Where's Mummy?

I'm jaunting off to Colorado Springs for work this week. In town for one night only! I won't get to see any sights like Pikes Peak or any sights actually but that's fine. The Fifth Element turns one this week and who needs Pikes Peak when there is an octopus cake to be made?

While I'm gone, read about the new section, This Week in Cars, launched on MPR last Friday.

Enter to win a skin care set from Cures.

or

Try your luck at winning the Back to School package from Post-It's

I'll be back soon!

Healing Mama

I need a healing right now.  My mind is a whizzing blur of tangled thoughts. I feel like a glowing orb of sad feelings is just emanating from me non-stop.  Starting marriage counseling is probably for the best.  Once started though it gets the ball rolling for more open and frank discussions that are usually left unsaid.  That seems so much easier doesn't it?  Not in the long run for anyone of us I know but right now I feel like a pretty sucktastic person and mother.  I'm too addled and confused to feel real relevant or like I am imparting any wisdom and life skills on anyone. 

So I'm going to do something nice for someone else.  Crunchy Chewy Mama has a friend in need. Liz has always been there for Jessica when she was in need and now Liz, a mother of young children, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I know you are probably thinking- "OK. We get it! People you know have breast cancer! You, like, care a lot about it, and stuff." 

Here is the thing.

Liz doesn't have insurance.  She needs treatment to be there for other little people. To impart her own love, life lessons and wisdom on them for years to come. So do something real, unselfish and giving today.  Be there for Liz and visit Help to Heal Mama.  If you know of a way to offer help to her and her family- offer it. Please.

Thank you.

I'm Grateful for You- Lattes and Life

It's not your typical friendship.  In fact, I can't even remember the last time we saw each other in person.  It might have been at my bachelorette party and that was about ten years ago now.  Remember those things called web rings?  They were all the rage in the new millennium right along with message boards.  Tiffany and I met on one of those message boards. Both new west coasters, trying to find jobs and the only thing we initially had in common was that we were girlfriends of Marines.  We bonded over that and our shared geography.

I don't know when we first started breaking away from the message boards and only talking about our boyfriends and their deployments but our first meeting was quite memorable.  We decided to get together at Balboa Park.  A beautiful park in the heart of San Diego.  There is an amphitheater, a science center, gorgeous views and oh yeah, an exhibit on instruments of torture. That's where we decided to hang out.  It was then that I knew we would be friends.

Did I imagine that a few marriages, numerous moves around the country, a divorce and more babies than you can shake a stick at would find us still friends?  No, I didn't.  Our friendship for so long has only consisted of emails. How we remained in touch through so much upheaval after only meeting a handful of times could be a mystery.  Except for one thing.  She is always there.  She senses in me, my tweets, my blog posts and emails when I'm going over the edge, things are really freaking me out and just lets me vent like mad.  She isn't in my daily life, watching it all unfold and can give the best advice.  She listens like a true friend because that's all we have.  I certainly hope I do the same for her.

Ours is a friendship born of technology and maintained that way. Something truly modern and wonderful.  I am grateful for her guidance, support and cheer.  Her understanding and heart.  She writes one hell of a blog that is a true gem and has an amazing voice.  She's fearless and funny and never backs down. All things I cherish and admire in a friend.  I am so glad that no matter what life has thrown at us we have never lost touch.  It would have been so easy to lose track of emails, forget to hit that 'reply' button and just move on. 

Thank you, Tiffany for all your years of friendship.  I'm so grateful we are still friends.  I'm proud of you and all you have done.  You are one amazing woman.

So Long Old Friend

Recently I posted about how good it felt to come away from an afternoon spent with friends and colleagues.  It was the SVMoms Group DC Metro Moms Symposium and I needed it.  Weeks later it was announced that SVMoms would soon cease to exist.

I can't tell you how sad this has made me.  Being a part of SVMoms/DCMM was one of my favorite parts of being in this field.  I not only enjoyed the camaraderie of other women, writers and friends but came away from each meeting and get together feeling revitalized, smarter and more accomplished. While DCMM didn't pay, it provided something so much more invaluable to me than monetary means.  There were adventures that happened because I wrote for that group, opportunities presented themselves that created more adventures like syndication, the BBC in our house and then there was actual paid and exciting work. 

Over my years with SVMoms/DCMM I forged friendships and watched other women grow and create amazing groups that I am not sure would have been possible if we had not all found each other through this little ol' LLC.  I'm partial to thinking that if Gayle hadn't sent me to Memphis one weekend in November I never would spent a day with Kristen in a Chevy Malibu learning about Twitter but ultimately creating a friendship that a year later would be such an amazing blessing.  She's an angel that, Kristen.  Did I ever tell you about the time she read a desperate blog post of mine and within an hour was at my front door with hugs, food and help?  Oh yeah, she did that. She rescued me big time that day and I'm still grateful.  Then there's Sarah, Devra, Jodi and all the others who make me laugh, teach me continuously about our blogging community, this "thing" we do for fun and work and our locale.  They are women I'm proud to call my friends and cohorts.  They have made my life richer in ways I never would have imagined was possible just a few years back. 

And it all started with SVMoms and I will always be grateful I got to be part of something so great that gave so much to me and so many others.  So long dear friend, I will miss you, but you have created something so special that is leaving other great things in its place. 

Finding My Way, Again.

I admit that lately I have felt uninspired.  I have ignored my blog, been busy with life, work and incubating the Fifth Element the last few months.  It hasn't left a lot of room for contemplation, new ideas or much of anything but the bare necessities.  I have felt removed from the blogosphere too.  I have tried to attend events only to have to cancel from exhaustion. 

Last Sunday changed all that. I managed to get myself dressed and have the energy to attend the Silicon Valley Moms Group/ DC Metro Moms event that two of my friends put together.  After a brunch that I missed (The Comedian got sick, that's life) there was a ssymposium of companies and professional bloggers that allowed me to not just eat some damn fine cheese but to sit in a room full of women I admire, who inspire me and I am friends with IRL (in real life for you non-Internets).  We talked with companies who were equally interested in our ideas, social media and professional women bloggers.  Feelings of motivation, new ideas and excitement brewed within me as I listened to everyone share their ideas. 

Later at an event with these same bloggers and companies I was able to sample their wares and be among friends, make new ones and work in a way that I have missed so much in the last few months. This event made me realize why I got into blogging in the first place.  My love of writing, being part of a community, being among other writers and women who love to share information with others like I do and providing a service to others via reviews isn't something that just happened. It's all what I made happen when I decided to change my life with the support of my husband and in turn change our lives for the better.  It's led us on a journey we never could have imagined. Given us opportunities we never dreamed of and proved to be more than outlet for me, but an actual career that I adore. 

I just want to thank SVMoms, Sarah and Devra for putting this event together.  It was fabulous. It opened new doors for me that day, once again, in ways I never expected no matter how many times it happens.  It makes me realize how fortunate I am and blessed.  It made me feel refreshed and alight with new ideas and why I made the decision to start a new path for myself and in turn my family all those years ago and why it is still the best decision today.  This blogger was feeling a little lost but my amazing community brought me back and I can't thank them enough.

Some of those fabulous women include-

Baby Brewing

Uppercase Woman

Tech Savvy Mama

TeachMama

PunditMom

Stimey

WhyMommy

Jodifur

and so many more, I'm sorry if I missed you. 

Team WhyMommy's Virtual Science Fair

Susan is a friend of mine and fellow DC blogger and DC Metro Mom. She's the girl who always has a smile on her face and something intelligent to say no matter where we are. I love being around her.  She went in for surgery today.  The cancer is back.  She will fight it and she will beat it.  She has so much love and support and Team WhyMommy Virtual Science Fair is just a small part of that support.  I think Jean from Stimeyland says it best when she states, "We want her to know that she is loved and supported. But we also want her to know that our love and support is not all because of the cancer. We love and support her because of who she is, not just because of what she has. She is not just a cancer fighter, but an incredible person, one who is passionate about science and especially women who do science."

Science.  Not my best subject but over TD's Spring Break (Whoohooo Spring Break 2010!!!) we conducted a little science experiment to pass the time, show Susan some support and learn a thing or two.  So just like on the Brady Bunch we made a volcano-



We're thinking of you Susan!

Let's Achieve Something Great Today. Lives Depend On It.

Here's the thing about me.  I'm am not a nurturer.  In fact, my family calls me "Nurse Ratchett".  When my husband is hurt he asks for my help only out of desperation.  I don't like pain and suffering. I'm more of the 'suck it up' 'your legs aren't broken' type of person.  I think I've actually told my kids that. OK. I confess. I have told my kids that. 

Yet, I'm oddly empathetic to total strangers and those in need.  I still get choked up about the Titantic, people.  When I read a blog post, "It's Getting Real Bad" from Virginia, a Pittsburgh blogger, I got choked up.  Then motivated.  She has friends Jamie and Ali McMutrie in Haiti who run an orphanage there.  If you didn't read the link I just posted here's the brief version.  The kids are almost US citizens.  They are inches away from being adopted by US families, yet with all that is going on there right now they are stuck.  Living in a yard with contaminated water and no food.  They are sleeping on the ground and things are going to get even worse real fast.  Riots. Starvation.  And worse.  While Jamie and Ali can get out via the US Embassy they would have to literally abandon these children.  Imagine that.  Just leaving a yard of children to fend for themselves in that mess that you are watching flit across your television screen.  It makes me cry each time I think of it.  Then get mad, then motivated even more. 

Jamie and Ali will not leave these children.  They need two things- a private plane to take them back to the US with the kids and then something much harder to obtain.  They need the "government here, in the US, to grant the children some sort of temporary refugee status so that they can come home and be with the families that are waiting for them. we are in no way experts here. we have no idea how to go about making it happen. what we need are connections, string pulling at the highest levels of government. this is a tall order."

But we are Americans right?  We like tall orders. No, we LOVE tall orders. We like to do BIG things.  We like moving mountains and doing the impossible and being saviors to others. We get off on that stuff daily.  It is what we are known for and what we are about.  So what can we do, people?  Can you call your local news station and newspaper and tell this story?  Can you call your congressman or woman and beg them to get their butts in gear and get themselves some good PR in the process?  Can you just do something today like pass this on to others who might know someone and get the word out even more? 

Don't just look at your television screen and think what can I do?  Make an impact.  Make a call.  Write an email. Save a life.  Really. 

2009- It Hasn't All Been Bad

2009 is wrapping up and everywhere I look there is an article or recap about how sucktastic this past year has been.  Truthfully, there has been a lot of sadness, worry, woe and hard times for so many.  The media, left and right, loves to report on all of it every milisecond too.  It is hard to see or remember the good that has happened.

- In January we were all about hope and change. We elected our first African-American President.  A truly historic moment that revitalized the nation.  We need to remember that feeling, regardless of who you voted for, you cannot deny the air did feel electrifying and full of possibilities. 

- Data and news in the fine print shows that the Dow is up, real estate sales are climbing, the economy is coming back and unemployment is down.  We are coming back. Slowly, but we are coming back. We dug ourselves in real deep and it will take a while to come back, but we are getting there.  Have patience. Be strong and keep up the good work.  Good things are happening. 

- We are learning to save again. 

-Lady Gaga had a break out year.  Enough said.

- Bloggers accomplished great things this year too.  The Shredheads proved that losing weight is fun and easier when done in a group.  Jillian Michaels approves and we accomplished goals we never thought possible.  Kristen from Motherhood Uncensored published her first book, The Mominatrix.  Blog with Integrity was created.  Blogher 2009 was HUGE.  Confessions of a Pioneer Woman made Time's 'Best Blogs of 2009' list.



-Social media went beserk with Twitter actually accomplishing more than us letting the "world" know what our cat is doing right. this. very. minute. 

-This guy's had a particularly good year.  He played Jacob on Lost, had roles in The Mentalist, Supernatural and CSI too. He's like the Jude Law of small part actors. He's everywhere.

-The Comedian turned one.  She's practically running now and saying her first word, "Uh-oh."  Seeing milestones like those or TD learning to write her name makes 2009 all the better.

2010 is just around the corner.  We're all on pins and needles and full of hope that it will be better than '09.  "It has to be!" I keep hearing and all the while I am thinking, "Well, a large part of that is on us as individuals  now isn't it?"  It's a new decade.  Let's attack it like we do a bag of chips!  Heh.
 

Jingle All the Way 10k

I had my first 10k this weekend.  For so many months I have been training, then side-tracked, then training again, gearing up for the cold, dealing with my nerves and all this time fretting and fretting about my time.  I was using this particular race to qualify me for RunDC next year.  Then something happened.

H found out about a work trip to Florida that I could accompany him on.  One week in the middle of my least favorite month of the year, March. Sorry March birthday goers, but that lion/lamb thing just messes with my SAD-effected brain.  The whole month is like a giant hangover to me.  Kind of like how August is just one giant Sunday.  Oh, is that just me?  Back to the work trip then.  A whole week of sunshine, time alone with H, sunshine, ocean and tranquility.  Also, sunshine. I was in!  As I reviewed the dates I realized that we would be coming back the day of RunDC.  I wouldn't be able to do that historic run through my favorite city.  Immediately it took off so much of the pressure I was harboring towards Sunday's 10k.

Suddenly, I felt excited about the run instead of anxious.  The weather situation was a whole other story.  100% chance of rain, sleet and wintry mix was predicted with a high of 41 degrees.  That sounds like so much fun!  Yeah, freezing rain all for me.  Did I mention that the run was also on the water?  I could feel the icy rain drizzling down my back each time I thought about the impending race. 

The day of the race I woke up early and got dressed in my warmest running gear.  It was only after I was fully packed up that I realized I had forgotten to put my shoes on.  We got the girls up while it was still dark and got their drowsy, questioning selves dressed and packed in the car for the drive into the city.  Soon after we found ourselves touring the city at dawn while waiting for the start time to draw closer.  Gazing at the National tree all lit up and driving past the Washington Monument completely dissipated my nerves and I was ready to get started.

I met up with a fellow Shredhead, dealt with bag check, long queues at the port-a-potties and a suspicous vomit smell that pervaded the air, we got in line.  Late.  I started to get chilled to the bone and wanted to get started.  Fortunately, the air was cloudy but clear.  Fused with adrenaline and excitement I started out faster than I normally do and was feeling really good, despite the nagging feeling of a cold beginning that morning.  I was sure I had gone two miles when I saw the ONE mile marker.  Doh!  Throw in one runner who had already completed the course and was on his way back and I felt a bit defeated.  For some reason about five minutes later seeing the DC's Mayor run by me motivated me again and I past a few people.  The loop felt long and as I got close to the turn around I felt impatient.  I wanted to yell at people to "Move! MOVE! MOVE!" The air turned cooler as I ran along the water. I took in the sights of the city as I tried to temper my aggravation at the congestion of other runners.  Finally, coming in at 34 minutes plus I got to the turnaround point. 

Then something happened.  My competetive edge, rarely seen, came out.  I looked at the runners still trucking along to the turning point and thought, "Suck it!  I'm faster than you! Bwwahahaha!"  Where did that come from?  I passed people on the right, the left and went up off the street and onto the grass and wet leaves to blow by others.  I wanted to make my qualifying time no matter what.  1: 05 was my goal.  I needed to do it despite not making the March marathon.  As I neared mile four I found myself slowing down. I tried to pick other runners out in the crowd that I wanted to compete with but my motivation was severly lacking.  I just wanted to be done. I wanted to see my family, the crowds and the finish line. "Damn it!  Where was the finish line!?! Where the hell was mile five?! I am such a wuss!  WTF is wrong with me?"  I kept internally yelling at myself Jillian Michael's style to combat that thinking.  That helped momentarily and got me through to mile six.  Point two more miles to go.  Whew!  Santa and his reindeers ran by me and it pissed me off.  I ran faster.  A bit.

Then I saw my friend. He had already completed the 10k and came running along the finish line.  I needed that encouragement.  I knew I was so close but I felt so slow.  My left hamstring felt ridiculously tight and I was cold, wet and tired.  While my body might "know" this run, it didn't much care for it at that particular moment.  He kept yelling, "Run! Run faster!" and I did. I tried and suddenly I was crossing the finish line.  I saw my time and felt relief and a bit of dissappointment.  1:08 and something seconds...Oh well.  I did it. My first 10k.  It was now raining as steam poured off my body.  I gnawed on a bagel and felt exhilerated.  I'll definetly be doing that again!

Later in the day my official time came through- 1:05, 14 seconds.  14 seconds barring me from RunDC but whatever.  I'm going to Florida! 

It's Just Sad

Blatantly stealing from Jodifur's post today because I can't crawl out from under my own conundrums here is what is "Crazy Sad".

- I asked for a Polder meat thermometer for Christmas. I would rather it not be a gift but since I can't cook a chicken to save my life, I might actually need this thing.

- Asking for a meat thermometer makes me feel like I'm 87 and should be named Pearl. I think patent leather box-shaped handbags are all the rage.  My best friend's name is Madge and she smokes Salems.  My 14 cats hate her and our long games of Canasta.

- I can't for the life of me think of what to buy a one year-old at Christmas.  Still I would feel just awful if years from now she didn't see any photos of her unwrapping a present, just photos of her eating the wrapping paper.  Hm.. I think I see a roll of green colored paper under the tree for her.  Sweet! That stuff is wicked cheap!

At least I solved one problem for the day. 

Coffee with a Vodka Chaser, Please

I am surly today. Call me CPM - Cranky Pants Mason.

I decided that it would be a fabulous idea to suck just one more sunny ounce out of summer and hit the road with the girls again this week. Beach bound we got on the highway and down came the rain. Winds blew and tiny mouths became gaping black holes of want and whine accompanied by fists of fury and destruction. "I want, I want, I want..." It was all I heard until one of the dictators passed out along side the other despot in the back seat. Silence and sunshine ensued for much of the trip.

Until I got lost. Why is it that just when you miss a turn the peanut gallery in the backseat decides to create a list of demands so long and loud that you miss all the other eight turns the GPS is barking out at you in its super polite British accent? Suddenly your white knuckling the steering wheel and channeling Clint Eastwood. You switch to bellowing out wicked witch style phrases like, "Silence, you fools!" only to turn into Walter Matthaeu two seconds later.

Now, dark rain clouds threaten the day and I am red-eyed and fog-brained from lack of sleep. Both girls were up all night and in and out of my bed. When TD announced that she was afraid of the green and red sparkly thing with fangs lurking by my bed I almost called my own Mommy to come save us.

I see much beach side brooding and dark cloud watching in our future today. A steady diet of cupcakes, Bloody Mary's and Lattes also sounds pretty fab. Somehow though I don't think that last part is going to happen.

On the bright side, my email contained this little badge today. It made my day.



Find me here as well. Never before seen photos uncovered!

I'm at Your Service. If You Want.

Last week I cried 'do over!' and I kept my promise. I met my goal. I worked out five times last week. It is the same bat time, same bat channel again this week. Five times. Yes, my knees are popping more than a box of cereal and I a bit more exhausted than I normally would be, but I'm not bloated anymore either. I've de-puffed myself and already my arms are looking a bit more toned. It's not going to be an over night transformation. Ah, to be 17 again... It's going to be a tad more of a long haul getting myself back to where I want to be, but I'm willing to do the work.

Are you?

Here's the thing. Since I began Shredding and hitting the gym again, a few months ago, I have had quite a few friends ask me all about this power-packed DVD. They have heard me talk about how great it is, how hard it is and how much I love it. And hate it.

Then they buy it. You know what happens next? Fear. Fear wells up inside them and demotivates their asses so damn fast it is like they have cement in their gym shorts. They make up one excuse after another on why they haven't even ripped the security stickers off of Jillian yet. It boils down to a lot of waiting. Waiting for someone else to do it with them, waiting for... well, quite frankly I have no idea what. Waiting for the DVD to help them lose weight and burn fat through osmosis? I'm not entirely sure.

Because they are my friends and I'm complicated, I get irritated. I want the best for them and when I see the lack of motivation it sets me into Drill Sargent mode (or Jillian mode, take your pick.) and I want to make them Shred. It is only because I want them to be their best. I want them to feel as good as I feel. I am the first person to admit how hard it is to commit to a workout plan and follow it. I've been procrastinating with the best of them for years. I am also the first to admit how fun it can be. How I love the feel of my own sweat and seeing my body change. It "doesn't come for free" though. If you want results you have to work for them. Hard. However, hard work can be fun.

All I can say is that achieving a goal takes perseverance and a lot of hard work. When you know someone has your back and can commiserate with you it is that much easier to achieve it. It's one of the many reasons I love H so much. When you have me as your friend you know I'm going to expect a lot from you but I'm also going to be loyal and help you out in any way I can.

You only have one life. There are no "real" do overs. If you want me as your own version of Jillian Michaels, then so be it. I am at your service. All you have to do it ask. I'll help you reach that goal in whatever way I can. I promise.

That applies to all my Internet friends as well.

Want more motivation?! Want to win some cash for all that hard work? Visit Loser Moms and see their weight loss contest. Motivation: It's only a click away!

Good Bloggy Karma

It's Friday. I'm a bit burnt out. My lack of gym time this week and the sudden influx of mucus and other icky sickness in my house is making me lazy in body and mind.

I'm done writing about blogher. I cannot bear to weigh in on world affairs or the recession. I don't feel like going on all green or soap boxy on you all today either. To think you all want to hear about how much puke I cleaned up yesterday would be delusional. TD tied a belt around The Comedian yesterday and tried to lead her around like a dog. It was hilarious and I got it on video but do you really want to see that? Good. Because I'm too lazy load up the video.

Instead I'm going to give some bloggy love. I met these wonderful writers last week in Chicago and I just need to share. Good blogging karma let your love flow~

KnottyYarn- Danielle was a speaker at Blogher and she made me almost liz myself. The rest of her blog is equally hilarious. Check out her reading here. You just might liz yourself too.

Halushki- I had dinner with Jozet on Saturday and found her smart, inspiring and a great source of advice. She's also one hell of a door bitch, black sparkly hat and all.

Dooblevhay- I heard her speak and it went right to my heart. I rarely do this but I met her later at a party and I had to give her a hug (I know!) and squeal with joy at how happy I was to meet her. Her writing is poetic and just beautiful. I cannot even do it justice with my own pithy words.

ChickyChickyBaby- She is totally going to think I'm a crazed stalker now but this was our second meeting and we spent quite a bit of time together this blogher. At one point we New Englandah's both tried on our best "Southie" accents and cracked ourselves up. We were wicked awesome.

Now go forth, read. Enjoy.

Working with Kids. The Unsolvable Equation.

I woke up late today. So much for Body Pump. I fear I will never see streamlined thighs again.

I find myself running around today trying to catch falling yogurt cups before they hit the floor with a splat. Racing down the stairs with the dog who can't keep up and ends up tumbling to the landing in a yelping heap. There I am again on a work phone call, scooping cheerios off a high chair tray as I try to sound coherent and intelligent while TD yells in the background. That's just a fellow co-worker about to go postal over a PowerPoint presentation, right?

Five seconds later I'm emailing Gymboree about Bubble Camp and settling TD into a good hour of Sesame Street. Meanwhile The Comedian tries to rewire our entertainment system. I swear that child will know how to hot wire a car by age two. I think about how I haven't watched anything good in the DVR for ages and realize tuition is due for the new school year. Panting I race through our billing and write off the necessary checks. A deadline for two items looms in my not too distant future. A review is waiting in the wings.

The week started off slow with me spending quality time with the girls and I'm still trying to unpack from Blogher, process what I gathered there and organize myself and my thoughts. Do I want to go next year? Yes, I do. Can I afford it? That remains to be seen. My head feels all explodey and I haven't had nearly enough caffeine. I think I might smell and I crave a good enzyme peel.

When my husband asks me what I did during the day I can barely remember it all. It is such a blur. I remember the big things like dance class and grocery shopping but not the bazillion things I did in between. Somehow faxing W-9 forms, making phone calls, doing dishes, sorting laundry, wiping baby butts, while I invoice work and simultaneously write paragraphs in my head doesn't come up when I hit the daily recall button in my brain. The house looks like I never clean it and Blogher paper bits and swag pens litter my bedroom floor. It seems as if I'm lolling the day away perusing the stacks of magazines I acquire daily and letting the girls run wild. I wish our days were that easy but then I honestly don't think I would be happy with me. I don't know if I exactly thrive in this type of situation. I would like more order in my world but kids don't equate order. Working with kids is an equation that we are all still trying to solve. It's like Healthcare reform but more complex.


And if you still crave more Blogher09 nonsense, check this video out from Tellingdad.

It's Like I Don't Know My Own Blog Anymore

My brain is a bit fuzzy today. Probably from all the buzzing it has been doing this morning as I try and get a grasp on what this blog is really all about. See, I'm going to be on a little radio show this afternoon (2pm EST) called, Role Mommy and Friends.

I just know that the big question will be what this blog is all about and quite frankly I'm still trying to figure that one out. MPR has the reviews. And sure, I have issues that I hold near and dear and write about from time to time but it's not like I have some sort of niche. Not unless you count the daily tightrope act that I do where I try not to be a diabolical cross between Bree van de Kamp and Mommie Dearest.

I'm having a bit of an identity crises lately. How do you see this blog? Why do you read it? Help me Internets, you are my only hope.

Oh, and don't forget to listen to my nervous laughter on Role Mommy and Friends today.

On The Nightstand

I've been inspired this week by the summer reading bug, Newsweek and the blog, Everyday I Write the Book. I'm an avid reader, typically reading about 3 books and 2 magazines at a time. I read standing up while cooking dinner, I read in the car while waiting even if it's for a mere moment. I scatter reading material all about the house so that there is always something handy if I have a free second to read.

When Newsweek devoted a whole issue this week to author interviews, a revised 'must' read lists and the pure joy that is reading I found myself in a state of bliss. I had just finished 'Testimony' by Anita Shreve and I'm working my way through these two books as well. Books are piling up on my nightstand and my local library just waiting for me to unleash their secret worlds. A new book is exhilarating. So is an old one. I have a lot of favorite books from various authors ranging from David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs to Edith Wharton and Margaret Mitchell. There are a few I could read and re-read for the simple reason that they never fail to reveal something new, provide me with comfort and characters that I love to reacquaint myself with over and over again. Here are just a few:

Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell- My all time favorite book. I read it in three days at the age of thirteen and have been continuously re-reading it ever since. It has everything and the story never gets old to me.

The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton- The Gilded Age, a woman torn and trapped by the narrowness of her social standing. It is everything this History major and woman's studies minor focused on for four years in college. It's beautifully written and I fall in love with it every time.

On Leaving Charleston, Alexandria Ripley- Not very typical of me but it describes clothing, places and food in a wonderful way. It takes the reader through many decades that showcase the changes our country went through in the post-Civil War era up until the Great Depression. This history nut can't help but investing her time in it many times over.

Dry, Augusten Burroughs- At times dark, other times laugh out loud, tears running down my face funny. This tale of addiction and rehab is candid and identifiable. To me, it is Burroughs best.

I've got a whole slew of others but I would love for you to share some of your favorite books with me.

The Hills They Break Me

Holy Mountain of Death... it must be ninety-bazillion degrees outside and my legs feel like they are in cement casings. Where is my runners high? Where in all that is holy and stamped with a Nike swoosh is my moment of running zen?!

I am deep in the trenches of one month of running. The times are getting longer and my body is telling me to quit. The hills in my 'hood are r-e-lent-less. I'm not playing around here and my lower body knows it. My heart having been gargled by Jillian for weeks beforehand is quite up to the task. My feet are sufficiently callused from years of doing the Avon Walk. It's my mind and my legs that are weak. They see another hill coming and just want to cave. The brain says, "Hey legs...psstt...legs...up here. Listen, you don't have to take this punishment anymore. Just slow her down to a trot. She'll live. You've done your time today. Trust me..."

Stupid brain. Always trying to make decisions for me like, "Hey lady, wouldn't you rather be watching 'The Hills' rather than running them? Now that sounds like a swell idea, doesn't it? Yeah... that's the ticket. Watch the show 'The Hills'. You'll be all comfy on your couch, feet all propped up. Not sweating..."

Twenty-five minutes today Internets. I've got to run twenty-five minutes straight. Already my brain is trying to talk me out of it. It's almost all hills.


Let's start the weekend off right, shall we? It's time for a little bloggy love. I've recently started reading these these blogs and I love them. Enjoy!

Zozo's Mom - Joslyne is funny and it is not just because she has a 'Suck it!' list or that I'm listed as one of her 'Heroes'. Really? I'm blushing. Thank you!! She also takes priceless and timeless photos of her child that always bring a smile to my face. And really? Pics of kids that I didn't birth, usually don't do that for me.

Camryn is the dean of Mean Mommy University and not only does she post some of the most hysterical pictures of herself (one word: ninja) she has a blog called Mean Mommy University, people. Camryn- I *heart* you. Is my acceptance letter in the mail? I feel as if I should already have tenure there.

Meeting Jen Lancaster

Last Friday I took a trip two years in the making. I boarded a metro train bound for the city and met up with a friend. After a delightful dinner of tapas and sangria and a quick stop for cupcakes we made our way to the Jen Lancaster, Pretty in Plaid, book signing.

Awww... look at the cute crazy stalker fangirrrl.

I know you are already like, "Uh, what is the big deal? She's just some author. What are you some crazy stalker fan or something?" Well, I could be. I did after all wear lime green pants, a pink polo and pearls. And the above mentioned cupcakes. Divine, by the way. So while I could be construed as crazy stalker fangirl (hmm.. despite the lime green pants and pearls I'm really more of a fangirrrl, anyways...) it is more that Lancaster's first book came to me at just the right moment. Let's go back three years, shall we?

There I was all post-partumy and on my first outing after having TD. I was standing in Borders humor section figuring, "Why the F not. I could use some as long as it's not the Jeff Foxworthy variety." And there it was, Bitter is the New Black, Lancaster's first book and I thought, "I'm bitter..." I picked it up and began to read while pushing a colicky TD. I couldn't stop laughing and relating. When I was done with the book I wanted more. I quickly discovered her blog, Jennsylvania. While I had a live journal back in 2003 and a pregnancy/family-only blog, I never thought of blogging on the scale that Lancaster was doing. I had never read any one's blog either. Suddenly, I had a fever. A fever that could only be quenched with more... blogging.

And there you have it. I created The Mummy Chronicles, quit my day job and now I'm a writer, reviewer, consultant extraordinaire! I really believe that I have Lancaster to thank for that in some way. She inspired me to do something I didn't think I could and kept me laughing throughout. Meeting her for the first time (despite two years of trying and missing book signings) was a real highlight for me. Even if I couldn't get up the nerve to do more than shove cupcakes at her, grin stupidly and squat beside her with the brilliant line of, "Wow. I feel really tiny squatting down here." I iz wicked brilliant writer, no?

I'm hosting a few giveaways at MPR this week- check them out here! There's a silver pendant and more!

Assorted Ramblings

I'm hosting an insanely good giveaway at MPR that involves clothes and more! Check it out here. I'm giving away a pretty necklace this week so be sure to check that out as well.

I'm de-following Heidi Montag on Twitter. The shame that I clicked the 'follow' button is overwhelming me on a minute by minute basis. Plus? The over use of exclamation points are actually making me want to vomit.

Every time I see this blogger I feel like a blast of sun has just filled my day. She is so sweet and generous it just makes me happy to say I know her. And Kristen? Thank you for the wrist band. We were in and out of that hot box in minutes thanks to you! Who knew Barnes and Noble could use a book signing as a torture device.

I need a new phone. I'm still sportin' a Motorola Razr. Egads. I can't even Twitter on that thing. I won't even go into how difficult it is to text. I'm on the search for a new phone and need some advice. Hold out for the Palm Pre? Go the route of the Iphone (HATE the keyboard!)? Or find something else? Help me Internets. You are my only hope.

UPDATE: Yes, I'm a blogging oddity. I didn't go for the cool kids phone aka the iphone. I bought a Blackberry Curve. It does more of what I need and I just know the Palm Pre is going to shatter that iphone's halo shortly.

Work At Home Mom Takes a Meeting

You give yourself an hour to get somewhere that takes thirty minutes. You take three hours to get yourself and the two kids ready for an outing that will take about three hours as well.

On the way to the meeting you get hit with some gnarly traffic, get lost on a few one way streets, scream so loud in a parking garage your three year-old quips, "Look, Mommy! Curious George! Just calm down..." Realize you need to valet the car and get two kids in car seats out with all their gear and some shorty (I kid, because I love) is standing in your spot texting away. An angel descends on your car and takes the oldest by the hand and leads you into the building.

After a quick hello to Clifford, the big red dog, you drop the kiddies off and head to your meeting. You are dressed, your hair is coiffed and you are even sportin' a piece of non-wedding related jewelry. You actually feel together, eat your lunch while it is still hot and can have conversations that don't start with, "If you eat one more bite of..." You are in heaven.

All too soon you find yourself getting honked at in the valet line as it takes you five seconds to throw the baby carrier in the car and another ten seconds (seriously, only ten seconds! world record!! am fastest mother ever!) to throw the toddler into her seat. You want to throw the bird and yell something along the lines of - "Bite me, old white guy! I'd like to see you get these kids in a car this fast!" However, you remain calm, tip the valet and drive off into a dead stop.

More traffic hell awaits and the kids aren't getting any perkier. You toss some snacks at the toddler along with a large piece of plastic known as 'Frosty' that looks suspiciously like a baby doll and not a snowman and hope the baby doesn't meltdown as you sit in four walls of car snarl. When you finally make it home all you want to do is crash but instead you end up bathing a baby with an exploding diaper and ripping apart the car seat to throw it in the wash.

When my husband takes a meeting? He simply gets up from his desk and walks over to it.