Gilligan's Island: Chicago Style: "The Movie Star"



Ginger, The "Movie Star" via Google Image search


The "Movie Star" shooed her hand at me dismissively and with a huff stated:

"Well, I'm a real writer. Not just a blogger. I write for real."

That is a verbatim quote that I typed into my ipod (don't you just love technology?) after experiencing my first ever rude encounter in the city of Chicago. Now that that has set in for a moment, let's go to the beginning of our tale to get the full story...



Trump Tower, Chicago

After enjoying our tour of the city, Oktoberfest brews and run in with "The Professor", we decided to start heading back to the hotel, which was in the direction of the newly completed Trump Tower, and if you remember, was the job of Chicago native, Bill Ranic, season one winner of The Apprentice reality show. He was a nice guy, wasn't he? Come to think of it, wasn't Omarosa on that season as well? She was a really rude girl, wasn't she? Hmmm...I think so.

My husband was itching to stop at the House of Blues to show off one of his favorite places to our friends, so we decided to swing by to grab a bite to eat and listen to some live music. We arrived just before the dinner crowd and quickly found four empty stools snug nicely at a little bar looking toward the stage. The main bar ran behind us, which made for easy serving and beer fetching. We were so glad to finally be able to take a load off- we had been walking &/or standing all day and let me tell you, it felt great to sit!

As we tapped to the beat of the music and took our first sip of beer, a very attractive, young woman, in her mid-20's, sauntered over toward my husband and asked him a question. "I would like to ask you if you are a gentleman and would give up your chair for a lady?" We both looked at each other and she repeated the question. My husband said that he was sorry, but we just sat down to have some dinner, but he thought there were some stools further down the bar. Her reply: "Go get it for me."

Is it just me or does it seem that generation x,y,z...(whatever it is now) is completely full of the entitlement attitude? I am; therefore, I should have.

My husband does not bother easily, and has on many occasions, given up his seat for a "lady", but right now,  I could see all over his face that he was upset. He said a flat "no." She repeated the phrase "Really....you would not be a gentleman and give up your seat for a lady?" two or three more times, emphasizing the word really. Then "Rude Girl" moved her way down to our friend and asked him in a syrup-y voice for his seat to be given up by a gentleman for a lady. It is here that I interrupted and said to her "We are here visiting and want to have a nice dinner with our friends. We just sat down- we've been walking all day and now we just want to grab a bite to eat." With a flip of her hair, she turned to me and said "Look, I live in Trump Tower. I am not expecting you as a woman to give up your chair. You sit and have a nice time. I just cannot believe that these gentleman will not give up their seat for a lady. You tourists are all alike."

"Rude Girl" turned back to our friend and asked if chivalry was dead in New York. He must have mentioned where we were from. He answered "No. Not at all. It just is for you." Ouch.
With that, she stomped down to the end of the bar to grab an empty stool and as she danced back in the direction of her two girlfriends sitting behind us at the bar, hit me with it. No apology...but she did come back to my husband and asked for his name. "Mike" he answered. (FYI-his name isn't Mike)...then asked his last name because she found this so interesting. When she got back into her place in Trump Tower, she was going to write all about this, since she is a writer. What did living in Trump Tower have anything to do with it? And what's up with all the medieval terms: Gentleman, Lady and chivalry?

Then I joined in on the conversation and said "You know, that is not a bad idea! I think I will write about this too! This will be a GREAT story for my blog."

Which brings us to the beginning of this post. With her friends in the background pleading with her to shut up, she shooed her hand at me dismissively and with a huff stated:

"Well, I'm a real writer. Not just a blogger. I write for real."

I thought her words might sting with that kind of delivery, but you know what? I asked myself in that split second is "Rude Girl" a real writer? Sure. If she writes, then she's a real writer.

Am I a real writer? I'm typing this story for you to read. I guess because I am writing, then I am a real writer too.

So, "Rude Girl",  put that on your stool and sit on it.

Guest Post::Parenting You Should Never Lose Your Humor

I am so excited to have our first Guest Post! And who better to kick this off than our Blogger of the Month, The Crayon Wrangler! Have you had a chance to visit yet? Getting to our Blogger of the Month is easy! Click the link on the sidebar, or follow the link through the tab above and prepare for some fantastic writing.

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Parenting is one of the hardest things you will ever do. It requires an insane amount of forward thinking, being fast on your feet and even faster with your responses. It can easily bring the strongest adult to their knees either in exhaustion or prayer. One should never look at a parent and believe that they have an easy life. Likewise, never tell a parent that their job is an easy one. You will get eaten for dinner with a nice red wine. 

I get asked a lot how I am able to look at parenting with so much humor. Don't put me on a pedestal just yet; there are many days I am hiding under my bed armed with a box of chocolate and murmuring incoherently about my spawn when my husband is able to find me and pull me out. The majority of the time, I try to just laugh about it. I am able to do this because:

If I don't laugh about it, I will cryI look at it as a home movie and ask, "If I was watching this 20 years from now; would I laugh?"Laughing about life lessons teaches my kids to laugh and builds self esteem. 

Let's face it, many times in parenting when you walk into a kitchen with cereal spilled on the floor, trying to get a pea out of a child's nose or the infant just painted the crib with a certain body function; you just want to cry. I believe the response to cry is because you are living in the moment. What if you don't live in the moment? What would your outlook be on those scenarios? If you look at that moment with the forward thought of it being someone else's kid or you are watching a home movie about it 20 years from now; you would be laughing. Why wait 20 years to laugh about it?

Let's look at the home movie of the cereal spilled all over the floor. You see the entire contents of the Cheerio box coating the floor. You are amazed at the fact that such a small box can actually cover 40 square feet with enough grain and wheat O's to make valleys and peaks. It the middle of all this is a child with an expression mixed with pride because they just fed themselves and fear over what your response will be. Instead of immediately grabbing the vacuum, you have other options. Grab some deep belly laughs and a camera. Praise your child for trying to feed themselves. You have just taught your child that while mistakes happen, the intention of what they were doing was correct. They have seen their mistake and learned that its OK to laugh at it and move on.

You have increased their self esteem and empowered them to continue to try to learn the correct ways of doing things, but if they make a mess of things you will be there to help willingly and not criticize. Later in life this will be crucial, because you want your children to come to you with the really big mistakes to ask advice and receive help. The lesson they learn from you blowing your top over spilled cereal is one of fear of messing up and fear of your correction.

Don't get me wrong and send me hate mail; there are times that a serious situation warrants a serious response. Not everything in life can laughed off, but with our children...don't sweat the small stuff and understand that every situation can be a learning lesson for them. This parenting thing is hard; no doubt about it. If you want to see some lessons that parents have learned check out some of these lessons from myself and other parents. http://coloringoutsidetheline.blogspot.com/search/label/lessons%20learned  If you visited that link, I am assured you are laughing. Let's keep that laughter in our parenting, know that you are not alone in the daily trials with your kids and never wait 20 years to laugh.

A Game of 8 Question Tag

Andie from Multiple Mama created a game of tag and since I have never done one of these before,  I thought this might be fun. I'm a little late to the game, but I guess better late than never!

1. Why did you start blogging?
I wanted a place to get all these stories out...and I have loved every single minute of it!

2. If you could travel any where in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?
All over Europe. I would see everything possible in Italy, then in France and figure out the rest.

3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?
Yes, Mrs. Faddegon. She was my English teacher and it is in her class that I wrote & illustrated my first book-she stoked the writing fire. She loved to play tennis and had the best print handwriting...she was super cool.

4. If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?
Hmm, tough one. Either Anthony Bourdain or the Cake Boss...maybe Duff of Charm City Cakes. Definitely a foodie....we would eat well and have awesome stories to share!

5. Toilet paper — over or under?
As long as I am spared a square and not left with the cardboard roll, then I'm good.

6. Name one thing in your life that you would do over if possible.
Hmmm....not sure I would.


7. Tell about your pets — if any.
We enjoy everyone else's pets.

8. Do you live in a small town or a large town. (You don’t have to name the town.)
Small town in a big county.


Now it's your turn! Take the same eight questions and answer them. Have fun!

Drivers Ed FAIL

I am a patient person....but that patience can be tested at times as I go from point A to point B. So to ward off the the "What are you doing?!" and the "Where did you get your license, a Cracker Jack Box?" comments to fellow drivers I may take up teaching Driver's Ed refresher courses.

If I were a Drivers Ed instructor, the following points would be on my clipboard:

DON'T ride the tail of car in front of you traveling in the center lane when it is apparent they cannot move left or right to get out of your way. Flashing your high beams is not recommended.

DO: Merge into traffic when seeing the sign stating that RIGHT LANE MERGES 1/2 mile AHEAD. This means that you should move now. Not in the last meter of the cones. No one will want to let you in. No one like a line-butt-er.

DON'T: Travel 10 miles per hour under the posted speed limit, unless you are a cute 90 year old lady/man.

DO: Use your turn signal when you want to turn. No one is a mind reader.

DON'T: Stop while yielding onto the highway. It's just plain dangerous.

DO: Give a wave of Thanks when someone lets you into the flow of traffic after you have been sitting and waiting. It's just a nice thing to do.

DO: Be sure to have all makeup applied BEFORE you leave the house, unless you are a passenger, then car application is perfectly ok.

DON'T block an intersection while trying to make the yellow light. If your car length will not fit, wait for the next light cycle. It's only a few seconds...you can handle it!

Anything you would like to add to my clipboard???

MGB- Blogger of the Month is Here!

All the months that have gone into the planning- I can't believe that the day has finally arrived!

Today is the day that the new feature MGB-Blogger of the Month begins!

So many great blogs exist on the web and it can be daunting to find one that you like to read.  This is why I created Blogger of the Month- to help you find some of the jewels that are out there that maybe you would not have found otherwise. On the 1st of each month, I will introduce you to a blogger that I enjoy and I think you will enjoy too. There will be a main post highlighting our blogger, an article or two throughout the month and a place on my sidebar which will give you a quick link to their site so that you may visit at your leisure. Please feel free to also visit the  Blogger of the Month tab on the top of this site where you will find a link to the current Blogger of the Month and all past recipients.

So, with no further ado, it is my honor to introduce you to:

The Crayon Wrangler 

http://coloringoutsidetheline.blogspot.com/

Alycia, who has been blogging since October of 2005, is a writer that I only very recently met through the "31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge." I was immediately drawn into her blog as she shared her stories laced with truth and humor. She commands your attention and before you know it you have finished her post nodding in agreement, laughing or both and wanting to read more. She is a gifted writer and a fabulous storyteller both in word and image-she also takes amazing photographs! You will find a woman who cooks, has written a book and even vlogs (video blogs!) A woman of many talents who is down to earth and as real and laid back as they get. I wish we were neighbors, because coffee talk or cocktail hour would always be a hoot!

I asked the Crayon Wrangler a few questions and here is what she had to say:

MGB: Why did you start a blog?

CW: I started a blog because if I couldn't remember to close the lid on the washer for it to start its cycle, there was no way I would remember moments of childhood, first tooth or funny things that might have happened with my girls. I saw it as a way to have a diary that saved hand cramping writing, came with spell check and easy to insert pictures/videos. As I have added two more kids; it is even more imperative that I write before I forget their names along with everything else.

MGB: What is your favorite & least favorite thing about blogging?

CW: My favorite thing about blogging is the creative outlet and the sense of community among the bloggers. My least favorite things about blogging is the constant second guessing about what my readers might want to read that day instead of just writing what I feel like writing. It's a constant struggle to write only for myself.

MGB: What is one of your personal favorite posts? Why is it your favorite?

CW: OK this was a hard question to answer. I have so many that I enjoy re-reading, but I saw this one and had to pass it along to you.


Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving

I love this one because I love writing poems or doing song parodies on my blog. For me, its a fun way to tell you what is going on in my life in a fresh and exciting way. Although I am a "serious writer" there is nothing (well, almost nothing) on my blog that is serious. I love being silly and have found that even years later, I can still surprise a reader with a goofy stunt.

MGB: What would you like readers to know about you?

CW: I think they probably know most of it. I have tried very hard to be authentic on my blog. I am just like all of you. I have good days and bad. I laugh and I cry. I love my kids and I want to strangle them. I forget the clothes in the dryer and I burn dinner. I try very hard to look at every hiccup in life as an adventure and I actively seek out the laughter in it. When I was younger I was way too serious and let everything bother me. I haven't grown up (because I refuse to) but since I have gotten older I have made it my motto that "if you can't laugh at it, you can't live with it" So I strive to live a life colored in bright laughter.

And laughter is definitely threaded throughout Alycia's wonderful blog.

Please join me and welcome Alycia, The Crayon Wrangler as our very first MGB Blogger of the Month!

Wordless Wednesday: Tuesday Edition

Hope you don't mind, but I am going to post my WW picture today because....

Tomorrow

 The Blogger of the Month is going to be announced!!!

The Sun & the Moon

Teens Interrupt Regularly Scheduled Programming....

I am completely throwing caution to the wind (and spell check) to throw this post up. Why? Because I just need to vent a little about life with a teenager...

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of my daughter. She was 3 at the time and it was taken as the first snow of the season started to cover the grass. We went outside and tried to make snowballs and a snowman but ended up only able to make snow angels.

I realize she would not stay the cute toddler forever.

But :

Why did arguing over friends we don't know-who now can drive- have to come so soon?

Why did "You just don't GET IT!" have to make it's way into daily vocabulary?

Why does our explaination of "no" have to always have an expanation attached other than "because I said so!"

I love going down memory lane; but I am reminded that time passes quickly and no longer am I making angels in the snow, but trying my best to help a young adult learn from the experiences that have paved the path for this adult.

But why does that process have to be so painful, for both of us?

Maybe I just don't get it.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.....

Changes, they are a-comin'!

In less than a week, a new feature will be arriving here in our neck of the woods and I am so excited! It has been in the making for a while and is now ready! Next Wednesday, Sept. 1st we will announce our very first MGB Blogger of the Month! I am so excited to introduce you, so be sure to check back to see who will be our Blogger of the Month!

The other feature that I have been fervently working on is Blog it Forward! I was not prepared for the immediate response for folks to get invloved! In one week, I have been contacted by over 250 bloggers who want to be a part of this movement! That is so AWESOME, and to be honest, a little overwhelming!

I am trying my best to set up a place where Blog it Forward can have a home. After working my full-time job, carting the kids to and fro to practice, trying to get ready for back to school, I am total toast by the time I sit down at the computer! I know-everyone is busy with their own hectic schedules; I am not the exception, however, the perfectionist in me just wants to make sure that I create a place that gives justice to this idea and folks will be proud to be a part of.

That being said, I will ask you to please continue to leave your contact info either in the comment section of the Blog it Forward post, email or on Blog Frog.

Some have asked when this will be started. I would say, if you have an idea of how you can Blog it Forward, put it in to action! Let me know what you decided to do and we will keep track of your story. I plan to have a rolling out of the "official" Blog it Forward in mid-October.

Thank you for being such a large part in the the changes of Mom Got Blog!

Wordless Wednesday:: Why Little Bobby & Suzy Should Keep a Dictionary on Top of Their Supply List

See original story from Yahoo!

They Link Me, They Really Link Me!

I feel like Sally Field excepting her Oscar as she exclaimed "You like me, You really like me!"

As I have mentioned, I am working my way through daily assigned tasks with the SITS and ProBlogger's "Build a Better Blog in 31 Days" (aka: 31DBBB) Challenge. I am so glad that I have signed up to do this because it has allowed me to move out of my comfort zone and put faith in the blogging community to help me grow as a blogger and I have to say I have not been disappointed! The support from folks that have come by to visit from this community has been wonderful! I wish I could express how grateful I am to receive constructive feedback, techie advice and kind words of encouragement. To all of these wonderful ladies (and gents too!) :

I love you man!

Because of recently traveling for the sweet family getaway to celebrate a BIG anniversary, I have been playing catch up with Days 13-23(today) and completing them, but not necessarily in chronological order.  Today's post (Day 22) is highlighting a special reader or two or three...

I have visited so many great sites that my head is spinning. Some make me cry, some make me laugh, some make me think and others make me learn, but what I am noticing to be the common denominator is: They all have Great Content! So, I will share just a few of the wonderful blogs out there that I am really digging and hope that you will pay them a visit, because they are worth it!

Generating Heat:( a journey back to myself)
Lisa is a dear friend of mine from my favorite sport of speedskating. While taking to the ice in competition, we always encouraged each other and soon became fast (no pun intended) friends. Lisa is a potter (clay) and is currently taking part in an art exhibition all the way in Korea! She is journaling and photographing her experiences each day- including today's post where she shares "I Had Tea With a Monk on A Side of A Mountain"! I mean, how cool is that?! Get lost in her blog: you will find among her lovely photographs and posts that she is not only an artist with her craft, she is with her written word as well.

Making It Work Mom
Heather is a blogging mom that emailed me very early in this challenge asking if I would link a post for her. After reading her stories of being a working mom and trying to balance a hectic family schedule, well, I immediately liked her! Our kids are close in age and we are dealing with some of the same issues, so her take on life makes me laugh right along with her. Her latest post : "Maybe Giselle Should Mind Her Own Business...Just Saying"was very funny, yet very on target. Heather was also kind enough to link back to a post of mine! Thanks Heather!!

Coloring Outside the Lines
Alycia, also known in certain circles as the Crayon Wrangler, has a fantastic sense of humor and her writing is just top notch! I have been more interactive with her via Twitter and Blog Frog, however, her blog also totally ROCKS! She completely surprised me yesterday by leaving a comment on my Facebook Fan Page where she told me that my blog rocked AND on top of that, linked one of my posts for twitter followers to read! If you are thinking of writing a book, be sure to read her post on "Finishing Writing a Novel-A Novel Idea". Where you can double check to make sure that you are writing your character's story!

MultipleMama
Andie surprised me out of the blue (which is a condition of this Day Task 22) with an email letting me know that she linked a comment I left for her and included it in this post: "Messiness Loves Company". I emailed her back with a "Wowza!" I have enjoyed her wit and real life take on motherhood that she shares in her posts and I know you will too!

The Funsucker Chronicles
Cheryl had me laughing the moment I loaded her blog page- it is wicked in more ways than one! When I saw that she had the Wicked Witch as her header picture and that her kids claimed she "sucked the fun out of everything",  I felt a kindred spirit. I have not shared this with her yet, but my sister-in-law used to be pen pals with Margaret Hamilton, aka: Cora the Coffee Lady for Maxwell House, aka The Wicked Witch of The West! Speaking of penpals, I recently learned how long camper's letters to home actually take and invaluable camping advice with her revised post: "Everything I Ever Needed to Know I learned at Summer Camp-Encore Presentation". Although she lost me at "tarantula," (I'm arachnophobic), the rest of her tips are rather helpful! I may hide my Ruby Slippers when I see her, but I will always welcome the Funsucker into the bloghouse!

I wish I could share all the fabulous blogs out there as this is just a small sampling of what I have come across during this challenge! There are many, many more I would love to put in this post...in fact, this task has spurred an idea into action that I have been mulling over and over for months now. Watch for a rolling out of my super-de-duper idea that will be ready by the end of the month. You will love it!

Now, go visit and let me know what you think!

And thanks for the link love; you make me feel like a star!

Joy is My Way of Life

One of my favorite bloggers is having a contest and I was "SoyJoy"ed to see that the only requirement of entry was to write a blog post and include a quote at the end. Did I want to enter and have a shot at winning a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR American Express gift card? Uh, yee-ahh!

What Brings Me Joy?

Live: My Life in the 'Here and Now' moments always helps me realize I am seizing the day! 

Love:  After 17 years, my husband always makes my heart pound, whether walking into a room or kicking my butt on the bike.

Laugh: My kids always make me laugh!

 

My life is HAPPY because of JOY

“This post is part of SOYJOY‘s What brings you joy contest. Learn more here.”

The Adventures of "Wally World"

I did not set out for a "Three Hour Tour" of my local "Wally World"...I was going for what I thought would be a quick hour shop to replenish the essentials in the fridge, to purchase my daughters favorite cake mix for her Birthday and to make sure I picked up a card. It was a Wednesday evening so this will be a snap-or so I thought! I should have suspected something when the parking gods allowed me the very first space in the lot, right in front of the door; "Sa-weet!" I thought as I whistled  pulling in. I checked not once, but twice to make sure I was not occupying a handicapped spot. Nope.

I tried finding a cart that did not fight to be pushed down aisles. I went through two. I pushed the squeaky wheel thing to the first row of the pharmacy where I saw another cart sitting solo...I could trade mine for that....I pulled out and this one was worse. So I bucked and went sideways as the left wheel spun around like Linda Blair's head. Ugh. Why must I always get the defective cart??

Then the weird started to happen.

I cu-chunk, cu-chunk-ed my way to the protein bar section and was met with Ned Flanders (The Simpsons) in the flesh. He was perfectly pressed; glasses and hair...(the only thing missing was the mustache) and two kids who he was sending down the aisle to retrieve whatever they needed. Our timing was not the best as we would run into each other at the end of each corner. Great googily-moogily. Then we ran into a traffic jam in the shampoo. He said " Oh, you don't need to move your cart out of the way ma'am." and as I reached for shampoo and conditioner I hear close over my shoulder " Ohhh, Passion Fruit? Uh, no, Cherry Blossom & Ginger, mmmmm" Eww. Hey, creepy Flanders...respect the personal bubble space!

I high-tailed it to school supply and picked up notebooks and loose-leaf paper. They will be gone by next week. Not much goin' on here except kids with pained looks on their faces while mom's filled their cart with giddy smiles.."You'll need these and these and these...oh, and we can't forget these!"

Making my way to the card section, I was stopped by a beautiful woman, completely wrapped from head to toe, asking if I knew where they kept the sunscreen. Ah, okaaaay.....I think over....this way....where I ran into an elderly lady who was searching for something for her toe, which of course she had to show me...and proceeded to pull her foot out of her shoe, (faster than my kids could strip out of a diaper-which let me tell you, was lightning fast!) remove her sock to show off her nasty, nasty, nasty toe nails...ah, okaaaayyy...I pointed over my shoulder in the direction of the pharmacy with the nicest smile I could muster and from there I kept walking. "Linda Blair" wheel and I needed to get to the freezer section, I mean cereal section, I mean...anywhere but here.

I made it through the entire store, keeping my last stop to the produce section-everything stays less squished when you can put on top of the cart. I happily bagged everything...until I came to plum tomatoes. Ever wonder why the tomatoes are so smushy and bruised in the store? Well, let me tell you why! Because...Tom Tomato Stacker doesn't place them into their bin, he chucks them...by the handful. And I am not talking a gingerly toss here...I think he was miffed because he got overlooked as a pitcher at some point in his life. He stood between my grape tomatoes and avocados...but I need plums to make my guacamole! Tommy Boy kept staring, more like glaring, at me until I finally asked, "May I sneak in here just to grab a few of those?" He replied "Yeah. Whatever." Okaaay....

Off to the check out I go...not too bad....an hour and 30 minutes....and a line that is short! Yes!
Of course, you know I didn't sail through the line...that would have been too easy. I was two carts and 4 kids away from completing my purchase and going home.

The woman at the check out had 3 kids. Two around 8 and 6 and a baby around one who loved to hit the keypad near the register. I don't know if he hit something on the pad or what, but it created line-gridlock for the rest of us. (Let me just say that it was like a Saturday in this store, crazy busy and not enough registers open. So I stayed put. I would get there eventually.) A supervisor was needed to fix something with a key, so that's who we were waiting for.  I couldn't get upset...I mean, mom is just trying to get through the day like the rest of us and get home.

But little "Dino-Bite" man, (that's what the T-Rex on his shirt was saying) in front of me was having a hard time. He kept telling his mom that he had to go potty...and mom would tell him he would have to wait. Little did she know that she could have gone home and back again and still been waiting. My poor little 3 year old friend. He was being so patient and so good as he sat there in the top of the cart. Then he started making faces at me. First a smile. I smiled. Then a frown. I frowned. Then a scowl. I scowled.  We did this for about 30 minutes. I started to remember how small my kids were and how I loved feeling the touch of their little hands when they would hold my face as they whispered something very important, or just wanted to stare into my eyes. I got snapped out of that Happy Place as a woman pushed me out of the way to grab six Pringles cans on the shelf next to me. Really? You need 6 of them?

I bid ado to Dino-Bite as he wheeled away making room for my stuff. Check out girl was working like molasses and I could not unload my stuff until the belt moved forward. When I checked to see why it hadn't moved I was appalled that I saw her PUTTING MY FOOD BAGS ON THE FLOOR!!!! What the heck??? I moved my cart forward and grabbed the bags off the floor and put them in my cart; then handed her all the items that were still in my cart to ring out. Why on earth would you put food ON THE FLOOR I wanted to yell. But the fact that I handed her things to ring out made her eyes roll and I swear she moved slowwwweeerrrrr.

I finally made it to my car, which remember was in the front spot. My only saving grace. Then I heard that shrill scream that only little kids can do. You know the one...it's as if you are torturing the poor thing. This fiasco was happening not directly in front of my car but on the opposite side of the next parking row. This mom also got the front spot. I wonder if she felt the same joy I felt when finding it. In any event, I hear bloody screams coming from the back of her car and see only half the mom. I knew this scenario all too well- the cries were from a way overtired toddler that was hungry, hot and just spent an eternity in Wally World. (I'm with ya kid). When my kids were that age, I broke into many a sweat trying to fit a squirming, screaming, recently possessd kid into a car seat. It's not easy. I finished packing up my car and as I closed my hatch "Mom" and I made eye contact. I was laughing and I gave her two thumbs up. The gesture made her laugh and she doubled over with a big smile and let her body language exude a huge "WHEW!"

I tell myself every time that I am never coming back here, but how can I not? Who knew one could experience the mundane and the bizarre all in one place? Next time, I'm passing on the premo parking spot, making sure I put pea soup in my shopping cart to take care of any spinning wheels and focus on the humor that the adventure brings.

Wordless Wednesday

Orange you glad I didn't say anything on WW? Damn...I did it again....

Timing: For Better or For Worse...

With all the momentum I have gathered for posting during this 31DBBB Challenge I cannot believe that I am about to say I may be taking a few days off!

I have a fantastic excuse though and if you were in my shoes, you would realize that it isn't really an excuse, it is something that just is.

I will be spending time with family and  relatives near and far for the next few days as we gather to celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss between my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I absolutely adore my in-laws and cannot relate to those that tell stories with a roll of the eye. That is not to say I don't chuckle at stories that I hear...but I know that I am in the camp of the lucky few.

I will be catching quick computer time here and there, but probably will not post until the weekend.

I am looking forward to sharing some great stories with you!

Going From "You Are Doing It!" to I Did It!

I was out of my saddle, dancing on the pedals. This was steep. My heart rate was not quite maxed, but it was close. I pass a woman wearing a visor walking along side her mountain bike. Her friend just a few feet in front of her was doing the same exact thing. As I turn the pedals over, huffing and puffing, I hear over my right shoulder as I go by, her words of encouragement: "You are doing it!" I think: you know, you are right. I am. I am about to crest a hill that has put the fear of god in me for years. In fact, I have only descended this snotty thing and continued down the road purposely to avoid having to turn around and go back up. I've never climbed it.

You want to know something corny? I cried. It wasn't as bad as I built it up to be. I mean, it wasn't easy, and I let out a gasping "Holy Sh@#!" when reaching the top, but I was really proud of conquering what I thought would be scary. Actually, what scared me was having to get off my bike and walk it up like "visor" lady. One, because I would have been mad at myself for doing so and second; it's really hard to walk in bike shoes with cleat clips on the bottom. 

I talked about the "granny" gear in a previous post and I have to admit, that I did pay her a visit to help me up the hill. I was totally fine with it. For today.

Today is Day 8 of my 31DBBB Challenge and many of the other bloggers that I have been reading and connecting with seem to share that same bit of excitement of making it through the first week. This has been a great opportunity to work through some of the fears and trepidations of being a "new" kid on the block with the help and words of encouragement from seasoned bloggers- who I must say are a wonderfully supportive group!

To the anonymous "visor" woman, who so freely gave me the little "push" through her perfectly timed words to keep going, Thank you.

To everyone reading and leaving comments,Thank you.

To my fellow blogging friends who are part of this fantastic challenge: It may get hard and it may get scary at times, but

We are doing it!

 

"Niche"-a-Whaa?

Day 3 & 4 of #31DBBB Challenge

Day 3 of my blog challenge through SITS was to expand how I market my blog posts. Since I mainly use Facebook and Twitter, I gave Technorati, Stumble Upon and Digg a try. I swam in the FAIL pond for a while; I just couldn't figure them out. Then, I happened to see a chat on the SITS community on Blog Frog discussing a site called Kirsty. Bingo! I linked my last post very easily and took a dip in the YAY pond. Whew! Challenge 3 complete.

Day 4 was asking us to study a blog in our "niche". Overwhelm much? Yeah, that task is like saying "go into a candy store and pick out something sweet." Honestly, I have no clue what "niche" I fit into. Sports? Mommy Blog? Humor? Parenting? All of them? So, I visited a few blogging friends that have been kind enough to leave a comment. All I can say is WOW. So many good sites out there-and I only scratched the surface! What I learned from this task is that I am still such a newbie in the techie world and I  think I need to do some upgrades to my blog. Maybe tabs at the top to organize different posts, create a Facebook fan page (gulp!), create a disclosure statement and a marketing plan. If I want some things off my Blog Bucket List, then I think these should be on my radar.

So what sites did I check out? Here are two that stand out:

Making it Work Mom : A mom like me.

Soldierette : One cool chick.

Heather, from Making it Work Mom actually emailed me (she got a head start on task 5!) and asked if I would link a post for her. When I opened that email, I thought 'why didn't I think of that?!' I read her post and fell in love with her writing style and was quick to become a follower. We seem to have a lot in common; we are both working moms outside the home, have a hectic family life and seem to have the same "battles" with our teenage daughters! I would say that the only thing we may not have in common (yet) is the love of a hockey rink. I spend 3 days a week, 7 months out of the year in a hockey rink for speedskating and she is on the cusp of being a "Hockey Mom".  She will learn to love them too. I am so glad that Heather contacted me. Come to find out, she is now following my blog too! Thanks Heather!

Day 5 is today and we are to "email a blog reader." This will be fun! Are you a reader? Do you follow my blog? If yes, welcome and thanks!! If no, why not? What are you waiting for?! Join in on the fun!

Off to emails!

My Blog Bucket List

Day 2 of the SITS, ProBlogger & Blog Frog '31 Days to Build a Better Blog' Challenge:

Today's task: "Write a list post."

Write a list?  I have a confession to make:

My name is Kelly, and I am a LIST-aholic.

If I can find a piece of paper, envelope, napkin, heck anything to write on, and can make columns of things to check or cross off, I am on it! Wish lists, chore list, grocery list, Christmas list. I even make a list of what I am going to pack in a suitcase so I can check it off as it goes in my bag. To write this post, I made a LIST!

As I began writing, I realized that the one list that I have not created (yet) is a 'Bucket List'. Can you believe it? I can't. I mulled that over and thought how can I tie that into this task. The reason this is created is so that you can make a list of all the things you want to do, see or experience before you 'kick the bucket'.

I am not wishing the demise of my blog, quite the opposite; but why not make a Blog Bucket List? Using the same principle, create a list of goals that I would like to accomplish with my blog. Start out with a few and as with any list, I can add or change as things are crossed off.

Here goes:

1. Grow Readership & Followers- My goal is to have 500 followers. I don't know why I picked this number, but it seems like a good one. To have my blog grow in this way, well, would be great.

2. Increase Comments: Have folks get to know eachother on my blog by sharing discussions.

3. Find a Sponsor/Advertiser

4. Get Paid to Write- Working off number 3...

**Dreaming Lottery Dreams Here**

5. Travel because of my blog- To cover sporting events? How cool would that be to write about the Tour de France (even one stage) IN France? Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Nike, are you listening?

I'm sure if I sat here long enough, I could think of more, but this is a good start.

What would be on your Blog Bucket List?

Let me know!

Going UP!

I have signed up with hundreds of other bloggers to take part in the 31-Day ProBlogger and The Secret is in the Sauce Build a Better Blog Challenge. 31 daily tasks to complete. Today is Day 1.

I am always up for a challenge...but this one is really making my head hurt! I even poured myself a glass of wine and it is STILL sitting next to me...not even touched.

My assignment for today? Write an "Elevator Pitch". I thought it would be easy to do, but guess what?

It is not.

It doesn't help that I am totally distracted watching the Tour de France...Andy Schleck just popped his chain and Alberto Contodor just attacked. I already know the outcome of today's stage, but to watch it unfold on the road, well, is just...just not right. Karma can really suck AC, so watch out. AS is now marking you. He likes the color yellow and he wants it back.

One thing I did learn while preparing my pitch...I am more than "just a mom blog", I am a mom blog that showcases the love of sports and how to balance the active family life with every day life.

Hmmm, I think I may be on to something here....

Wordless Wednesday:: Julie & Julia

Ok, I know that WW should have no words, but I would like to add some anyway...

I have been inspired to write again. I came home yesterday from work early in the afternoon because I was sicker than a dog. My throat was on fire, I had a fever of 101 and I ached all over. After taking a quick nap, I trudged into the kitchen to make homemade turkey soup. My daughter put in this movie for me as I made my way back to the couch and as I watched, I realized why I liked this film so much. Now, in all fairness, I read the book and LOVED it (more than the movie) but something about Meryl Streep made me enjoy the story in a different way.

I love food. I love to cook it and I love to eat it. There is something that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling when you create a dish that brings joy to others, which in turn brings joy to you.

The character Julie said that "Julia saved her" by giving her a goal, which at times, tested her patience, sanity and waistline. But, Julie perservered and made all 500+ recipes in 365 days, blogging each day of her adventure.

So, after watching a movie on cooking, blogging/writing and perserverance, I am ready to start striking these keys on a more regular basis!

Thanks Julie and Julia for "saving me".

Oh, and by the way, the soup was fabulous.