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.