moore, but - alas - my anxiety gets to me and I don't get to. Le sigh.

2. Blogging. Twitter.
* I love to take my own time. Write what comes to mind without being instructed to do so. I love choosing prompts that mean something to me. Books that I want to read and review. Friends I love to read and highlight, and so much more. It's a guilty pleasure because it trickles over to Twitter ~ my motto is *I tweet because I blog,* or it was until I realized Twitter is helping me to maintain connections I'd never be able to without it. I simply can't read every blog out there. I just don't have the time or the focus. And as much as I would love to, I can't even pretend I'll ever be able to carve out the time to do so. So, in comes Twitter. The Twitter is my friend. It helps me connect with my bloggy friends. And I love it. It could possibly come in as #1 here, but I've been saving that spot for something else. hee hee.

And what you've all been waiting for (and should come as no surprise if you actually do follow me on Twitter and read what I say to myself frequently ...)!

1. General Hospital
* I told you I have loads of TV shows to share here. But this one tops the list. I've been watching since before I was born. My child knew the theme song (before they drastically and horribly shortened it) the minute she popped out of my belly. From Sonny and Carly to Jason and Sam, I couldn't live without them. I may go a few weeks and skip watching my DVR, but I have to catch up and I have to find out what I've missed. Which reminds me - I need to see if the DVR has cooperated and recorded without skipping any episodes. There's some heavy stuff going on with Robin's possibly-not-quite-really-dead-death. Stupid time suck - I know. Sigh. But I grew up with Robin. This is important to me.

You think I'm kidding, right?

I'm so totally not.

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Post It Note Tuesday: Marina!

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I AM a Real Housewife

I was sitting here thinking to myself that I would possibly take the next few days off from blogging.

And then. Then I stumbled across Mama Kat's writer's workshop prompts for this week and I decided I had to play along. Because if there were ever a prompt I would want to respond to and have up for a few days, this, my friends, would be it:

** 10 reasons why you could not be a real housewife from any county. **

Bwahahaha! How perfect is that, right?

So, here you have it. Here are the reasons why I cannot be a Real Housewife ... on Bravo!

#10. I could never, EVER wear this:

Because pink? Pink is totally NOT my color. (Yeah, that's my reason and I'm sticking to it.)

#9. I don't walk around the house in heels. Why? Because I just don't. I don't have Barbie feet that are permanently set to wear shoes that put my heels so far above my toes that I'm bound to wind up with foot problems in a few years. Been there - done that. No thanks.

#8. My dishes ... are NEVER done. I don't watch these shows, but I'm guessing (and totally stereotyping) that these ladies and their beautifully manicured fingernails never sit with their hands in a sink filled with dirty, grimy dishes.

#7. My laundry is never done, either. And my next guess is that they don't scrub at stains, or feel like they're living under a pile or two, or ten, of laundry. Dirty, clean, it doesn't matter. It's there. It's in our room, the child's room, the guest bedroom (that's where the clean stuff goes until, like today, my ILs are coming to visit for a few days) and so forth!

#6. I only have one home. All of these ladies seem to travel between their beach houses and their apartments and whatever other options exist for living arrangements. Me? Not so much. One home. Our house. It's littered with toys, papers and other necessary and unnecessary items daily.

#5.I cut coupons. And I use them. Seriously. Can you imagine any of these ladies doing THAT? GASP!

#4. I would never dress like this:

Yeah, sure, some aspects might be pretty. Like the shoes (see #9, though). And that aqua dress is kind of cute. But that silver one? And the hair? Negative.

#3. I have no reason whatsoever to wear the amount of jewelry these women wear on a daily basis. None. Nada.

#2. I don't "jet-set" anywhere. Our version of jet-setting is hopping into the Jeep as quickly as possible so we can make it to __________ on time. [Fill in the blank with one of the following: Doctor's appointment, start of a movie (rare), swimming lessons, or well, that's pretty much it!]

And the #1 reason I cannot be a Real Housewife on Bravo is ...

I have a four-year-old daughter and a menagerie of animals who would destroy my attempt at that in a heartbeat. Can you imagine my walking into or trying to walk out of my house in a dress like these women wear when I can't even put on a pair of black pants until I'm halfway out the door to avoid pet hair attaching itself to me? And I rarely wear earrings anymore because, well, I stopped when she was a baby and used to tug them out of my ears. And I can't wear bracelets because she steals them. OK, borrows, but STILL. So I'll skip these shows and enjoy reading great books about real moms who know what it's like to battle with laundry, dishes, potty-training and bedtime, and are surrounded with Goldfish cracker crumbs and crusty old sippy cups!

p.s. One extra reason I just had to add ... I have not and more than likely will not ever do a Playboy photo shoot. 'Nuff said.

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Katy Perry on Sesame Street: Yay or Nay?

So, by now you've probably heard all about the Katy Perry and Elmo video that Sesame Street has pulled from it's show because, well, because some parents have been up in arms about Katy's cleavage - or something like that.

Now, forgive me if you are one of them, but my daughter just made me watch that video three times in a ROW and not once did she say anything about Katy. She pointed out that there was a puppy (in a few places), pointed out that we saw ELMO'S BOOTY (seriously! When do we get to see his full body these days, right?) and then the only thing (sorry, I lied) she said about Katy was, why is she running? Elmo doesn't want to play?

Yeah. So, what's up with pulling it? Apparently, according to OMG from Yahoo! - incredible news source, I know - parents had an issue with what she was wearing. She was supposed to be playing dress up, and you know what? As someone who has been trying to find a costume for my 3-year-old daughter for Halloween, I've been hard pressed to find something that isn't, well, flat out skanky. I think Katy and Sesame Street hit the nail on the head with this one.

I honestly think it's a shame that people have had such an issue with it that the video has been pulled, but I'm just one mom. I'd love to hear more on what other parents think. Does it depend on your child's age? I mean, what is the projected age-range for Sesame watchers these days, anyway? Do we really think that the 5 and under crowd is going to care if they see a little boobage bouncing while she chases Elmo? I was honestly watching my daughter and she was more interested in the non-focused-on things.

As for me, I was excited to see Oscar pop out of his trash can on the sidelines. It cracked me up. See if you can find him. It's like Where's Waldo, only quicker. All I needed was a quick shot of Cookie Monster and I would have been over the moon and more.

Anyway, just figured since it's a hot topic, I'd bring it here. So, parents, where do you stand? Give it a watch, if you haven't yet, and share your thoughts here in my comments section. I'd love to hear from you.

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Suddenly Wordless Wednesday

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It's been too long ...

No, not since I've participated in a meme. ;)

But since I've posted about what I've been READING!!!!

I miss taking the time to fill you all in on this sort of stuff. I don't know why I seemed to lose my way, maybe I became so attached to Goodreads and using it to create little widgets for my blog I figured if you want to see what I've read you can just click it over there somewhere ------------------------>!

But hey, books are food for the soul, ya know? They just mean so much more than a way to kill time. And yes, I'm a dork, and yes, I'm trying to read 100 books again this year. And not for the challenge part of that, by any means, but because I TRULY LOVE BOOKS! I love to read. I'm an addict. I am a book buyer, trader, snagger, borrower, but more often lender ... I'm the personal library for many of my friends. If you want it and I have it, it's yours. Temporarily. Because if I've kept it I need it back. It's just one of those things, ya know?

And I'm passing on this fervor for books to my daughter. She has a bookcase up in her room that her Meme and Papa made for her, and it's full. As is a grown-up sized bookcase down here in the living room. At least the bottom two shelves. I'm starting to think I should create some of these rain gutter book shelves for her room ... and I'm too lazy to link to some posts on other blogs with these right now. Oy.

So, what good books have I read so far for 2010? Well, I'll be honest. I haven't been reading that many chock-filled books of late. I'm skimming some fluff, enjoying some mommy-non-fiction-lit, but as for the real stuff. The stuff I'm "known" for enjoying, it's a short list. I know, I know, we're only two months in, I have plenty of time. And plenty of books to get through, as well.

My favorite read thus far has been what I fondly refer to as The Potato Peel Pie book!


This was a really interesting story about a woman, an author, who somehow wound up connected to a group of people who lived in a totally different world than she. The book takes place through a series of letters. First between Juliet (the main character) and the people of Guernsey, and then between Juliet and her friends, as well. Ultimately Juliet's life becomes so entwined with the lives of these characters, and they truly ARE characters, that she feels as though she is one of them. I hate writing reviews about books as good as this one, because I fear that to say too much would be to give something away, and I hate when people do that to me, so I'll keep it simple, and say that she is a strong woman, this Juliet, and she learns a lot about their lives, and their history, and what things were like as they suffered under Nazi regime, and so much more. There is a lot of history in the story, and it's well worth the read for that, alone, in my opinion.And on that note, I'll just say I highly recommend it, and move forward with another read. Do you enjoy Denis Leary?

What, you ask? Have I lost my mind? To go from a book such as The Potato Peel Society to Denis Leary (ehem, that's Dr. Denis Leary now, ya know?) I must be way over-tired. And you know what, I most certainly am. I'm heading to bed as soon as I finish this post (and say hi to my tweeps) so I figured why not jump around a bit? Anyway, Why We Suck was a great book. You have to be thick-skinned, because Dr. Denis pretty much tears into anyone and everyone in this thing, and tells it like it is, the truth, the whole truth and not much else but the cold, hard truth. But hey, that's Denis.

Do you watch Rescue Me? No? You should.
I have almost all of last season on DVR still because it's so crass that I can no longer watch it when I'm home w. my daughter all day long since she now understands language. And nudity. And would question the various sex scenes. But I digress. The book is as though Tommy Gavin is speaking to you in your head, and it's all Denis. He's real, he forces you to be real, and you will, I promise, laugh out loud. And if you don't, well, I won't tell you what he'd call you. And yeah, probably to your face, no less.

And on that note, MAN, this post is WAY too long. Geez. I almost don't want to post it because I think you'll all be bored to tears. But you know what? I'm posting it anyway. 'Cause that's where I'm at tonight! More on books to come, just not right now! Sweet dreams, all!

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Busy Thursday!

Busy Thursday. Catching up on work, volunteer stuff, totally neglecting my child as she watches Nick Jr (formerly known as Noggin!)

Anyway, just came by to say hi, hope all is well w. everyone and getting ready for the weekend!!!

Laytah and PEACE OUT!!!

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MADTV and the iPAD

I know it's been said already, SEVERAL times across the blogosphere, but I just watched this and had to share. Enjoy the laugh!

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Thinking out loud ...

First off, we spent an ENTIRE day today without turning on the television. That's a true miracle in and of itself. I don't know that in my daughter's not-quite-three-years that this has happened at all until today. Now, true, we did have computer time, separately and together, but no TV. Yay, me!!!

Second, a cute kid story from tonight, while my daughter was 'kind of' falling asleep:

Her: Uncle L. is your little brother, Mommy.
Me: That's right.
Her: And Daddy, Uncle J.
Me: Ah-ha. (Not sure if she understands that hubby is the younger sibling of the two, but not going to get into it when it was a rough enough bedtime as it was!)
Her: Who is my little brother?
Me: (UH ...) You don't have one ... yet?
Her: I don't?
Me: No.
Her: For my birthday?
Me: Uhm, it doesn't exactly work that way.
Her: No?
Me: Go to sleep, sweetheart.

From the mouths of babes, no? And it's likely because of television she asked this. As we have the Phineas and Ferb CD and there's a song in there that starts off "Little brothers," and then there is always Olivia, who talks about her little bother. It's all good, though. See why we survived a day without TV?

I know I had more to say, but I just totally lost track of my thoughts. I think the whole Little Brother thing threw me for a bit of a loop.

How 'bout you? If you have wee ones, did they say anything cute today?

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'Tis the season!

And I couldn't resist! Enjoy!

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Fill in the Blank Friday

Today's Fill in the Blank Friday statements are:

The children's show I can't stand is_____________.
But the show I secretly like is _________________.

The children's show I can't stand is The Fresh Beat Band. It makes me completely crazy, and although the songs are catchy, they stick in your head forever, the actors can't sing that well and they wear the same things every.single.episode. As do their child-counterparts. Not fun. Not fun at all. Maybe I despise them because the channel formerly known as Noggin advertised them so friggin much before their show even aired? And they changed their name from 'The Jumparounds,' and, well, they're annoying. Seriously.

But the show I secretly like is not really much of a secret. I totally love Charlie and Lola. They're adorable. Even if they don't have parents (in a Max & Ruby kind of way!) Oh! And I nearly forgot how much I love Peppa Pig! I wish we got more than the brief shorts, and really am ready for a 1/2-hr show! Something interesting in my enjoying the shows where the characters have a bit of a British accent, no?

Anyway, that's my deal. Click the button above to see more of what people are sharing about the shows their little ones enjoy!

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