Navigate The Blogosphere: NC Blogger Network

Are you a blogger in North Carolina?

I'm not talking about my area, specifically, but anywhere in NC - is that you?

Then you're going to want to know about the newly launched North Carolina Blogger Network.

The network is the brainchild of my friends and colleagues, Allison Barrett Carter of Go Dansker Mom and Nikol Murphy of Mom Complicated, both incredibly talented women who are taking this idea and RUNNING with it.

I'm fortunate enough to be a member of their leadership team, and I'm admin of the network's members-only Facebook group and Instagram account. (Forgive me there, I've fallen behind a bit as Instagram doesn't let people log in and out of accounts very easily! *shakes fist in the air*)

Now, you're probably asking - why should you decide to be a member?

Well, reader, I'm glad you asked!

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New York will always be home.

I was born there.

Raised there.

Went to school there.

Many schools.

Elementary. Junior High. High School.

College. Undergrad. Graduate school.

I worked. For years.

I interned.

I took continuing education classes.

American Sign Language.

Spanish.

I interviewed.

Found jobs.

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I have no post title.

I've tried to title this post like ten times.

Happiness.

What makes me happy?

Finding the positives.

Meh. They all kind of suck.

I figure y'all like me better if I'm honest and true to myself. So - I have no post title today. Have at it. If you have one? Send it my way. Maybe I'll change it to your idea. Maybe I'll reward you with never-ending gratitude. Or somethin'. *wink*

Seems these days that there is so much flying around Facebook that prompts me to write blog posts. I've been nominated a handful of times (okay, fine, maybe two?) to do the positivity challenge aka things I'm grateful for and although I have not written a blog post in - oh - say a week or so - I'm thinking about the things in my life I'm happy about.

I usually write things that make me pour my heart out in a way that covers sadness.

And these last few days I've been missing my dad like a son-of-a-gun, so a few happy thoughts thrown in would be for very good measure, I think. Don't you?

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Amazing Reads: The 6/27 Edition

It's been a while since I've shared my amazing reads of the Interwebs with y'all and so I figured I'd give the book recs a short break and talk posts with you today.

So first I'd like to bring up the topic of trophies for kids. I tried to comment over at Brittany Bullen's place this afternoon but I'm not able to. But she has an intriguingly titled post up that is a letter to all coaches: Dear Coaches, Please stop giving my kid trophies.

It's interesting, and something I talk about often with my husband. One of my best friends and I talk about it A LOT, too. The thought process changes often, but at the same time we fall on similar sides of the idea. I say, yes, I get it when the little ones get their trophies, sometimes they need the reinforcement, especially the teeny tiny ones. But older kids? Don't they need to learn that trophies aren't for everyone? I think so - but I also think there's more to it. It could turn into an entire post, so I'll just encourage you to read the one I've linked to and let me know your thoughts about it. Or don't and let me know anyway. I'm up for chatting about it. 

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Listen to THESE Mothers. #LTYM

* One of the incredible mommas participating in this year's Listen To Your Mother show has connected with me to help me give away these two tickets for this event. I am not being compensated in any way for it, I just want to help support the show and the incredible cause, AND help someone attend who might not have had the chance to! *

If you know any woman who is a mom and is a blogger and are Facebook friends with them you've probably heard of Listen To Your Mother. In fact, I'm almost sure of it.

My Facebook feed has been blowing up these last few weeks with these incredible women (and some men, too, by the way!) as they prepare, attend, share and open up for the 2014 Listen To Your Mother events. This year the show hits 32 cities, and I'm lucky enough to share that the "Triangle" is one of them again.

If you haven't yet had a chance to read about the show, please take a few minutes to do just that. Listen To Your Mother is an opportunity for the participants to share their own personal stories about motherhood. Whether they relate to their own experiences as moms, their relationships with their own mothers, pretty much any spin you can think about putting together with your stories of moms make up the show.

I'll tell you my own small personal story and share that I auditioned for Listen to Your Mother last year. It was a moving and powerful experience - just doing that alone. I *may* have cried a little. I wasn't chosen to participate so I didn't wind up attending (transportation difficulties), but I have watched many clips of various readings across the board and found myself moved in different ways each time. So many emotional and touching moments. Stories shared that you just won't want to miss out on.

This year's event has partnered with SAFEchild, a local organization whose mission statement shares that they are committed to eliminating child abuse in Wake County by helping adults and children create nurturing environments free from abuse and neglect.

And lucky for you ... I've got two tickets to give away!

The show in Raleigh will take place on Thursday, May 8th at 7:30pm and I've got two seats with your name on them. The show will take place at the Kenan Auditorium at William Peace University.

All you need to do to enter is share a small memory of motherhood with me. Whether it's about your own journey as a mom, your own mom or grandmother, your mother-in-law ... just give me a few lines and you could be the winner. And you'll thank me - I promise.

And if you can't wait a few days to see if you've won you can purchase your own LTYM tickets.

The stories you'll hear that evening will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. So enter now. And thanks. For supporting the women who will brave the stage that night. AND for remembering moms everywhere as you sit back and join them.

* This is not a sponsored post. I'm a fan of the Listen to Your Mother concept and love that there are so many cities participating this year. I hope that each of my readers can get to a show near them, and I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to offer two tickets to someone in my area for the Raleigh-Durham show. I have not been compensated in any way for this post, nor will I be. I'm sharing this information and this giveaway because I want to. Thanks to my friend Stephanie of Scattermom.com for providing me with the tickets for this event!* 

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Totally TMI. In a VIDEO.

Well, it's not THAT horrible as far as the content goes - it's just lonnnng.

This is the longest shortest post of all time, because my writing is super quick and my video is super long and so - well - there you have it.

I was tagged by Alissa Enders and Kelli of Momma Needs a Beer and so I figured it was about time I got this thing recorded and underway. Of course as soon as I sat down to do so I realized that my MacBook Air's camera is not functioning or recognizable or whatever and so I wound up recording myself upstairs on my iPad. And I promise any noises you hear aren't bodily functions, but are the iPad case ... honest.

So, if you're interested in finding out 50 things about me, click the video below and watch the 10 minutes or so to hear what I have to say. And if you're even more interested in things like this? Consider yourself tagged. I'm too out of focus to figure out who hasn't done this already and so I didn't specifically tag anyone. Just cause. Instead I'll tag all of you.



And if you don't watch it or participate - it's okay. No worries. I can handle it and still adore you. Personally I just wanted to get a post up and touch base with y'all before I head off to Type-A Bootcamp in Walt Disney World. Woot! Epcot here I come.

I asked my Facebook peeps what I should eat or drink while I'm there and have a huge list I need to keep on-hand while walking around the park. What about you? When was the last time you were at Epcot and what are your suggestions? Anything I absolutely cannot skip while I'm there?

Okay, that'll be all for today. I do have a book review to get done for you guys for tomorrow, so let me run off and finish that up, a'ight? Ciao for now!

p.s. I think I'm on Bloglovin now ... Check me out.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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The Good Mother Myth, Avital Norman Nathman ~ book review

For shame ... it has taken me way too long to post about this book.

Honestly, I have to apologize, but I think that the writers included in this incredible compilation of essays will completely understand. You see - they're mothers, too. They get it. They know that sometimes snow days and runny noses and homework and dinners and the tremendous need to sit down on a soft couch with your feet up and the remote in your hand take precedence over sitting down at the laptop to write a book review.

No matter how many times you schlep said laptop upstairs to your bed with you, AND have the book right by your side. Ultimately you end up asleep in your child's bed, or on the iPad playing Mah Johng until 2AM. That does not a book review post make.

But here I am. Finally. Here to remind everyone that there's a book out there that's perfect for you. These women, these mamas, they're real. They're out there and they're your next door neighbor and they're your Facebook friends, and they're IN YOUR HOUSE. Because they might even be YOU.

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I'm only human.

Sometimes I feel like a hot mess as a blogger. I'm sitting here w. my cup of coffee (which is turning cold quickly) and jumping from FB group to FB group, I'm trying to get my job-job notes done from yesterday and realized I'm behind on another book review. 

My calendar has notes scribbled all over it. I use pen. It just LOOKS nicer. 

Pencil is great and all, but pen, pen makes it permanent. 

Yes. I use a pen and paper calendar. In today's electronic world. Don't be fooled. Many of the bloggers you admire do it. They're kickin' it old school without you even knowing. 

Ssshhh. It's okay. You can do it, too. I won't tell anyone. 

It's interesting that I started this off saying I feel like a hot mess as a blogger. Because sometimes I just feel like a hot mess as a person. Or a mom. Or just me. Andrea. The hot mess. 

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Amazing Reads. A combo edition!

Hey, all. I'm feeling craptastic today (1/31), so I am just going to get to the point. Here's this week's amazing reads for you all to check out. Send me yours if you have 'em. I'd love to spotlight you, too!

Tracy over at Sellabit Mum is my first amazing read this week. She hit the nail on the head and tore the spot right open with her letter to Nordstrom about their "Skinny Sleep" pillow. She opens up, shares of herself and permits you to do the same. She talks about raising our daughters in a world where skinny is what matters. It's a powerful read. I encourage you to head on over and see for yourself.

* Note: Nordstrom got back to Tracy and is REMOVING the pillow from their inventory. WOOT!

While stumbling around Tracy's FB page I came across this post from Deborah aka TruthfulMommy, titled Dear Unsubscriber. It's too funny, because I think every blogger can relate to what she's saying here. I, personally, don't keep track of my blog stats, not that I ever really did - but when I see people leave me on Facebook I sniffle in my coffee or tea just a little bit. Point very obviously made over on my Goodgirlgonered Facebook page a few days ago.

And so, here I am (2/7) ... picking up where I left off.

I got too tired to post and so I didn't, and here I am. Pulling in new links to share and leaving the ones from last week up there. Because timing doesn't matter. But these reads do.

So, where was I?

Right - sharing.

I've got a great one for you today, my friends. Lauren over at My Postpartum Voice has an incredible worksheet for y'all. One that will help you take a few moments each day to truly FEEL. I've already saved it to my laptop, because I know I NEED to use it. Frequently. You'll want to look, I promise. But first check out what it is. Read up on The Five Senses Challenge. I promise you'll be glad you did.

If you didn't read my post from Thursday, I'm going to take a minute now and tell you to go on and check it out. I talk about mental health, and how Depression Is Real. I participated in #DayOfLight with several bloggers across the virtual world and am proud to be among the many who took a stand, sharing that day. You should be able to head over to Twitter and check out the hashtag (linked above) for many more posts that remind you you're not alone.

My friend Tia took some time to share her story, her battle, and how depression and chronic illness often go hand in hand. Go give her a minute of your time. Remind yourself that everyone we meet needs our respect, for we never know what battle they may be facing - on their own, inside, it's not always visible. Tia shares two aspects that are not very visible to others. Learn from her.

My friend Natasha, who is how I found out about #DayOfLight to begin with, had an anonymous guest poster at her place participating in the carnival of mental health awareness. Can you head over and leave a comment of love so this person knows they're not alone? Anonymous shared her story over at Houseful of Nicholes.

And lastly, some very powerful words from the amazing Allison of Go Dansker Mom. Allison writes about being a writer. Sounds funny, doesn't it? But it's real. And raw. And she's OWNING it. Her words SHOUT it out. "I AM A WRITER." And you know what? She is. And more than likely, so are you! I am, too. Writing is what brings us together here, in this blogging universe. And it's a powerful place to be. And it's a way to make amazing friends and connections and lifelines.

So jump in. The water's fine. Promise.

Oh, shoot, I almost forgot Katie's post about being unfriendable. I can't forget it, though. So many of us know what that's like. And I commented on it saying similarly to what I just said, our friends in the virtual world are incredible. We're powerhouses. And yet, sometimes IRL it's a rough go to make friends. Go commiserate with Katie. Tell her you hear her. Or tell her why you don't. She's strong and powerful herself, and she'll hear you.

Now, back to the water. Despite the cooler temps, the water is fine. Jump in with both feet. We'll welcome you to Blognia - Bloggyworld - whatever you want to call it. You'll find your people - if not your "niche" (such a word, no?). And they'll be yours forever, for real.

Thanks for joining me this week. Chat atcha soon!

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Amazing Reads: The 1/24 Edition

I'm really enjoying this "series" I've started.

I'm also enjoying making the time to read blogs. It's important. It's a huge part of who I am, ya know?

And so, here we have a few posts that struck me as important to share with you all this week.

My friend Amy is amazingly talented and absolutely beautiful. She always looks so completely put together to me. I bet she didn't know that I think that, and I kick myself for waiting til now to tell her. But you know what? She's human, too. She wrote a bit of a letter to the person in line before her at Starbucks who taught her to pay it forward and brightened her day some. And she shared real and raw words with us. Check it out over at Somebody's Parents. You'll be thankful for the reminder that you're not alone. I know I was.

And speaking of raw and real, Erin has opened up and shared an experience that led to her flashing back, recognizing memories hurt and pain from her youth. Having her eyes opened to the reminder that she isn't responsible for all the bad things, all the "stuff," as she puts it is a reminder to us all that we didn't cause all the pains of our youth. So many things happened TO us. But didn't happen because of things we did. We were kids. How could we place that blame on an innocent child? We'd never do it now. We'd never let it happen to our children. It's time we shift that blame and place it where it belongs. Join Erin as she does that in The Blame Game.

More honesty this week comes from Fadra over at All Things Fadra. As soon as I saw the title of her post I had to go read it. As I Get Older is an open, honest account of things that she's started noticing about herself in her, ehem, not quite younger years. I'm right there with her and I totally feel it. I mean, I know I am not exactly twelve anymore, though I often say I "look" it. I mean, I do - don't I? No? Yeah. Maybe not. But I'm still all about the selfie. * Have you checked out my 2013 selfie summary yet? No? You totally should. Go on, I'll wait. Anyway, selfies aside, Fadra is another tell it like it is mama. And I like that. A lot.

I've decided that during my weekly Amazing Reads segments I'll be sharing a little bit of old school me from previous posts. I've got one this week that sort of sums me up in 400 words. Check it out. Challenge yourself to write something similar. It's kind of cool. I promise.

See you next week! And if you have an Amazing Read to share, let me know.

Maybe I'll feature you next!

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Amazing Reads. Yes. Again.

I've been off-track with my amazing reads postings of late, but hey, it's the new year, so let's start 'em up again, okay? 

Here's one I just shared on FB because it made me laugh so hard. I don't know the author and have never been to the website before, but it's worth a read anyway. Snowstorms, Then and Now.  Seriously. I cried with laughter. 

A beautiful post that I saw being shared a few times comes from over at BlogHer. The title? My Online Friendships are Real. I think many of my friends have written that very same post at some point in their blogging lives. And I agree. And love it. These connections ARE real. Just ask anyone. 

And this one is making the rounds, as well. Allison Slater-Tate is over at ScaryMommy talking about her age in This is 39. It's hilarious. And true. And holds true for 41, also. #justsayin

On a heavier note, I finally got around to reading this beautiful post by Ashley over at The Dose of Reality. Making the Cut is a tough read, but an important reminder that so many of us are not alone. After losing our loved ones there are always the tiniest of reminders that they're gone. These jabs of what they're missing. And they hurt. But we're here to support one another as we make our way through it. Together.

And one of the latest "trends" that I hope sticks around this year is the #365FeministSelfie movement. It looks and sounds odd, no doubt, but basically it's a reminder that you're beautiful, and you're entitled to share that beauty with everyone. Selfies rock and there's no shame in sharing them. So take that picture and share it wherever you'd like with that hashtag and you're good to go. Viva la Feminista has the right idea, IMO. And if you doubt my belief in the selfie, here's a recap of 2013 ... 

So - go on - snap a picture of yourself and share it! Let me know in the comments where it is if you want. Or don't. Just get out there and see yourself the way others see you. In all your beauty and realness. And rock on, my friend. Here's to a beautiful 2014. 

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Amazing Reads.

I missed posting this last week because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Chanukah celebrating and traveling with the family. This week I'm shooting for some great posts that I have been "saving" for myself. Lately I feel like I open a link and end up leaving it sitting there until I either have the mindset for it or have a few extra minutes.

So, this week here's what I've been reading.

Although this post is a few weeks old, I only read it the other day and thought it was important to share. You may know that I'm not a homeschooling mom. You probably didn't know I'm in awe of many homeschooling moms. I have surely said something along the lines of, "You're amazing. I could never do it!" to a homeschooling friend or two. Adrienne of The Mommy Mess talks about Fighting Homeschooling Doubts, and makes mention of the kinds of comments she hears from other mothers. Things like what I have said, thinking I truly meant them as a compliment, they don't always come off that way. This post shares some of her own doubts while homeschooling. If you've experienced some yourself, pop on by and let her know she isn't alone.

The beautiful Rebecca Einstein Schorr has written a very important post this week. Don't Just Like Me is a reminder of how it's wonderful to show your support with a thumbs-up button on Facebook, but for an important fundraising event like 36Rabbis, more than that is needed. Can you help? Take a few minutes to read her post, but more importantly, head on over to the 36Rabbis donation page. If you can't donate - can you share? Also? You don't have to be Jewish to read this. Or to get it. These rabbis are working together to support pediatric cancer research and awareness. This is a cause that has no religion.

Mamas know that watching their babies grow up can be bittersweet. My friend Jessica of The B Keeps Us Honest talks about moments with her littlest in I Linger a Little Bit Longer. Those beautiful moments are ones we want to hold onto forever, even though we know we really can't. Jessica's post might make you tear up a little bit, but not sob or anything, so you should totally read it.

That's a wrap for this week. It's a short and sweet post from me, but I've been scattered, recovering from travel, emotionally spent and did I mention tired yet? Yeah. Tired.

I hope you've all had a great week and I'll catch ya' next time. And reach out to me if you have something you think I absolutely need to read. Whether it's yours or someone else's. It might end up featured here next time.

Happy weekend, everyone!

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A new series? Amazing reads.

I think I might have stumbled onto something here. I often link out to friends and their blogs, but I liked how last week's post went for me. I liked sharing the good peeps and I liked how it made me feel doing so. So, maybe it's a little bit selfish, because I also liked not having to delve into my head and heart and write and write and write.

And this morning I'm feeling similarly.

I'm a little extra emotional. I wake up with puffy eyes and I'm tired.

I have plans for dinner out with friends tonight that I am so excited for. A dose of girlfriend love and laughter is exactly what I need.

But I also enjoy finding that every day on the wide ole' Internet. Am I the only one who almost always wants to call it the Internetz? Interwebz? I like that "z" though I can't say exactly why.

Anyway - here's what I was reading this week:

I reconnected with NJ over at A Cookie Before Dinner and absolutely loved her post about envy and competition in blogging. The title alone sums up so well what we all should be doing. So head on over and check out Why I'm Blogging Like A Horse with Blinders On. Remind yourself that comparison really and truly is the thief of joy. And don't let it rob you. Blog and be you. Share of yourself. Appreciate and celebrate others. It's all good. It's how we need to be. It's how I want to be.

My beautiful friend Tracie talked about family over at her place this week. She's blogging for NaBloPoMo or some sort of acronym I always mix up and so she's writing regularly and if you want someone to read that makes your mornings worthwhile pour yourself a cup of coffee and head over to her place. I haven't commented yet, but her post titled Family Feelings truly stirred up some stuff in me.

LawMomma had a powerful post up this week, as well. It struck a chord in me and reminded me how much we, as parents, can focus on the negatives we experience with our children, whereas for them it's a whole different experience. We're missing the beauty they see and thankfully help us feel. Her post, Flipping the Switch, is a short and sweet one you won't want to miss.

Another important read for me this week comes from Charity over at Our Giggles and Grimaces. What I Can't Have jumps straight into the struggles with wanting a medication-free life that I think anyone who has taken meds for one reason or another has felt at some point. Her words are so powerful. If you're taking medications regularly, or know someone who is, go read it. It will give you a few moments in their shoes. Or mind. Or both.

I'm going to wrap it up here with a link-back to my post from last week that gives you a handful of amazing peeps to check out, as well. Amazing Reads - Part I. with Good Girl Gone Redneck. Ha! Maybe it WILL be a series? I kind of like it and might just run with it.

Enjoy meeting new peeps and I'll talk to you all this weekend. TGIF!

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How do you blog?

So. You know what's been happening with me lately.

It's obvious I'm filled and consumed with grief after unexpectedly losing my father a month ago.

Unexpectedly.

Stupid word, isn't it?

When does one expect to suffer such a loss?

I suppose if someone is sick it is less unexpected, right? I guess. I don't think it's any easier, but different. I'm rambling, I know. But that's part of what's on my mind.

Do you ramble when you blog?

Do you write like me? Do you talk about everything and anything?

I do. Obviously. And yet, sometimes I don't.

It's interesting.

I'm not one to come and complain here. Not about things that supposedly matter.

I get personal, but I don't get deep.

Or is that crap? I do get deep? I talk about what I want to talk about.

I've been thinking about how I've been writing about grief. I've been wondering if it's too much for people. You - the people who read my words.

I know I have a handful of strong supporters. A handful of you who listen to me and send me love no matter how sad I am and no matter what I have to share.

You, those people who have sent me Facebook messages offering love. You, my friends who have mailed me handwritten sympathy cards that I came home to. Phone numbers offered. Ears, shoulders, warm hugs. These come from you - my friends who blog. Blogging friends.

You're real.

But sometimes I say, well, what about the rest of you? Not every reader loves me in a way that my friends do. So maybe the grief is a bit much? Maybe it's a lot to share. And I remind myself I write, not for page views, not for money, but for me.

It's why I still blog (to borrow a phrase used at Type-A Parent). I write for me. And maybe my words help someone else out there? Maybe someone experiencing such grief will pick up their pen, or laptop or something and write, too. Maybe they'll put their pain down on paper and share it, or not share it.

But it's my space and that's why I use it the way I see fit.

And no, nobody has said they have had an issue with my words at all. It's me. It's my mind, ya know? It's my thought process that leads me to thinking what if people think ...?

A very good friend this morning told me, 'Write what you need to write,' and she was, and IS, SO right.

So today I say what's on my mind, and I'm thankful for the reminder from friends that I can be me here in my space and talk about whatever it is that matters to me. And right now, that's finding my way through the clouds of grief and emotion to see the sun shining in. It will take time. It will take small moments to remind me that smiling is allowed, laughing is okay and sometimes even singing is permitted.

I just need to remember to let myself feel that stuff. Let myself do it all.

And remember that you are all here as a sounding board, listening, reading, commenting, or not. But either way it's all okay. I'll be okay.

Miss you, Daddy. But you taught me to stay strong. You taught me to do anything I ever wanted. You taught me to bring home an A when I didn't think I could. You motivated me. You supported me. And most of all, you loved me. I have others who do those things, too, but I must always remember to do them for myself, as well.

You taught me well. I won't forget. Ever.

 

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Moe's Catering does everything for you! #welcometoMoes

This post is sponsored by Moe's Southwest Grill. All products were provided to me free of cost. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. I am a participating blogger in Moe's Blogger Advisory Council.  




I have been so lucky this summer. I've had an opportunity to work with Moe's Southwest Grill and could not be more excited about the experience.

Moe's Southwest Grill offers catering packages that are beyond your expectations.

I decided to opt for the fajita package, which included grilled chicken, ground beef, black beans, rice, grilled peppers and onions, and loads of fajita toppings. Huge flour tortillas finished off the meal, with gallons of sweet and unsweetened tea (they even brought ice! And paper cups!). My pictures below don't do justice to the amount of food that was delivered. We ordered for a party of 20, but had enough leftovers to feed several sets of friends for a few dinners, along with ourselves.

Moe's also offers both, a salad bar and a taco bar, along with their Burrito box option. For more details on their catering choices, check out Moe's Southwest Grill Catering Menu.

Not only is the food amazing, but they deliver, come into your home, set everything up for you in disposable serving platters and leave you with such an easy clean-up!

One thing that pleased me about Moe's, especially with so many kids in attendance, was the variety. The variety caters to each of your guests' tastes. My husband doesn't eat onions, but my mom and I (my parents were visiting) really enjoyed the grilled peppers and onions. I'm not big on super spicy stuff, so I didn't have to add any extra heat, while my husband and some of our guests were thrilled at the choice. Kids can be so picky, any parent knows that, but with a large number of children attending we had no issues of complaining or worries about what was in their food and what they might need to pick out. Don't like tomatoes? Don't add the pico. Dairy issues? Skip the cheese - more for me! And the guacamole? To. Die. For.

Along with the huge variety and amazing food, they also provided us with crayons and a coloring tablecloth, along with several coloring printouts for the kids. Moe's also sent over bracelets, noisemaker toys, balloons, frisbees, and a candy-filled piñata!!

The kids all had a blast trying to beat the candy out of that thing - mostly unsuccessfully - it was REALLY sturdy! But they had so much fun. We used these sweatbands that Moe's sent us as "blindfolds" and my husband rigged up the piñata to a pipe so he could safely hold it for the little ones. They were especially excited to tear it apart with their hands once it started breaking.

I probably have about 10-12 more pictures of the little ones attacking the piñata with a stick, but they all came out blurry because it was hit so hard and swinging around so quickly. Obviously it was a definite hit (no pun intended!).

So, if you're looking for a place to cater your next kids' party or family gathering, you need to look into Moe's. It's absolutely worth it and it's definitely something I am going to consider for the next time I am hosting a party in my home.

* Disclaimer reminder: This is a sponsored post. All products (food, drink, cutlery, entertainment items) were provided to me through Moe's. All expressed opinions are completely my own and I can honestly restate that we were more than pleased with the product provided. Thanks, Moe's, for a great party! *

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Dusting off the shelves.

Hello ... hello ...

Echo ... echo ...

Hey, all. What's happening?

I've got to dust off the shelves in here and touch base with my peeps. I've been mia and mostly "official" when posting.

I took an incredible vacation with some friends last week. Friends from college. The ones I talk about in my 40 WHILE I'm 40 list of to-do-s.

It was on my list and I DID IT.

I went away for the annual Girls' Getaway. This was year #9. I've made it to three. That's not a good ratio of weekends away, is it? I made it to the first one. And then the last one I had been to was four years ago.

I hadn't seen some of the people I love the most in this world for FOUR YEARS. What the what? That's like an entire presidency.

This was the view on Friday. Beach view. Umbrellas and beautiful water.

We rented umbrellas and chairs, too. It reminded me that I'm no spring chicken anymore. I prefer a nice lounge to laying on a towel in the sand. My friend went off to pick up towels for us, too. It's worth it to spend an extra $20 and NOT stick to the chairs, right? Sometimes you just have to stop counting your pennies.

And then the next day we did the rooftop pool. Ahh. Heaven. Here's me. Chillin'. Catchin' some rays. Enjoying the quiet. Breathing the ocean air.

I've been to Atlantic City before. I've dipped my toes into that water. But it had been a while. Coming back, post-Sandy, it felt nice. Nice to support New Jersey. Nice to leave a little bit of my money behind. *I'm no big gambler, but I tossed a few bucks into the slots. How can you go to AC and NOT? *Remember, penny counting? Not an option. I did it, but I tried not to. Being a grown-up has its advantages. And disadvantages.

We walked the Boardwalk. Bought some salt-water taffy. Ate some. Walked a few miles before breakfast one morning. Who WERE those people? Not the people from 20-something years ago, fo' sho'. We broke a sweat and enjoyed it.

We ate vegetable omelettes and french toast. Turkey bacon and iced coffee. We were grown-ups. Moms and not. We swam in our tankinis, one-pieces and bikinis. With SPFs of 15, 30, 40, 50 and 100. Yes. 100. We wore floppy hats, baseball caps and hid under umbrellas.

We danced like we were teenagers again. Each one of us in our early 40s.

We listened, laughed and reminisced to music of the 70s, 80s (all before we knew one another) and flashed back into the 90s - picturing those many nights on the dance floor.

We laughed, remembered, cried and let it all out.

We spent our days and nights with those who knew us best.

Eventually it had to end. We did have to say goodbye. But it didn't matter. It didn't hurt. We knew.

We KNOW.

We'll find our way back to one another again in a year or so. Or for some it might take longer, but that won't matter. Because we know.

We know that no matter how many days, weeks, months, years it takes we will reconnect and maintain the connection we've always had.

Having friends like these. Friends who never judge. Never make you feel insecure. Never make you feel anything but loved? These friends? All you need. For all your days.

So we said goodbye to Atlantic City. But we said hello to new memories. And a reminder of a whole lot of love.

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Slow down? Sure. But not for five minutes.

Five minutes. Free writing. But timed.

Guess what day it is?



And ... GO!

I'm so tired this morning. The child woke up after 4AM and it was rough going for a bit. She's been dealing with some tummy issues, so I thought it was that, then she said her head hurt. Then it was her face. Then it was a nightmare? The trying to get her back to sleep was rough.

Eventually it happened. I lay beside her for a bit. It worked.

But me? Not so much. Exhausted, I went onto the iPad and putzed around. Checked Twitter and noticed how many people use things like Triberr and Tweet old post or something like that, and other apps and buffer and programs to tweet out for them while they're sleeping. It's weird. It's like there's nobody to talk to unless you want to check their links. Very off. I meant to write odd, but it's off, too.

Two minutes in.

The husband is at Caribou this AM, smartly so, and is bringing home an iced latte for me. I need coffee, stat. If I'm going to make it through the day, anyway.

Today will consist of grocery shopping and some other stff. Not sure if he's up for boating, but it might be nice to hit the water and feel the breeze.

Stuff. Not stff. Not supposed to fix typoes here. But I do. Don't tell Jana. Who would have been Hana if I didn't fix that. Ha! Or Fadra, it was her meme from the get go and her rule. I think she'd be okay with it though.

Anyway, I leave for vacation on Weds night. I get to see my college friends for a good long weekend. I could cry with the joy of it. I have not seen them in years. Ah, fun.

I'll miss my child, my husband, I'll miss a few of her camp days. But it'll be okay. Good for us all, I am guessing and hoping.

Anyone else get that pit in their stomach when they're going to fly by themselves? Or is it just me?

I think I have about a half a minute to go, so I'll stop now. Oh, also? At 4:30 AM or so? I bought a book on B&N. About slowing down the family. Stopping and smelling the roses. I read about it on Hands-Free Mama. She wrote a post about slowing down to her child's pace. Sometimes we need that reminder.

Happy Sunday, y'all!

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Today vs. Tomorrow.

You know when you just take in everything around you and find yourself overwhelmed and weighed down by all that you've heard? Seen? Felt?

I'm not going to write this to capitalize on all that's been happening in our world these days. I'm writing it to say, what the eff has been happening in our world these days?

But seriously, sometimes things trigger and roll into one another and so on meets so forth and before you know it you can't fall asleep at night and your head hurts, your heart hurts and you wonder what sort of world you've brought your child(ren) into and what the future holds.

What the hell am I talking about - you wonder?

Well, start off with the Trayvon Martin case. And the verdict. And finding out (thanks social media) that the verdict was coming in, turning on the TV in seconds and hearing, 'Not guilty,' as you sat and stared.

My Facebook update after that?

OMG

Yep. That was all I could say. OMG.

Did I think he'd get off? Sigh. Yes. Sadly, I did. Did I want him to? Nope. No way.

You know back when this all first happened and those news stories floated around? I read them all. Watched them all. LISTENED to them all. I heard that dispatcher tell him, this 28 (now 29) year-old man, to stop following the boy. The 17-year-old boy. I heard those words. And he didn't listen. And now a boy is dead.

Do I know if Trayvon Martin was an angel? No. Do I believe he was the best young man in the world? No. I don't know anything about him to prove he was or he wasn't. I just know he was a 17-yo boy who was shot dead by a 28yo man.

Was race a factor? Sure. Say it wasn't and I say you're probably hiding the truth from yourself. That's okay. We all do it now and then. Yes. ALL of us. Even me. And you. And our friends. Family. Whomever. Whenever. We do it.

So I shook my head at the verdict and I watched as Facebook and Twitter blew up with some serious and important statements. And some huge generalizations. And some negative reactions. And some not-so-negative ones. I agreed with some, disagreed with others, and politely discussed what was on my mind with some.

The over the top people? The ones who didn't speak like real people? Generalized and went off in one direction or another. Spouting their hooey all over the web? I ignored them. Or stopped following them. Whatever I needed. And then I went to bed.

And the next morning I woke up and found out that Cory Monteith had died.

And I was really sad.

Being said about this young man of 31 did NOT mean I was less sad about the verdict from the night before. AT ALL. I was sad because someone who had an issue with drugs and addiction in his lifetime likely had succumbed to the disease and lost his life because of it. Cory Monteith is not someone I knew. He is, however, someone real. Despite being an actor. He's a real person.

And you know what? I cried for him.

Maybe it's because Glee has been a part of my world since it started those few years ago? Maybe it's because I have seen so many celebrities walk in and out of rehab, only to lose the battle anyway? And maybe it's because PEOPLE, people in general lose that battle every single day.

So I wallowed in the music of Glee. I watched videos of Cory singing songs.

I was already sad from the night before. I had no words. I had needs.

I needed to cry.

You know when that happens? When your tears are there but they need that final shove? That ultimate trigger?

That was me.

I needed that catharsis. I needed to cry. For Trayvon and his family. For Cory and his. Two totally different situations, yes, for certain.

I saw a tweet that made fun of those of us reacting to the loss of a celebrity who meant nothing to anyone. And I got it. I did. But I also didn't like it very much.

People grieve in their own way. People react to things that are beyond their control, their scope of living, and their PERSONAL CIRCLES in their own way.

Unless you knew Trayvon Martin, you're going to grieve over this verdict differently than his family will. And you can say it hurts you and makes you ache, and no doubt it does. But you weren't his friend. You weren't his mother. His father.

So I respect your grief. I respect your pain. And I especially respect the fears this brings to life for you. I have so many friends who have discussed this. Mothers of black sons. I will never understand. I can never pretend to. I can try, and I can respect, and I can love. But I won't understand. Not exactly. Not precisely. But I will try. And I will respect. And I will love.

And I have done so. And continue to do so.

And at the same time? I think to myself of a 31-year-old man who sat in his hotel room and lost his life. And I shake my head because why is it that celebrities die this way all the time? What is it that leaves them so sad and lonely that dying alone is what has to happen for them? Can you imagine it? Have you ever lost someone to addiction and said to yourself, why? What happened that made them succumb again?

As a social worker I can try to get into Cory's brain. I can try and imagine what spurred him back to the drugs that soothed him in some way. We all can, I'm sure. But as a social worker I've been asked to before. This was not a field I chose to go into lightly. And when I followed my path to work with children many years ago, I met with many people in many organizations helping men like Cory. And I didn't take those roles. I wasn't sure I was strong enough to. I'm still not. But there are people who are. And I hope that they find the Cory-s out there and help them. Help them before they find themselves alone in a hotel room.

Because it's so damned sad when a life ends too soon.

No matter how it happened. Or why.

And when someone accidentally takes their own life - it sucks.

And when someone intentionally takes their own life - it sucks.

And when someone has their life taken away from them - it sucks.

Death sucks. Period. End of story.

And this, my friends, is why I watch The Daily Show at night. Because laughter really IS good medicine.

And why I cried when I watched this video, because Cheerios rocks and people need to know that THIS? THIS is our future. This is what we need to see. Need to watch and need to feel.

And damn, if I didn't watch it and cry my eyes out.

For good for a change. Because these kids? They see the good. They ARE the good.

And so is mine. And so are yours.

Cheesy final line? *I believe the children are our future.* Truth.

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The Internet is interesting.

So I'm watching all the people talking about all the conferences.

And it's interesting to me.

I'll tell you why.

Last year I went to BlogHer in New York City.

As you all know, New York is my home. I had to go home. And with the conference being there I was excited about the possibilities.

Post-conference I was a little let down. Don't get me wrong, I loved some parts of it.

Like the people. The people you connect with at blogging conferences are incredible. Last year at BlogHer I found myself meeting people I'd been speaking with online for some time. I found my friends. It made me happy.

I connected with some of my favorite people in the world. Some new friends, some not-as-new, and some that felt like home.

So this year BlogHer is in Chicago. Y'all know I live in NC. Chicago isn't quite a hop and a skip from here. So I won't be going. And I'm okay with that. And then I see some of my peeps talking about it and I feel a twang (yes, a twang - it's not quite a pang, as I'm still okay with not going, but it's there, so twang it is.) of sadness. Not envy, really, more like, dang, I wish I was able to see this person and meet that person and actually spend some quality time with so-and-so after meeting at Bloggy Boot Camp in Charlotte this past May.

And here I am, tossing around links and making it seem like I'm the conference goer. I'm the one who knows what conferences are like. But seriously, people? I'm just me. I'm just a person, a blogger, who goes when I can go and is excited about going for whatever reasons make it important to me.

BlogHer is huge. It was a little too huge for me last year because I went in with the mindset of a Type-A Parent Conference. I expected to sail around and in and out of sessions and learn and meet people and damn, it was huge. So I know many people got what they expected out of it, and I know many people were underwhelmed, or overwhelmed. And the team at BlogHer busts their humps in a huge way to get this thing going. And damn, if they don't do a kick-ass job with it. But you have to remember it might not be for you.

It's okay if you're going and you're feeling afraid. Nervous. Anxious.

You wouldn't be human if you weren't.

But I see so many people apologizing for feeling a little scared. And so many people telling them it will be fine. Myself often included sometimes. And I apologize for that. Because it WILL be fine and you WILL "survive," for lack of a less dramatic word. But it might be a lot for you to handle. You might want to go for a walk alone. Or hide out in your hotel room for a few hours to decompress.

Or you might want to skip a certain part of the Expo Hall because it's freakin' huge.

And that's okay.

You don't HAVE to do it all. You don't have to want to, even.

Just go. Be you. If you were brave enough to purchase a ticket you obviously want to be there. Enjoy it. Don't stress. And don't let yourself be disappointed. I did that a little bit and was cranky with myself for it. But I also did that for a bit at Type-A last year because after my first year it was in a different place and I was not sure what the other differences were but it felt different and I was trying to find my way. (Can I say different one more time?)

And then I got home and reflected and damn, if I didn't have an amazing time and meet some incredible people. So, yeah. Go with it. Get out of your own head. It'll be fine.

Make it what you want it to be.

Be nervous. Stressed. Anxious. But let that go when you walk up to someone you know you know and say, OMG! HEY! It's YOU!! It's ME!! And HUG. Because you'll probably be shocked at how many people you hug that weekend.

As for me? I'll be in Atlantic City with my college peeps. Catching up on years of girls' weekends I've missed. And I couldn't be happier about it.

Though I will miss meeting some of you. But hey, there's always Type-A ...

* This post is not in any way affiliated officially with either BlogHer, Bloggy Boot Camp or Type-A Parent Conference. I am simply using my own experiences to reflect on my thoughts with respect to conferences in general for bloggers. 

** I wrote this post yesterday (Thurs) but did not hit publish as I had a book review scheduled. It appears that at this time of the year there are LOADS of people posting about the conference of conferences and the like. I don't want to seem bandwagon-y, I just wanted to say what I wanted to say. If you know me, you know that and are cool with it. If you don't, no worries, it's all good. 

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Five minutes out of my morning.

Five minutes. Set your timers and link up with Jana this week for Stream of Consciousness Sunday today. It's easy, even easier today without a specific prompt. Or maybe harder for you, if you prefer prompts, but go for it anyway.

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11:20 AM

We just found a turtle in our backyard. If you're friends with me on facebook you've seen the pic of the poor thing hiding out and thinking what on earth is barking its head off at me?

It was living in our garage for about 20 mins before my husband realized that box turtles need to be returned to close to the area they were found. So he and the kiddo walked back out to the yard and put the lil turtle behind our fence. Here's hoping s/he doesn't come back and meet our pup again. Bella is a bit crazy when it comes to intruders, it seems. She's also quite the rabbit chaser. Fortunately not hunter, because I am not that sure what I'd do if she ever brought me a rabbit. AT ALL.

Yesterday we went boating for a few hours. We lucked out because it looked like rain and felt cooler, enough that we expected rain but we didn't get any. Which was good and made for a fun and relaxing ride. No swimming, though. We skipped it yesterday, which I was totally okay with.

Sometimes I wonder if I will ever have clean surfaces in my home.

11:23

It seems like an impossible attempt, even when I get something clean and clear, I wind up moving things from another area to get that area cleaned and either the stuff goes back or stays in the new spot and then what happens? Where do super clear counter people put all their stuff?

Do they just not have any? I mean, do they throw everything away? And if so? HOW? How do they do that - and can they teach me? Do they just let it all go? I need that gene. Can I buy it, I wonder?

One more minute to go. I'm headed out to dinner with some friends tonight and looking forward to it. I haven't seen this group of peeps in a while and am glad we're carving out a little bit of time.

It's funny when now and then I feel "friend-less" when it comes to people to hang out with and yet ...

11:25.

I'll finish that sentence, even if it's cheating ...

And yet, I find that I do have good batches of friends around me, anyway. Even when I often think I don't.

More on friendships and mommy friends and so forth another time.

Thanks for joining me today!

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