Social Media Day here at P&R

Thoughts on Facebook:
I like Facebook; I really do. Until someone starts prodding me to take a quiz, sign a petition or write on his/her wall. It's fine to do it once or twice, but all of the time? It's. Annoying.

Update on Twitter:
FSJ joined the ranks and I shall follow. I can't wait to see what/how he micro-blogs and if it lasts. (Note to Al: I haven't read the blog since I've been traveling so if it is a test or part of a joke, it's not that I don't get it. ;-)

Question about Plaxo:
Do people really use it? I get invites all of the time...and while I'm registered, I find it very similar to LinkedIn. I want to maintain one profile in one place and not have to re-register, build a network and then reach out to everyone I know from the various sites to which I belong. Note to providers: need porting capabilities.

Flick:
I think it will become the only place I house pictures. It's much easier and more convenient than Kodak Gallery, and I've managed to import my pics into a slideshow you can see on the right.

New Sites:
I am really interested in social media - both from a personal and business perspective - so if you know any sites I should take a look at, please send them my way.

Great magician

So one of my jobs for this conference was to scout out and manage our external speakers and entertainment.

So for last night's festivities, I hired a magician-David Harris-to perform. He. Was. Fantastic. Out-of-this-world.

I encourage anyone looking for entertainment for any sort of event to take a look at David. He can be reached here.

Fyi, keep your eyes on your watch!

An Important Skill

I need to hold a presentation skills class. Seriously. I watch people who are experts in their field completely blow their credibility because they cannot speak in public.

Never ceases to amaze me.

Oy!

So, I'm at my sales meeting and stupidly I agreed to go running with a group tomorrow morning.

Um. They're running at 5:30am. In the pitch black.

AND, they're running five miles, something I haven't done in eons.

AND, they're running at 5:30. A.M.

It's a bad idea, yes? Not only will I be humiliated by these skinny-bodied runners, but also I'll be cold, tired and trailing their non-asses.

Note to self: stop saying YES to everything!

Raya - learning to growl

Take a look at the most active baby in the world. Isn't she ADORABLE!

Blogging from the BB

I am blogging from the BlackBerry this morning because I'm too lazy to boot up the laptop (and I'm too busy watching Dragon Tales with the Pet).

I also wanted to test it out since I'm heading to a sales mtg tomorrow and won't have much access...and what with the "post a day" thing I signed up for...

On another note, I'm headed to the Pats game tonight. The weather looks like it's going to cooperate so we're excited...and it should be a good game.

Well, that's all. I'm rather boring today and my thumbs already hurt from typing on the BB - it's really not all that good for blogging, but oh well.

Oh, Lord. I'm on YouTube.

Note to self: Don't offer to give an interview unless the interviewer has a professional video camera. Certain angles are BAD.

http://www.ttmmedia.com/?p=13#more-13

The dog and the baby

Nikita is seriously eyeing Raya's Zwieback toast. She is sitting just close enough so if the toast she can claim rights. It's cute but also conniving, know what I mean? Meanwhile the baby is chomping away, oblivious to the fact that Nikita is just precious moments away from swallowing that snack whole.

Also, notice how I'm talking about the baby and the dogs and it's middle of the workday? That would be because I'm HOME. The baby is STILL sick and is having some breathing difficulties. Nothing quite as horrid as Petra's early illnesses but enough to increase the albuterol doseage and adjust the antibiotic...not to mention just worry a mother.

Wait. The dog just moved in for a closer look at the toast. Must. Intervene.

______________
UPDATE: The baby pooped. The Zwieback toast went on the table so the baby could be changed. The dog made her move.
Nikita - 1, Raya - 0.

So the media and pollsters were wrong!

In case you didn't hear--and I can't imagine how you wouldn't have heard--McCain and CLINTON got the nods in New Hampshire. Despite media reports and early exit polls reporting a landslide by Obama, Clinton won the state by appealing to both women and independents.

I'm not sure if her emotional moment had anything to do with her win, but I expect the people of NH saw a softer side of Hillary this past weekend. I think people appreciated the time and energy she put into NH and walked away feeling like she had the experience and know-how to be president from day one.

______________
I'm sure you're tired of me talking politics and Dem politics in particular so I'll share some other news: Rae Rae said DADDY yesterday! Can you believe it? My almost-eight-month-old child has started talking. I mean, she's been saying momma for months, but yesterday she realized that she could say, Daddy, and upon my reaction (Oh my goodness! You can speak! You're a MENSA candidate!), she kept saying it! Love that child. She's a complete crack-up.

Holy crap!

See the white circle on the photo below?

That's. My. Hair!

I did my civic duty

...and VOTED today. I'm sure it will come as no surprise to anyone: I voted for Hillary. I'll write more later, but didn't want to leave anyone in suspense (not that I have a huge following, but I know at least a few folks who were curious).

And for my friends in NH: Go do the right thing and hit the polls!

__________________

EDITED to add:

Wow! Take a look at the chart illustrating NH demographics below. I didn't know NH was so...white. 96% of New Hampshire residents are caucasian. And apparently we don't go to college either. 28%? (Of course, I went to college and graduate school, so I must be in the minority)

But it's a better way to spend...

Real conversation:

Natche: Dems just like to spend money and raise taxes in the process.

Me: Hello? The Republicans seem to spend quite a bit of money, in case you hadn't noticed.

Natche: Yeah, but it's for the war and cool defense stuff.

Me: And we're trusting you to help pick the next President?

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Natche's comment was tongue-in-cheek--we hope--so please don't egg his house... remember, I live there too.)

Doin' the camera happy dance

My new Sony DSC-W80 arrived today and I am doing the happy dance. This thing is remarkable. I'm surprised that it can't make coffee or type for me because those are about the only things it can't do.

Um, Natche? If we do find the other (new) camera, you can have it. I'm not giving this one up for anything. You hear me?

I'm pretty sure

It's Hillary I'm voting for. Pretty. sure. I've spent a lot of time talking with folks about the issues and I seem to know so much more about Hillary's stance on the important issues. So does better knowledge of the candidate mean she's the better candidate? Probably not. But it's all I have.

That said, I can be swayed easily and I'm sure you'll see a post from me later with a completely different point of view and choice for the nomination.

And as promised, here are two photos from the event.

Also,

Great use of the word, demagoguery, by Clinton. How many people in the crowd knew what she meant when she said it, I wonder.

The rally cry of the Clintons!

Ay ay ay! I am so torn. I was so convinced after yesterday's rally that Obama was the man, but then I saw Hillary. I twittered at this rally too, so if you're interested head on over and start following moi.

So, here in a nutshell is what I thought of today's rally. I'll post some pics (yes, I brought my camera phone this time!) tomorrow.

• Hillary is working hard to be both engaging and likeable. She spoke for a short spell, but spent the majority of the time answering audience questions. She also stayed an extra half hour over the the time given.
• Hillary, unlike Obama, was very specific during her speech about her plans for America once in office. She was convincing and authoritative and came across as incredibly intelligent and aware of the changes needed. Not that Obama was bad, in fact, he was incredibly inspiring. They just approached their rallies in different ways.
• Hillary supporters are passionate (read: fanatical). I met a woman, Pat, who came from New York just to tell NH residents that if they vote for Obama, they are just plain stupid and she has absolutely no respect for them.
• Chelsea is very cute. Good for her. Also, as Al put it, she has "perfected the look of bursting with pride to the point of tears."

So now the question you ask is, do I know for whom I'm voting. The answer is, not quite. But Edwards is at Martha's Exchange tonight...

Campaign '08

This morning I attended the Barack Obama rally in Nashua, NH. It was an amazing (and very crowded) experience. Obama is quite charismatic and a tremendous public speaker and today, I got to see him live and in person. He didn't look the least bit tired and seemed energized by the large crowd, which apparently exceeded expectation, so much so they had to use another gym for the overflow.

I took my Blackberry and Twittered while there, so if you want to see the transcript, click here and search for MichelleBB. My favorite quote is this: "...they knew Dick Cheney, my cousin, would not be on the ballot (for '08)....usually when they do these genealogical searches, they find you're related to someone cool."

Tomorrow I head to the Hillary Clinton rally; I want to make an informed decision before Tuesday's primary and as of yet, I still don't know for whom I will vote. But as Obama said during the rally, "In three days, we have a chance to say to America, we can do something that hasn't been done before." And I feel it's my duty (since this is a privilege) to do my due diligence here.

EDITED TO ADD: Yes, I stupidly forgot my camera. I plan to bring it to tomorrow's rally and yes, I will post the pictures. Not sure we'll get as close as we did for the Donny shot (Al!), but we'll get something.

Words you don't expect to hear...

... as an adult:

"Pay attention, Michelle!"

Yes, someone actually said that to me. To *ME*. In a real business conversation. With lots of other folks listening on. Grrrr....

What am I, five?

Craptastic!

An employee of mine (and friend) is leaving the company. I hired her two years ago and while she's moved on to work for other folks, we've grown close. But she quit. And I hate her for it.

No, not really.

But I am upset. I mean, how can she just up-and-leave me? Whose top coat am I going to borrow when my nails go dull? Who's going to fix my travel when I screw it up? And most importantly, who am I going to gossip with at lunch?

Sigh. I'm happy for her, really. She was offered a nice job, close to home with a bump in salary. Who could blame her?

But to quote Gus from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Leonor, "why you won leave me?"
____________
P.S. Yes, Al and Natche. I understand this is what happens when you socialize at work. You make friends, they leave or get promoted (or you leave and get promoted) and then, guess what, you're not friends anymore. So why bother, yes?

Raya, don't follow in your sister's footsteps!

I took Raya to the doctor's office this morning because she appears to be going through puberty. At eight months. No, but seriously, she has ten or so pimply-like lesions on her face and the rash needed to be addressed.

We were seen quickly by our favorite NP, MaryAnn, who informed me quickly that Raya has impetigo, a contagious rash that requires antibiotics. How did she get it? The evil sickness. From Web MD: "Children may get impetigo after they have had a cold or allergies that have made the skin under the nose raw." Um, yeah. That would be it.

But that's not all, friends! After listening to Raya's chest and looking into her ears, MaryAnn also diagnosed Raya with bronchiolitis and an ear infection (Petra's most common ailments). Because, you know, we're the worst parents on the planet and had no idea she had anything more than a nasty-looking rash.

I swear, parenting is tough. And as my friend Al put it, if the child isn't struggling to breathe, we tend not to call the doctor. And to be clear, there was and is no wheezing with Rae Rae.

So instead of working today, I am at home with a sick child watching 10 Years Younger.

The Biggest Loser is BACK!

The Biggest Loser - Couples Edition started last night and I couldn't be happier. It is one of my very favorite shows, a complete indulgence, and has been since it first aired. Here are some of my initial thoughts:

• Yay, Jillian is back for good and the other trainer (Kim?) is gone. Really, really didn't like Kim. She was a Jillian wanna-be and not a very good one.
• Why didn't more people want to be on Bob's team? His training style is pretty tough in my book, just as tough as Jillian's. Although, now that I think about it, if I were given the choicee...
• Go Pink Team! Bette-Sue is proving to be an early favorite and I'm hoping she and her daughter do well.
• Lynn...Lynn...Lynn....you got this far - dude, you were chosen for the show! - and you (pretty much) quit? What in the hell is up with that?
• Brittany - not a surprise Bernie lost all that weight. HE THREW UP ALL WEEK. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to know that no food + working out = some sort of weight loss, even if it isn't the right way to do it.
• Paul - um, asshole move. You had to tell everyone that your ex-wife is a quitter? No wonder she divorced you. Those thoughts...the ones in your head....keep 'em there.

Yep, waaay to into the show already, but I can't help it. This is real drama at its finest. And the best part about it is the reminder: if these folks can lose half their body weight, I can lose that last ten pounds.

Out of the mouths of babes...

Me: Petra, we just received a call from a man who wants to be President of the United States. If he calls again, what do you think we should tell him to do as President of the United States?

P: Bring our United States home!

He really called!

I just got a call from Dennis Kucinich! No, it wasn't live or in person mind you, but it was a taped recording telling me, yes me, to go out there and vote for him in the upcoming NH primary.

Wasn't that sweet?

Don't throw away! Recycle!

I have just discovered the wonders of Freecycle.org, a network of groups with more than 4.3 million registered members that is dedicated to helping people give (and get) stuff for free.

Thanks to Freecycle, I don't have to worry about how to get rid of a perfectly good mattress set nor do I have to look any longer at that second fridge that had taken up permanent residence in our basement.

Instead I have been connected with people who *need* what I have. And it appears, many have use for a queen mattress set and a GE Hotpoint refrigerator.

See, 2008 is off to a very good start.

Did the ball *actually* drop?

Because I'm not convinced.

Last night, we went with our good friends, Seth and Katie, and their two children, Will and Ryan to the RainForest Cafe for their annual New Year's Eve party (5:00-7:30pm, woo hoo!). There was face painting, balloons and more chocolate milk than any child needs. It was noisy and dark and the children were insane, but we all had a good time.

Needless to say, everyone came home and passed out on the couch. I woke up at 11:57 psyched that I'd woken up in time to watch the ball drop. I changed the channel to NBC (my preferred network) And then poof! I looked at the clock again and it was 12:09. Seriously - it went from 11:57pm, Monday, December 31, 2007, to 12:09am Tuesday, January 1, 2008, in the blink of an eye. It's as if 12 minutes completely disappeared. I mean, I was awake and looking forward to the countdown and ball drop and before I knew it, NBC was already onto their post New Year's activities.

So I ask you, did the ball actually drop? Or did we all lose 12 minutes?

It's amazing what you can find on Google

David J. Voss

Apparently he's still an actor and even appeared as a mime on the Today show!

The Mists of Avalon

It's on and I'm hooked. Every time I see a story of King Arthur, the Knights of the Roundtable or Merlin, I'm reminded of my high school's performance of the story told in mime. Yes, MIME. Didn't I tell you that I went to the Arts Magnet High School for the Performing and Visual Arts? Well, I did. And we did retellings of both the Arthur legend and the Salem witch trials in mime.

Anyhoo, the thing that stands out so vividly in my mind about that show is David Voss's portrayal of Mordred, Arthur's son. It wasn't that the performance was stellar (even though David was an exceptional mime), it's that he looked so HOT playing the evil son. I mean, David was cute, but nothing to write home about. But when he took that stage as Mordred, man-oh-man, he looked good.

I have no idea what happened to David. I assume he's somewhere in Hollywood or New York doing something in show biz (probably with Paul Etheredge-Oustz - but that's another story entirely). But he can take comfort knowing that someone, somewhere remembers his mime performance that year.

I bought a new camera

I purchased the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 in black. I've always had Sony cameras and CNET rated this one well. I got such a good deal on Dell.com that I just couldn't resist...and I hate not having a camera.

_____
On another note, I just saw a commercial for one of those organizer purses and it reminded me just how much I wanted one when I was younger. I used to beg my mother for one. Beg. I don't know why; they are butt ugly. But there is something so appealing about having everything in your bag completely organized and accessible. So instead of getting a GENUINE leather organizer purse/pouch, I might settle for this. I saw it on the Today Show. I'm kinda digging the cheetah version.

More gripes

So not only have I lost my camera, but it looks like I might have to replace my Nano, or at least my Nano's battery. It won't hold a charge anymore. I went to the gym and in one hour completely drained the battery. Just. Not. Right.

But here's the dilemma: do I bother replacing my Nano's battery (and technically my Nano because they actually give you an entirely new or refurbed unit) or do I just get a new Nano? After all, I own a first gen Nano with a couple of years under its belt.

Now I know what you're saying: didn't you just get a new iPod? The answer is, yes. But I bought the Touch, which is not for gym use. Seriously. It's more of my traveling, take-with-me everywhere-*but*-the-gym player. I happen to be one of those freaks who has a separate device for working out. So sue me.

We'll see. I'm going to hit the Apple store on Monday with Nano in hand and make some sort of decision then. In the meantime, if I could only find my camera...

Where is my damn camera?

I've searched everywhere and back again and can't find my camera...and it's seriously pissing me off. I *love* my camera. Love, love, love it. And it's gone missing...for about a week now.

And while it wasn't cheap (see here), it's not the money that upsets me...it's the fact that I *lost* it somewhere. And I can't *find* it. I *always* find what I lose. Except in this case, I guess.

So what do I do? Buy a new one? Wait another week or two and see if it turns up? (Although I have my suspicions that it's gone for good). I don't know what to do. I just know that I didn't get to take pics of the kids on Christmas and it doesn't look like I'll be able to document New Year's either.

Argh.

Going down...

Sean Corriveau, president and co-owner of Elite Fitness, will be arraigned January 3rd on a host of FELONY criminal charges including illegal use of a credit card and improper business practices. For more on the story, click here.

Let's hope Mr. Corriveau spends most of his New Year locked in a cell.

Our Warped Priorities

What does it say when the second most popular story (i.e., most viewed) on CNN (after the Bhutto assassination) is this?

Methinks it says we are a nation with very F$#)#*%-up priorities.

New Year's Resolution

Yes, I know most people don't keep them, but I still think there's value in making resolutions. In my view, a resolution is simply a promise to try harder at something.

So my resolution this year is to run. Better. Faster. Smarter. I will start a running program, but instead of going out and trying to run four miles (uphill) out of the gate (and inevitably hurting myself in the process), I'll start by running ONE mile, three times a week. And once I'm confident that I can go the distance and haven't done any damage, I'll up it to two miles, three times a week...and so on.

I've always enjoyed running, but gave it up last year thanks to countless calf injuries received as a result of my inability to a) stretch and b) take it easy. No more. This year, I'll give running a real try and do my damndest to work up to a reasonable distance without injury.

You heard it here first.

Ack! I joined Blog 365!

That's right. I couldn't even keep up with NaBloPoMo and I've decided to give Blog 365 a shot. I have no doubt I'll fail (at least once), but I hope this commitment will keep me on track to publish more regularly.

And just so you know, I'm member #163!!!

Let's face it, this blog isn't the most exciting you've ever read, nor is it the most entertaining....but it is mine... and it allows me to keep track of all of the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) things that happen to me and my family.

So here's to 2008: the year of the blog.

P.S. Notice my new Flickr slideshow on the right? Isn't it cool?

Bad Mom

I am such a bad mom. Certainly not in the top ten worst, but getting up there (or down there, depending on how you look at it).

I spent most of today alternating between yelling at my four-year old and wondering how much it would cost me to take a solo vacation to somewhere warm and kid-free. Seriously.

I really have to wonder sometimes if I'm cut out for this. I cringe at the first whingy, whiny sound I hear and shake at the thought of doing this mom-thing full-time. Isn't that so wrong? Isn't that why I had kids in the first place? To spend time with them...to teach them to be great people...to help them find their place in this world?

If so, I'm really doing a poor job, I have to admit. Maybe all of the poop and vomit and ungrateful attitudes are just getting to me. Or maybe I'm just not cut out for the job...

Christmas? Only ok.

I hate to say that it wasn't a great Christmas, but it really wasn't. My husband and youngest daughter are still suffering from the flu and neither was in any kind of mood to open gifts yesterday. In fact, all Raya really wanted to do was vomit and poop all over everything.

Petra, on the other hand, had a great day. She got her Disney Princess castle and Mix Max and spent the bulk of the day taking and playing with Raya's baby toys because, you know, a Little Einstein's guitar is much cooler than a life-sized Disney castle replete with elevator and dressing room.

Raya? Perfectly happy with styrofoam and tissue paper. Couldn't give a shit about her toys, clothes or food. Actually, she did give a shit. Quite a bit: I went through three outfits yesterday.

Now that Christmas is over, the Bs need to focus on getting and staying healthy. I'm not sure I can take another few weeks of the evil sickness.

Let me add (before I sound like a total Grinch), thank you Natche for the lovely gifts. The long, down puffy coat is EXACTLY what I wanted and lord knows I needed a new coffee maker. 8 1/2 years is just a bit too long for an appliance that gets used more than any other in this house. And thank you for the Pottery Barn recharge station. As you can see, I've organized all of my gadgets and have them all charging from a single outlet. It's really wonderful.

Gotta Run. Think the baby is going to blow chunks.

It will be a sad day in the blogosphere...

...if Dan Lyons takes the money and runs. Don't get me wrong, I understand completely. And if I were staring at a big fat paycheck to stop writing this blog (yeah, like that would happen), I'd have to consider it.

Apparently Apple considers the Fake Steve Jobs blog a little more than a nuisance and just wants it to go away. They appear to be making threats against Mr. Lyons and he's documenting it on the blog.

To Apple, I say: don't turn into the borg; it's not attractive.
To Mr. Lyons, I say: Don't let the mothership win! You provide a valuable (and highly entertaining) service to so many people. Don't make your money from a pay-off. Just write a few more books...I'll buy.

EDITED TO ADD: Apparently the whole shut down thing? A joke. One I didn't get until Al pointed it out and I read this latest post. I never claimed to be brilliant.

My political leanings

Thanks to Allison for turning me onto the SelectSmart.com presidential candidate selector. Based on my responses to a variety of questions, here is the entire listing of candidates in order of best to worst fit.

1. Theoretical Ideal Candidate (100%)
2. Dennis Kucinich (87%)
3. Christopher Dodd (76%)
4. Alan Augustson (campaign suspended) (74%)
5. Barack Obama (73%)
6. Joseph Biden (72%)
7. Hillary Clinton (72%)
8. John Edwards (68%)
9. Wesley Clark (not running, endorsed Clinton) (65%)
10. Mike Gravel (63%)
11. Michael Bloomberg (says he will not run) (63%)
12. Al Gore (not announced) (62%)
13. Kent McManigal (campaign suspended) (50%)
14. Bill Richardson (45%)
15. Ron Paul (43%)
16. Rudolph Giuliani (42%)
17. Elaine Brown (37%)
18. John McCain (30%)
19. Chuck Hagel (not running) (29%)
20. Alan Keyes (25%)
21. Mitt Romney (22%)
22. Tommy Thompson (withdrawn, endorsed Giuliani) (21%)
23. Sam Brownback (withdrawn, endorsed McCain) (20%)
24. Newt Gingrich (says he will not run) (19%)
25. Mike Huckabee (18%)
26. Duncan Hunter (15%)
27. Fred Thompson (14%)
28. Tom Tancredo (withdrawn, endorsed Romney) (14%)
29. Jim Gilmore (withdrawn) (13%)
30. Stephen Colbert (campaign halted) (7%)
    
    I guess you can tell which way I lean....

There is an evil sickness...

...that has been plaguing my family since Thanksgiving. I might need to call an exorcist. Let me give you the timeline:

• Thanksgiving 2007- the Bs head down to Tejas in what has become an annual trek
• November 27th - December 1st - Raya suffers from a nasty virus - comes complete with high fever and scary-looking red rash. We later learn she has roseola. Parents fight over who has to stay home.
• December 3rd-5th - Petra gets the croup; sounds horrible and has extremely high fever. Once again, parents fight over who has to stay home with sick child.
• Week of December 10th - ALL IS CALM. Except Mommy's in Vegas.
• December 17th - Mommy gets some sort of nasty flu-like infection. Must've been the late nights and no sleep in sin city.
• December 18th - Mommy works from home. She feels like shit.
• December 19th - Mommy goes to the doctor to get drugs. KB calls to tell us that Raya has just projectile vomited. TWICE. Natche picks her up since Mommy can't bring her to the doctor's office.
• December 20th - Mommy works from home and cleans up after Raya's multiple visits with the sisters, Di and Rhea.
• Evening, December 20th - Natche falls ill. Lies down on floor and doesn't move, until...
• Later in the evening, December 20th - Petra tells Mommy her stomach is full and then proceeds to vomit all over her bed, the floor and herself.
• Even later in the evening, December 20th - Petra is still vomiting. Mommy is exhausted. Daddy heads back to the floor.

I'd like to say that today is a better day, but I can't. I'm paying someone $70 to watch Raya (because she can't go to daycare with diarrhea) and watching Petra make pictures out of my Post-it flags here in my office because her father is too sick to watch her.

All *I* want for Christmas is an exorcist.

Happy Holidays, from the B girls

I can't stop cracking myself up.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1536797937

Home Sick

I am. Home sick. Something I almost *never* do. But I can't stop coughing, I have a low-grade fever and I am exhausted. Thanks, Las Vegas.

Given that I'm a walking biohazard, I'm not sure my co-workers would appreciate me venturing into the office today.

So given that I can't seem to sit still, I thought I'd update my blog. ;-) and actually, you can help. I need to take an inventory of all of Petra's Christmas presents and since she can't read (yet), I figure it's safe to do it here. So indulge. And don't judge. I already know she's spoiled.

From Santa

• Princess castle (for Barbie-sized princesses) - still needs to be purchased. We didn't know until recently that it was on the list for Santa. EDITED: was purchased last night. Holy crap was that thing EXPENSIVE!
• Pocohantas costume and accessories
• Disney Mix Max with Radio Jams & Pirates of the Carribean, the first (in hindsight, I shouldn't have purchased this...BUT, she loves my iPod and I think she'll enjoy it)
• Speaker buddy for Mix Max
  

From Mommy & Daddy

• Pink dress from Old Navy (love how Santa gets to give the good stuff?)
• Purple puffy jacket and rhinestone skirt (how trashy can you get???)
• Lined drawing book
• Reindeer Webkinz
• Loads of hair accessories and other small items for P's stocking
• Print of Aurora to hang on wall

So validate me. It isn't so much, is it? I mean the really big things are the castle, MixMax and costume. Everything else sort of ends up in that pile of, oh yeah, and I got that for Christmas too. Yes?

What happens in Las Vegas should happen to you!

Because it did to me. That picture, the one I posted the other day? From. my. PENTHOUSE SUITE.

Did you hear that? My penthouse suite. As in top floor. 1500 sq feet. Large enough to live in. Comfortably. And enough amenities to make me (almost) never want to go home again.

So just in case you were curious:

• 60" plasma in living room - CHECK
• 48" plasma over full bar - CHECK
  Eight-seat dining room - CHECK
• Bedroom with 42" plasma - CHECK
• Bathroom with full steam shower and four-person jacuzzi - CHECK
• 180-degree sweeping views of Vegas - CHECK CHECK CHECK
  

I must admit, it was pretty sweet to be treated like a queen for a few days. And seriously, I did nothing to deserve such an enormous palace. Yet, I got it. And enjoyed it.

So many thanks to the Mandalay Bay for making my stay in Las Vegas extra special. And particular thanks to the lovely woman who checked me in and decided that as a mother-on-the-edge, I deserved a little pampering.

And it just keeps getting better.

Elite Fitness, formerly known as Powerhouse Gym is going bye bye. That's right, my friends. The gym is facing a court-ordered eviction for failing to pay almost $14,000 in rent.
You can read the story, in all of its glory, here.

And don't fear, my friends, Natche and I are not out any money. I (rightly so) filed a credit card fraud claim with American Express and after a short investigation, they credited my account for all of the money we spent on that gym.

And lest you forget, it was I who originally contacted the Nashua Telegraph regarding the unethical and (now we know) illegal practices of Sean Corriveau. Revenge? Best. Served. Cold.

The first of many...

I plan to write several posts about my recent business trip to Las Vegas. But I can't do it all right now.

So for now, I'll just throw this out. Where do you think this picture was taken?

The movie critic

The hype around the Sci Fi Channel's miniseries, Tin Man, was incredible. The channel best known for Stargate Atlantis, Dr. Who and weekend-long disaster movie marathons has been promoting this show for quite a few months now; the trailers were quite spectacular. I'd love to tell you that the show lived up to its hype.

I can't. SciFi did a wonderful job getting folks to the party, but then didn't serve any alcohol or deliver a rockin' band.

Overall, the storyline was compelling and the concept intriguing: a young girl from Kansas heads to OZ (the outer zone in this story) to find out that she was actually an OZ princess hidden on "the other side" to protect her from her evil sister. Turns out sis was actually possessed by an evil witch who wanted to use the "power of the Emerald" to turn an eclipse into everlasting darkness.

As good as the premise was, the six-hour miniseries just couldn't get on its feet. The editing was choppy and the acting, particularly on the part of Zooey Deschanel as DG, was just so-so. Kathleen Robinson as the evil Azkadelia was decent, but her range was limited - she went from looking/acting crazy one minute to snarling and giving the evil eye the next. It got tiring after a while. And poor Richard Dreyfuss was completely marginalized in a cameo role as the "Mystic Man" (aka the Wizard).

The writers tried hard to use as many references to the original Wizard of Oz as possible, including this line given by Azkadelia, "My gods, she's off to see the Wizard" and a visit by DG to the tomb of her greatest grandmother, Dorothy Gale, you know, the first "slipper" to the OZ.

I so wanted more. But while I was disappointed overall, I should point out that this is a visually spectacular show and worth watching if you're home sick/snowbound and have it Tivo'd. And for those who didn't turn on the DVR, never fear, the Sci Fi channel will run it ad naseum over the next few weeks/months.

Whew!

I did *not* delete my entire Sent mail file. It is safe and sound where it belongs. In my Sent mail file.

Hanukkah with the pre-school set

I just spent an hour at Petra's school teaching the children in her class about the meaning of Hanukkah and celebrating the holiday with dreidel games and snacks. A few observations:

1. The story of Hanukkah is complex. And violent. And very difficult to tell to four and five-year olds. I found the story online at the Jewish Publication Society's Children's Corner and I *still* had to modify. Seriously, the last thing I wanted was for children to walk out of the classroom saying, "Petra's mommy told us that the Greeks tried to kill the Jews and so the Jews fought back and won against an evil Greek king and killed lots of people." Um. No.
2. Dreidel game = gambling. There are no two ways about it. It's a lot like dice. You put money in the pot and spin the dreidel. If it comes up Gimel, you win the pot. And yes, I just taught the children how to play.
3. The whole peanut-free thing? Difficult with the bringing-the-snacks-to-school thing. There are no stores in the area that sell baked goods that cannot say with absolute certainty that their products have not in some way touched or come in close contact with a peanut. And that means I had to bake. And we know how much I love that.
4. Petra doesn't want to share. Yeah, she wasn't too keen on sharing her mommy with her friends. Nor did she like the idea that every child in the class came up and hugged me after my presentation (and I can't say that I was too keen on it too). She grabbed me as if to say, this is my mommy and the rest of you need to go out and get a cool mommy who reads to us and brings us snacks...just. like. mine.

All in all, it was fun but I should've been better prepared. And I should've decorated the classroom. And I should've frosted the cookies. But the kids seemed to enjoy themselves; and let's face it, they're only four.

So to all of my Jewish friends (and non-Jewish friends who choose to celebrate), Happy Hanukkah!

Whoops!

I think I might've just deleted my entire Lotus Notes Sent Mail file....

Not. Good.

I'll update later.

It's been awhile...

Yes, I realize that I've neglected my blog, but I have a darn good excuse, two actually: sick children. Raya came down with the roseola virus on Tuesday while I was traveling on business; Petra came down with it last night. Roseola is a nasty little viral bug that causes a very high (some might call it wicked high) fever...try 103.5.

Anyhoo, Natche and I've been juggling work, sick kids, travel, holiday shopping and decorating all at the same time.

But we did have time for a bit of fun. In between the illnesses we took the kids to the North Pole via the Polar Express. Petra *loved* it. Absolutely adored everything about it and can't wait to go back. Raya? Notsomuch. She's teething and doesn't seem to like much of anything these days.

Here are a few photos of the polar adventure.

Apple, I love you

Yes, the guy looked at me funny when I showed him the tiny speck of light on my Touch's screen, but he gave me a new one anyway.

Although (and this is *such a nit-pick too), when I asked if I could upgrade to the 16GB (which would cost me $100 more), he said no, he'd have to give me the exact model I had before. Um, don't want my money? Ok.

Nit-pick

So I have an iPod Touch; I think we've established that, yes? Well, the other night I found something on it that really, really bothers me. And it's truly almost imperceptible to the naked eye...except mine. It's a pixelation...or some kind of light dot on the screen that doesn't appear to be a fleck of dust. And although it's almost impossible to see, I know *exactly* where it is and it bothers the shit out of me.

So what do I do? Return the player because it has a spec of light on it? Will they laugh at me when they have to wuse a magnifying glass to see it?

It doesn't really ma tter because you know I plan to hit the Apple Store this week. I mean, really, could you live with a light dot on your $300 iPod? Because I cannot.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Let it be known that on this day, Sunday, November 25th, Raya Laine cut her very first tooth.

Home at last

Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my family. I look forward to Thanksgiving all year just so I can take the girls to see their Bubbie and Crazy Aunt Judy. But there's just something about being home. It might be the SEVEN hour trip with two children under four....OR it might just be me.

Bitch. Moan. Complain.

Top ten reasons I really need to go back to bed today:

1. It took us EIGHT hours to fly to Texas yesterday. With two small children. Note to self: never go the cheap route again.
2. My throat is killing me. I can feel a sickness descending....
3. Ray Ray woke up at 5:00...AM this morning. Ready to play.
4. I put my underwear on inside out today.
5. I ate chili for lunch. I can still TASTE it.
6. I'm working....when I'm supposed to be on vacation. And my family is at the movies without me.
7. Some of my favorite cousins and friends from Dallas are on vacation. Elsewhere. I won't get to see them this trip.
8. I just got off a disappointing work call.
9. I think I've gained weight. In all the wrong places.
10. And finally, It will take me another EIGHT hours to fly home on Saturday. With two small children.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Southwest's New Boarding Policy

I gotta say, I'm not sure I like it:

1. They stopped boarding families first. I'm sure those of you without children really couldn't care, but it was a nice perk if you were trying to get decent overhead luggage space for the bazillion toys/clothes/food items required when traveling with wee ones. Now, they board families between the As and the Bs.
2. They started a position numbering system. I guess so many people have complained about the "cattle call"--you know, those lines that form more than an hour before boarding because certain people (myself included) must be first to board (yes, I'm anal like that)--so they changed their policy. In any case, one's position is determined by the quickness of your trigger finger (think Ticketmaster). You get online and hit the button EXACTLY 24-hours before the flight if you have any hope of getting an A, much less a low number.

I'll find out exactly how bad this new system is tomorrow when the family and I head off (with the millions of other folks) for the holidays. Fortunately, we have seats for everyone. Oh, that's right: WE DIDN'T BUY A SEAT FOR RAY RAY. Guess someone (read: me) will have to hold her for the duration of the flights.

What to do?

I'm headed out of town and need to load up my iTouch. Since a good friend of mine was kind enough to give me a GC, I've been browsing iTunes for the last few minutes, desperate to find a movie that will keep me entertained on the plane and is worth purchasing. Nothing fits the criteria.

But something did catch my eye: the first season of Eureka. So I throw it out there to you. Do I settle for a mediocre movie that I probably won't enjoy? Or do I add (yet another) show to my "must watch" list.

Anyone out there currently watch Eureka, and if so, is it worth spending $24 for season 1?

Baby Cougar

The baby cougar is going back! That's right folks, I no longer fit the profile, you know, being 29 AND ALL.

Earlier this evening, I was chattering away with the teeny-boppers who work at Petra and Raya's school while Petra finished drawing a picture. While we were talking, I happened to mention that Ray-Ray had gotten four shots earlier that morning. One of the teenies (call her Teenie #1) empathized: she'd received four shots earlier in the week, including the (apparently painful) HPV vaccination.

Teenie #2 then jumped into the conversation, "Oh no, Teenie #1, the HPV vacc is no big deal and everyone should get it...including you (looking directly at me)". Teenie #1 looked at Teenie #2 like she was insane, but whatever.

Me: Honey, I'm too old to get the HPV vaccination. I really don't need to worry....

Teenie #2: (obviously not getting my drift) But it doesn't hurt at all. You should really think about getting it.

Me: No, it's really not necessary.

Teenie #2: Oh, yeah. It's probably more appropriate for girls in their teens and early 20's, yes? And you're like what, 29?

Me: Honey, I LOVE YOU. You might just be my new best friend.

In the words of FSJ...

SIOOMA!

I'm struggling with a colleague...and while I like him well enough, he is the King of the nasty-gram. You know, that snarky little email, the contents of which can only be written because you'd never deign to say those mean-spirited words to someone's face. Would you?

Now, before I go putting myself on a pedestal, I'll admit to being a bit snarky now and again. Al can attest to that better than most. But at least I have the common decency (and intelligence, I might add) to not put it in print. Because let me tell you, if this guy EVER really pushed it???? Well, let's just say, I gotta whole folder full of his snark that could come back to bite.

Namaste, my friend.

Prank call

So, someone just prank-called my cell phone. I think it was some teen random dialing, but still, she left a nasty little message on my cell phone (in which she sounded drunk) and then thinking she'd shut off the phone, proceeded to have a conversation with someone I can only assume was her mother.

All caught on my cell phone. I did a reverse look-up (thanks Google ads!) and the call came from a landline in a nearby town.

So I ask, dear readers: do I call the number and speak to the parent (if my assumptions above are correct)? Or do I just leave it alone?

What's a girl to do???

An open letter to the women with whom I work

Dear ladies,
I have a growing concern for the hygiene practices (or lack thereof) of the women in this company. Ladies, you are gross. You really are.

If I could ask, nay beg, please take heed of the following suggestions:

1. Stop peeing on the toilet seats. Or if you accidentally sprinkle, please clean it up. I'm tired of getting my ass wet!
2. Flush the toilets. Nobody needs to see your business. Especially if you had a spicy burrito or nasty fish (you know who you are) for lunch.
3. And if you must relieve your bowels completely, please have the decency to use the scented spray provided by our company. It's. What. It's. There. For.

Look, we only have one bathroom on this floor and we all must share this precious resource.

Your attention to the matter is greatly appreciated.

One of the best Facebook Group names ever....

"When I was your age, Pluto was a planet."

Seriously. The entire group is dedicated to discussing Pluto's demotion from planet to well, whatever it is now. And the group's mission has been featured in recent news articles, including this one.

FYI, this "group" has well over 1 million members and is one of the largest Facebook groups out there. That's right. 1 MILLION. There are a lot of folks, apparently, who feel that Pluto got the shaft last year.

It's so huge, in fact, that you can now buy a Pluto group t-shirt: http://www.myshirtguy.com/main.sc

Abso-friggen-lutely amazing.

Fan-friggen-tastic!

The Trans-Siberian concert on Saturday night was one of the best shows (concert, Broadway musical or otherwise) I've ever seen. Bar none.

The band/orchestra played for 2 hr 50 min with no intermission and kept the crowd entranced the entire time.

The first half of the show is a narrated story filled with orchestral holiday music and amazing special effects. The second half is more *rock* with a few unusual (but good) interpretations of classics, such as Beethoven's Requiem and O Fortuna, the primary piece in Carl Orff's cantata based on the collection of poems called Carmina Burana (think Excalibur).

If you haven't seen TSO play, I highly recommend it. For $50 a person, my husband and I enjoyed a show the likes of which I've never seen. I can honestly say, I can't wait for next year.

Crap and crap!

1. Crap 1. I missed entirely yesterday's required blog post. I officially failed NaBloPoMo. I'm not quitting, but I'd really hoped to get in a post a day, and thought I'd be successful, especially since I blogged on my way to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert on Sat (more on that concert, including photos, later)
2. Crap 2. I just used a word improperly. On the phone. With an analyst. And she corrected me. I. HATE. THAT. I pride myself on having a decent vocabulary; my thoughts are generally cogent and my business writing fairly persuasive. I am one of two grammarians in the organization so I really pay attention to what I say and how I write (well, for work anyway). So it really, really, really bothers me when I'm corrected. This is probably the third time (in as many years) that I've misused a word, and I'll probably dwell on it for the next week or so. And in case you're wondering, the word was "subsumed" and I meant "submerged" or "consumed"...

Strike that...

EDITED:
That was BY FAR the best show I've ever seen. I can't even begin to describe how fantastic that group is. The vocals, the instruments...Carmina. My God, how have I not seen them before this? And how can I see them again???


We have *excellent* seats. We're in the eighth row. Seats 1 and 2. Not that these were the toughest tix in the world, but still, eighth row? I'm pretty psyched. More later.

Last minute posting

I so forgot to blog this morning and since we're going to Trans-Siberian orchestra tonight, a short-but-sweet post from my Blackberry will have to do.
Anyhoo, Petra and I went to that bar-mitzvah this morning, and God love her, she was a champ- the service was WELL over two hours long and she stayed relatively quiet and still the entire time.

Afterwards we attended the luncheon-we knew noone-at which Petra ate two chocolate chip cookies and licked the cream cheese off a bagel. She had absolutely NO interest in the lovely schmorgasbord (sp?) of smoked fish. I, however, thought the whitefish in particular was delish! (Unintentional rhyme)

My cousin Mel comes up tomorrow with her kids so it's going to be a busy day. But for now, it's just me and Natche, a nice dinner at Tribeca, and good seats for Trans-Siberian.

Dear God...

This morning, on the way to school/work:

Me: Petra, we're going to a bar-mitzvah tomorrow. Are you excited?

P: Mommy, what's a bar-meezbah?

Me: It's a ceremony for Jewish boys. Mommy, had a bat-mitzvah because Mommy's Jewish.

P: Like Daddy...and Biko...

Me: No, Daddy's not Jewish. Daddy's Catholic. Remember, we go to church with Daddy.

P: Well, am I one of those things? What am I?

Me: You are whatever you want to be...Jewish, Catholic...a little of both.

P: Mommy, I don't want to be anything. I just want to be me.

Natche, where in the hell are you?

Natche,
If I call your cell phone, it's generally because I need something urgently. Like perhaps I'm having a massive PANIC ATTACK. Now, I don't have them too often, but when I do, they suck and I really, really need someone to talk me off of the ledge. Any chance you could be that someone?

"I have a Little Mermaid credit card."

...My husband said sheepishly when I asked him why he didn't use his new Visa card for a recent purchase.

Me: What's wrong with the Disney credit card? We earn points towards DisneyWorld. You know, that mecca of commercialism and entertainment that you can't wait to go back to?

Natche: Yes, but. it. has. the. Little. Mermaid. on. it. How in the hell am I ever going to use it? People will snicker at me behind their backs! Why, oh why Renny, did you do this to me?

Me: I wasn't *trying* to emasculate you, Natche. I was trying to please our four-year old who thinks it's the best thing in the world that her parents carry Little Mermaid credit cards. Can't you just go with it?

Natche: No, I can't. Please go back online and order me the Mickey Mouse credit card. Thank you.

AquaDots

Dear China,
Please stop making toys that can kill my children.

This morning, I almost had a heart attack watching the news during which the recall of your latest bungle, AquaDots, was announced. I then almost killed myself falling down the stairs as I raced to grab that very toy from the kitchen table and throw it in the trash. And then, I had to explain to my FOUR-year old that AquaDots were very dangerous and that should she find any errant beads, she needed to throw them in the trash and never, ever eat them or let them near her SIX-MONTH old sister.

China, I have to admit, you've put me in a *very* bad position. My child thinks I'm a mean mom who doesn't want her to have any fun just because ingesting a few AquaDot beads can simulate the effects of the date rape drug. And because I now don't trust the manufacturing process of the entire toy and thus threw away everything, not just the beads, I have taken away my child's nail dryer (the super AquaDots set comes with a unique dryer that looks conspicuously like the ones in most nail salons and works like them too).

So China, please do me a huge favor. Get the government involved. Start implementing better, more rigid QA processes for your exported goods. And please, for anything that might end up in the hands of a child-particularly mine-take extra measures to ensure it's not toxic.

Thank you for your consideration.

The dogs have it.

This is a *real* email I just received from my husband:

Sent on 11/7 at 2:24PM
Jut ordered (Biko's) cake from The Barkery in Tewksbury. I picked Peanut Butter/Banana. It is bone shaped and will say Happy Birthday Biko! It can feed approx. 20 dogs if cut in small pieces. The cost is $26 and they are open until 7:00 PM on Thurday evenings. We just need treat bags.

I am not pregnant....

...nor have I been for almost six months now. So I *really* need to stop wearing maternity clothes!

I'm only 5lbs heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight but my hips are about 4" wider than they used to be. Nothing fits. Except a few A-line and full skirts. So I continue to wear my maternity pants. And you know what? I love them. I have a few pairs that are really, really comfortable and would be flattering if I had a huge belly, but unfortunately now just look stupid.

So what do I do? Buy larger pants that won't fit well? Starve myself to fit into the pants I already own (although I'm not sure that'll do very much for the wider hip issue)? Use a rubber band to secure said pants? Move to an elastic waist?

Argh. I'll probably just continue to wear my maternity. It's so pathetic.

Powerhouse Update

Lunchtime blogging again, so bear with me....and if this post means nothing to you, check out my previous rant here.

Ok, so Natche called me yesterday to tell me that Powerhouse Gym (the fake one, hereafter referred to as *those bastards*) charged us AGAIN, this time for $59.97. Interestingly enough, the charge actually came from "Powerhouse". Um. There is no such thing. Those bastards aren't authorized to sell memberships under the Powerhouse name and therefore all of the contracts they sold are null and void. And, since they charged my credit card after being notified of the Powerhouse lawsuit , my sense is they're now engaging in credit card fraud.

So this is me, yesterday afternoon, on a call with an American Express customer service rep:

Me: Yes, I need to report fraudulent charges on my card.

Rep: Sure, can you tell me which ones?

Me: The ones for Powerhouse on 7/25, 9/11, 10/11 and 11/3. All of them.

Rep: What's the issue, ma'am (love that he called me ma'am).

Me: The gym has been fraudulently selling memberships under the Powerhouse name and has recently been sued. The owner was never authorized to sell memberships and yet, keeps charging my card.

Rep: Well, sometimes gyms charge up front...

Me (cutting him off): You don't understand. They were never authorized to sell memberships, but did so good-and-well knowing they were conning innocent people. And, Powerhouse is now suing those bastards. Wanna see the article?

Rep: Wow. That's pretty bad.

Me: Yes, so can you please file a claim, cancel my husband's credit card and remove those charges?

Rep: It would be my pleasure.
_____
LOVE AMEX. Hmmm...I wonder if the Attorney General is considering filing charges against them. Might be worth checking...

Working....er, blogging.

So if I'm going to keep up with NaBloPoMo, I'll have to blog from work. At lunch. Something I'd hoped to avoid. I mean, how does it look to be sitting at your desk with a Blogger window open? Can I feign research? Probably not.

Next thing you know, I'll be Twittering. Or sending PocketTwitters. Oops! Too late!

But enough about that....let's get on to the real news:
I'm quite angry with my husband.

Now, I love the man dearly, but if he EVER leaves me to take care of two small children at a party with more than 100 people in attendance while he sits and watches an ENTIRE football game--one that I wanted to watch as well--knowing good and well that one child wasn't feeling well and needed to be held THE ENTIRE TIME and the other one only wanted to watch Cinderella III and nothing else, well, let's just say, he'll be singing a different note. A very high one at that.

Oh, and speaking of Princesses (sort of), I just picked up this for Miss Petra's big holiday gift. Extravagant? Perhaps, but necessary since she won't leave my iPod Touch alone.

My favorite pic

DSC00265
Originally uploaded by MichelleBB

I took this one two weeks ago before all of the leaves had fallen.

I like it mostly because of what you *can't* see....the in-much-need-of-sod yard, the busy street, and most importantly, the neighbors.

The leaves of fall

The leaves of Fall
Originally uploaded by MichelleBB

It's amazing what you can find in your own backyard.

Now I just need to find someone to rake up the THOUSANDS of leaves that have fallen across our property. Natche?

Damn! I'm strong!

So, I work out with a trainer twice a week, and he's just fantastic. He's excellent at his job and makes me *want* to go to the gym (a hard task indeed). Anyone who can get me to roll out of bed at 4:15AM to get to the gym for 5 has to be good.

Anyhoo, we've been working out together about two years now, and just recently I've noticed something: I'm strong. Not average strong. Not even pretty decent strong. I'm talking SUPER FREAKY strong. As in, how in the hell do I manage to lift that much weight?

But I keep getting stronger. And so you know, I'm not really that big...in fact, I'm fairly average - 5'7, 140lbs (give or take a bit of water weight)...but read these numbers (back are actually from this morning):

• Lat pulldown - 170lbs for 8 reps (last three with assistance)
• Seated row - 140lbs for 10 reps
• Bench press - 135 for 8 (last three with assistance)...and have tried 185!
• Hammer curls - 25lbs for 20

Am I wrong about the strength thing? I mean, I can pretty much bench my weight....that's pretty good, yes?

What comes around....

...goes around. Remember this: You screw enough people - and the wrong people at that - it WILL come back to bite you right in the ass.

Natche and I joined a brand new gym a while back because it looked promising - it was small and intimate, the equipment was top-notch and the training staff were some of the best in the area.

That is....

...Until the *consigned* equipment was repo'd.
...My trainer quit after sinking close to $20k into the business.
...The franchise holder sued the gym owner for trademark infringement.

So apparently the owner is in hot water with his landlord, the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau and a couple of mobsters (the unlikely, but helpful friends of my trainer). Seriously. Not. Good.

It's that shyster's own damn fault though. He's obviously a con artist and how he managed to open the doors in the first place is beyond me. I think a little leg-breaking is in order, personally.

Wanna learn more? Read this article.

A Day Late...

I'm too late to *officially* join NaBloPoMo, but I'm going to do it anyway. I've been lax about posting, not because I don't want to, but because work has been hell.

And because I've been Twittering instead.

And yes, taking care of my children.

But all of that is about to change (not the taking care of children part...it's pretty much a requirement of the mommy job) because I'm committed to blogging (not just a one-line post either) every day through the end of the month.

Anyone else out there participating? Thought about it and decided not to? Have no clue what NaBloPoMo is and don't really care?

Did You Know 2.0

Very interesting video, but it makes my brain hurt a bit.

Happy Happy, Joy Joy!

It's Old Navy Stuff 'n Save time. And I'm just giddy. It's the simplest promotion EVER - send people a bag, let them stuff it full and give them a discount off of everything in the bag. It's. GENIUS.

Everyone I know who receives the bag uses it. Everyone. And all of my friends, we all call each other and ask, "Did you receive the stuff 'n save yet? Because it's on its way", and "When are you going to go?"

An ode to Old Navy:
Oh favorite retailer, you make
me happy and complete.
You clothe me, my children
and my husband replete.

Your wares are fashion-fun,
sized-right and well made,
I visit you often and never
scoff at what I paid.

Old Navy, I won't leave you
unless you take away
your fabulous stuff 'n save
that brings me often your way.

Old Navy, Old Navy
How I love you so.
If you could just add
better shoes for me
Elsewhere I'd never go.

Best,
BB

99 bottles of beer on the wall....

How much beer does it take to get an elephant drunk? Seriously, wouldn't it be several kegs worth?

Note: this is a sad story, but slightly amusing in a sick and twisted way. I mean, who knew elephants liked beer so much?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21432722/?GT1=10450

Mini Pete

It's so sad, but she is *so* her father's child.

I was involved, I promise. See all that hair? MY HEARTBURN. See those adorable chubby cheeks? MY 40 POUNDS. See that cute Gap outfit? MY MONEY.

I got nothing to show for it...

Where to start?

So much has happened and writing is such a chore nowadays. I'll summarize:

1. Took family to Pumpkin Fest in local major metropolis. Had a blast. Girls wore costumes made by their grandmother and looked absolutely adorable. See?
2. Caught up with an old friend. Hadn't spoken to him in ages, but was thrilled to see him on Facebook. He's living in Chicago, so it's unlikely that we'll see each other soon, but it was nice to catch up. To be honest, I thought he was in a ditch somewhere.
3. Took the girly girls to get their school pictures taken today. Cracked me up. Petra? ALL SMILES. Raya? Not-so-much. Seriously, whodathunkit?

Not much of an update, but it's all I got for now. Isn't it enough that I posted the cute pics?

Hyp.O.Crite

That would be me: a person who acts in contradiction to his/her stated beliefs or feelings.

I completely BASHED a woman (who I do not know) for her questionable fashion taste (and it is *very* questionable) while on the phone with my friend, Al. Now, this woman has no idea that I think she dresses inappropriately for the workplace, so it's not as if I'm being mean....to her face. I just really, really needed to tell someone about the clear platform heels and the tight, tight skinny jeans...IN THE WORKPLACE. It's not so wrong of me to question, is it?

Karma feels otherwise. I got a look at my get-up in a full-length mirror at work and was completely horrified. I look bad. I am wearing a maternity shirt that is obviously maternity and obviously too big and a pair of boots that are waaaay too high, but were in my closet and were black (my only criteria this morning). And my long sweater does nothing for my butt. Wait, let me rephrase: it does nothing good for my butt.

I SERIOUSLY have no business questioning anyone's fashion sense today.

Chopped

I'm officially on a TV diet. I just eliminated Journeyman and Bionic Woman from the DVR and will most likely give up Moonlight. I am two weeks behind on Heroes (and I *will* catch up on that this weekend) and a week behind on Reaper.

I'll probably keep The Biggest Loser because it's easy. I FF past most of the show and slow down for the weigh-ins and the segment in which they show you how thin the kicked-off competitor got once he/she left the show. LOVE THAT PART. Did you people see Jim (or was it Bill) from last week? He dropped like a person and looked fab.

So that's it. I'm on a TV diet and only those shows that are absolutely, positively can't miss--or available for download from iTunes--are in.

*Me* Time

I'm off to a work function tonight, which you'd normally think would be boring and stodgy, yes? Nope, not this one. This will be a glorious evening filled with mucho amounts of food and drink, complemented by some interesting entertainment (Jimmy Tingle is making a guest appearance). And the best thing: it's adults only.

Don't hate me for saying that, please. I love my children, I really do. But considering that last night's highlight was washing the sweet potato puree out of my hair, well, then you understand that this is a well-deserved night out.

Oh, and did I tell you that Al's coming with me? Because then you just *know* it's going to be a wild one.

Happy dance!

I got it! I got it! I got it!


And once I can download the latest version of iTunes - the stupid site is down right now - I'll be able to use it!

Seriously, there is no better feeling than this (except when you, as the Highlander, chop off the head of your enemy thus absorbing all of his/her energy...I imagine that's quite the feeling).

Technology rocks!

P&R's World

Natche, if you're listening....

....this would make a very nice anniversary, birthday and Christmas present all rolled up into one. Please.

I'm nervous.

I'm currently away on a business trip; before I left I was supposed to delete some of my old DVR recordings so there'd be plenty of room for last night and tonight's television fare.

Oops!

So now I have no idea if Reaper taped...nor do I think I have enough room for Pushing Daisies and/or Bionic Woman.

Yes, I know what this says about me: I am watching waaaay too much television this season. But what can I say, I get addicted to shows--no matter how pathetic (read: The Biggest Loser)--and refuse to give them up until they're cancelled. And I have a penchant for SciFi disaster flicks.

That said, I plan to stop recording Journeyman (yes, it is that bad) and probably Moonlight (it's worse).

Let's hope one of my friends has more DVR space and the same taste in shows.

Ricky Martin, as sung by a four-year old

"Her lips are deli red and her skin's the color ocha. She will way na na, livin la pina loca. Livin la pina loca."

Classic.

It's back!

One of my favorite reality shows returns!

The Biggest Loser debuted last week and this season looks to be the best one yet. Yes, I'm a bit disappointed that Caroline Rhea has been replaced by Sammy Jo, but I'm thrilled that Jillian, the uber-taut, psycho drill master has returned to captain the secret black team.

See, now I can look forward to Tuesday nights again.

For the best show recaps, turn to TWOP. I can't promise they'll be politically correct, but I can promise you'll laugh your ass off.

P.S. I am *so* over BB8 now that the Donatos are guaranteed the money. I'm boycotting the finale.

P.P.S. Edited to add: Since I TIVO'd the finale of BB8, I decided to watch. Dick? You people voted for a chain-smoking, loud-mouthed, misogynistic asshold like Dick? Wow. That's all I have to say.

"For my stuff"

So I'm going to Texas tomorrow on business and decided to bring Ray Ray with me. Why? Because I'll be in Dallas and it's a good opportunity for my mother and Ray Ray to bond. Why am I not bringing the Pet, you ask? Because Ray Ray flies for free (lap child!) and Pet can't.

I know, I know. It's not fair. But Pet will get lots of special attention given that Thursday is her actual birthday and she'll have a school party that day.

But yes, she was understandably upset when I told her that Ray Ray and I would be going to Texas without her. I practically had to bribe her (no, not practically...I really had to bribe her) to calm down by telling her I'd bring back some sort of treat/gift/present. And I plan to. Especially because my mother went shopping last night for Pet's birthday present. At Walmart. Which means that it will be some fantastic toy that Petra won't be able to live without.

So last night, as I was packing (because it will take me FOREVER to pack everything I could possibly need to travel with a four-month old, which meant that I had to start last night), Petra walked in with her pink Dora suitcase:

P: Here, mommy (handing me said suitcase).
Me: What's this for?
P: For your trip.
Me: But I have my big suitcase. It should hold everything.
P: No, this is for all of the stuff you're going to bring me. Do you want the pink one or the purple one?
Me: Petra, I think I'll be able to fit your gifts in my suitcase.
P: NO! You need to take my suitcase. Now do you want the pink one or the purple one?
Me: (thinking, thinking) I'll take the pink one.
P: Good. I'll put it in the car for you.
Me: Um. Thanks.

So, methinks I'll have to drive to the airport with a pink suitcase perched next to me. I'll simply leave it there and when I return, I'll stuff it full of (whatever). She won't know that the suitcase didn't actually go to Texas....will she?

Down to the Final Three

BB8 is down to the final three: the Donatos (Evel Dick and Daniele) and Zack. Let's just say I hope Zack kicks Dick and Daniele's asses up one side of that house and down the other and sends Daniele packing this week.

Can I tell you how much I dislike the Donatos? She's smug and more than a bit self-absored...and he's just a bigoted asshole who abused (mentally and physically) everyone in the house.

It sucks that the odds are stacked in their favor. Go, Zack, go!

This is a test.

I just installed a new widget on my blog and I want to see if it works. My four-year old made me watch this movie the other day. Can you tell me what it is?

EDITED to add: Dammit, it didn't work. I need to figure this one out....

Tragic

So a guy I used to work with died on Wednesday. He didn't show up for a meeting at work, so one of his co-workers called his house. His wife knew he'd been at the gym and called there to locate him. They found him dead in his car. No cause, as of yet.

He was 38. His death has rocked me to the core for many reasons: We're the same age, we both work out and we both have small children. I feel like I'm grieving for a close friend.

I wonder what it must've been like for his wife....to assume that the day would start, go on and finish like any other day. I'm sure when she called the gym it never crossed her mind that something could be tragically wrong. Did they tell her over the phone? Or did she race to a hospital thinking that perhaps he was still alive only to find out he'd died in his car after a particularly strenuous workout.

I wasn't that close to Owen and hadn't seen him in years. But I can't imagine that I'll forget his death so quickly.

I wish his family nothing by peace during this difficult time. I hope they'll draw comfort from each other.

There is nothing more depressing.

Have you ever worked on something...given it your all....bent over backwards....put in crazy hours....gave up time off...to find that it was all for naught?

Can you imagine what that could do to your entire outlook--professional and personal? What that would do to your teeth? (I'm a grinder)

I may need to go back out on maternity leave. For my own sanity.

It's mine!

I didn't coin the phrase, but I plan to use it as often as possible. It might be the best one yet:

"She needed the break, because her belfry really didn't have room for one more bat."

Miss Alli from TWoP describing houseguest Amber and her departure from the BB8 household.

Tea Partay

Tell me this isn't hysterical. I. dare. you.

The MeatLoaf is bad.

And no, I'm not referring to last night's dinner, but instead last night's performance given by the hard-living (former) rock n' roll icon, Meat Loaf.

I went to the show with Al, and I have to say, it was bad. Actually, bad isn't the word...tragic is.

But let's face it, if the concert had been mediocre, I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much. It was so bad it had that "train wreck" effect; I just couldn't take my eyes off of it.

For the encores, Mr. Loaf performed (or tried to perform) a few covers including, Black Betty, which is attributed to Ram Jam, and Gimme Shelter by the Stones. So. Sad. Words. Cannot. Describe.

All I have to say is this: Meat Loaf's prime was long ago. And far away. And so much better than it is today.