I Took Prince Charming on a Date

This is picture is probably the last time I felt like a "beautiful princess."

My oldest son, Jackson, has always been the sweetest and most thoughtful child. He had a really large vocabulary as soon as he started talking. Almost like a prodigy.

When he was two, and for no apparent reason, he would say "Mommy, you are a beautiful princess!" I will never forget the first time he said it, I was shocked to hear my toddler saying a phrase that any woman would appreciate hearing. After a while, he said it to nearly every woman he met. I watched as these women swooned like they were in the presence of Prince Charming.

Jackson and I don't get time to ourselves very often, and since Noah decided he wanted to stay at Granny's house last night, I decided to take Jackson on a date.

I picked him up after work, and off we went. He wanted to go to Chili's, so we went. We completed all the puzzles in the kids menu, and he told me all about his day. I got to hear about things that he normally doesn't share. I heard about his friends, his big plans for his first science project, and of course, the big skate tricks that he is landing in his head.

After dinner, we went to a movie. I let him pick, since I hardly watch TV and really have no idea what's playing. He wanted to see a movie called Enchanted. I didn't expect him to want to watch a Disney movie...he's eight, and hardcore skater little boy.

In the movie, a cartoon princess gets banished from the kingdom, and finds herself in modern day New York City. She is bewildered, but keeps her rose colored glasses on. She is delightful! Everything is new, and exciting, and she is happy and bubbly and full of wide-eyed wonderment. She is radiant and charmingly naive. Like a little girl.

During the movie, Jackson took my hand...and held it. He hasn't wanted to hold my hand in more than a year. If I ask him to grab my hand while walking through a parking lot, he looks all around him first, ducks for cover, and reluctantly hands me his limp and resistant hand. Affection for Mom, publicly, is falling by the way side as he is turning into a pre-teen. I've missed my little boy who wanted to hug me and kiss me, and tell me loved me at least 20 times a day. It's been a big adjustment for me personally.

He laid his head on me, and we cuddled. As the movie went on, he turned and said that I look like the princess. We laughed a lot too. Jackson even said, "Mom, she's funny, like you!"

I kept trying to see the correlation that he saw, I do not feel like a princess. He's too young to be so charming, and he is blatantly honest most of the time. I know that he was saying that stuff because he meant it. He wasn't trying to get anything out of me either, he was just loving me.

When the show was almost over, and for the first time in maybe five years, and completely without provocation, he said "Mom, you are like the beautiful princess."

Who knew that a date with an eight year old could be the exact thing that this woman needed. I've never felt more loved, admired, or appreciated. Jackson has always been, and will always be, my Prince Charming.

Bowing Out

There once was a blog called Conceptual Drudgery, the link is still sitting over there in my Blogs of Love. If you click on it, you will notice that the blog is now gone though.

I loved this blog. It was unique, and creative, strongly and powerfully written, fresher than any other blog I'd ever read. It was a trip outside of the norm. The posts came from the mind of a man who I don't know, but came to know to be some sort of literary genius. Creative writing, no doubt.

His last post explained how he did not consider himself a blogger, and how he relished the delete button. Being able to build a persona, and then *poof* remove it from existence.

I hoped he wasn't serious. But, as it turns out, that delete button called his name louder than the comments left for him in adoration. I feel the delete button calling often myself. I can relate. Sometimes my emotional brain panics. I wonder why I continue to do this. I wonder why I feel the need to share my thoughts and life in a blog. For all the confusion, and misconceptions, and blog funks, wouldn't it be so much easier just to stop? What purpose is this really serving? Is blogging the highest point of narcissism? Sometimes I wonder.

Words are so tricky. Even when used verbally, there is still so much room for interpretation, and inflection can make all the difference in the translation.

In the blogosphere there are no voices. The only semblance of inflection comes from punctuation marks and ALL CAPS. If I use all caps, does that mean that I am yelling...or does it mean that I am emphasizing that word? If I use exclamation points, does that mean that I am yelling, or does it mean that I meant what I said? If I use a question mark, does that mean that I am really asking a question...or could it mean that I am being sarcastic?

An awful lot of inner turmoil can come from the fear of being misinterpreted. That's why I have sorta resigned myself to always just assume the best. I always do. I also hope that others will always assume the best of my intentions as well. But, I'm not that naive.

Blogging is not for the faint of heart. If I wasn't sure that I "should" be doing this labor of love, then you can be sure that I would bow out. What we are doing is most definitely NOT nothing. The "persona's" that we create in our blogs are who we are. Whether it's a tiny part of who we are...or a tell on our complete psyche, a post is just a post. A post is a shimmering glimpse, at best. Our blogs are not our definitions, and for that matter, neither are our monikers.

I'm so sad that Conceptual Drudgery flew the coop. There's something to be said for powering through your blog funk, or your exposure anxiety. On the other hand...maybe Conceptual Drudgery's brief tenure was deliberate. Albert Kettle will live on in infamy now...and maybe that was his plan all along.

Gratitude is the Cure for Every Funk

Here it begins peeps.

I am officially out of my blog funk! I didn't realize that until this morning, when all I could do was think....think....think about what my first Gratitude post was going to be. I could not wait to post again, today! (Today, being the very next day after my last post.) When I started reading the comments you guys left for me, I was stunned to hear many of you liked the idea. And I was even more surprised at how many of you said you were thankful for me!!

So, I thought I'd toss this out to any of you who want it.

Deep pink roses say "Thank You."

So, please take this rose with you, and post it if you like. (if you can figure out how to link it back to this post, that would rule!)

You can post it because you want to post some gratitude in December, with me. There are no rules.

Or, you can post it as a token of my admiration, appreciation, and thanks for being such wonderful blogging friends. If you are a man, and you would like to post this, but object to rocking a pink rose on your blog...then you can have this.

Let's see what happens when we fill our holiday hearts with honest thankfulness. Have you ever noticed how you can't really, really stay upset when you are being grateful for what you have, rather than thinking about what you don't have? Have you ever noticed how happy you feel, how complete and whole your spirit feels when you humble yourself, and accept everything in your life as a blessing. It all boils down to the attitude you choose.

I encourage radical creativity! Show me your goods!! And, I will show you mine.

I'm going to be the silliest, thanks giving, freak show...you wait and see! Have fun!

"You would make a lousy anybody else, but you will be the best "you" in existence."

- Zig Ziglar (for you Momo!)

Please let me know if you are going to take a badge, this is my first badge-passing-out party. I'm so excited!! I will also send you the code for the badge of your choice...because I can't figure out how to post the code.

Counting Blessings

Thanksgiving came and went with almost the blink of an eye. We got to the family thing late, and missed the family prayer. I was bummed out by that, but I didn't say anything...and also, it wasn't my grandpa praying, so the idea of what it usually is, isn't actually what it would have been anyway.

I'm knee deep in holiday spirit now. For the nostalgic that I am, having permission to relive Christmases past brings all sorts of memories to the forefront. I welcome memories. I don't think that things, any things, happen without reason. It's important to remember. Sometimes the things we feel like we need to forget the most, are the biggest stepping stools into our future...the hard times, and the mistakes, are all just meant to polish us to perfection. A perfection that we will never know...but nonetheless, to make us better, or stronger, or smarter, for today.

The holidays, for me, are a time of giving. Giving thanks.

I think I'm going to give myself a little blog project. I'm going to post my gratitude. To whomever, or whatever, whenever, and why ever. I have so much to be thankful for, and since I missed the obligatory "Thanksgiving" post, I'm going to rock December with heaps of my own thanks giving...Piper style.

"Most of us would be upset if we were accused of being 'silly.' But the word 'silly' comes from the old English word 'selig,' and its literal definition is 'to be blessed, happy, healthy, and prosperous.'" - Zig Ziglar

The Death of my Woody

This is the original Woody doll. Circa 1996ish Purchased at a garage sale, before my oldest son was born. Woody was Jackson's first, and most cherished toy...just like in the movie! I even have his hat...somewhere.

Have you ever experienced the death of a toy? I'm not talking about a tattered, beloved, stuffed animal . . . I'm talking about the toys that make noise.

The robotic toys, that make noise as they move. The toys that freak the crap out of you when the batteries start to go...and they make ill-timed, scary as hell, involuntary movements...and sounds. When your house is quiet, the kids are asleep, and suddenly you hear a jarring "beep" "beep" from something unknown. Then you have to go rummaging for it, at the bottom of the toy buckets, so you can make it stop.

Last night Woody was making a mockery of me.

The house was quite, Noah is asleep in his room. Suddenly from underneath his door I hear;

"Hoooowwwdyyy pardnerrrrrrrr"

"Howdddddy paaaaaaarrdnerrrr"

"My name's Wooooooooooooooooddddyyyyyyyyyyy"

I immediately knew what was going on. I've experienced this before. But, I never thought it would happen to our Woody. He's been going forever...on the same batteries. It's amazing! I decided to leave it alone last night because I had no idea where he was. And, I didn't want to wake Noah. So, I put it off until this morning...and overnight, I had completely forgotten about Woody all together.

While getting ready for work this morning, I hear;

"Woooood"

"Woood"

"Pardnerrrrrr"

This morning, Woody's normal cheery and completely recognizable voice, sounded like some sort of demon screaming "woooooood." I had to find him. I had to exercise that demon. He was of course at the very bottom of all of Noah's toys. When I finally found him, I was suddenly swamped with memories of Jackson's babyhood. I think Jackson learned some words from Woody. I had a little pang. My heart went flippy. I can't get rid of Woody. We love Woody. Woody is the toy I will keep to show my grandkids.

Pixar people are marketing genius's!!

My blogging brain was so inspired at the thought of being able to write a post titled, "The Death of my Woody." I started to laugh alot!! Inappropriate humor, I know...but it's funny. I will probably change the batteries, if I can figure it out. I had to write this post before I checked it out though, for fear of losing my inspiration...and title.

Viva La Woody!

The Gods of Sabotage and Irony Frown on my Shoes

Unbeknownst to me as to why . . .

but it's clear that my shoes are destined to fates worse than death. I've dealt with the omen in silence for years. It's trickled down to my kids shoes now, and it's beginning to become a nuisance.

Case in point:

"Hi, I'm the left shoe!"

Yesterday, at daycare...after school, Jackson decided to take his shoe off...and throw it as hard, and far as he could!

I find this out yesterday while I am picking them up at daycare. Jackson has one shoe on. Upon questioning, I learn that his new (ish) shoe is lodged in the rafters of the old school gym at the daycare. That's about 30 or 40 feet in the air!

The daycare does not have a ladder that will go up that high. Nor do I. The daycare owner told me that when they had to change the light bulbs up there...they had to hire a truck with a ladder, and shell out $300.

So, Jackson's left shoe is now rendered absolutely useless. It's less than six months old. He will never wear these shoes again.

The loss of a perfectly good shoe...that everyone can see sticking out, up in the rafters.

That's irony right?

I had a brand new (literally) pair Chacos. They were the ones I wanted!! And I totally got them on sale...cheap! When I saw them, they were sitting next to a similar pair that I had originally planned to get. The only difference was that the pair I got didn't have a back strap. I never wanted a back strap anyway...and until this moment, hadn't known that they were made without the strap at all! I was stoked!

The next day, we decided on an impromptu float down the creek that winded through town. While on the float, that lovely summer afternoon...my awesome new shoe floated off my foot, and then down the creek into oblivion.

I had to watch it float away, and then climb out of the creek, with an inner tube, with no traction on one foot...across rocks and sticks that cut my foot.

That's SABOTAGE!

I am currently on the look out for three more shoes in my house. Two belong to me, one belongs to Noah. I'll keep you posted.

Most Random Factoids

I have been tagtasticized. I know two incredibly great people, who are also bloggers, they each tagged me for the same MEME, about ten years ago. I have been rude, rude, rude, to not do them yet! So, I am combining the two into one, this is going to be the most random factoids about Piper MEME.

Avery Gray is an amazing person! She has so much wit, intelligence, humor, and spark! Her blog is self titled. She tagged me more than a month ago! I think that Avery is incredible!! This one is for you Avery!

BusyDad is someone I have mentioned before. He is a blogging dude, who rules. He is a fantastic guy, no doubt! He tagged me maybe a week ago. He is such a great blog friend!


Now, without further ado....

Eight Most Random Factoids MEME

• I have not been to the dentist since Noah was three weeks old (just before my divorce). Yes, that's more than 3.5 years ago!! I am in desperate need of a visit! I've never been able to afford going to the doctor. I can't afford insurance either. I also make "too much" money to qualify for state aide for this myself. However, my salary, as a single mother, does afford my children state aide...they get to go for free, because of how "little" I actually make as an income. All the mumbo-jumbo!! State Aide is a blessing, but it's a tangled web. I'm very blessed that my kids can go to the doctor and dentist for free!! I'm not complaining!

• I'm starting to feel political. I'm starting to see a different side of the political fence. I'm 31 years old, and I am finally thinking my own thoughts about the state of the world, America, and politics. And even religion. I've never been ignorant of things, I've just always been very one-sided on somethings. On other things though, like the right to the freedom that our Founding Fathers fought for, Freedom of Speech, the Right to Bear Arms, Freedom of Religion, basically all human freedoms...my views remain unwavering. I am still a Conservative . . . but, I'm starting to understand both sides, Left & Right from their perspectives now. And, I have actually done much more thought and research to collect my opinions than via Wikipedia! But, I was really interested to see how an encyclopedia would define these terms. I wondered how many others have checked within themselves, for their own views on the current state of the Union. I have no idea who I'm going to vote for in 2008. I think the only candidate who really wants to help me...is ME! I don't like talking about politics.

• I haven't gone one day without having a Diet Coke, in more than a year! Maybe longer. It's a horrible addiction! And it's an insanely sweet craving! I've got to go cold turkey! But, I don't want to!

• My job title is Advertising Executive. On my company's website, it lists me as an "Advertising Rep." or some such garbage. It's an error, that's been there as long as I've worked there.

• I've been watching Jerry Maguire today. I've been seeing amazing parallels in my own life. I even seriously considered writing a post on it. Then I thought that was stupid, so I didn't.

• I decided that Noah's addiction to granola bars was acceptable. He used to be such a constipated baby, but there hasn't been a problem in that department in a long time. Maybe granola was the answer all along!

• I went on a blind date for my last birthday, with a guy I met on eharmony, and had talked to for 3 months. *shame* It was a horrible experience. I felt like an idiot, and a sucker and a fool, and desperate, and I would rather be single forever than feel that way again! But, I did get an iPod out of the deal. Long story. The point: I am not interested in online dating!

• I just checked on Jackson, he's outside playing. He was hiding behind a bush with a girl...who is 12. He was kissing her on the cheek. I shamed him. He's such a player!! Also, while I was checking on him...I noticed that he'd been picking the berry's of a Holly bush. I said "don't eat those berry's, they are poisonous." Jackson looked guilty, and said "they are?" Noah said, "YEAH!, if you eat those you will BLOW UP!"

Interviewed by a Goddess

See that photo? See that incredibly gorgeous girl in it? Her name is Christina. She is amazing. Her blog is called Paris Romance. She is beyond talented. She is a young wife and mother. She is an artist with film and words. She writes provocatively, and the way that she carries herself throughout the blogosphere makes me green with envy. I admire this woman. During my brief NaBloPoMo stretch, I asked her if she would help me with some posting ideas. She returned with the interview you will read below. She asked insightful questions. She gave me permission to open up about somethings that I haven't allowed myself to talk about before. Will I ever find her kind of gumption inside of myself?

*****

1. Are you mad at your mother for naming your Piper? Or do you love it?

I know that everybody probably wonders that, especially since that post I did on my name. Sometimes it gets old to constantly be spelling, or clarifying, or explaining. But, I actually think my name suits me very well. "Player of the Pipe" or "One who plays the pipe." (Not exactly romantic, princess name definitions) Legend has it that I was supposed to be named Jennifer Amy. On the night I was born however, there were five other baby girls born. Each of those babies were either named Jennifer, or Amy. So, my Mom chose Piper Erin to keep me from being so common. She nailed it!! I would make a rotten Jennifer, but I did name my first babydoll Amy. When I was a little girl, I always pretended that my name was Shelly.

2. Tell the truth.. how many men... HAVE YOU COOKED FOR?! (this does not include little men like kids or midgets)

I have wooed many a man with my culinary delights! I am a great cook! How many though? If you mean all at once, then I could guess maybe ten or so. The rule with me and cooking is that if I cook, they have to clean! It's only fair. If the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, the way to my heart is doing the dishes.

3. I'm curious, explain "singleish".... no beating around the bush, do you have a friend with benefits?

"Singleish" is the very definition of who I am right now. I'm totally "single"...meaning I am not in a relationship. I'm totally "ish" too...because I am a package deal, I've got kids, so I'm not exactly single. I think "Singleish" should serve as a warning. I'm not going to come out of "Singleish" for a whim. I'm serious about the "ish." All the "ish"es are actually just a play for the gray areas. Not much about me is black and white. I'm a complex mixture of everything...all rolled into one amazing "ish."

Pleading the fifth on the friends with benefits question.

4. How many wives should one man be allowed to have before deeming him a failure at marriage?

I think a man should keep going for it. I think a woman who finds herself with a man who has been married before, and multiple times at that...needs to be smart enough to know that there is a reason why he is a serial husband.

5. Do you think you are a good kisser. Do you know that kissing with your eyes open is.. creepy?

I know that I am an incredible kisser! I've heard it over and over. I am an amazing kisser. With these pouty lips, and all the passion tucked away inside of me, waiting to be poured over my lovers lips...how could I not be a great kisser? I've never had any complaints. Kissing with your eyes open can be creepy, but not always.

6. Do you want more children? Do you want to go for the girl?

I always hoped to have four kids. Yes, I would love to have a girl!! I am content to be done with being pregnant though. I'm content with the two wonderful boys I have. I don't pine for more kids, and the impetuous baby fever comes and goes. You never know though, I might get these two grown up and start again. That would make me insane, but stranger things have happened.

7. What was your first boyfriend like? Did he break your tiny teenage heart?

He was perfect! He was a grunge kid (this was 1993) he wore baggy/dirty jeans, flannel shirts, and Doc Martens. He was a musician, he was romantic in the coolest of ways. He wrote me letters, and notes all the time. He bought me sweet and meaningful gifts. He adored me, and I adored him. He called me every morning during my senior year of high school to wake me up and tell me he loved me. He drove a hot 1973 Mustang convertible. We listened to music, and did everything together...with passion. We were together for more than two years. Yes, he ripped my heart out, tore it into shreds, and disappeared. I cried from that love hangover for almost five years straight.


8. What do you get from writing your blog?

Wow, this is the question I've been wanting answer, yet afraid to answer. There is so much more to say than this, but I'm not totally ready to go there yet. Blogging allowed me to connect with my core again. I found myself again, and learned to respect myself, and not be ashamed of who I am or why I am. I know that sounds trifle and too profound, but it's actually true. I was very depressed and had a lot of anxiety for a long time. I was ashamed to let anyone in. Blogging let people in, directly through my audible silence. If you read my archives, or any of the posts in Best in Show, you can read about it.

9. Are you happy with yourself, your life, your choices right now?

I am so happy! I'm not totally happy with myself, but I'm happier than I ever have been. I'm far from perfect, and I'm sure that most people can see the room for improvement. But, I'm no longer concerned more with other's opinions than my own. I'm heavily dependant on God's grace, favor, and mercy. I'm a blessed woman, I have a lot to offer. I'm trying to be a fearless giver. I adore my sons, I take good care of them. Work is good. I have the best friends in the world. Blogging rules, and buzzing keeps me from feeling like a recluse...when in all actuality, I sorta am.

10. If you could change one thing about your life, one thing, what would it be? (and yes, don't be a pansy give an honest answer.)

The thing I like least about myself is how out of shape I feel. If I could change anything about my life though, I would head directly back to the mountains to live again...and never leave. There is a different lifestyle, and different air to everything in the pines. That's who I am, and that's how I want my boys to grow up. Being in Oklahoma right now is serving a purpose, but when the time is right...I'm outta here!

*****

Thank you Christina! You are superb! This was fantastic. I didn't expect such perfection, I don't know why though...you are sublime!

Hard to Stand on Shifting Sand

Sometimes life gets harry. Recently, the rigors of my life could be likened to climbing up a huge sand dune...in flip flops. It's almost as if each step I would take forward would send me slipping, sometimes stumbling, just trying to remain on my feet.

I haven't been playing with a full deck. I've not been bringing my A-game, for that matter, my head hasn't even been in the game at all. I've not been at my best, let's put it that way.

Everything has been crazy!! Kid stuff is always happening. I've been quietly coping with a breakup. It's hard not to be emotional about the ending of a two year relationship, especially because I admire him and respect him so much. I've been morose to say the least...but rather than looking at the reasons why I'm feeling strained, I suppress it. This does not make for a blissful Piper of Love.

It's hard to find balance in life. Balance is the key. I get rushed to find the balance, thinking that if I just get my head straight, my happy place will snap back into the forefront of my reality. I don't give myself time to adjust...I just try and get it back to good immediately. Avoidance is not the healthy way, or best way to get back on track. I get scurried, I try to just take the next step up the sand dune, and don't allow myself time to regroup from the shifting sand that inevitably causes me to stumble sometimes.

There is a quote, by someone, and I don't know how it goes exactly, but it's poignant nonetheless. It goes something like this...

"The greatest gift God gives us is SOMEONE."

I am so thankful for my friends! My best girlfriends, who are always there for me, even when I go MIA for weeks at a time. My blog friends, who notice when I've lost my pep...they step in with the most amazing words of encouragement and humor.

And even though some things are shaky, there is always much more good happening. It's up to me to pay more attention the good, and be grateful for it. Being grateful for the good is what makes the difference in a shaky climb up the sand dune of my life. When I start stumbling, maybe that's happening because I am supposed to sit down, and stop climbing. If I sit down, I can take a look around me, enjoy the views, take stock of the distance I've come so far.

Life is great! Friends are the icing on the cake. Thank you, all of you, for helping me keep going. Remind me to sit down and enjoy the view sometimes.

Holiday Forecast

Have you been bustling to get your Holiday plans in order?

I haven't.

They all just sorta fell in my lap. In a great way!

Thanksgiving will be spent with my wonderful, huge family of about 40. Lot's of food, and laughing! I have the best family in the world! Then that weekend, I'm taking Jackson to the BMX Grands! A day trip with Mommy! He is so excited!! Me too! He and I have been needing some alone time, and this is the perfect thing to do! Noah will hang with his Dad for some much needed alone time on their end. It couldn't be better.


Christmas! Christmas is going to be better than Thanksgiving!

My boys are going to Denver to visit their other grandparents! Which means that I get a WHOLE WEEK to myself!!

I'm going to CHILL! Chilly chill!!

I will wake up for work, and only have one person to get together, and out the door. I can spend time with my friends, who probably don't even remember what I look like. I'm thinking movies, dinners, and lots of laughing! I have the entire week, plus two weekends, all to myself! And maybe even New Years Eve!! This is the best gift that I could get for Christmas!

My boys will have an amazing Christmas too. Lots of cool presents, lots of snowboarding, Noah gets ski lessons for the first time, fun, fun, fun. I don't have to pay for a dime of it!

This worn out woman is going to get her greatest wish!! Much needed Piper time!

A Christmas miracle!

*****

In the mean time, it will be homework as usual. Jackson is taking a practice spelling test.

I decided to post again.

Noah is almost four. He is always...always concerned with his feet. He gets very disturbed by sock residuals. He insists on band aides, frequently. His little piggies are his little obsession. To me, his little toes are still some sort of toddler perfection...he is rapidly becoming "not a baby."

My boys are growing up! It's a different ball game now. In so many ways I feel like I got handed completely different/new kids...overnight!

It scares me to think about how much I am missing by not being able to stay home with them. My cherub...my perfectly chubby little baby....became a little kid. He is NOT a baby anymore. He never will be again.

You know what this means? Baby Fever! Only kinda though!!!! I love the older children thing much more than the baby thing! It's a lot less...HARD! I'm just starting to realize that this might be it for me, as far as having kids goes.

I never thought about that until now. But, it's all good! I'm not stressing about it, at all. I just feel a sense of loss...that I can't quite subside.

My boys are no longer babies. Now I get to look forward to pre-teens. Yippee!

Evidence for my case! ( ( here ) )

*****

Oh, and I miss the snow! The snow is flying in the mountains now...and I am missing it. I've been watching as much Warren Miller as possible. I miss the mountains.

I miss the mountains.

NaBloPoMo Resignation

I'm ten days into National Blog Posting Month. The challenge for me has been more frustrating than fun. Make no mistake, I love this blog, and I love posting! I can't imagine ever quitting. It was only about a month ago that I resolved NOT to post just for the sake of posting though. I think that I signed up because I thought it would be a great way to cure the blog funk that I thought I was having. I realize now that I signed up for the networking, for the involvement, and probably mostly for the blog bling.

Bliss in Bloom will not be compromising herself for blog bling any longer.

I don't want to post for the sake of posting. I want to post because I want to, when I want to. Not because I am supposed to. This is my formal resignation from NaBloPoMo.

*****

There might come a day when I get paid big bucks to blog. I will be a popular and skilled columnist, and my posts will be flocked to like a watering hole. I will gleefully accept writing assignments, hammer my way through posts, and relish the challenge. Until that day arrives however, I believe my purpose here should be of my own design. Take it or leave it. Bliss in Bloom is valuable to me. It's so much more than just a whimsical escapade. If I post just for the sake of posting then there is room for the value to slip...and that is unacceptable to me.

To all the other participants of NaBloPoMo, you are rockstar bloggers!! No question!! I have faith that you will carry out the endeavor with aplomb. More power to you! Carry on! But if you aren't having fun...follow me...become a drop out...and redeem your integrity!

I'm keeping the blog bling though, as payment for services rendered.

My Famous Cousin

Day 8 : NaBloPoMo

I have nothing interesting to say about me today. I have committed to posting everyday for a month though...so here is another shameless post...that I'm quite proud of!

*****

This is my cousin, Shane Hamman. He was in the Olympics in 2000 and 2004. He holds the world record for the heaviest squat, it was a mere 1008 lbs! Check your Guinness Book of World Records. Or, Google him! Shane is the best of the best. I come from a long line of remarkable men, but Shane holds the title as the strongest, no doubt. He is better than gold!! I love him dearly!! He and I share the same faith and values. He does a better job of speaking about it than I do. Shame on me! Shane is super-cool, check him out!!

This clip is old, but still pretty cool. I didn't know he was youtubed until tonight...when I looked. Not surprisingly...he is everywhere. I just happened to like this one.

Healthy Addiction? Weird Addiction!

Day 7 : NoGoFloPoMo

Noah is addicted to granola bars.

This kid is crazy about granola bars! He begs for them! He cries for them! Everyday, all day, he could, and would, eat granola bars if I let him. At first I thought it was funny how much he wanted them. He only wants one brand. . . and katy bar the door if I don't have any in the pantry.

Last night I bought four boxes, to last one week. Two hours later I realized that one entire box was empty! I was mystified, I know I didn't see him eating them. This morning I found his Spider Man Halloween mask wadded in a bundle under his bed. I picked it up, and inside of the mask I found four granola bars. He was hiding them so no one else could have them!

Tonight after I put Noah in bed, I heard a strange crinkling noise coming from his room. He had been in bed for about 15 minutes. I go to his room, he is laying in bed eating a granola bar!!

What's the deal with granola bars? Are they injected with kiddie crack? I can't figure it out.

Sunbelt, you have some splainin' to do!

Okay. Sure. I'll watch your kids.

Day 6 : NoGoBloPoPo

Am I insane? Most likely.

It's very possible that I am not at all in my right mind. If, in fact, I've ever had a right mind, it was lost...delivered along with the birth of my eldest son.

What do you know about me so far? I'm single. I have a job. I work a lot. I work hard. I blog hard. I have two sons, ages 8 and almost 4. They won't leave me alone. I have NO free time. I would sell my soul for some time to myself...but, I would be lost for what exactly I am supposed to do with it. If I get free time...I sleep.

Everyday there is a strong chance that there are at least six boys in my house. Jackson is a popular kid, I think the Game Cube and Play Station have something to do with that. By the time we get home in the evening there are boys waiting on my porch; waiting to get in my house, and yell, and eat.

I don't mind. I'm down with the little dudes.

Have any of these kids Mom's ever thanked me for "keeping" their kids at my house all the time? Nope. They don't need to. I regulate the whole lot of them, just like they were my own. I've grown accustomed to the noises and the smells. Do I wish that my kids could go somewhere else to eat, play, scream, and stink? ALL THE TIME! But, I'm cool with the unsaid arrangement that these Mom's have made with themselves. I know that someday my free/unsolicited/guilt-free babysitting ship will come in...someday.

There is a woman who works at my daycare. She is my neighbor. She has twin boys, and a daughter. These kids don't come over much, but they are great kids who don't hassle my youngest...that means that I like them a lot!

This Mom, who I don't know at all, but know to be single and struggling, asked me to babysit her kids for the next month. She has to go to work an hour before the school bus comes. She asked if her kids...all three of them...could come over to my house...at 6:30 am...for the next month...and wait for the bus. What did I say? "Oh, of course!" "Absolutely, send them over!"

I am insane.

It's like I am paying back all the babysitting that my own single Mom had to use when I was a kid.

Here's the positive spin. In case you don't know me well, positive spinning is how I roll. Attitude really IS everything!

The golden rule has never failed me. But it's not about that. I believe in being a giver! I believe, I really, really, really believe, that what we make happen for other people, God will make happen for us. I have seen this truth be revealed over and over in my life.

By choosing to be positive, and not complain, but acknowledge the needs of other women who are in the same boat as me...I am able to be a blessing and meet the needs. That is my reward. That is why I choose to be a giver and a blessing. Even though I may never get free time...my days, and moments are filled with love. Love from others, love from myself to myself. Love from upwards of ten boys who think I am rad!

I am the cool Mom! (I didn't realize that until just now.)

Piper? Like the Pied Piper?

Day 5 : NaBloPoMo!

Piper, Piperoo, Piperoni, Pippy, Pipper, Pipe, Pipes, Pipe Dag, Crack Pipe, Pipper Magoo, Piper the Diaper Wiper, Pupek, Pooper, Pipie, Pipperoo, Pied Piper . . . shall I go on?

Red, Red on the Head, Fire, Flame . . . other much more vulgar and atrocious derivatives, use your imagination.

"Piper?"

"Like the Pied Piper?"

"Really? That's your name?"

"Is that your first name?"

"I know someone named Piper!"

"Why did they name you Piper? Were you born on a plane?"

I hear each of those at least once a week...even still, all these years out of school. It's been years since anyone has thrown something new at me. Yet, everyone thinks that they are the first person who thought of it! They each laugh, they are so proud of themselves, so clever with their rapist wit.

If you were like me as a kid, you got called lots of names. Heaven help you if you name your child Piper though, she will get put through the wringers for it. If it has anything to do with being a red-head, if it rhymes with Piper, if it has anything to do with the color red...I guarantee you that I've heard it! I guarantee it!

So, consider yourself challenged now. Use your imaginations. Throw some nicknames at me that I haven't heard...I dare you!

Fall Arrives TODAY

Day 4 : NoBloPoMo

Oklahoma is the State where the weather happens all at once.

Tornado's, out of nowhere! Crazy wind storms! Hurricanes *pause* here! Feets of flooding, in a matter of minutes. In Oklahoma, season's change in a matter of hours. Today, in Oklahoma, it became Fall.

The time changed yesterday, and today it became Fall.

When I picked up the boys, and while we were driving home, it was already getting dark. The sun was setting, it was lovely. The weather was cool, crisp, and refreshing.

On the way home, Noah kept asking me, "Can you see, Mom?" "Mom, why is it bedtime?" "Why is it cold, Mom?" "Do you have lights, Mom?" "Can you see, Mom?"

(yes, he says Mom constantly) (yes, it drives me nuts)

Perhaps this post should have been titled, "This Family Doesn't Go Out After Dark, Much."

Pulling Teeth By Day 3

Day 3 : NoBlammoPo (?) Posting for the sake of posting.

Can you dig this vintage comic book cover?

I found it on Fanboy. It makes me happy.

Tomorrow is Monday.

Communication Breakdown

Day 2 : NoBlammoPo?

In today's post, you will read a factual, nearly verbatim, conversation between and a Mom and her eight year old boy. At the end of this post . . . you will be able to see why I am certifiable.

Jackson, how was your day? (just now noticing what appears to be brown bruises along the side of his face)

It was bad!

Why was it bad? What happened to your face?

First, this kid choked me and threw me on the ground. Then, this other kid kicked me in my face.

WHAT!?

Yeah, it hurt a lot!

(I lunge for Jackson's head, rapidly examining, running over his newly buzzed scalp like an ape looking for a snack)

WHAT!? You got in a fight today?? What happened? Who were these boys? Did they get in trouble? Why didn't you call me? Did you tell your teacher? Is that what happened to your face?? Are you hurt?? Does it hurt?? TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED JACKSON!

(I'm shocked, freaked out, panicked, wondering why the school didn't call me to tell me that my son was beat up by two other boys)

Nothing happened.

Jackson! Tell me what happened! You just said a boy choked you and threw you on the ground, and another boy kicked you in the face!

(I lick my thumb and start scrubbing at the "bruises", realizing now that the brown spots are just dirt)


Well, I was running at recess and this kid stuck his arm out, and I ran into it on accident. It choked me and I fell down. (clothes-lined because he wasn't paying attention) Then I was walking in front of the swings and this kid ran into my head with his foot. (the #1 don't for swing sets)

A day late...A post short.

I'm a glutton for punishment, but I think it could bring me out of my ((( funk. )))