Not Me Monday....

I'm participating in MckMama's weekly NOT ME! Monday. Head over to her site to see what she and everyone else has not been doing!

I did not end up missing my scheduled volunteer hours because life had gotten the best of me. And if I had I most certainly did not sleep in way too late. And even if I had done all of that, I certainly did not lay there feeling sorry for myself until the wee hours of the morning. No way! Not Me.

I did not allow my daughter to invite a friend of a friend that she had met once and only chatted on facebook with over for a sleepover. I did not then take them and buy them pizza, movies and a video game. I did not then have the girl decide she didn't want to stay and go home. That would be terrible.

I did not then see this girl talking to my daughter about making out in the bed with her boyfriend. I did not about have a heart attack. I did not have to decide whether to ban this girl or not. I did not decide that she's going to come across this eventually and being secretive about this stuff will only entice her more. No way. That would be liberal parenting.

I did not get into a debate on politics with my relative who doesn't debate well on Facebook. I did not share how I felt about previous administrations. I did not question his theory of socialism. That would be silly.

I did not have dessert night two nights in a row instead of our one night. I did not do this because I did not totally ruin my turtle brownies. I am not bad enough of a baker to ruin boxed brownies. No way.

I did not suddenly find and become obsessed with the Knock Off Wood blog. I do not now have multiple plans for building stuff this spring/summer. I am not afraid that I will ruin it. Obviously I must be good at something since I am NOT good at baking.

I am not in a down place right now. I do not need to find a way to bounce back. I am not feeling like i'm on a drowning boat all alone. That would mean I did not have it all together. And we know I have it all together.

So what have you NOT been doing??

Writer's Workshop-- Man I Rock!

I saw this on another blog I read DAILY, Postcards From Insanity, and thought I'd really like to do this. It is a fun blog carnival/meme/workshop created and hosted by Mama Kat (another blog I always read). Well damn. You had to do nothing and you just got two AWESOME blog recommendations from me :)

Okay now on to the writer's workshop. We had to choose a question. I toyed with a couple but I decided to go with:
Describe what you would change about yourself if you could.

Well that is simple. Nothing. I ROCK. I mean I am the Queen of awesome. Just forget that my blog is all about change. I need to change nothing.

OK moments over. Let us move on.

Society has created an epidemic. No matter what age they are or how they look, act and feel-- if you show me a female I will show you someone who wants to change something about herself. We are never good enough. Our looks. Our actions. Our feelings. Our parenting. The fact we don't parent. We are always looking for ways to improve. How often do we see the men in our lives trying to change themselves? We are lucky when the men in our lives change clothes and put on clean ones. Seriously. Yet as women we all feel that we are lacking something. I mean I created an entire blog of how I want to change. I know so many women both online and off who are totally awesome. Yet they want to change things about themselves. I am no exception. I just think it's very sad that no woman I know can actually say I rock. I am awesome.

According to society, I should be considered lazy and slacking because my hair is showing gray. Because my house isn't spotless I am a bad housekeeper. I need to lose weight because I'm careless. When I make frozen stouffer's lasagna I'm a bad cook. I should crawl out of bed every day and put on heels and makeup. Mozy my way to the kitchen to make up pancakes and eggs. Get Brat up and dressed for school in only the highest quality clothes. Get her out the door, tidy up my already clean house. From there I should run my errands, pay the bills and get my hair done. When I'm done with that I should come home, clean again just because that's what I should do and begin my homemade recipe for dinner. After serving up my family a great meal I can do dishes, play with Brat, sew an outfit, bake some cookies and clean one more time. Then I can finally take my heels off and settle down for a few hours sleep.

If I don't do this according to the standards society has set, I am somehow slacking in my duties and life. My parenting is bad because instead of some structured activity with Brat, I choose to kick her butt at Mario Kart. I'm a lousy housekeeper because I chose to catch the latest Hannah Montana episode instead of vacuuming or washing dishes. Since I work from home, if I allow her to go play alone, then well I'm just not a good mother. I am not an attractive woman because I have extra weight on me or because my hair is turning gray. I need to be presentable. I need to take care of myself.

But what society doesn't take into account is that instead of spending 24/7 worrying about all the things I'm not doing, I am living. Did I make cookies at Christmas? Sure. Betty Crocker ones with Brat and her BFF. And to be honest, they made them. I supervised. But it was the best day! Is my house clean? Probably not. But between working and living...time runs out. Do I need to lose weight? of course. But do you know how many men need to lose a few pounds? Quite a few. But how many are actually trying?

I'm not saying we shouldn't always strive to be our best. I'm not saying we don't make mistakes. We all do. I make a ton. When my daughter said someone pushed her at school, her dad told her to shove them on their ass. Is that good parenting? Probably not the best choice of advice. But we love her. And she knows it.

So when faced with the question of what I'd like to change about myself...well the part of me that feels less than would answer everything. I'd love to work on every aspect of my life. To improve my looks, my weight, my health, my finances, my parenting, just everything.

But the part of me that knows while I let myself go just a tad, I've spent the past 11 years getting to know and enjoy the company of one of the most awesome girls on the planet....well she'd say nothing. I don't need to change a thing. I rock. I am awesome!

Works For Me Wednesday! Backwards Edition

So you probably already know that We Are That Family hosts a weekly blog carnival called Works For Me Wednesday. Normally bloggers share tips on what works for them in some way or shape. But this week it's all twisted up.

Instead of giving you a tip-- we are asking for your tips. It's the backwards edition!

So in keeping with the idea of my blog, I'm going to ask for tips on developing a life, hobbies etc.

What works for you? Do you have a girls night out? Do you craft? Do you compulsively shop? What do you do that is a way to give yourself some much needed ME time?

Getting to Know You

I found this over at MannLand. And I thought it'd be a great way to share a little more about myself and learn about others. If you want to participate, just visit her blog and add your link!

1. Where were you born? I was born in Cherry Point, NC. At the marine base. But I did not stay there long at all. So I don't even count it as my "hometown"

2. Toilet paper..do you crinkle/crumple or fold it? I've done both. I don't really have a preference. But Brat...she folds it neatly. Scary that I know that.

3. What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Well it certainly wasn't New Moon. I REALLY REALLY want to see that. But the last one I saw in theaters was Hannah Montana: The Movie

4. What room to you spend the most time in besides your bedroom? The bathroom LOL

5. Would you be grossed out if you found out your husband/boyfriend/significant other hadn't brushed their teeth for 4 days and you had been snogging (kissing) them?
Yea probably

6. Do you fold your underwear? Yes I do...but it ends up messed up so why do I bother?

7. What is one goal you would like to achieve this year? I'd like to have some security and stability going on.

8. What is your favorite month/least favorite month? My favorite month is a tie...December for Christmas and July because its warm and there are no obligations. It's fun. The worst month is January. I think it's the letdown after the festivities.

Not Me Monday!

The lovely MckMama started a fun tradition in Not Me Mondays. I thought I'd like to participate. So here goes.

It was not me that skipped working over the weekend while it was busy. I certainly didn't skip so that I could read blogs. No way, NOT me. I am way more responsible than that. I worked as planned.

It was not me that ran out of dinners just one day short of the money hitting the account. I most certainly did not then make Brat eat Ramen noodles until midnight when the money hit. It was NOT me that then bought a bunch of frozen junk dinner because who wants to cook at midnight?? I always provide a balanced diet for Brat.

It was not me that poured my NYE drinks. I did not make them a little stronger than I should. I did not! I am not a lush like that.

It was not me that stayed up late and slept late over winter break. I did not get our sleeping schedules all screwed up. I would never do that. I know how important a good schedule is.

It was not me that has avoided grocery shopping for days. It was not me that hasn't even made a list or planned my menu. I am on top of things. I am always prepared.

It is not me that still has Christmas decorations up. It certainly is not me that doesn't plan to take them down until next weekend. I never procrastinate like that.

It is not me that is sick. I never get sick.

It is not me that is hoping I will be too sick to go to the Girl Scout overnight event Friday. It is not me that is dreading it like a root canal. I love Girl Scouts and look forward to all events.

7 Quick Takes Friday....

Over at Conversion Diary they host a 7 Quick Takes Friday. I'm a little late getting in on it, but I'd like to give it a shot.

1. I'd like to say Happy New Year to everyone. It's been one rough year going out, but I'm grateful for all the blessings I've had. I look forward to 2010 as a year of discovery.

2. The big hair cut ended up being shorter than I'd planned on. But I like it. Much easier to fix and run which is what I do most often.

3. There is a huge difference in tampon sizes when thinking about an 11 yr old girl. So if faced with it, go for the smaller ones.

4. I'm loving every second of my new blog. It's such a great thing to have a place where I can go and share and tell my story.

5. Coming up in the next month will be my first craft project of the year as well as my beginning decorating of my new living room. I look forward to sharing that with you.

6. No matter how hard I try I can not make a cookie that looks anything like the pictures that are with the recipe. Even my NO BAKE cookies turn out horrible. But then again they have chocolate. So is really bad if you have to eat them with a spoon??

7. Sometimes I start to feel like I just can not take one more thing. Then I'm reminded of where I've been and where I have to go yet. 5 years ago my daughter spoke to no one but me. NOT ONE SINGLE SOUL. In a couple months will be her third year singing on a stage in front of 200+ members of an audience. And she will ROCK THE PLACE.

Thanks for reading my thoughts.

Works for Me Wednesday...stain buster...

The lovely We are THAT Family blog hosts the fun Works For Me Wednesday Carnival every week. So I am here to share my Works For Me Wednesday tip.

You can not imagine the stains I my child can get on clothes. Apparently I look like I'm made of money and can just replace items at will. But unfortunately looks can be deceiving. Fortunately once, some friends shared a tip on a homemade stain remover solution. I thought well maybe it will help. Now it's not cheap. The ingredients can be pricy. But let me tell you, I once took PAINT off of an outfit. Seriously. This is the absolute most awesome stain solution I've ever used. As a matter of fact I'm going to try it in my steam cleaner to hopefully clean up these carpets.

Here's the recipe. Don't just take my word for it. TRY IT. I haven't met a stain yet I can't remove. Great now I just tempted fate.

How much of each item you use depends on what you are doing with it. I've actually increased it and used it in a washer overnight to clean couch cushion covers. Too bad it only made the rest of the couch look nasty.

1 cup Clorox 2
1 cup regular cascade powder
HOT water

Put your item in there and soak it. I usually soak overnight so its good and clean. Then wash as normal.

There you have it. My tip for the week!

Oh why not...New Year MeMe

Over at Musings of a Housewife she has decided to do a New Year's MeMe. Well I never could resist peer pressure. Or surveys. So for that reason I've decided to join in. But rest assured I left my shoulder pads at home.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I began volunteering at the office of our local homeless shelter. I have met so many wonderful people through this. I truly feel blessed. (okay sappiness over)

2. Did you keep your New Years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Knowing me I didn't keep a damn one of them. But I wouldn't know because I don't remember what they were. Since I do have a sick desire to torture myself with unachievable goals, I will make more this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousins had their baby boy twins in January. Little do they know what they are in for in a couple years

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly I lost the person I was closest to on the planet. My wonderful grandma passed away in June.

5. What countries did you visit?
I'm lucky I can visit the Wal-Mart down the street. Which depending on the hour might be considered another country.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Money. Not enormous amounts. Unless of course you are donating, in which case, I'll take as much as you offer. But enough to cover the bills and hit Golden Corral once or twice. High hopes folks. High hopes.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory? Why?
June 10th. I lost my grandma.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I survived. Seriously, after this year that's a major accomplishment. I'm not rocking back and forth in the nuthouse waiting on my meds. And I'm not in jail for assault.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I only keep track of the failures of others. I like it that way.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I always suffer illness. It's a part of my charm.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My blackberry. Special offer. Finally got the phone I've lusted after for ever.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine. I'm not in jail am I??

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
We shall leave that question to your imagination. Yes I have to censor some things. I don't necessarily prefer it that way, but it makes my survival easier.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Did you realize they expect you to pay bills like every.freaking.month ???? Greedy bastards.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I was really really really excited about moving to my new home. Then I found out the bills actually move with you. Dammit.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I'm sure it's by Miley Cyrus.

17. Compared to this same time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?

a) i'm here and that means a lot
b) about the same and that was one of my resolutions I'm sure. Guess I need to improve that this year huh?
c) right now I'm poorer. But that could change.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
There's a lot, but my biggest one is more outings and fun things with Brat.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Working. I've worked myself to insanity. It's not likely to change, but I sure can wish I'd done less of it.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home, with Nana and Brat and Grumpy. And it was nice. We made cookies. We played Press Your Luck on the Wii. Nice day.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No but in 2008 I fell in love with Edward. No man will ever compare.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
American Idol and Grey's Anatomy. And Army Wives. And...ya know for someone who doesn't like TV I have a lot of favorite shows.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. That wastes my energy. I'd much prefer to just piss them off.

24. What was the best book you read?
Well can I still use Twilight even though I read it in 2008? I mean Jodi Picoult was good. But NOTHING compares to Edward.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Brat. Just watching her singing progress and grow. Awwww happy mom moment.

26. What did you want – and get?
My new home. My blackberry.

27. What did you want – and not get?
Quite a bit. But I'll start with a computer from this decade. Maybe I was on the naughty list.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
It would probably be New Moon if I could actually GO SEE IT.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I didn't do a flipping thing. I'm pretty sure we had Peppridge Farm cake at home while we packed and stuff.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeausurably more satisfying?
Stable income, Edward, Stable income. Money. Yea...u get it.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
If it's not dirty, wear it.

32. What kept you sane?
Hiding in the bathroom with a bottle of liquor. Okay maybe not. I wouldn't do that. I would SOOO do that. Seriously my friends. Especially Tigger (K FINALLY has a name on my blog) and Lavendar. My partners in criminal thoughts.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hillary Clinton. I so wanted her to be President.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
With all of our medical/mental health stuff here, health care is a biggie for me. But I promise not to bore you with my rants today

35. Who did you miss?
My daddy. My grandpa. My grandma.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I haven't met many new people. But Tigger and I became close this year. And I did meet Bella (another fake name for a friend). Bella is awesome and it was sooo exciting to hang with her.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
What doesn't kill you, makes you need valium and tequila.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I can almost see it, that dream I'm dreaming. But there's a voice inside my head saying you'll never reach it. Every step I'm taking, every move I'm making, feels lost with no direction. My faith is shaking"

Damn, told ya it'd be Miley.

Wordless Wednesday... scary stuff