Music Edit and Memorial Day

Hi everyone!  Memorial Day weekend was really great.  We had so much fun visiting friends in PA and you know what? I drank responsibly and didn't make a fool out of myself!  Then an impromptu stop at my parents for an afternoon of swimming and food. The ride back Sunday evening was a little dicey.  Our son was out like a light, but our 16 month old daughter is the only child I have ever known who does not sleep in the car.  She grunted and groaned until almost 10 pm.  She didn't fall asleep until i got in the back seat with her and put her head against her blanket and patted it! She hates car rides and now, so do we.  We were so spoiled with our son.  I could plan road trips with his nap schedule and it would be awesome!  Now, I seriously don't want to go anywhere.
Memorial Day itself was great as well.  More swimming for everyone.  Our son and one of his friends frolicked in the water entertaining each other.  It is so nice to finally to get to this part where they don't need your undivided attention and would rather play with their friends.  Don't get me wrong, I love to play with my son, but I welcome the time where he is engaged with a more age-appropriate playmate.  He and my husband got a little too much sun and are a bit crispy today.  We will have to remember to re-apply next time. I also can not believe that I didn't take one single picture this whole weekend.  Oh well!
Also, I have updated the music player to turn the auto-play off.  So if you want to listen to it, you will have to manually press play. Sorry (to those of you who like it) and for those of you who didn't, you can thank me later. I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend! TTFN!

Reality Check

I just want to say that I need a few mental health days.  Without going into too much detail, this week has made me realize just how important family and close friends are. This week I have appreciated life and the relationships I have with the people around me.  I have a new appreciation of all the great things I have in my life.  Live each day and love to the fullest.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Tiny

Throwback Thursday: Book It

Let me begin by saying that I was having issues yesterday coming up with a Throwback and a trusted source served this one right up!  If you do not know what book it was/is click here to learn more.  According the Wikipedia:

Book It!

Pizza Hut has been a longtime sponsor of the "Book It!" program (started in 1984^[24]), which encourages reading in American and Australian schools. Those who read books according to the goal set by the classroom teacher are rewarded with Pizza Hut coupons good for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza or discounted menu items. In the late 1980s, Pizza Hut threw free pizza parties for classes if all students met their reading goals. The program has been criticized by some psychologists on the grounds that it may lead to overjustification and reduce children's intrinsic interest in reading.^[25] However, a study of the program found that participation in the program neither increased nor decreased reading motivation.^[25] The program's 25th anniversary was in 2009.

I love the part of this that says that a study shows participation in the program neither increased or decreased motivation to read.  You know why?  All we cared about was getting our damn Personal Pan Pizza!  I mean I was definitely one of the nerds who took pride on getting my star sticker on my pin, but I am sure there was Book It! fraud.  

I'd also like to add an anecdote about a night we went to the Pizza Hut on Hamilton Blvd. with the family.  My brother was just an infant and my parents had his infant carrier on the floor next to one of their chairs, I can't remember whose.  What I do remember is the waiter, who was preparing either mine or my sister's pin, again I don't recall, dropped it on my brother's head.  An open, sharp object falling on an infant with special needs.  I thought my dad was going to blow through the roof.  That poor guy, he is lucky he made it to the end of his shift.  My brother was perfectly fine after the once over he was given for puncture wounds to his skull.  

For me Book It! was a great motivational tool, even it used food as a reinforcer, um can you say No No?!  Now, I don't have to read books to get my Personal Pan Pizza, I just head down to my local Target and order one up.  But, I don't get a gold star on a sweet pin.  I just get a stomachache and clogged arteries.  TTFN!

New Uses for Old Things #3: Hair

If I know my sister, she will die reading this.  However, being the aspiring gardener that she is, she should listen up.  A few years ago I shared with a former co-worker that I was frustrated about 'something' that was eating my plants.  She told me that if I sprinkle human hair in the garden, the pests won't be attracted to the plants.  It makes perfect sense.  The animals smell humans and then stay away!  I have implemented this little tidbit the two past gardening seasons and it really does work.  How do I get the hair? That is the part that is going to put my sister over the edge.  I take it out of the hairbrush of course.  I do have a bit of a habit of letting it build up in the first place, so this is not difficult for me.  My sister can not stand hair build up in a brush, so it may be a bit more difficult for her to collect.  Anyway, then I just snip little bits and sprinkle it around the plants.  This little tip has helped turn my black thumb to a darker shade of green, so I share this with you and hope you use it,  if you have the same unfortunate skill of killing plants as I do.  As for indoor plants, I'll keep working on it :)  TTFN!

If you started a music band, what would the name be?

I have never aspired to start a band, however my childhood best friend and I did video tape our own talk show called "Bodacious"  This had to have taken place sometime around 1991.  It was incredible. We both had big Champion sweatshirts on with turtlenecks and hairsprayed bangs.  Wow, what were we thinking!  I wish more than anything I had that video to upload.  One of these days I'll get my dad to transfer it to me somehow!  Bodacious is one of our top funniest things we have done together (and we have a lot), but the following photo takes the cake:

Really, what the hell where we doing?  This picture 100% belongs on Ellen's Bad Paid for Photos, which is by far the funniest bit on any talk show I have ever seen.  It never fails to bring a smile to my face or make me laugh out loud.  So, while I never had dreams of being in a band, naming a talk show Bodacious is about as awesome as it gets.  TTFN!

Music

I have decided to go against what virtually everyone has told me about adding music to your blog.  I know 99.9% of people who read blogs say it is a huge nuisance and they dont' care for it.  However, if you know me at all, I really don't conform to what others say.  I happen to enjoy musical selections that play on a blog that I read a lot.  That being said, I have added a player to the sidebar from Playlist.com that you can turn off if it annoys you.  Music is a big part of me and I use it as a backdrop in my life (does that make sense?).  I look forward to sharing some of my favorite music with you.  I will continue to update and add songs to reflect music that helps to tell the story of my life. Maybe you will love one of them and it will inspire you.  Maybe you will turn it off and never hear them.  Whatever the case may be, they will be there for your enjoyment.  TTFN!

Hung

It's days like these when I turn really need one of my favorite skin care products, Coffee Berry with Hemp Oil Eye and Lip Balm by Skin Organics.  It boasts to reduce puffiness as well as help minimize fine lines.  I love the stick aspect for easy, mess free application.  What love most is the price.  I got it at Whole foods for about $11.99.  You really can't beat that!  This product is a lifesaver and since I can not hang tough like I did in my younger days, I need it mornings after I have had a little too much fun.  Last night was definitely one of them.  We had a GREAT time at the wedding in Cape May.   The weather could not have been more perfect.  It was so nice to return to the venue for our wedding.  We got up early in order to allow some time for relaxation on the beach for a few hours before the nuptials.  There is nothing, and I mean nothing, I love more than sitting on my ass and reading on the beach.   I read a magazine and a couple of pages of Bethenny Frankel's A Place of Yes on my nook.  Anyway, long story short I am having this issue where I have a few drinks and I go from zero to annihilated in a matter of minutes.  I am not sure what is wrong with me, maybe it is age, maybe it is lack of food, maybe it is mixing champagne and wine...I am not so sure, but it's really starting to upset me!  I just want to have fun and had a few drinks and not be a stumbling, bumbling idiot!  I even ruined my new shoes falling in the parking lot on the walk home.  Unacceptable!  As of right now, I am no longer drinking in social situations...Ha, famous last words!  But seriously, I've got to figure something out.  If you have any suggestions, I am open. TTFN!

Congress Hall

Today my husband and I will revisit Congress Hall, the hotel where we married on Saturday June 25, 2005.  This hotel is exceptional.  While looking for a venue to hold our wedding in Cape May, we visited Congress Hall.  I knew from the moment I set my eyes on the pale yellow building, that I was going to be married there.  There is just something about it that makes you never want to leave!  But today is not about me, it's about another couple who are getting married and have graciously decided to share the day with us.  I can not wait to lounge on the beach until it's time to get ready and attend the ceremony that will take place on the lawn of CH.  I hope you are enjoy this day, wherever you are, as much as I will.  TTFN!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Red

Taken by OJB Fall 2010

If your house were on fire, what would you grab first?

My beautiful, wonderful, darling, amazing children :)

14 minutes in Heaven

No, I'm not talking about that silly little game you played in Junior High or Middle School where you went in the closet to make out for 7 minutes.  I am talking about tanning.  I know, I know, it's the devil.  It's bad for you in oh so many ways.  Wrinkles, leathery skin, melanoma, the whole nine.  However, there is really nothing like lying in that bed for 14 minutes and soaking up the fake sun.  Not to mention, having sun kissed skin makes me feel loads better about myself!  Even though this is not my typical Throwback , it kind of is because I haven't tanned in years.  But I am totally being shallow and vain for even going tanning.  I am going to a wedding on Saturday and the dress I am wearing is a golden color.  And if I don't have some golden color on my skin, I am going to look totally washed out!  Also, my husband and I will be sitting on the beach or pool for a few hours before the event and I really don't want to scare the other guests. Plus, it's just that time of year where I need a little color, and while I love my Tan Towels, they really do make me look like Snooki.  I am literally only going for a few times (so don't get your panties all up in a bunch) and after the wedding, I am stopping because I know how bad it is for you.  Anyway, lying there in the quiet solitude of the tanning bed is very relaxing and I am going to revert to my 20 something self and enjoy it for a few days! TTFN!

New Uses for Old Things #2: Baby Food Jar

Borrowed from Real Simple

Instead of prying open the paint can every time, simplify paint touch-ups by pouring a few ounces of each new wall paint into a jar for when those times it’s needed to cover nail holes and scuffs.   

One Person Can Make a Difference

To Go Tumbler

For Teacher appreciation week  I received one of the best, most useful gifts I have gotten in 11 years.
I have been eyeing one of those reusable cups for a few months now, but something won't let me give in.
I was elated to find one in my mailbox from the PTA.  Not only is it a practical gift but it has an inspirational message from Positive Promotions.

"A man on the beach where thousands of starfish lay dying in the sun saw a girl tossing them into the sea, one by one.  'Why bother?' he asked. 'You won't make much if a difference.'  Tossing yet another starfish into the sea, the girl said, 'I made a difference to that one.'

Although I get discouraged on a daily basis with my job, this message is clear.  If I can make a difference in one child's life (even over the course of the whole school year), than I have done my job well.  I have to add a little anecdote about one of my little girls who has told me on numerous occasions that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up and wants her name to be Mrs. Barr and wants to have pencils on her desk like me.  I would say that I have done my job this year.

The Gift of Time

Today the teachers who are not involved with Kindergarten Orientation in my building are given the gift of time for the afternoon.  My school has really whack parking arrangements and the admin. would like to free up as many spaces for the brouhaha of the afternoon's events.  The above image illustrates me and my race to complete as many tasks as I can....alone....before I need to get home for the babysitter.  Here is what is on my list:

1.  Charming Charlie's at the Mall for earrings for the wedding I am going to on Saturday

2.  Old Navy for a cute tank top and possibly a new swim suit

3.  Toys R Us to look for Cars 2 cars

4.  Costco, I don't know if there'll be time.  

Gift of time begins at approx. 12:45 and I have until 3:45....Can I do it all!?

Cars 2

Cars, cars, cars.  Having my firstborn be a boy has exposed me to a world of vehicles of all types.  But Disney Pixar Cars reign numero uno.  We have so many 'Cars' cars, as we call them, I can't even begin to explain.  No joke, we have about 15 different Lightning McQueen die cast cars. That does not include other kinds, such as MegaBlok Lightning McQueen and Shake 'N' Go Lightning Mcqueen to name a few.  It's completely out of control.  My son goes through phases, sometimes not playing with them for weeks.  BUT, with the release of the new Cars 2 movie on June 6th, I anticipate a reunion with his beloved playmates.  I might be more excited about the new movie than him.  I am also more excited than I would like to admit about the release of the new characters............TOMORROW!  Check out some of the new characters.  His favorite is Carla Veloso, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I am at ToysRUs tomorrow after work, scooping her up.  I have a few favorites, Jeff Gorvette, Holley Shiftwell, and Lewis Hamilton looks pretty sweet.  Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to see some of my old favorites, like Tow-Mater, returning to the silver screen, but I am ready for some new paint.  

Anyway, I look forward to browsing the 'whole aisle' as the T'R'Us employee informed me, of Cars 2 paraphanalia and I will keep you posted and on top of what is worth bucking up for.  TTFN!

Cleaning for the Cleaning People

You know you do it, and I do to.  Every month when I get the 'tex mex' from my cleaning lady (is that P.C.? cleaning lady, not tex-mex...that is just what she calls it and I love it!) I begin to panic.  She usually gives me a day or two notice before coming, so the crazy train has time to roll into the station.  I must stop myself for a moment, because I am not at all trying to sound pretentious writing about having some help around the house.  After my first year of having a child and teaching full-time, I said hell-to-the-no about spending my free time cleaning.  I wanted to spend time with my family not clean toilets!  After hours and hours of nagging, my husband finally agreed, once a month and we can keep up with the rest in between.  I was overjoyed.  Also at the time, two of my pets, both RIP,  shed like a mug.  Ok, so back to the topic, I firmly believe that I want the ladies to CLEAN, not pick up and organize, because first of all, they never put anything back in the right bin!  So once I receive my 'tex-mex' from Beni, I begin to clear off counters and find the carpet in my son's room so they can vacuum.  Without fail every month, my husband threatens to fire the nice women because I am a looney and why am I cleaning when they are coming to clean?  Every month we have the same conversation, it's like Groundhog Day.  I say, "I am not cleaning, I am picking up."  So, needless to say this pattern will repeat and to be honest I have spoken to a number of women who do the same thing, so ladies if you are like us, it's ok.  Your husband is not going to fire the help because he probably knows the house will never get disinfected otherwise.  So just keep on, keepin' on!  TTFN!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Wildlife

National Zoo Wildlife Spring 2010

Throwback Thursday: Dr. Scholl's

Dr. Scholls.  I love them and I still rock them.  Been rocking them since I was a little girl as you can see in the picture.  I actually wore a black pair of the Originals to work yesterday.  I have had a few different pairs over the past few years including navy and red, and navy remain my all time favorite.  I remember as a kid, my mom advising my sister and I to curl our toes in order to hold them on our feet, because they do take a little getting used to.  I also have a version called "Haven" from last season that is a little less clunky and super comfy.  Right now I am coveting the new Original 2.0 in Chinchilla.  But they seems to be hard to come by.  Anywho, Dr. Scholl's are classic and cute.  Can't beat that.

Why Re-Invent the Wheel: New Uses for Old things

With the school year crawling coming to a close, I have decided to change this topic to New Uses for Old Things.  We all have old crap lying around, don't lie.  Luckily you now have me to tell you how to re-use it :)  Each week, I will post something new to do with common household items on Wednesday afternoons.  I decided to start this now because I will  soon have 10 glorious weeks off with my children and I will most likely not be posting things that can be done in the classroom.  But I might, you never know!  Also, I don't want you to think I am really clever or creative or brilliant because I will be borrowing some of these ideas from  one of  Real Simple's newest publications 869 New Uses for Old Things.  Furthermore, my principal has recently asked me to be the "Recycling Liaison" for the upcoming school year, so I think I should brush up on how to decrease my carbon footprint.  Wow, I am really going places.
So, without further ado, New Uses for Old Things, #1:

Birthday Candles

   For this one, I really did come up with the idea.  My man hands don't quite fit into jar candles when they get down to the bottom, so I use birthday candles to reach without getting my hand stuck and/or that annoying black soot on them.  Brilliant!

Monogram

So here is my big mother's day present, or at least what it will look like.  it's going to be a silver 1 1/4 in monogram with a silver chain connected to both sides.....sorry not sure what that is called in jewelry terms!  I am so, so excited and can not wait until it arrives!  I would be happy to share where I found the designer.  On Etsy, one of my my newest obsessions.  It used to overwhelm me (like H&M), but when I have something specific I go there.
I have been wanting one of these for a while now, but I haven't been able to find anyone who does 4 initials.  Needless to day, I finally did and I am super pleased.  Happy Mother's Day to me :)
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post, I am re-inventing Why Re-Invent the Wheel Wednesdays.  TTFN!

Feliz Dia de las Madres

my first mother's day....tear

happy mother's day to all, and hopes that you get the rest that you so rightly deserve!

Once a Leo Always a Leo

I really don't care about the Earth's axis or how it has shifted over the past billion years.  I know I am a Leo. Always have been.  I remember when I was in Elementary school and I used to collect things like book marks, and inappropriate key chains from Spencer's and those posters I was telling you about a few weeks ago, anyway I had this Garfield bookmark hanging on my bulletin board with the description of a Leo.  I don't remember all of it but it definitely said "the center of attention" and "ham."  Here is what the Zodiac says about my sign.   That is the long version.  Here is a short more concise version:  

Leo Positive Traits

Generous and warmhearted
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving 

Leo Negative Traits

Pompous and patronizing
Bossy and interfering
Dogmatic and intolerant

Why am I even writing this you ask?  Well, last Saturday I was sitting in my basement with my husband and two of his buddies (and mine) and I seriously could not stop talking.  My husband stated " I have never met anyone who commands all the attention in the room as much as you do." Hmph.  I thought about that statement for the next few days and it really does happen a lot.  Even though I really try not to make it all about me, sometimes it just happens!  Anyway another story that illustrates my inner Leo is one that a former colleague of mine shared with me after I left for another position.  She informed me that some other co-workers viewed me as "aggressive."  Again, hmph.  I really don't think that is accurate, but maybe I just don't see it.  Here is what the 'new' Zodiac has to say about me as a Cancer:

Cancer Strengths:

- Loyalty

- Dependable

- Caring

- Adaptable

- Responsive

Cancer Weaknesses:

- Moody

- Clingy

- Self-pitying

- Oversensitive

- Self-absorbed

I can definitely see some of this as well.......Oh well my b-day, July 25th is right on the cusp, so maybe that is why I see so many overlapping qualities.............TTFN!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Round

I know I posted this picture before, but I just love it!

Throwback Thursday: Lip Smacker

I love Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker with a passion.  I have loved it since high school.  I use to keep it in my pocket and it would be all warm when I put it on.  Back in those days they didn't have this fabulous trio.  My mom got it for me a few years ago and it's A+.  I keep the clear one in my makeup bag for my morning routine.  I don't need a lot of color on my luscious lips, so it's the perfect gloss.  Don't be fooled by the clear gel, it still tastes and smells like the original stick.  The tube is also great because it has nice tint.  Love, love, love this.  Cheers to Dr. Pepper (preferably diet) and Bonne Bell!  TTFN!

Why Re-Invent the Wheel: Stolen Idea

Low Blood Sugar cont'd:  I totally have to steal this idea from a fellow blogger @ Organized and Obsessed.  I have to steal it because it's so darn smart and I use it all the time.  I hope you don't mind Sammy! :).  If you drink Crystal Light, you are in luck.  This is simply a C.L. container with the label removed.  Now, if you are like me, you have snacks stashed in every nook and cranny you can find.  And, they are not always meant for the kids.  If this lady doesn't eat on a regular basis, i.e. every 2-3 hours, she gets irritable, as I wrote about yesterday.  And, if you are like me, and this fellow blogger, you stock up on granola bars and things that smush and crumble!  Therefore, the C.L. container slips neatly in your bag to protect those valuable snacks.  If you don't drink C.L. go out and get some, it is so 'refreshing' as my son would say!  TTFN!

Low Blood Sugar

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before but I have diagnosed myself as Hypoglycemic.  Meaning, when I don't eat, I turn into a Werewolf.  For this reason I am always searching for new snacks to keep in my bag for when the moment strikes.
Interestingly, it's usually during a traffic jam.  I also have this friend who always teases me that I always tell her about new junk food cravings that I am having.  So in an effort to try healthier options, here are two that I have found to be superb.  The first one is BRAND spanking new.  Nature Valley Granola Thins are a great little snack to keep stashed.  Nature Valley Granola Bars have been refueling me for years.  My mother used to keep them in her bag for when I got cranky on ski trips.  I have also recently found this Clif Mojo Peanut Butter Pretzel All Natural Trail Mix Bar.  All I can say is Yum-O.





So if you have self diagnosed low blood sugar, like myself, here are a few healthy options to keep your inner Werewolf at bay.  TTFN!

Where Have You Been All of My Life?

Boudreaux's Rash Protector

Really.  I just bought this because my daughter's bum is redder than Mars, in hopes it will help with overnight irritation.  I simply sprayed it on.  No mess on my fingers, no lingering smell either.  Genius!  Why can't I think of these things??  TTFN!

Back the to Apple Tree

I wonder if when g-d was conceiving his master plan of procreation he meant for us to become our parents?  I wrote about my son not being like me at all in the sense of his hoarding and messiness.  But he is so much like me in many, many other ways.  I can hear him now in my mind, as I write this, "Mom, seriously, I'm gonna freak out!"  I wonder if he will grow up to be like me?  Good lord.
As the years go by I find myself becoming more and more like my parents.  I am such a blend of both of them.  The other night, two anecdotes illustrate how. First, I was getting ready to go to see Water for Elephants with two friends.  I texted one of them and asked her if we were going somewhere beforehand for a bite to eat.  She said yes.  Then I asked her if I needed to look 'presentable?'  That is so my dad.  He always asks that when getting dressed up for a night out with the family or just my mom.  He will come down show us his ensemble and ask, "Do I look presentable?"
Aside:  If you haven't seen the movie and/or read the book, you must.  It is awesome.
Segway to how I am like my mother:  The book is pretty suspenseful and keeps for on your toes.  I literally could not put it down last summer because I needed to know what was going to happen next.  Anyway, I have always loved suspense and thrillers.  Movies and books.  I read Christopher Pike books like they were going out of style in elementary school.  Weird books like this.  Why the hell did my mom let me read that crap!?  Anyway, I always remember my mom disliking suspenseful movies as a kid, for example Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  She would get up and leave if she couldn't take it.  It never really bothered me, until the other night.  I was like a scared little bunny.  Knees curled up and nails in my mouth.  It's not even scary, it was just the suspense that was killing me!  I didn't get up and leave, but I did cover my eyes a few times.
All in all, my parents are two, wonderful, generous people and I am lucky to have their traits!  TTFN!