Shut up and Save a Life

Today I came across an article that was posted in The Seattle Times about drivers ignoring a law for hands-free cell phone devices.

The article struck my heart for many reasons and got me thinking. The first reason is that Seattle Pacific University and one of its many brilliant professors is mentioned. Another is that Ravensdale, a place very close to where I live, is mentioned too. But, perhaps one of the bigger reasons this article resonated with me, is that many people I know are constantly distracted by their cell phones while driving.

I have one friend in particular, who consistantly multi-tasks while on her cell phone.

When she calls me, I hear her distributing fast food she's just purchased for her children in the back seat, as she switches on the DVD player so her kids have something to watch while they eat, while also reading to me the latest text message she just received - ALL WHILE DRIVING HER CAR!

I can't tell you how many times I've suggested we continue chatting later so that she can focus on the road. There have been countless breathless moments when our conversation has been suddenly cut short and my mind's eye imagines that she's crashed into someone or something and caused a horrific accident. (Fortunately it's usually a crappy service connection, but still.)

I'm a human being, I've certainly been tempted to review a text when I'm going too fast on the freeway. Or if I'm bored in traffic I often think of tweeting that I'm bored in traffic. But the bottom line is, there are other people on the road with me. Those people are someone's sister, wife, mother, husband, child or friend. As that human being, who is frought with imperfections and yet strives to be a good Christian, I work to try and do things I would want others to do to me - one of which involves shutting up and shutting down my cell phone. Instead I try to listen to the radio, watch for a yellow slugbug or even roll down the window to feel the breeze on my face and by doing so, maybe, just maybe I can save a life.

Moving Forward

In the next few months I'll be working towards re-entering the employment realm. The idea of this is both exciting and terrifying.

On the one hand, I'll be making money again. In fact, I'll be making more money than I ever have before. At my last job, my income was below poverty level - after six years with the company. Now, armed with the proper education, I can apply for jobs previously unavailable to me. Also, I've got all my years of experience in the workforce, which gives me more options for advancement sooner, rather than later.

However, all those years in survival employment scarred me. I remember countless hours of overtime, Saturday's sacrificed to achieve goals, lunches worked through to make sure the job was done. I remember working with people who refused to adhere to corporate policies and procedures and made life for the rest of us a living hell. I remember the animosity people aimed towards me as I received promotions and accolades. I remember the lack of resources to stop people from creating negative space in the work place. These environments often times created a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. The idea of returning to work brings that feeling back in a flood of emotion.

Fortunately, God blessed me with a very wise and very blunt husband. He continuously reminds me that I'm not going back to those environments and to stop being a baby. I'm in possession of a different skill set that has opened up new doors, new possibilities, and new environments for me.

I'm trying to branch out more, to be a little more positive. I've even applied for jobs in South Carolina recently, hoping to achieve a literal fresh start. But this is going to be a process. I've got to change my thinking - a hard thing to do at 34 years of age. Perhaps the hardest thing about changing my life at a later stage in the game, is getting my head back into it. But hey, at least I'm willing to try.

Because I'm not gushing enough...

Here's my second fan-girl post for Jen Lancaster. She recently released her new book trailer video. I found it so awesome I had to share it with all of you! So here you are people...Jen Lancaster in the flesh:




If you'd like to see Jen's take on the video go here .

So tell me, after seeing the trailer, will you be buying the book?

Holla back Chicago!

Just wanted to give a shout out to a great author (and dreamy would-be-BFF), Jen Lancaster. She has recently added to her list of accomplishments by becoming Chicago's newest syndicated columnist. Click here for the goods. Her first official column was released this week, and if you ain't reading it you're missing out! Click here for "Don't blame Mii, Japan" and prepare to laugh your ass off! If you'd like to learn more about Jen or her books you can find her listed under "links I frequent".
Ciao for now!

Just call me DESPERATE

Has it been too long since last I wrote? Yes. Am I feeling the economic crunch as all others are? Yes. How am I coping? Desperately.

Recently I treated myself to a new Dark Cherry mocha at Starbuck’s. I loved every last drip of it! However, now I found myself in a dilemma: how the hell was I going to afford this new addiction every damn day?
I like to consider myself a pretty clever woman, so I wandered through my kitchen and pantry waiting for inspiration to strike. And ya know what? It did!
A few Christmases ago I purchased a Moka pot for my husband. It’s a small European style percolator that brews delicious espresso on your stove top. I also enrolled us in “the program” so that we receive two containers of ground Italian espresso every few months. It’s a great way to start the day and we have used these products so much that they have more than paid for themselves. That meant I had the coffee portion of my experiment down. Now I had to think flavoring.
I didn’t own a bottle of chocolate or fudge sauce. I had no powdered cocoa that’s less than five years old. I did have a container of International coffee Suisse Mocha, but that would be sinful to use with the tasty Italian espresso. In my pantry was my special box that I keep for baking goods, such as butterscotch chips and marshmallows. I foraged that and found (to my ultimate delight) a very small amount of Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. HOORAH!!
Finally, I pillaged the back of my spice cabinet and found a bottle of Cherry extract. Yes! All the pieces were in place.
I made sure to add boiling water to my coffee mug so that it would be nice and hot for the coffee concoction it would be receiving. Once the mug was too hot too hold (Hey, my microwave is currently out of commission, gimme a break.) I dropped in seven chocolate chips and poured the espresso over them, stirring to blend. Once the chocolate was all gooey, I added about two teaspoons of the Cherry extract. To top it off I added a smidge of half and half.
A little ingenuity and I was looking at a Cherry Mocha (sort of), and thus,
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!

“Was it worth it”, you ask.
“Did it taste amazing”, you ask.
“Honestly?” I say.


“Hell to the N – O.”

Y’all, life is a bitch, and her name is Cherry Mocha.

"Friends" Taught Me True Selflessness

Recently I was watching the TV show "Friends". The episode was entitled, "The One where Phoebe hates PBS". The story that struck me was the one between Phoebe and Joey, where he told her that there was no such thing as a selfless good deed. Joey believed that by doing something for someone else, one is essentially doing something for themselves. You help out a friend and feel good about it, so everybody wins. Phoebe spent the entire episode trying to find a deed that proved Joey wrong. She believed that there can be a deed done where only the receiving party benefits. By the episode's end Phoebe is never any closer to finding one.
The first time I watched this episode I thought long and hard, and, finally had to agree with Joey. If I help out a neighbor, I feel good and they do too. If I send someone a card to tell them their in my thoughts, they feel better and so do I. Even bringing in the garbage can from the curb (something I loathe doing) lets my husband know I'm trying to do something nice for him, and I end up feeling dirty, but satisfied.
But recently life has taught me lesson: there can be something as profound as a selfless good deed. One of my bulldogs, who turned 12-years-old in April, got extremely ill this spring. In years past, she's often battled illness and, being the fighter that she is, always won. Then one day, shortly after her birthday, she lost a lot of weight, started having difficulty eating and breathing, and the next thing we knew, she was on dialysis for doggies. Her condition improved for a little while, and we were naively hopeful. My bullies are my babies - we have no people-kids of our own. As we prayed for her recovery every free moment I had I spent nursing one dog, and trying to appease the other with what little energy I had left. School work, house work, and just plain work went to the wayside as we sought solutions. We made homemade "super"-food, administered intravenous fluids, and gave "lovies" every chance we got. Unfortunately, it seems our hopeful hearts and persist ant hard work was all for naught. Two weeks ago it became desperately evident that she was at the end. She wouldn't even lift her head to eat her favorite candy: a Dot. I made the call and the vet was gracious enough to come out to the house to take down this piece of our heart. I read to my little love from "Anne of Green Gables" while we counted down to the minute the last bits of time we'd ever have with our girl. We went through the motions of being gracious hosts when the vet arrived, we made small talk as the instruments were made ready, and we fought to control our emotions so we could succinctly say our very final good-bye.
Even now the tears are fresh, and the pain may never subside. But as we laid our girl to rest and placed a beautiful butterfly bush in her memory, we have the gift of knowing we performed a selfless good deed. It hurts like hell, and I'd give anything in the world to have it reversed, but it was what was best for her, not us. After all the love, loyalty, and joy she gave us, and the way she made our little family complete, it certainly was the last gift we could give her - peace.
Our hearts will miss you forever and always Dixie Girl...
We wuf u,
"Mama" & "Papa"

Privacy? We don't need no stinkin' privacy!

Just finished reading an interesting book called
"The Future of Reputation: Gossip, Rumor, and Privacy on the Internet". I think this is a great book for anyone who has a blog. It really opened my eyes to what is protected, what should be protected, and where you can really get caught with your pants around your ankles!
Even if you don't have a blog, the "dog poop girl" story is well worth the cost of the book.
Daniel J. Solove explores the realm of privacy and how little we have left in the age of the internet. Solove is considered an "expert in privacy law" and it shows in his writing. There were so many things I hadn't thought about until he addressed them in this book. It's a quick but informative read, and one that all of us should remember the next time we're posting last Saturday's party pix online.
Enjoy!

Friend or Fossil?

One of the great things about going back to school is getting to see life through the fresh perspective of my "peers". One of the drawbacks is seeing myself through the same perspective.
I knew going into this that I was usually going to be one of, if not the, oldest student in the room. Typically I can blend in fairly well. I try not to dress like a soccer mom, but I also try not to dress like a teenager. I keep it simple. Of course, there's been a few awkward moments that have given me away. Ther's been a few times where a professor has asked "Does anyone remember..." and I've been the only person to raise my hand. There was the time I wore a t-shirt that was emblazoned with The Breakfast Club crew. When I was asked by several students if the group on my tee were friends of mine and did I meet them for breakfast before class, I tried not to cry in front of them. Then there was the time when I couldn't get in to see my hair dresser for two weeks. My roots looked like they'd been streaked with cream cheese frosting, and every kid I had to talk to in my classes only talked to my scalp as they tried to figure out what the hell I was doing with so much white hair.
But perhaps the most recent indcident is the one that has really damaged my chances of ever blending in again. While sitting in a class, discussing the ins and outs of privacy and the media, the subject of the internet came up. Everyone around me is 19-years-old and chatting about posting pix to their blank-space/book/itter pages and how they've handled privacy. Before I can stop my mouth to engage my brain I decide to pipe in my two cents about life and the internet. Acting cool as a cucumber (that phrase alone should keep me out of the club), I blurt out:
"Man, I'm so glad the internet wasn't around when I was in school!"
"Why?" one kid asks. "Did your school not have access to it or something?"
"No." I respond with a laugh. "The internet wasn't even available yet."
And yes, their reaction was as terrible as you might imagine.
They recoiled as if in horror, which actually surprised me. Then they all instantly looked at the roots on my head and saw the patches of gray. After that, no one was even looking me in the eye. I had revealed my secret - I'm A THIRTY-SOMETHING GROWN-UP!! GASP!!
I'm so glad that I have enough maturity to laugh about this - and that I can buy a house, rent a car, and still believe in Ferris.

The Preppies are coming! The Preppies are coming!!

I was hoping to get something all fancy and official up here...BUT I CAN'T WAIT!! Today is the day JEN LANCASTER'S new book "PRETTY IN PLAID" hits stores!! The time? 1980's. The crime? Jen in a college sorority. Lord help us all! Between the hair spray and the "preppy wear" this should be a non-stop-pee-in-your-pants laugh fest!
For those of you who've been under a rock for the last couple of years, she's a fantastic author who doesn't hold back. Her books are typically memior-style, and they'll have you snorting chardonay out your nose in no time (which is a good thing, trust me).
I haven't much time for more, but click on her name above and check it out for yourself, or click on the link to the left of this post ("Land of the Free, Home of the Bitter"). It'll be well worth the price of admission (or the book, anyway).

Love on the outside

When my husband and I were first married we agreed to a more traditional type of relationship. He would do the typical "man" things, such as washing the cars, mowing the lawn, and taking out the garbage. I agreed to perform the more "female" jobs like laundry, cooking, and staying as sexy as the day he first met me. Ah, youth.
As he and I approach our eighth wedding anniversary the luster has worn off of this dog and pony show. Love has ceased to be about the demonstrative actions we used to take. About two years ago he decided that he no longer had time for most of his duties. Now the car is washed by high school kids at the Super Elephant car wash, the lawn is mowed (very badly) by moi, and the garbage? All done by me. Only now, it also includes taking out the recycle. Oh joy.
I suppose I can't blame the poor guy, I haven't exactly held up to my end either. As my last post shared laundry isn't my forte, and my cooking turned out to be almost deadly (I swear I followed the recipe!), and as far as maintaing my sex appeal? Let's just say J.T. won't be singing about me bringing "sexy back".
Most of these realizations have taken place over a period of time. But I was slapped in the face with one of them. I truly thought I still had the sexy thing down. I go tanning (every six weeks so really, it sort of a moot point), I try to keep my make-up on until he gets home (does runny mascara count?), and I shave my legs...sort of.
This week has been particularly cold and I decided to wear knee high socks under my jeans to keep me warm. I couldn't figure out why my legs felt so irritated and scratchy while I wore them. The socks were cotton so it couldn't be a fabric issue; the jeans weren't tight so my legs weren't constrained. And then it dawned on me - it had been not one, not two, but THREE WEEKS since I'd last shaved my legs! The worst part? My husband didn't even notice! AAGGHH!! The thrill is gone people, the thrill is gone.
Maybe instead of getting each other bronze or pottery for our anniversary, I should look into a leg wax. Ah, l'amour.
TTFN from your favorite housewife!
P.S. - He isn't pasty, he's just requested to remain "mysterious". Yeah, no wonder I'm not shaving my legs more often. He's damn lucky he's cute!

A.D.H.D. and Laundry

Greetings All!
Today I'd like to share one of my techniques that helps me with my A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Housewife Disorder).
The fact that I start one housekeeping project in the middle of performing another has frequently come to bite me in the butt. Fortunately, when it comes to laundry, I've learned a way to master the situation!
My husband is a metro-sexual (VERY particular about fashion, hygiene, etc.). As such, it is always a fuss and a worry come laundry day that I may ruin something precious to him. (read: I have ruined something precious to him.) When it comes to washing his jeans the stress factor goes up a notch because they fit him just right. If the jeans spend too long in the dryer I'm done for. (Okay he's not an OGRE about it, but he does get a little testy.)
Unfortunately the buzzer on our dryer recently stopped working so I now have to listen for the tumbling to stop. The problem? I never really listen. Which means his jeans sit in there for hours. Getting wrinkle-y. And cold. And u.g.l.y.!
The solution? (I'm terribly proud of myself for this idea, by the way.) I remove all clothing besides his dainty denim treasures, I take a spray bottle that contains clean water and spray it inside the dryer all over the jeans. Then I run the dryer again on a quick "fluff". This seems to create enough steam (without too much heat) to create a fresh-out-of-the-dryer-the-first-time-it-stopped look.
And he's none the wiser - man, I love me!

Hugs from the ADD Housewife!!

Things I Learned This Week

The biggest benefit of going to school is that, everyday, one learns a multitude of interesting things. This week, my first week back, I've learned several...
In the writing world I am considered a "plunger", there's a difference between an adjectival prepositional phrase and an adverbial prepositional phrase. I've also learned that paying attention in the grammar classes I took back in elementary school would've been very beneficial to me now. sigh. And finally, I learned that public speaking will not actually kill me. (Although someone should tell my heart that every time I have to give a speech.)
Perhaps the most valuable lesson that I've come to realize is that school is a blessing and not a curse. I've spent many a day fuming because I chose college over motherhood. In moments of extreme pressure and stress that can accompany an academic life, I've often wondered why I chose books over bottles. But the further along this scholastic career goes, the more I've learned about myself and what I'm really about. I have come to discover where my true gifts are, what I can achieve when I actually do apply myself, and I've been fortunate to make some really amazing friends along the way. Years ago if someone would've told me I'd be able to speak French and have the honor of an actual francophone as a very dear friend I'd have thought they were crazy! But look at what this amazing gift has given me! I have the blessing of a reality beyond my imagination and a chance to never have to say..."what if?”
Of course motherhood is still in the distance. Only now I can come to the mat with a full sense of self, and a little “savoir-faire” too.

Change in Priorities

I noticed something strange today. My husband and I had a rare day off to prepare for tomorrows festivities. Luckily we were able to get most things under control fairly early in the day so we've had most of the afternoon to enjoy time together. So what, you ask, did we do to reconnect? Perhaps watch a romantic movie snuggled in close or go for a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood hand in hand? No. Instead we allowed technology to take over. My recent birthday present of an iPod Nano occupied my ears and a new voice command video game occupied his. We were sitting RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER and didn't even know the other existed. I flipped through the latest delicious edition of Vogue and he saved the world.
I think it's time to rethink technology and the amount of control it has in our lives. If we aren't on a computer we're on a TV or an MP3 player or even a cell phone. What a waste of a day that we could've been using to really cherish each other. Sigh. But I see hope in the future. We agreed to play a game of dominoes tonight and hopefully a little more over the holiday weekend.
I think tomorrow I'll be thankful for recognizing that, while these little gadgets are handy and fun, they certainly don't beat a cozy day at home with my first and foremost family: my honey.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Congratulations Allison!

Just have a quick second to share with you all the good news about one of my latest fave authors, Allison Winn Scotch. Her second novel, "Time of my Life" just hit the New York Times Best Seller list! Let's all show her continued support by purchasing her book here.
I'm working my way through it and from what I've been able to get to so far (one last midterm this week - woohoo!!) this book ROCKS!
While we've all seen or read something about the age old "What if?" question, Allison takes it to another level! For a lot of women we've grown up dreaming of that ideal life: a loving husband, financial stability, and beautiful babies. Or do we? It's a great read to get the imagination flowing and lose yourself in a fascinating world!
Enjoy!

Damn You FaceBook!!

I remember being in a sociology class and the instructor asking how much time people spent on their FaceBook pages. "Ha!" I snorted. "What kind of idiots wastes precious time on a web based party scene?" I felt I was a real intellectual, I wasn't sucked into that ridiculous kid stuff.
Well, here we are two years later and I can't even begin to calculate how much time I've spent on FaceBook. Once I discovered that I could claim one of my fave authors as a pal, AND members of my distant family I was hooked! We can communicate without spending money on long distance or taking time away from our families (okay time other than what we normally spend on the computer). It seems that FaceBook has allowed us to share birthday parties, family vacations, and (yes, I'll admit it) even eye injuries. It. Is. Awesome!!
I've even been able to claim one of my best professors as a FaceBook Friend - how cool is that? Uh..wait..is being friends with a professor a cool kid thing or a nerdy thing? Sigh. Maybe one of these days I'll outgrow my geek-dom. Or maybe not.
Chow for now! And FaceBookers ROCK ON!

WARNING - SIDE EFFECTS MAY OCCUR!!

People, I have learned the hard way why one should NOT wear make-up to bed. I decided to be lazy because I wasn't feeling well and crawled into bed wearing my full "face". When I woke up the next morning my day old mascara had caked my eyes together so I rubbed them. My left eye got more treatment than the right and hence, the injury. Some eyelash/mascara/gook in my eye combo created the perfect storm for a broken blood vessel. Ain't it pretty?
Luckily a cold compress and eye drops are supposed to help. In the meantime it's terribly difficult to read, making studying for mid-terms extra fun! I don't even know how long it will take to go away. My husband had one years ago and said it took a couple of weeks - yikes! The wedding is in a couple of weeks and I cannot be a matron of honor with a jacked up eye!!
Anyway, I hope you all can learn from my lesson. There's a reason our mothers told us to wash our faces before bed, and this photo is living proof.
Take care all!

So in Awe!

I have to say that when all my sisters and girlfriends started having babies, I knew life was gonna change. But what I wasn't prepared for is the lack of time I would have to chat with them one-to-one. Yes, we talk on the phone, but only if I'm willing to accept them playing "mommy" at the same time. I really do understand, it comes with the territory. But the reason I'm talking about it is because I am on my knees bending over saying "I'm not worthy".
I can't figure out how these ladies do it all. Here it is almost midnight and I've just finished up a very busy day. My sister's wedding is quickly approaching and with that comes showers, etc. Since I'm the Matron-of-Honor I have to get this stuff figured out pronto. Plus, I'm back in school so that has me hopping (thus the late night - two papers due tomorrow YIKES!). And the piece de resistance? The house looks like it has bulemia and has purged everything in it, all while my poor husband wrestles with strep throat and one of the dogs is terribly ill. I'm about to lose my mind and there isn't even a kid in the mix!
So Mommys out there who deal with sick kids, deadlines, laundry demons and grocery stores - know that you have my utmost respect and that I salute you!!

Where's the effing Ham??

When I was a kid "Where's the Beef?" was all the rage. But after a tragically dissaspointing visit to Starbuck's today I'm left saying, "Where's the ham?". They told me that they have now discontinued the ham and egg breakfast sandwich in lieu of their new nasty sausage panini-ish thing. You are officially on my list Strbx!
I was able to find something unique and original to enjoy with the one shining light still at Starbucks (Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate!!). Check out this exotic link and tell me what you think.

My Summer Vacation

It's hard to believe that summer is over. Today marked the official first day of fall which forced me to reflect on all that I accomplished this summer season past.
I managed to complete an intense four week summer quarter at my alternate university. That felt like quite an accomplishment. I even received a 3.9 total GPA from it.
I was fortunate enough to visit family for an extended period of time. That was probably one of my favorite memories made. I was able to experience a part of the world I otherwise would have never known. As well as getting to know how to handle a gun and make pinecones (aka: "grouse") dance. Thanks Uncle Ron!!
We put our house on the market. That was a brave act of craziness. The icing on that cake was seeing how creative my husband can be with a crockpot and outdoor flowers. Ah, memories.
And now we are working on the joyful occassion when my sister will be married. I have a feeling that the wedding, the sale of our house, and midterms will all come together in one perfect storm to drive me even closer to the 200 mark on the scale. Or at least that much closer to a Sloe Gin Fizz (two shots of Sloe Gin, topped off with collins mix equals theraputic goodness!).
Stay posted folks for updates on all the above, not too mention the exciting new quarter at school that starts on Monday.
Happy Fall!!

The Great Purge of '08

Finally got around to cleaning out my closet after seven years of neglect. I somehow managed to purge most of what I needed to in one day. The craziest thing I came across while sorting through the pack-rat mess? Bird feathers. No, not cute-pink-bachelorette-party-feather-boa feathers. Actual real live bird feathers. They were in a handbag. I was prepared to dig into an old purse and find a stick of gum older than my dog, but bird feathers? WTF??
I wish I could remember the night they got in there. Ah, youth.