If you are a fan of Sex and the City then you probably already know about the debate regarding "complicated and simple girls". I myself remember this episode distinctly as it not only capped off an excellent season but also finally gave me a way in which I could describe myself. I am a complicated girl. So are most of my friends. I guess we thrive in packs. However, back in the day not even a pack or two of guys wanted to deal with us. Throughout my life- as a child growing up and in my dating years in particular people were always telling me I was, "difficult", "weird" and yes, "complicated". It was all so very frustrating. I was not going to change who I was just to appear that I wanted less out of life or that I desired less from my friends, family and the men I dated. Why … [Read more...]
Hershey! Our First Family Vacation
When I saw this sign I assumed this would be the weirdest moment of our trip to Hershey, PA. Well, we all know what happens when you assume, right?Since our room wasn't ready yet at the incredibly family friendly Hershey Lodge (TD jumped up and down when she realized she could check-in to the hotel herself.) we decided to check out the Butterfly House at the Children's Garden. TD loves Fancy Nancy and her azure butterflies. The kid was so excited about seeing purple butterflies flitting about that she jumped down from our truck and literally hit the pavement. We all heard the smack and instantly our day turned upside down. H ripped off his shirt and used it to cover the gash while I found a bottle of water to rinse the cut. When he took away the t-shirt blood poured out of the wound and I … [Read more...]
My Book. Enough Said #2
The latest piece of my book. Thanks for reading!In my mind though something different was going on, something dark was unfurling as I began to think back to my times with Rob. Hit me? No. Rob had never hit me. Sure, there was that time that he twisted my arm a bit. Sometimes he would force me to do things but that was not hitting. Besides, I am so small and he was so big. He did not know his own strength. He always said he was sorry afterwards too. “You are so weak and small! You need to be toughened up! I’m doing this for your own good.” He would say. It is true. I am small and weak. I want to be tough. That was not hitting though. That was not what Jess was asking, was it? Was it?I finished relaying this story to Marilyn, the words just matter of factly tumbling out as … [Read more...]
Pack it Up! We’re Going to Chocolate World!
"Are we going to Pretzel land today?" TD asks continuously. To her Pennsylvania is the land of the giant pretzel thanks to her US Maps placemat. However, after this weekend I am quite sure PA will be known as Chocolate World from here on out. For other things to do near Penn State, click the link for more options. I'm doing laundry like a whirling dervish today. I just finished unpacking myself from my trip and off we go again. I'm looking forward to this opportunity for some downtime with the family. Lately our schedules have been so missed matched that we are almost never home at the same time. The kids are coming and going and so are we. I'm not concerned about the car ride to Hershey. We've got car trips down. Rather I'm deeply, deeply concerned about us all sharing a hotel room. … [Read more...]
I’ve Learned A Lot From Paris Hilton
I feel so educafied!As I sit working in my desert hotel I'm getting a dose of Bravo that I never have at home. Yes, sad little DISH network doesn't carry Bravo. No Top Chef for me. I'm still rolling old school style with Hell's Kitchen. No Bravo also means no Kathie Griffin D-list either. I feel so sad now knowing that I'm clearly missing out on some quality viewing and edumacation as I watch her shop and hang with Paris Hilton. For example:-Shopping is the best and only work out for Ms. Hilton. It burns more calories than anything else. (Who knew that all I had to do was cruise Target for my cardio. Finally! I have a use for that three year-old and nine month old- weights!)- Always be posing. Even if it's just while you are standing in line. You never know when someone will be … [Read more...]
My Book. Enough Said.
I made a promise this summer that I would finish at least one chapter of my book so that I could send it off to a publisher this fall. The only way I seem to be able to get any of it done is if I hold myself accountable here. So here come the weekly doses of what I'm working on and bear with me each week as I post a bit of it. Here goes nothing....My knees are pulled in so tight to my chest it feels as if I might bruise my ribs. My arms grip my legs and my hands clutch at my ankles as if I am holding on for dear life. The skin on my knuckles is pulled tight and white. I rock on the dorm room floor of my friend Jessica’s room unable to stifle the sobs that sometimes become wails only to then crash into screams. If I were to look into a mirror now I would see my face is a mottled … [Read more...]
In Which Nature Takes Over
Scene: A sun dappled den. The Comedian and I are sharing some quiet time while our dog, Lex suns herself outside on our deck. "Cheeep! Cheep, Cheep, ChiiRRRP!" The Comedian and I look out the sliding glass doors of the den to see Lex catch an adult-sized Robin in her mouth. As I press my face to the glass I can actually see the fear in the bird's eyes and I let out a bit of a whimper. "Poor, germ-infested bird. You had no idea that lazy looking dog was going to come out and get you did you? I know. Me neither."In the past Lex has caught toads, lizards and other smaller birds but when they cease to move any longer she stands above them looking perplexed. She nudges them with her nose wondering where her playmate has gone. It's almost sad if it weren't so well, wild. I forget … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Maybe I’m Amazed or Just a Rabid Fan
Saturday I'll be checking off a box on my '100 Things to Do Before I Die' list. So I don't actually have a list filled out, it's all in my head but I'm keeping tabs on it. The 'See Madonna' box has already been checked. 'Visit Paris' is filled too. 'See Paul McCartney in Concert' is next.I can hardly wait. The fact that my seats don't suck also makes me want to do a little jig each time I think about it. I almost wish I could start camping out in the parking lot of Fed Ex field right now.I fully admit my taste in music runs the gamut of typical to "Seriously? You like that?" I love Disco more than most. Funk and Rap factor in high as well. My iPod is actually engraved with the words, "Don't Fake the Funk". McCartney though has always been a tried and true favorite. He was my favorite … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]