My love affair with John S. Barrowman

Once upon a time there was a lady named Aunt Becky and she encouraged her Merry Band of Pranksters to join her in pranking Google. All you have to do to join in the fun is hope on over to Aunt Becky's, read about how to do this, and pick a topic or a celebrity like John S. Barrowman to have fun with but you can't have John S. Barrowman because he's mine, mine all mine and I just might have to go medieval on your ass if you try to take John Scot Barrowman away from me.

I first discovered John S. Barrowman in his role of Captain Jack Harkness, a bisexual intergalactic con man, on Dr. Who and followed him as John S. Barrowman 's Captain Jack became the hero of Torchwood. Johnny boy made the screen sizzle as Captain Jack...oh man, did he make me melt with those gorgeous eyes. So, I had to check out John S. Barrowman's Wikipeida page and John S. Barrowman's official web site and especially John S. Barrowman's take on Beyonce's Single Ladies
It was after my first exposure to John S. Barrowman that our love affair began. I wrote about the eye candy appeal of John S. Barrowman and mentioned the feelings I had for John S. Barrowman not once but twice. Sadly, the burgeoning love affair had to be kept somewhat secret because John S. Barrowman married his partner Scott Gill in December 2006.

John S. Barrowman & Scott Gill

It wouldn't do for people to know about our love affair when John S. Barrowman became such a public spokesman for the gay community with John S. Barrowman video The Making of Me.

Not only is my honey, John S. Barrowman, incredibly yummy but he has a great sense of humor too. Check out John S. Barrowman and Simon Anstell in The Gay-Off...too funny!

What more could a woman want in a tv fantasy love like John S. Barrowman? He has it all...the body, the sizzle, the humor, and the loyalty to a cause.

I have to scream our love to the world... JOHN S. BARROWMAN IS MY ...oops, shhh, he's knocking at my door now. Pictures and details to come later.

Prank that google.

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My love affair with John S. Barrowman is no longer secret. I'm on the first page of google's John S. Barrowman search...#5 bitches, take that!

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#3 bitches, take that!

Random updates and requests...

There is some amazing news in the field of reproductive medicine. Researchers in Alberta, Canada are developing a test to predict which pregnant women will develop pre-eclampsia. Go visit Mrs. Spit and check out the links to the interview they did with her on this subject. Mrs. Spit...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!

My best friend and sister by choice might be buying a townhouse only a mile from my house. I am so excited. It was the first townhouse she looked at. I told her that she bought the first car she drove, why not buy the first house she looks at. Do you think that's a valid argument? ROFL

My sister's doggie has cancer. They found a big ole tumor right next to her dog's heart. Her doggie doesn't have long...sigh. Can you please keep her in your thoughts and prayers? Her dog, Asia, has been with her almost 10 years and has seen her through some very dark times in the past.

Gabe has been sick...fever and sniffly nose. Poor kiddo fell asleep in front of the tv last night while eating dinner. Luckily, he is much better today although his voice still sounds very husky.We are almost done dealing with the insurance claims from when the cell phone talking idjit totaled my hubby's car. I still can't believe it took 3 weeks to get a copy of the title for his car...ugh.

I found a giveaway that feeds a semi-secret passion of mine. I adore horses and am a somewhat avid follower of horse racing and the history of it. Over on the blog Cakeblast, there is a giveaway for apparel from the upcoming Disney movie Secretariat. I really want to go see the movie and I desperately want the shirts and hat.

I'm going to try and have the commercial site for Cuppa Joe Designs up by the end of October. Wish me luck.

Not your Daddy's Business Cards

The incredible, fantabulous folks at uPrinting.com, home of amazing online printing services, are sponsoring yet another giveaway for you my fabulous readers.This month, uPrinting is giving away 250 die-cut business cards. These are NOT your daddy's business cards. Think designer cards, blogger cards and so much more…from marketing materials to personal cards, have developed from the plain boring to a more modern and rounded corners, square cards and slim cards. You know you want some of these! Hell, I know I want some of these. Guess I'm lucky that I'm being compensated for hosting this giveaway with my own set of 250 die-cut business cards (this announcement is for you FCC).
Giveaway Prize: 250 Die Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner

• Size Options: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
• Die cutting options available: Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded One-Corner, Half-Circle Side, Circle
  
• Paper Type: 14pt Cardstock Gloss, Matte, or High Gloss; 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
• Color: 4Color Front, Blank Back; 4Color Front, Black Back; 4Color Both Sides
  

Shipping: Free UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents,18 yrs old or older.

Entering this giveway is simple but remember that EACH CHANCE REQUIRES A SEPARATE RESPONSE. What do you have to do to enter...

1. REQUIRED: tell me what you want to use your business cards for (and, yeah, the old miniature paper airplane option is open)
   
2. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect
3. Follow me on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
4. Follow uPrinting on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
5. Follow Giveaway Blogs on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
6. Tweet this giveaway and provide me the link to your tweet(can use this entry once a day) . Tweet example: Win 250 die-cut business cards from @dragondream , @uPrinting , & @Giveaway_blogs http://bit.ly/bAoC3B Entries close on 9/19 #giveaway

This giveaway is open from now, 9/13 through11pm on 9/19. The winner will be announced the on 9/20. Spread the word and enter.

Perfect Moment Monday Part II: the phone call

Lori over at Weebles Wobblog says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

I was sitting here getting a few things done while Joey was doing his homework. The phone rang and I recognized the number as the school office line. Why are they calling? What could they need? I picked it up and this is what I heard...

Hi Mrs. Cruz. This is S. Gray, Joey's teacher. I was just calling because I wanted to brag on Joey. We were talking about rocks and minerals today and he had so much to contribute and so much outside knowledge. I was really impressed. I just wanted to share that with you. I hope Joey is having a great start to the school year. I really enjoy having him in my class.

What a wonderful surprise. It's always nice to have someone compliment you on your kiddo but it's even nicer that his teacher took a moment out of her very busy day to make sure we knew about it too. It really makes you feel good like you are doing something right with your kids.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Weebles Wobblog.

Perfect Moment Monday: my monkey boys

Lori over at Weebles Wobblog says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

This weekend I got to watch my monkey boys develop physical skills that they hadn't mastered before and they had a hell of a good time doing it. Do you remember when I told you guys about Joey and spider walking? Well, Gabe still isn't tall enough to go up the sides of the hall like that but he is tall enough to scale a doorway.and Joey got to the point where he is able to complete so pretty fabulous jumps and tricks on the trampolineIt is so much fun seeing my boys have so much fun. Way to go Monkey Boys!

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Weebles Wobblog.

Blessed are the atheists...

*Please don't think I discriminate against anyone because of their beliefs or lack of beliefs. This post was shared on facebook and I unintentionally offended a dear friend (and please do not criticize her for her reaction). One of my dearest friends from college is an atheist and he thought this was funny so I really didn't think it would bother anyone.

My hubby found this joke on the WRAL channel 5 GOLO (go local) blogs. I thought is was funny as hell and had to share it with y'all.

Blessed are the atheists...

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. "What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.

As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path.

Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground.

He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..." Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent.

It was then that a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying, "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others that I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very well," said the voice. The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed.

The bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke,"Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful."

9/11/10

It's been 9 years. 9 years ago today, the towers collapsed and we lost so many heroes. Today, we are still embroiled in the war against terrorism and we are still dealing with repercussions from the attacks that day.

I'm not going to sit here and argue about the war with you. I do believe the war against terror is a valid and needed war but I believe it has been grossly mismanaged and there have been many lives lost due to that mismanagement (think Vietnam). When decorated veterans like my FIL (before his death) and my father, sit around and shake their heads and comment on how the politicians never ever learn lessons when it comes to warfare, when they say that we've lost the fight because we aren't allowing our soldiers to truly fight, well, at that point, I think we can all agree that the train has left the tracks.

No, what I want to talk about today are a few incidents that are loosely tied to the 9/11 attacks...the threatened Quran (or whatever spelling you chose) burnings, the attack on the Mosque site in Tennessee, and the proposed Mosque/Community center across from Ground Zero. First of all, the right to build a Mosque/Community center directly across from Ground Zero is protected by law. If that group is granted a contract, lease, whatever that says they own the property or have leased it to use at their discretion, we MUST allow it to happen. However, there is nothing to prevent us from responding in a uniquely American form of protest. Since the Muslim group that is planning to build that Mosque/Community center says they are trying to foster understanding and a tolerance of diversity (strong American ideals) by building there, I say we should all support Greg Gutfield's idea of building a club that caters to young Muslim homosexuals next to the Mosque/Community center. After all, what better way to encourage the Muslim community to overcome their long held vilification of homosexuality than by exposing them continually to that very group in a club that accommodates the Islamic ban on alcohol. Furthermore, I think we should encourage this Muslim group to accept American ideals and diversity by building a Southern barbeque joint on the other side of their Mosque/Community center. After all, we aren't demanding that they eat there. We are simply bombarding them with the wafting smells of deliciousness and the ever present pictures of pigs in an effort to change their minds. See, when American's are faced with the thoughtlessness and total disrespect of a group wanting to build a Mosque/Community center across from Ground Zero, we have a tendency to want to respond in kind. And, yeah, I know answering one wrong with another isn't acceptable. However, since we've established that there was nothing but goodness and light in their hearts when they picked the location, I think we can trust them to understand we have the same good intentions present in us. While we are at it, I think we need a Catholic youth center, a Jewish community center, and maybe a Southern Baptist church right there too. Diversity and understanding for all!

As for the destruction of the mosque site in Tennessee and the proposed Quran burning in Florida, those are reprehensible acts committed/proposed by narrow minded, disrespectful bigots and I think those individuals are the antithesis of what we as Americans should stand for. Hell, the so-called pastor in Florida now claims "will 'not today, not ever' burn a Quran" and it was just his way of exposing a radical sect of Islam. That is the stoopidest damned excuse I've ever heard. Burning or threatening to burn the holy book of one of the largest religions in the world is a shitty thing to do. You are attacking and offending all groups in this religion, not only the so-called radical sects with threats like that. Terry Jones needs to grow up and lead his flock by example not through asinine behavior.

Today should be a day dedicated to remembering the heroes and victims of 9/11 not a day for dealing with assholes.

All the Small Things (baby pic included)

Welcome to the new edition of Show&Tell blogger style. The wonderful and fabulous Suzy at not a fertile myrtle recently restarted Show&Tell for all of us who missed it. The two pictures I've gonna show off this week are also my entries into the punk rock mom's latest photo challenge. As always, please click on the pics to see a bigger version of them. The theme of this photo challenge is all the small things. This first picture I took over labor day weekend. I have been trying for ages to get a good shot of a dragonfly and I finally did.and this second shot is actually an old one, taken almost 5 years ago. It is Gabe at 18 days old.Head on over to Suzy's to check out the other Show&Tell entries and head on over to tprm's to see the other photos.

Things Kids Don't Learn in School...

...but need to know to live. This fabulous list has been mistakenly attributed to Bill Gates but was really written by Charles J. Sykes as part of his book 50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

What rules would you add to this? They can be rules aimed at adults or kids.

She needs our prayers...

Kristin over at Once A Mother needs us. Kristin is finally pregnant again...with twins. Kristin lost her daughter Peyton to infant leukemia when she was 28 days old. 5 days ago, on Peyton's 2nd birthday, Kristin started bleeding a lot. Currently, the twins are okay but Kristin has a large (3.5 inch (9cm) ) sub chorionic hemorrhage/blood clot in her uterus. Her doctors are hopeful things will work out but there is still a HUGE risk. Please go offer her your support.

Things that make you go hmmmmmm

Do you see that little tiny spot circled in black? I see it now but, despite the numerous trips up and down my hallway today and yesterday, I didn't see it before the kids' bedtime tonight. I can't figure out how in the hell it got there. It is way above the level you usually find these thing...all the way up at light switch level. I can't figure out how there isn't any other trace of it in the hallway, on the rugs, or in any of the bedrooms off the hall.

I know you have to be scratching your head and wondering what could possibly be so interesting about a little bitty spot that doesn't even seem that impressive in this picture. I'm sure you're thinking "Doesn't she know every house with kids has spots on the wall?" (Shhhhhh, if it's not true, don't tell me. Allow me to cling to my delusion) Well my friends, let me show you a little bit more of a close up. I know you won't be able to rest until I put your curiosity to rest.Can you tell what it is? Come on...gimme a guess! Surely you have an idea. Well, the mystery didn't end here. I came out to the kitchen and showed my hubby the pictures. We both were shaking our head at the improbability of this situation and I sat down to blog about it. Within moments, my hubby said "Honey, I found another one." This one is even higher on the wall. It is above the louvered doors that close the closet our washer and dryer are in. This one is barely a foot from the ceiling. I mean, at least it is in the kitchen. That makes things a bit more plausible...but, it is still very bizarre. This second object is almost a full 40 feet away from the first object. There is no trace of said material between the two objects. If the children had put them in place, I KNOW without a doubt they would have made more of a mess. They are boys. They just aren't that meticulous in pulling pranks. Honestly, I can't figure out how in the hell this happened. Please let me know if you figure it out.

Have you figured out what the object/spots/wall art are? Lemme give you a hint...cheesey goodness. They are a form of cheesey goodness that every child (except the pod children left here by aliens) loves. They are...

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two pieces of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. If the whole situation wasn't weird enough, my hubby was watching a show about UFOs and possible alien visitation (he likes weird geeky stuff like that) while we made these discoveries. I have officially dubbed this the Macaroni Mystery.

Thoughtful Tuesday: Rockin' My Babies

JJ from Reproductive Jeans has started Thoughtful Tuesday. Each Tuesday, She is going to share something she is either: a) thankful for, b) something she witnessed that was an act of kindness, or c) something she did to "pay it forward"

JJ would love it if we joined her. One day a week. One thing. It can take 15 seconds or 4 hours. Don't you feel better when you are able to notice the pretty things in life? Leave a comment on her blog, or share it in your own space, and enjoy being thoughtful...in more ways than one!

My boys are all definitely beyond the baby stage. They are 13, 9, and 4. Yet, like any parent knows, they will always be my babies. I watch them in amazement and just thrill in their independence. Yet, the sentimental part of me is so very glad they still need me. They need me when something upsets them. They need me when they are confused by life. The need that touches my heart the most is that they all still want and need me to hold and snuggle and cuddle them when they don't feel good. When my 13 yr old wasn't feeling good a few weeks ago, he sat in my lap, laid his head on my shoulder, and tuned out the world. My arm went numb and my knee started to hurt but that time reassured me that the little one who needed me so much is still buried under the grown up, independent kid I see every day. Someday, my boys will simply be too big to cuddle in my lap but, until then, I am very thankful for those moments.

Head on over to JJ's know and check out this week's Thoughtful Tuesday.

Perfect Moment Monday: Swim Time

Lori over at Weebles Wobblog says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

For most of us, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer even though the calendar claims fall doesn't start until September 23 this year. The weather was PERFECT...temps were only in the 80s...and we had a weekend filled with swim time and family. On Saturday, we decided to get in a pool trip (possibly the last of the summer). When we got there, we realized it was the end of summer pool party. There were burgers, hot dogs, icees, music, a bu=ounce house, and the pool. The kids had so much fun. It was awesome. On Sunday, the kids, Jennifer and I headed down to my parents' house. We took a picnic lunch to the Cliffs of the Neuse state park, swam in the lake, the older kids and my mom when paddle boating, and just had a wonderful day. The only thing that would have made the weekend even more perfect is if Vic hadn't had to work and if he was able to join us.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Weebles Wobblog.

It makes me cry

I was reading Kristin's most recent post on her blog, Once A Mother, when a certain song came on her playlist. It was "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

I immediately felt tears starting to come. This got me started thinking about songs that really seem to touch an emotional cord in me. I think this is such a pure and beautiful version of this song but it will always make me cry because the very first time I heard it was back on the TV show ER when the character Dr. Mark Greene died. I sat and bawled (so sue me, tv shows can make me cry) during the entire scene.

The other song that always makes me cry does so for a much more personal reason. Hearing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes always, always makes me cry.

I think know the reason this triggers the waterworks is because it is so closely associated with funerals for firefighters. From the time I met my husband up until early Sept '01, he was a career firefighter and I always feared I would lose him in the line of duty. I can't hear Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes without reliving some of these fears.

What songs trigger strong responses from you and why? I'd love to hear about it.

PHOTO FRIDAY: Buttons

Welcome to Photo Friday sponsored by the brilliant and beautiful Calliope of Creating Motherhood..and, yeah I know I say this every week but she really is brilliant and she is absolutely beautiful. This weeks theme is buttons and I have two photos to share with you and they are each a completely different take on the theme.
I just wanted to add that the effects of the second picture were achieved on purpose and without and digital editing. The only thing done to it was resizing it for my blog

Now, head on over to Calli's y'all and check out everyone's photos this week...and, break out those cameras and participate next week.

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Please take a moment to go by and offer your support to Heather and Mike Spohr. As of today, their sweet Maddie has been gone for more days than she had with them. Just be warned, have tissues handy if you watch the video.

Randoms from my life

*In Cecily's words, "In related news, if you have any cash to spare, please visit In Due Time and contribute a dollar or two to her custody battle for her niece. As much as In Due Time loves her sister, her sister is not currently able to parent her daughter appropriately. Help if you can. I wish I could have helped more."

*I took my bestest friend to the hospital today because she needed to have a minor procedure done. We did the same thing about a year ago. Last year, the nurse mistook us for a lesbian couple. This year, a nurse claimed we must be sisters because we look a little alike (we don't). I'm not sure which amuses me more.*I was asked by one of the nurses at the hospital if it took a lot of courage to dye my hair purple. I thought about it for a split second and said "You know, not really. I've reached the point where I don't really care what people think about me. If I like it, it's all good. Besides that, it's only hair. If I don't like it, it will grow out." She seemed a bit surprised.

*Gabe already has a friend at pre-school. His name is Travis. I think Travis and Gabe are kindred spirits. They were calling each other bad boy and laughing hysterically.

*My friend Kristi is starting a blog titled Shit my Dad says has NOTHING on shit my Mom does(I'll let you know when she gets her first post up)(wink, wink, nudge, nudge Kristi). I've know Kristi forever. She introduced my husband and me. It dawned on me this evening that she would LOVE going to BlogHer next summer so I called her up. I had to call her right then because, if I don't do it when I think about it, it doesn't end up happening. Not only did she love the idea, she loved it enough that she hopped online and made our hotel reservations. So, I guess that means I'm going to BlogHer11...woohoooo.

*I just found out that one of my first bloggy friends in the ALI community has made a raging success of the business she and her husband started. It's called KangarooBoo and their slogan says they sell "unique, wooden, handmade baby toys and smart children's products."They've been mentioned in about 15 national magazines like Oprah, Parenting, and Newsweek!

*Can anyone explain to me why they do not offer these socks in adult sizes?*I need about another 24 hours in every single day to complete all the projects I want to do. Somehow, I will have to restrain myself.

*Migraines suck (Thanks Hurricane Earl) and UTIs suck. Both in the same week are karmic injustice.

*Why oh why do news stations send people out to stand in the middle of a hurricane when everyone else is being told to evacuate? Makes no frakking sense to me. Also, do those reporters get hazard pay?

*You know school is going to be interesting when, after the first day, part of the monologue about the activities includes "We also played with the trains. Travis took my trains so I hit him." Luckily, the teacher handled it well.

*I found out that (with the help of a family friend and with a little remodeling) I can move my washer and dryer out of the closet (off my kitchen) with the accordion doors and into the third bathroom off of the den. We don't use this bathroom because of problems with the toilet and this move will free up that big closet for kitchen storage. Our friend says the total cost shouldn't be more than $150.

What's going on in your life?

Is this my last first?

Mel's post about firsts got me thinking, especially when she talked about how having twins often means that things like your first first day of school is also your last first day of school. Now, I don't have twins (obviously) but I do have a little guy who had his first day of pre-school on Wednesday. I knew this day was coming. Hell, I have been looking forward to it. But, I thought I would have another one in the wings by now. And, I didn't think this would be my last first day of school. But, the more I think about it and the more time passes, the more I think that all the upcoming firsts for Gabe will be my last firsts.

It's been so long since we thought about trying for a final child...maybe not that long in the grand scheme of things but long in terms of reproductive life. I'm 40 (soon to be 41) and my hubby just turned 51. If we had another baby, I would be nearly 60 and Vic would be pushing 70 before that child would be almost on his own. I'm not sure I really want to go there. We are at the stage that life with the kids is starting to get easier in many ways. Hell, life with kids is never completely easy but, next year, all three would be in school full time. I might actually be able to reclaim my house (HAH, like that will ever happen). But, then I see a picture or meet a friend's child and I think "what if?"

Sigh, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for these firsts to also be lasts but it looks like it's moving that way.

You like me...and meet the winners

You like me, you really like me...A shout out of thanks to the most awesome PunkRockMom for the fun and fabulous award she gave me...I haven't done a lot of awards lately because they make me feel so self conscious but this award totally ROCKS. The whole chupacabra connection is just too damned funny because chupacabras are a running joke/obsession with my boys. I found ThePunkRockMom through the last ICLW and I fell in love with her header. It says (with slight editing)

This site is for all punky and rock and roll women, whether or not you: *Drive a minivan but wish it was a 69' Mustang *Listen to kidzbop but wish it was KISS *Wear Crocs even though you wish they were Converse (or some funky Christian Louboutin pumps :) *Wear your hair in a pony tail but wish is was all pomp'd up ...Or you still do these things and rock out like a true punk rock woman! All are welcome!

I thought that was a totally cool sentiment because it seemed to capture my life. Soooooo, according to the rules of this award, I have to thank the amazing person who gave it to me, tell y'all 7 things I haven't told you before, and pass it on. I think the hardest thing is going to be telling y'all 7 new tidbits about me.

1. I love musicals. My parents had the soundtrack to Jesus Christ, Superstar and Hair and I can sing along to half the songs on them. I adore Guys and Dolls, Music Man, and Grease.
2. I have a shameful number if UFOs (unfinished objects in crafter's language). I am too scared to list them because then I'd have an actual number I had to face down. My oldest UFO is almost 18 yrs old.
3. When I was in high school, I bought a Playgirl, brought it to school, and passed it around class.
4. I actually bought a Playboy once to read an article...no, really! They did a fabulous interview with Stephen Hawking years and years ago and I had to read it.
5. I HATED my hair when I was little. I had a whole year in school where it earned the lovely descriptive name "Bird's Nest".
6. I got into a huge (from my perspective) fight with my parents when I was 12 because I had found a gorgeous rainbow bikini I wanted and they wouldn't let me buy it. I stomped out of the house in a huge huff.
7. I had a stop sign I liberated from a corner hanging on my door in college.

The PunkRockMom said she gave this award to bloggers who kept her "obsessed with their hilariousness, amazing posts and random exploits." I want to pass this on to

• Kym from I'm A Smart One...I love you my thug sister!
• Calliope from Creating Motherhood...you are amazing, inspiring, and so much more.
• Jen of EPBOT and Cake Wrecks fame...Cake Wrecks always makes me laugh but I truly adore EPBOT. It celebrates the wonderful world of geeky adults and has introduced me to the wonders of steam punk decor, jewelry, and more.
• Anissa of #FreeAnissa and lots of other places...I found Anissa when she had her stroke and I had to find out who this woman was. She had so many people I love and respect in a tizzy and I figured she must be pretty damned special to have that affect on them. She is a kick ass, take no prisoners, funny woman and I'm so glad I got to meet her.
• Aunt Becky of Mommy Wants Vodka...Becky is AMAZING. She's funny as hell, totally kicks ass, and, when she writes about her Amelia, Princess of Bells, the power and beauty of her writing makes you weep.

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The winner of the the uPrinting Poster Giveaway is Tanyetta of Days Like These! You should get an email from uPrinting shortly.

And, the winners of my Power of 10 giveaways are SandyG(adult giveaway winner) and Jen from In One Ear(kids giveaway). If y'all email me with your mailing address, I'll ship the packages out ASAP.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaways. There will be more later this month.

*Sniff*Sniff* my baby is growing up.

Gabe is going to pre-school 3 times a week this year. Today, we went in and met his classmates and teachers. The economy is even affecting pre-school registration. So far, they only have 5 kids in the MWF 4 year old class. It is going to give his teachers a chance to do all kinds of things with them this year. As long as the numbers stay low, the teachers are even talking about cooking with the kids. Gabe is going to have a great year.



I can't believe he only has one more year left until kindergarten.

Point to Ponder

Today at church, one of our pastors was talking about how people would react if they heard Jesus was coming over for a meal. She said that her mom would start panicking about getting a chance to vacuum while she would be hoping Jesus didn't mind eating Ramen because she couldn't cook. Marty turned and looked at me, wide eyed, and said "Can you just imagine if Jesus ate a meal with us?" It was all I could do to not start giggling. Meals in our house are never calm and quiet. Invariably, there is gross talk and jokes. The whole idea of Jesus sitting down in the midst of that chaos to eat amused me greatly.

PHOTO FRIDAY: Words

Welcome to Photo Friday sponsored by the brilliant and beautiful Calliope of Creating Motherhood. This week we took the opportunity to focus on something we see every single day and rarely pay attention...words. When I was out taking pictures for another photo challenge I am participating in, I saw words I wanted to photograph on the statue I was taking pictures of.

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go

Be not ashamed to say you love them though you may or may not have always
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own

The words mean so very much and they are displayed so beautifully.

Now, head on over to Calli's y'all and check out everyone's photos this week...and, break out those cameras and participate next week.

***************************************

BTW, don't forget to enter the giveaways I have running. Click here and here to enter.

Pillow Talk

This conversation really happened. I couldn't make this shit up...

Vic: Hmmmm, I wonder what we should make for dinner this weekend?
Me: Dunno
Vic: I know...chicken strips and cherry sauce
Me (sounding extremely skeptical): Why?
Vic: Then I could (breaking into song) give my love a chicken without a bone, give my love a cherry without a stone
Me (in between laughing my ass off): You are so WRONG!



*Disclaimer...No painkillers were consumed prior to this conversation. It must be blamed solely on my husband's warped brain.
**Bonus points awarded for the person who can identify the source for these somewhat mangled lyrics

uPrinting Poster Giveaway

The fabulous folks at uPrinting.com, home of fabulous online printing services, are sponsoring yet another giveaway for you my fabulous readers. uPrinting is THE place to go when you want a quality product but need cheap poster printing.

Giveaway Prize: 18x24 Poster Print
Shipping: Free UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents,18 yrs old or older.

Entering this giveway is simple but remember that EACH CHANCE REQUIRES A SEPARATE RESPONSE. What do you have to do to enter...

1. REQUIRED: tell me what you think you would get on your poster
2. Follow my blog via Google Friends Connect
3. Follow me on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
4. Follow uPrinting on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
5. Follow Giveaway Blogs on Twitter and tell me your twitter name
6. Tweet or facebook this giveaway and provide me the link to your tweet(can use this entry once a day) . Tweet example: Win a 18x24 Poster Print from @dragondream , @uPrinting , & @Giveaway_blogs http://bit.ly/9xYYOC Entries close on 8/30 #giveaway

This giveaway is open until 8/30 and the winner will be announced the morning of 8/31. Spread the word and enter.


Disclosure: I will receive the same prize as the winner from UPrinting as compensation for hosting this giveaway. No additional compensation will be received.

Picture time, picture time

The Punk Rock Mom is hosting a weekly photo challenge during each of the next 5 weeks. The weekly theme will correspond with the weekly assignments she receives in the photography class she is taking. This week, we had multiple options to pick from...

1. A Statue From the ground up
2. A Reflection From above
3. A Circle, Triangle, Square shapes from the ground up
4. A Tree Branch from the ground up
5. A Shadow From above
6. A Person From Close up, far away, from left, from right and in their environment
7. A street scene, all angles
8. Surprise Me! From Your Unique Point of View

and,we could take pics in any or all of these categories. Since I take an absolutely RIDICULOUS number of digital pics, I jumped at this chance to show off my madd photo skillz. I have included a full length picture of the statue just so you can get an idea what you are looking at. All pics except the very first one are clickable and you know you want to see the bigger image.


1. statue from the ground up

2. reflection from above

2a. reflection from above
(although I guess it qualifies for shadow from above too)

5. shadow from above

5a. shadow from above

8. my own perspective
Head on over and check out all the other awesome entries.

Power of 10

I'm over 1000 posts and over 100 followers so I thought it would be a great time to have a giveaway. But, why stop with one giveaway when I could host two giveaways? Can you think of a reason to stop at one? Me neither. I have a bunch of extra swag from BlogHer and I thought I'd pass it on to y'all. So, it's official. I'm having two Power of 10 giveaways. One giveaway is definitely an adult giveaway (and ummmm, the vlog shows the goodies so you probably don't want to watch it at work) and one is for kids...

All you have to do to enter is comment. That's right, this is going to be simple and straight forward. One comment = one entry. Just be sure to mention which giveaway you would prefer to receive. If you would take either one, mention that too.

Thanks for coming on the wild and wonderful journey with me. I hope we have a long future together.

So I'm a little bored

and, I promised if I got bored I would post the second half of The Fabulous Fifty meme. Here it is in all its glory...

The Fabulous Fifty Meme, Part 2

26. What do you normally smell like? clean but, if I chose to wear perfume, it is Obsession
27. Do you like Carrie Underwood? I sure do.
28. Been to “The Vegas”? Nope, but I'd like to go.
29. How far away do you live from your parents? It takes about an hour and 10 minutes to drive to my parents' house. I'm guessing it is around 60 miles.
30. Are you happy with your job? Yes
31. Where do you work and what do you do there? I'm a stay at home mom and, honestly, I love it. I don't always like everything about it. The teaching/homeschooling is not my all time favorite but it works. I also love designing arts and crafts which I sort of do.
32. What did you get in the mail today? A flyer about homecoming at my alma mater and a package from Mabel's Labels (they are wickedly cool because they are dishwasher and microwave safe)
33. How do you like your steak cooked? medium rare
34. Britney Spears…is she back? don't know, don't care
35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell? Nachos Bell Grande
36. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind? Absolutely
37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore? Sadly, no
38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie? Don't know because I didn't see it
39. Are surveys/memes like the cocaine of the internet? There is probably a LOT of validity in this statement
40. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)? I think my all time favorite location had to be Hanauma Bay in Hawaii. The water is so amazingly blue and the tropical fish are so plentiful you could reach out and touch then. It is such an amazing place to snorkel.
41. What is your favorite candle scent? cinnamon
42. Do you believe places can really be haunted? yes
43. Do you smoke cigarettes? nope, tried them once ages ago and did NOT like them. Also, it would be stupid as hell for me to smoke with my asthma.
44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA? Yes, I've been to NYC twice and loved it.
45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport? none...I've at least driven through part of every state I've been in.
46. Do you think 50 questions is enough? Depends on my mood
47. Are you currently planning a trip? sort of
48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay? Should anyone care? STOOPID QUESTION...who cares
49. Do you take anti-depressants? Sleeping pills? Not currently. I was one anti-depressants oncs during our infertility battle.
50. What do you think about space travel? I wish I could go.

Historical Fiction a la Kristin

"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!"

Last night, I had the weirdest dream. It was truly screwed up. I don't remember all the details but I do remember that their were a lot of people from the rescue squad *we use to volunteer with. Two of the rescue squad members I clearly remember being there were **Marsha and a lady named Kim. Now, here's where it gets really weird. The other individual I clearly remember being there is Ted Kennedy of THE KENNEDYs. In my dream, Ted Kennedy was married to a rescue squad member who was killed in a drunk driving accident a la Chappaquiddick. Later in the dream, it became apparent that Teddy boy had caused the accident like what happened with Chappaquiddick. Flash forward to a scene in a church...Teddy boy and his friends and cronies were on one side of the church and the rescue squad people were on the other for the funeral of the rescue squad member who was Kennedy's dead wife.

Shortly after that scene, Gabe came in and woke me up. I have no idea what would have happened or who else might have shown up. Anyone have any clue what in the hell this means?


*Vic and I both use to volunteer with the Orange County Rescue Squad here in NC. That is how we met.
**Marsha is Vic's ex-wife. They were split up before I met him and get along better as exes than they did when they were married. I use to run paramedic calls with her.

I pulled an Aunt Becky

You know how everybody's favorite internet Aunt, the glorious Aunt Becky, talks about her grace...her unique ability to trip and fall in ridiculous situations. Well, last night I pulled of a move that would have made Aunt Becky proud.

I spent a good chunk of Sunday taking care of chores that male pattern blindness had prevented anyone else in my family from taking care of...things like scrubbing the kitchen floor, washing down the cabinets, vacuuming up the dog hair, ya know things that are nigh to invisible. It goes without saying that I needed a shower by that evening.

Ya know, I've taken showers for years. Never had an issue with it. But somehow, last night, I fought the shower and the shower won. I was holding my hair up to rinse the soap off my back and was turning around. I don't know what the hell happened but I must have stepped on a slick spot in the shower. I felt my foot start sliding and I knew there was no way in hell I could stop it. My bare white ass when flying and I can guarantee it wasn't a pretty sight. I think the only thing I didn't hit on the way down was my head but, God knows that might have been better because I've frequently been accused of being hard headed enough to break things with it.

I know I'm going to feel it later today. I'm sitting here on my nice cushy chair and my left ass cheek hurts. Wonder where else I will feel it? Damn, I sure can see how old people get hurt during fall.

Kristin, thy name is klutz.

PS...love you Aunt Becky.

The Lighter Side

The lighter side of preparing a wrongful death case or how to make your mother-in-law gasp and laugh...

Like I told y'all, I spent Thursday afternoon helping my mother-in-law prepare the papers for her wrongful death complaint against the local hospital my FIL was in. After we ran a few errands and got some yummy lunch, we wet back to her house to work on the letter. Now, what y'all have to understand is that English is not my MIL's first language. My husband and his family are Puerto Ricans and obviously spoke Spanish first. My MIL is a very intelligent lady but, when she writes, she occasionally has problems with certain grammar rules, syntax, and verbs. So, it's not like I had to do tons to the letter. I just polished it. We started going over it and, of course, started talking about the whole time in the hospital and a lot of other things about my FIL. She started telling me how it took her almost 4 days to write the letter...not because the language issues were hard but because the emotions would overwhelm her. As she was saying this, I could hear her voice start to crack and I could tell she needed to take a moment. I told her "Mom, you need a break. You need to laugh. Let me show you something." And, I showed her (warning, warning...pictures are NSFW...Not Safe For Work...but will cause you to laugh your ass off) this and this. She gasped, totally cracked up, and we made it through the rest of the afternoon without losing it.

Was it wrong to show my MIL pictures like that? Or was it more odd that I knew they would make her laugh.

Happy, Happy Joy, Joy it's ICLW time!

It's time for bloggy fun...wooohoooo. I really do love ICLW and I hope I do a lot better this month than I did last month. If you are reading this and asking "what the hell is ICLW?", click here to find out. Go ahead...read it and come on back for the fun.

I was looking for a fun way to start out this week and, once again, I found it at Sunday Stealing. This is the first half of a 50 question meme. If I get bored later this week, I might do the second half...or, maybe not.

The Fabulous 50 Meme, Part 1

1. Introduce yourself... I'm Kristin, as y'all know. I'm an artist, a wife, a mom, a friend, a sister, and much more. I am faithful friend and will happily kick someone's ass if they hurt someone I love. I'm a geek and a nerd and have a very whacked out sense of humor.
2. If it’s Wednesday at noon, where are you usually? During the school year, I will be picking Gabe up from preschool every Wednesday at noon.
3. What kind of laundry detergent do you use? Ummm, usually Sun Detergent
4. What brand of shampoo is in your shower right now? Tresemme shampoo and conditioner for dry hair
5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21? Yup
6. What countries have you been to? Taiwan, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Venezuela, Dutch (Netherland) Antilles, Switzerland
7. Do you watch MTV anymore? Nope
8. What do you think about Oprah? She is a brilliant business woman and I admire what she's done with her life.
9. What color are your bed sheets? cream with stripes
10. You need a new pair of jeans: what store do you go to first? Avenue
11. Did you ever watch The O.C.? Never have
12. What kind of car do you drive? 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
13. Honestly, is that car insured? Absolutely
14. Do you like sushi? Love it!
15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave? nope
a little
17. Do you like roller coasters? Yes, yes, yes...my current fave is the Nighthawk at Carowinds. Sadly, it is currently closed for repairs.
18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to? I regularly buy or subscribe to Just Cross Stitch and many quilting, crocheting, and knitting mags.
19. Do you remember the WB show “Popular”? Vaguely, I never watched it.
20. When you go out do you prefer to go to a dance club or to a bar? Dance club! My hubby and I use to love to dance before he blew out his knee
21. What do you think about gay marriage? I absolutely 100% think it should be legalized.
22. Who do you think Obama will run again and, if he does, will he be re-elected? I do think he will run again and I believe he will be re-elected. A sitting president has to truly fuck up badly to not get re-elected. Despite my many disagreements with his policy decisions, I do not believe Obama has screwed up that badly.
23. Are you registered to vote? Absolutely!
24. Do you own an iPod? No, I have a Philips mp3 player.
25. Is your bathroom filled with beauty stuff? Not filled but I do have a fair number of beauty supplies.

So, are there any other random questions you want to ask me? Feel free and if I get enough fun ones, I'll put up a question and answer post later this week. Also, if you join in the fun and decide to do this meme, please let me know.

HAPPY ICLW!

PS...check back later this week for a double giveaway

It was a mistake.

Thursday was hard. I spent the afternoon helping my MIL put together her wrongful death complaint against the hospital my FIL died in. We edited the letter she wrote and then went through the copious pages of medical records. I was wrong when I guessed in my previous post about the cause of death but the mistake that killed him is so obvious and it is documented right there in the records. I hope they will settle out of court as it is a clear cut case of a mistake made. My MIL's family doc looked at this records and said "Ruth, they killed him." Have you ever heard a doc say that about a medical case?

I came home totally drained and wasn't much better today. I can only imagine how she must feel.

BlogHer10 Photo Post - Last Day In New York

Even though BlogHer10 had officially ended on Saturday the 7th, I had one more day. On Sunday morning, we had one last *A.L.I. get together. There were so many wonderful women there. I hesitate to try and name them all because I don't want to leave someone out and upset them. Here are a few of the pics from that get together...
the lovely Dora and her daughter Sunshine
sporting her Baby Blogger t

the fabulous Calliope and her son W
sporting his Baby of the Internets t

Mel's back, Tessa's (I think) back,
and the amazing Lori

Reed with his mom Lori

Dora's Sunshine with Aunt Becky and her mommy Dora

me, Aunt Becky, and Dora with Sunshine

Dora's Sunshine with The DaverAfter our A.L.I. get together wrapped up, Dora, Sunshine, and I took off for a little bit of sight seeing. We ate at a nice little hamburger place (loved the onion rings) that I can't remember the name of (what's it called Dora?). and then headed over to wander through FAO Schwartz. When Miss Sunshine started getting tired, Dora headed home for the evening and I hung out until it was time for me to catch a cab to the bus station. Here's teh rest of the day...

one of my favorite New York building pics

the doorman at FAO Schwartz

Dora wearing a Harry Potter wizard's hat at FAO Schwartz
sadly, I didn't notice until now that the straw
appears to be going up her nose

me wearing the Sorting Hat...
which house do you think it put me in?


sailors in New York

on the way to the bus

saying good bye to the city


*Adoption, Loss, and Infertility