I USED TO:

• sit at the computer and read different entertainment websites;
• chat on the phone with girlfriends during the day;
• love laying on my bed for 1/2 hour - 1 hour per day to relax and watch a show on HGTV or TLC;
• plan my day around "Days of Our Lives";
• go to the grocery store everyday;
• get Starbucks every morning and usually one other time throughout the day;
• think about the projects I wanted to do around the house, but never seemed to complete;
• try to organize my kids in such a way that pleased me; etc, etc, etc..........

The list goes on and on.  We always seem to evolve and change no matter how old we get.  I'm not saying any of those things are wrong - I took care of the kids, made meals, carpooled, did laundry and dishes.  I loved doing all of that and still do.  If the kids are happy and healthy, it's a no-brainer. 

Now, I look forward to my little job and love coming home to my family.  Hopefully everyone's becoming more independent.  I know I'm more organzized now.  And I feel like I've taken a baby step toward a life when my kids are grown. 

It's a whole new world with lots of "work" drama.  I'm the older, wiser one - which is quite a joke.  The young ones that I work with ask my advice and share way to many things with me.  I smile, dish out very neutral advice and remember a time when I was just like them. 

Glad I am where I am now,
NeuroticMom

Blocked the Kids

It came time in our household to block certain things on the TV.  I have to say, "Love it".

The kids are complaining here and there but I can live with that.  If we think the older boys can watch something that's blocked, we easily unblock it.  Voila.  Easy and simple.

Proud of ourselves,
NeuroticMom

Friends are everything.

Good Stuff

I thought I'd never live to see the day that one of my teenage sons told me, "I love going to school.  It's awesome!"  I nearly fell over...and he was serious (in case you're wondering!).

Makes me so happy that we are sending them to the high school that they wanted and now it's up to them to make great memories, have fun and do well.

I need to sit down and enjoy this moment.

Life is good,

NeuroticMom

The Express

I just finished watching "The Express".  What a great movie.  I love movies about true stories and this one is inspiring.  Ernie Davis was an African-American football player for Syracuse in the late fifties, early sixties.  He lead the team to the National Title in 1959 and he was the first black man to win the Heisman Trophy (1961).  I didn't know the history behind the story before I sat down.  My fourteen year came in 3/4 of the way through the movie and Ernie had started to experience nose bleeds and wasn't feeling well.  I didn't need to say anything, my son sat down and watched the rest of the movie with me.  Ernie Davis died of leukemia at the age of 23.  He was a player for the Cleveland Browns, who never played in a game because of his illness. 

After the movie, my son got up, gave me a kiss good night and said, "I was lucky."  You see, my son had leukemia - he is a ten year survivor.  With tears in my eyes, I told him he was lucky but I also believe with all of me heart that he is here for a reason - whether he does a million ordinary, simple things with his life or something extraordinary.  Maybe his children will do something extraordinary, who knows.  But, he is here for a reason....and he was very lucky:)

Counting my blessings,
NeuroticMom

Where can I find a huge bag of blue raspberry jolly ranchers?  Someone please tell me!!!!

We're all addicted,
NeuroticMom

Unfreakin' Believable

Sorry, but I have to vent.

Since when can't someone on "The View" state their view without the hosts, who make millions of dollars stating their views every freakin' day, walking off on their guests?  Someone please tell me.  Every day, these women let the world know how they feel about everything.  They preach tolerance and diplomacy and BAM - show their true colors.  I'm tired of some of the hosts, and you know who, setting the bar for all of us to try to live up to.  Please!  You get paid the big bucks to debate.  You don't agree with Bill O'Reilly's views, you knew it before you sat down with him, you knew he would instigate something and yet you let it get out of control.  Congratulations, you made yourselves look like spoiled little girls, which makes us all look bad.

Girls, here's a suggestion (and I'm not pushing my view on anyone): ask a few families who lost their loved ones on 9/11 what they think about a mosque being built a few blocks from Ground Zero.  Maybe that will give you the accurate information you should be striving to seek?  Maybe you should get a hold of some polls that you say you haven't seen?  We don't have time to hear your emotional, preachy views when we're all trying to live our own lives.

Tuned in today to see if there was an apolgy.  Now I'm hoping it happens Monday.  Ladies, are you embarrassed today or are you still angry?  Doesn't matter to me.  I won't be tuning in anymore.  I don't care what your views are!

Thanks for letting me vent,
NeuroticMom

Have an awesome weekend.  The weather has cleared up and we can finally enjoy some nice "Fall" weather.  Soccer games, walks outside and family time.  So excited. Enjoy it!

Help...

Son number 1 (Sophmore) is constantly asking me if a Junior on his soccer team can drive him home after soccer practice.  Son number 2 (Freshman) asked once, I said "no" and he hasn't asked again.  Calm, easy child (for now).  What the hell do I do about the other one?  He is a negotiator and pulls every card out of his hat - "you know him" (the driver), "he's responsible", "his parents are okay with it", "we're coming right home", "don't you trust me?"......

A friend of mine gave me a contract that her parents gave to her brother when he started driving (probably 30 years ago), but it's still good for today, even though so many things in the world have changed.  I'm seriously thinking of coming up with something similar for the boys about getting in a car with a friend.  If they break either contract the punishment will be simple to enforce  because they knew the consequences, right?

Scary times ahead - it's not getting easier as they get older.  Now I worry that one little mistake can hurt or kill them.  It doesn't even have to be their mistake, but they're in the car or driving the car.  Any thoughts as to what I should put in our contract?  I'll ask my friend if I can share some of the "driver's license contract" with everyone.  It will come in handy someday for you too.

Have a good one,
NeuroticMom

I've survived the first two weeks.  The amount of things to learn is crazy, but I'm enjoying it.  The time flies by.  I just need to get over the guilt - that I won't be there for everything the kids are doing.  I told a mom that I just went back to work after sixteen years and feel guilty that I'm happy to have a job.  Her response with pure shock in her eyes, "Honey, sixteen years, don't feel guilty."  Made me laugh.

And the drama - love it.  Many women working in a busy environment is hysterical.  I sit back and observe.  Quite entertaining.

I'm more organized with meals and spending less money on things I don't need.  Although, the refrigerator water line is broken and the floor underneath is now rotted:( 

I'm going to enjoy the things that I had my kids DVR for me (Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice) and maybe watch "Wall Street" before seeing the sequel.

Have an awesome weekend,
NeuroticMom

Excited!

I'm starting a new chapter in my life tomorrow.  I am going back to work (P/T) after being home with my children for the last sixteen years.  Excited and I have to say - not nervous.  I'll be working for a busy dermatologist's office that my family has been going to for the last eight years.  I feel at home and am ready for the challenge to learn "the ropes".  I don't need a fancy job title.  My goal is to be busy.  This will definitely take care of that.  My husband has a job that can work around my hours (most of the time), my oldest will be driving soon and my youngest is in sixth grade.  It's time.  I used to be a nervous person - motherhood has prepared me for this new adventure.  Nothing's harder or more rewarding than being home with the children.  I'm hoping for a positive experience that will make everyone more independent.

I'm organized, don't want any office drama.  I want to work and come home to my family, and of course make a little bit of money.

I'll keep you posted,
NeuroticMom

Any free time?

The kids are now back into the school routine - doing well and off and running with another school year.  The problem - I learned about a new computer game that I have been playing in my free time - which is a little more nowadays.  It's called BookWorm.  Fantastic!  It's basically scrabble. 

Relatives introduced it to us over the Labor Day weekend.  And when I tell you that we were all sitting around the computer playing it, I kid not.  It was frustrating - with many thoughts and ideas flying at once.  However, playing by yourself or with one of your kids is great.  Check it out at PopCap Games.  You can download a free sample and buy the game to have handy at anytime:) for $19.95.  Young and old and for all of us between - loads of fun.

My high score - 325,840.  Father-in-law and help:) - 664,440.  Game on!

Have fun,

NeuroticMom

Perfect End to the Summer

My middle son starts high school this morning.  I'm so excited for him.  Our advice to him - make it a great four years - get involved, do well and have fun.

To end the summer, we went tubing with friends yesterday.  It was a perfect day for it.  We've lived in Bucks County for 14 years, always wanted to go and regretted not going every September.  Not this year.  We floated down the Delaware on a perfect day.  Kids (seven boys) had a football, spun around on their tubes(until I would personally throw up), relaxed, caught up with friends and had an awesome lunch on the way home.  If you ever have the chance to go - do it!!!!.  Trying to come up with something that every one wants to do on a lazy Sunday - is priceless.  Go with another family and chill, whether you're moving quickly or not, rapids or not - relax and enjoy.  Perfect, perfect, perfect:)

It's a good Monday morning,
NeuroticMom

I just put a new bottle of soap out in the kitchen and thought I'd blog about it.  I always use  Bath & Body Works soap - in the kitchen and all of the bathrooms.  They are so inexpensive, there are a variety of scents and the products are not tested on animals - what's not to like.  The special now is 4 soaps for $10.

Shop away,

NeuroticMom

A Great Idea. Why didn't I think of that?

Sometimes you hear something, and it's so simplistic and so basic, and you think "How did I not think of that???"
This is one of those things.  While trolling through some craft blogs I stumbled upon a post titled 'easy mopping.'  And that, right there, grabbed my attention.  I have a lot of tiled floor throughout my house.  With 3 boys and 1 yellow lab I am constantly cleaning up some kind of tracked in mess.  So anything that might make that job 'easy'?  Yeah, you have my attention.


This comes from Rachel over at Holy Craft.  Rachel, you are a genius.  Thank you for sharing your genius with the world:

I just take this old Swiffer that I picked up in the free box at a garage sale
grab one of my old washcloths, and poke all four corners into the little swiffer holes
and have at it! I usually use a wet rag for mopping and sometimes throw some vinegar into some warm water. When you are done mopping, just throw the dirty rag in the washing machine and that's it!


Easy peasy!  I already own a swiffer mop.  And I hate buying refills.  (which is why I n-e-v-e-r use it ;)  Can't wait to try this out.  Be sure to visit Rachel over at Holy Craft and check out her talented craft ideas too.  Thanks Rachel!


Waiting for a mess,
TechnoMom

Great Gap Coupon at Groupon Today!

Great deal at Groupon today: $50 Gap coupon for $25

Groupon is free to join, once you sign up you will receive a daily Groupon coupon invite via email.  I've seen mostly restaurant coupons for my area of the country but I know it varies by where you live.  This was my first time ordering a Groupon coupon and it was painless! You might as well.  You know you're going to end up at the Gap ( or babyGap or Gapbody) sometime soon anyway! Do you Groupon? TechnoMom

$25 for $50 Worth of Apparel at Gap
$25 worth: discount: savings: $50 50% $25 Company Information: Gap website Locations: Valid at all Gap stores.

Snack Time!

I like a little snack.  Especially when I'm sitting on my deck drinking this:

 I'm not a huge fan of fatty snacks because I like to do this alot.

I am also a huge fan of the Hungry Girl, (a eat-well, but do it with low-cal, low-fat, guru).

So channeling my inner Hungry Girl, this is what I came up with:

Get a round of this:

                                           

Only 35 calories per wedge! ( And one wedge goes a LONG way ;)

Next get a box of these:

You can eat FIFTEEN crackers for 120 calories (with 4g of fat and 5 grams of Fiber!)

I can't even eat a full serving--it's so yummy & filling!  One wedge of cheese and 10-12 crackers is a perfect snack with  a bottle of wine.

Now you know how I'm spending the rest of my summer nights :)

TechnoMom

Pet Insurance

It's been a crazy couple of weeks.  We were away for five days last week and got a phone call from the neighbor taking care of our dog.  Casey (the dog) is rarely sick - a little thing here or there and allergies, that's pretty much the extent of it.  She was fine when we left Wednesday afternoon.  By Thursday night she was sick.  My husband and I were playing pool with a bunch of other baseball parents stuck in a hotel while our children played for the State Championship.  Relaxing, drinking and I might add winning every pool game that we played.  Life was good.  Until....the phone call.

Casey is six years old and couldn't urinate.  Five days, two emergency trips to the animal hospital by friends and family, surgery and $3,000 later, our dog is back home with us.  She had 20 stones removed from her bladder.  Apparently this breed is prone to stones but it's unusual for girls.  Of course.  We are seriously thinking of pet insurance.  I have to make some phone calls today:(  Twenty stone doesn't sound like a one time thing as she grows older and her life expectancy is 16-18 years.

You never know,
NeuroticMom

Favorite Sunscreen

I use sunscreen on my face every single day of the year, without fail.  I've recently switched to a new sunscreen and I. am. in. love!

My new fave:

Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer liquid (spf 55).
It is truly sheer.  It doesn't leave my face oily.  It's like wearing your favorite moisturizer.  Once it is absorbed you don't even know it is there!  You can apply makeup on top without it getting cakey.

I have tried sooo many sunblocks over the years.  I personally use spf 30 as a minimum.  I have found that most sunscreens over 30 leave my face feeling greasy or worse, white.  Like I could star in the next Twilight film white.  Not a good look for me ( or really, anyone).

So glad I found a sunblock that works really well and doesn't feel like sunblock :)

Keeping wrinkles at bay,
TechnoMom

Took the kids to see "The Last Airbender" this weekend.  We really enjoyed it.  The ages of the kids spanned from 5-14 years old.  Adults liked it too!  Check it out if you get a chance.  Fun entertainment.

NeuroticMom

Baffled

I just ordered my son a wristband at powerbalance.com.  It's a really cool product.  A friend of his left his wristband here last week and we tried it out.  Apparently it works with your body's energy.  I know it sounds a little weird, but it really worked.  If you stand straight and put your arm out in front of you, keep your feet in a solid, stationary position and move your arm around your body as far as you can (without having the wristband on) - mark how far you were able to go.  Then, put the band on and try the same thing again.  Four out of five of us could move further around our body.  My husband did not believe it was the wristband.  But now I am seeing these things everywhere - professional athletes are giving testimonials and wearing it (it comes in different styles and colors).

My son's orange and white wristband arrives on the 16th and he's so excited.  So, we will cross our fingers and hope it's not a waste of $30.

All keep you posted,

NeuroticMom

Miserable People

I've had it with coaches who do not give a shit about a kid's feelings.  Every time an error is made, every time a kid doesn't get a hit - something is said to bring them down, not boost them up.  Why do we let people like this coach?  Then, even if you do things right, why aren't you told what a good job you've done?

Last night my eleven year old had a baseball game.  They lost 6-9.  But the loss is not what has everyone fired up today - it's the mistreatment of the kids.  Everyone is really upset about seeing my son hysterically crying coming out of the dugout at the end of the game.  You see, he doesn't cry.  He's known for that.  He cried several times during the course of a six inning game last night.  They said he missed a sign - six other kids on the team said he didn't - and he made the last out of the game.  I should tell you that he played the entire game at second base, had no errors, walked twice, got hit by a pitch and that last out of the game was a few feet away from being a grand slam.  But none of that seems to matter.  The coach who screamed at him for missing the sign, picked his bat up when the outfielder caught his ball and threw it at a fence.  Son asked him why he did it, coach said he was frustrated and son told him, "It doesn't belong to you."  Isn't that simple - "it doesn't belong to you". AND you should set a good example.

The lesson I told my son last night: a man is not jugded by the way he reacts to things during good times, it's when times are tough that a man is truly tested and judged.  It's easy to make the right decision when we are happy and life is great.

I think at this point, a parent may go nuts tonight if one of these kids gets yelled at and starts crying.  And to all of the coaches out there: you won't get a child's respect and best playing efforts when they're scared to death.  Be a good example and the kids will want to win for you, not because they're afraid of you!  Of course this does not apply to people who are coaching their own kids - that's a whole different story!

I've vented,
NeuroticMom

Funny Story

My husband and two of the boys went to the grocery store the other night to pick up a few things.  I was sick in bed with a sinus infection.  My children rarely go the the grocery store.  Why?  Because it's too much aggravation and I don't like to spend money on the things they always ask for.  It's easier to go alone!  Of course, they have to help unload the car when I get home!

Anyway, back to the story:  older son went in one direction taking what mom had said over the speaker phone in the car literally - "let them each get a few things that they want".  He went in search of the little coke glass bottles (came home with 2 six packs).  Ridiculous! My husband and other son were frustrated and just wanted to get what they needed and get the hell out of the store.  So what did they do? - hid behind a display on the son who went in search of the glass soda bottles. 

What happens? - two of the older son's girl friends came up behind them and asked where son #1 was and what my husband and son #2 were doing?  Well of course they wanted to join in the fun. Can't picture it but would have paid money to see it - my husband, fourteen year old son, a fifteen year old girl and sixteen year old girl hiding behind a display at the Acme! 

LOL,
NeuroticMom

Tough Conversation

Last night, my husband and I decided to tell my children something that we have always wanted to tell them, but never really had a reason to do.  I got a phone call yesterday from my parents saying my uncle is very ill.  He has had cancer in the past, but is now in the hospital.  They have found spots on his liver and pancreas.  It doesn't look good.  After I hung up the phone, I told my husband that we need to tell the children.  I've said it here and there over the years if someone has become sick, but we would decide not to.  Time would pass.  This time he agreed. 

Soon after we were married, I became pregnant, carried the baby seven months, went for a routine check-up and the doctor could not find a heartbeat.  I was induced and delivered a perfect, tiny baby boy that had gotten wrapped in his umbilical cord.  We were devasted.  We held a small funeral with immediate family and his name was placed on the tombstone of my family's plot.  My children have never been to the cemetery.  It's in NY.  My husband and I would visit it occassionally or I would go when the kids were little and we were there for a visit.  Our oldest son was born ten months later and time went on.

It's always been right there - the two of us wanting to tell them, worrying that they would be mad and upset when they found out.  Our oldest will be sixteen.  Being a neurotic female, I thought it might change their lives, worried they would become depressed, etc.  They were great.  After a really nice conversation and many questions and many realizations ("I would be a middle child, not the oldest", "I'm the fourth, not the third", "was he cute?", "how sad were you when you had him?", "when was he born?", etc.), life went on.  More questions will pop up I'm sure - one was "will we be buried with him someday?" - which turned into a conversation about when they get married and have a family of their own. 

I'm relieved it's out there now and thankful they appeared fine with the news.  

A weight's been lifted,
NeuroticMom

Mom 101

Good morning:)

Thought I'd pass along a tid bit of information with the mosquitos and other bugs that drive me crazy, mocking us this time of year.

My youngest son got out of the pool a few days ago and had a few bug bites on his neck.  The bites were in a cluster.  Within 36-48 hours he had a few more bite-looking marks in that area and it was spreading.  He is highly prone to poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc.  Since he was going to the doctor Friday morning to have staples taken out of his head from a previous pool incident, I asked the doctor what it was.  He has a staff infection - probably from a bug bite. Ten days of bactrim.  He already hates it but the infection already looks better, after only 3 doses.  He has to stay out of the pool for a few days and not share towels with anyone.  Pretty easy - I'm just concerned of the side effects as the medicine builds up in his system.  Hopefully his stomach will be able to handle it.

It never ends,
NeuroticMom

The Karate Kid

I took my youngest and a few of his friends to the movies today.  We saw The Karate Kid and I have to say it was really good.  I'm always leary of a remake - aren't we all?  Well, you will be pleasantly surprised.  I loved Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.  The kids had a ball and I'm "cool" mom today.

NeuroticMom

Tennis Anyone?

WOW - if you didn't have a chance to see Wimbledon today, watch Sports Center or go on the internet.  It was unbelievable!  Isner had it right at the suspension of play today - "This will never happen again!"
How could it?  The next closest match in the records book ended at 21-19 in the fifth set.

Good luck tomorrow.  Pretty good day for US sports between soccer and tennis.

Exhausted from watching,
NeuroticMom

World Cup Baby!

Go USA!

Even though soccer is not as popular here in the USA, we love it.  And of course we are praying for a USA win this morning. 

Bring home a win,

NeuroticMom

Starting Out on a Good Foot

I walked for an hour, got my husband and I coffee, put in a load of wash, have a pound of bacon sizzling and the frying pan out for aggs when my children wake up.  And it's not even 9am.  Not bad, but will it continue. I sure hope so!

I've made another goal for myself - put 80-90 ounces of water on the counter in the morning and finish it by dinner time.  I used to drink this much and I felt so much better in the evening - not as bloated.

Let me know if you have any little hints for the summer.  I'm hoping to incorporate these things in and have great habits by the time school starts again.

Have a great day,

NeuroticMom

They lost the game, but we did have our dinner together!

Can't Even Believe It!

Happy Father's Day.

I'm sure everyone is making the day special.  I know I am.  I've seen my husband for a total of 15 minutes today, fought with 2 out of 3 of my children, haven't showered yet and I'm hoping to make a nice meal for an 8:15pm sit down time.  Nice.

The two children I've fought with want to make plans for late this afternoon, but I won't let them.  Come hell or high water, we're eating dinner together.  Oh yea, we can't eat dinner until later because my poor husband is watching my poor son play in a soccer tournament in New Jersey in 95 degrees.  My son, who got picked up at 7:15 this morning and is now playing in the 5:05pm championship, will come home and pass out before I put dinner on the table.  I'll just have to prop him up! 

And the reason I'm not at the game right now - driving to and from hockey and baseball and I won't put my kids through the ride out to NJ and make them sit in this heat.  Seriously, sports should be off-limits on Father's Day (Mother's Day too)!

Hope your Father's Day was better than my husband's (and mine).

NeuroticMom

I didn't get up and get things done.  I actually feel hung-over and didn't drink a drop of alcohol last night.  Fifteen families hosted an eighth grade graduation party last night and I am exhausted today.  BUT, summer officially starts at 12pm.  Bring it on - I'm looking forward to it!

It's a beautiful day, my kids are happy and safe -what more could anyone want?

Happy Birthday TechnoMom!  Let's have a drink later - we deserve it!  Holy crap - it's not even a big birthday - what's up with the unbelievable gifts!

Make it a great one,
NeuroticMom

Bountiful Birthday

Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!

My family showered me with birthday presents this morning before the kiddies were off to their last day of school and hubs departed for a  golf tournament.  

Here's my grab from this morning:

iPhone4

(This is replacing my old iphone which is acting like a dinosaur after 2 short years of life.)

 iPad3G

Oh my goodness!!  I am blown. away. 

Spendingtherestofthedaywithmyipad,

TechnoMom

Summer, Summer, Summer...

Summer is here! The kids are out of school and my goal for the summer is to blog daily.  It's a goal, not a promise.

One goal I have for the summer is waking up at 7am (the latest) and getting the mundane chores of the day done (1 or 2 loads of laundry, empty the dishwasher, walk several mornings a week, Starbuck's run and anything I need at the grocery store for the day) before my kids wake up.  Life will be so much easier if I can do this, right?

Blog to you tomorrow,
NeuroticMom

Question...

Why do English, Australian, Italian, etc. singers not have an accent when they sing?  My fifteen year old recently asked me this question, which brought back memories of a time when I wondered the same thing. 


If anyone knows the answer, let me know.


Driving us crazy,
NeuroticMom

Move Over George Clooney...

That's right!  There's a new hottie in town.  And he. is. HOT.

Let me introduce you to 'that hot guy' from the new Sex and the City 2, ladies, Mr. Max Ryan:

 Mr. Max here plays the love interest of Samantha.  This picture does NOT do him justice.

And for more eye candy, Carrie's old boyfriend Aidan (John Corbett irl):

                                                   

It is worth it to see this movie just to spend a couple of hours looking at these guys ;)  And the shoes and the clothes don't hurt either!

Holy Hotty Heaven,

TechnoMom

Comfy Summer Sandals

On Thursday NeuroticMom and I are going to be chaperoning our 8th grade class trip to New York City.  We are leaving at 10am and won't be back til midnight.  That means we will spend many hours walking around the city.

I am really looking forward to it-- even all the walking!

The most important thing to have when spending a day roaming the best city in the world with a group of eighth graders (besides a LOT of patience) is an excellent pair of shoes.
Comfort is key.  Style is a close second; but comfort trumps all.

So what does one choose as footwear that will fit both criteria of comfort and style?

Fitflops!

So cute.  Sooo comfy!  I bought my first pair last summer.  The brand motto is : Get a workout while you walk.  (It's imprinted on the bottom of every shoe they sell).  I can't say I've noticed any changes in my derriere from wearing these shoes, but I do think they provide more support than a normal flipflop.  They have a thicker sole (which a short person like me really appreciates!)

Here's a description from the website:

Very possibly our prettiest sandal so far, our patent leatherPietra sports, a sleek metallic microfiber-lined upper embellished with three resin jewel stones down the toe line. Built on a slimmed-width version of our muscle-toning Microwobbleboard™ midsole, so you not only look fabulous and feminine, but you get a workout while you walk™ Click here for info on Microwobbleboard technology.


I chose the Pietra model in the color Pewter (love!):

So if your plans include a lot of walking and you'd like to sport cute footwear at the same time try a pair of Fitflops.  *And let me know what you think!

Walking Tall,

TechnoMom

* NeuroticMom, I think you should get a pair too! ($59 @ Velvet Slipper)

How'd They Do That?

My son went to a pool party Thursday afternoon.  Well before I left from dropping him off, he approached me with, "Mom, I have a little problem."  He had jumped into the pool with his cell phone in the pocket.  Guess what mom had said before he went to the party - "Leave you're cell phone here."  He's jumped into a pool twice (in previous years) with the cell phone.

Thursday night my husband and son found the insurance policy for the phone and ordered a new one for the $50 charge (which my son is paying).  They ordered it after 9:00pm Thursday night.  The order confirmation said next day delivery - yeah right!  Hold on to your thoughts - my son was rollerblading on the driveway at 8:45am (no school that day - have no idea why he was up and out that early when he didn't have to be).  In he came with a package - the CELL PHONE.  How the hell did we get it from Kentucky less than 12 hours after we placed the new order? 

Now I know that I don't know too much about the real world, staying home and raising my children, but even my husband was flabbergasted.  Thank you Verizon!

Amazed,

NeuroticMom

Beautiful....

Someone passed this along yesterday with a Mother's Day message.  It is profound.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

 

Cinco de Mayo!

Mmmmm.  I love any excuse for margaritas and guacamole so I looove Cinco de Mayo!
Hubs is away tonight so I'll be carting the kiddies around and won't be able to get into a margarita until later tonight.  But I  WILL be whipping up a batch of guacamole this afternoon!  It's sooo easy to make and fresh guacamole is the best:

Fresh Guacamole
3-4 ripe avocados (peeled, seeded, mashed)
juice of 1/2 a lime
1-2 tsp. minced garlic
1 small tomato seeded and chopped
1/2 small sweet or red onion chopped
1 jalapeno seeded and chopped
chopped cilantro (I just use a little bit, like 3T.)
cumin (add to taste)
sea salt
hot pepper sauce or cayenne (use this to add heat if you don't want to handle a jalapeno)


Add the lime juice to the avocado and mash together with a fork.  Fold in the rest of the ingredients and put in your fridge for an hour or so  (let those flavors meld!)I love my guacamole chunky--nothing worse than runny guac.  
Enjoy!
TechnoMom

Forgot Your CVS Card? No Problem!

You know what's really sad?  One of the things I look most forward to when travelling ... is emptying out my wallet.

I have way too many club cards.  Grocery cards, gas station cards, Staples, CVS, bulk stores, sporting goods stores, Hallmark; you name it, I've got their card.
And I've found that they not only add serious bulk to my wallet, but also make it HEAVY.  So when I travel, I empty it out.  Chances are I won't need my Staples card while I'm laying in the sun sipping a mai tai.

So, the other day I am in CVS at the checkout counter and I realize that I never put my beloved club cards  back into my wallet.  No problem, they'll look it up by phone number.  And the story could end there.

BUT, the employee saw me put my iPhone on the counter and said "Are you telling me you don't have the Cardstar App?"  And I'm all, No, tell me about it.  ( I love me a good app !)

Cardstar allows you to save every single club card in this app.  You can select by store or business; type in the number from your upc code and voila! no more carrying that stinky little card around.  It even accepts fitness club, library cards & my Marriott rewards card!  I've read the reviews and people are raving about this app.
And the best part?  It's FREE!!

I spent 30 minutes before bed last night typing all my cards into the Cardstar app on my iPhone. The weight has been lifted!

I can't wait to hit the grocery stores today.  I think being current with technology makes me feel just a little bit younger :)

God, I love technology.
TechnoMom

Ho Hum.

The weather is dreary and I need to finish cleaning out my closet.  I'm doing it right this time.  I took everything out, made piles everywhere in my room and did the same with my husband's clothes.  Every shelf was cleaned and every piece of clothing was sorted!  Now for all of the crap I had on the floor and shelves, things I never know what to do with.  Help!!

BTW - I am a hanger snob - no wire hangers in this house!

This is what I had! 

  

                 

This is what I'm shooting for!

    

All I wanna do is climb back into bed with my Kindle.

Enjoy your day,

NeuroticMom

Play Ball! Or Not!

High school sports - gotta love'um.

My son had a high school baseball game today.  My husband went to the game, I was on homework duty with two of the kids.

Well, these boys are becoming foul-tempered men.  One kid said something, another didn't like the way he said it, one throws a glove at the other and a face-to-face confrontation occurs - among friends on the same team.  Four kids get benched, lots of errors are made throughout the game, and so on.  Glad I didn't waste my time.

(BTW - my kid wasn't involved, but he did have an error.)

Here's to tomorrow's game,

NeuroticMom

Unacceptable, Unsafe, Unthinkable, Unbelievable!

Well, I have a story we can all learn from.  It's a real eye-opener and something we probably wouldn't talk to our children about. 

My fifteen year old cousin - that's right, my uncle is only twelve years older than me - was walking in broad daylight Saturday afternoon.  He was by himself going from point A to point B and he stopped to make a phone call in front of a church.  As he was standing there, a van pulled up, several men jumped out, said they were the police and told him he had to get in the van.  They were not in uniform and did not show their identification.  He said "no" and started backing away, they persisted, and he took off running.  When they caught him, they threw him to the ground - he started swinging, they held a gun to his head and handcuffed him.  He started screaming "help me".

Finally a uniformed policeman approached, after he was on the ground, handcuffed with a gun to his head.  What the hell is going on?!  One of the several undercover detectives realized this poor kid thinks he's being kidnapped.  "Hello - why wouldn't he think that, you haven't shown him any ID?"

My aunt and uncle got a phone call that their fifteen year old son is at the precinct and being held for assaulting a police officer.  Imagine that phone call.

Fastforward - the police apologized for the way they handled the situation.  There had been some recent vandalism in the area and they thought he looked suspicious.  Realizing that they did not properly identify themselves, they let him go.

What would you do?  I would do something.  He was traumatized.  Will he get over having a gun held to his head?- HE'S FIFTEEN, MAKING A PHONE CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY IN A VERY NICE AREA!  What if that gun went off when he started swinging, thinking he was fighting for his life?  It could happen to anyone. 

We told our children, who do walk around town sometimes, - stay with someone and you do not have to go with anyone that says they're the police and haven't shown you ID.

Thankful and horrified,
NeuroticMom

Sick Again

My little guy has strep, again.  It's the second time in one month.  He's miserable, in bed, quarantined away from everyone until tomorrow.  Lysoled door knobs, light switches, etc.  I'm going to eat, make some chocolate chip cookies and watch the "Blind Side" with him.  The good news is - he usually feels perfect after one day of antibiotics.

To a better day tomorrow,

NeuroticMom

BLAH!

Have you ever been at one of your kids sports games and you're enjoying yourself, cheering for everyone and "BAM", Debbie Downer sits down right next to you?  I can't quite figure her out - there's one on every team, you can't get away from it.

Well yesterday it happened again.  I'm sitting with a lovely mom and we're enjoying the fresh air, cheering everyone on and then it was over.  Debbie Downer sat down, immediately started in on all of the little things:  kids are in the wrong positions, the coaches need to do this or that, etc.  I'm sorry but even if you think it, don't say it.  I find myself smiling, agreeing and  praying that she just shuts up.  What do you do?!

NeuroticMom

MASTERS 2010

The best man won!

No one was rooting for Phil Mickelson more than my family - well maybe millions of other fans!  What a great Masters.  I love it!

Go Phil,

NeuroticMom