Mama Kat's Losin' It: Writing Prompt 1.) A bad habit you'd like to break.

The writing prompt for this Thursday (probably the DAY you're reading this, as it is the day it's actually posted...) is 1.) A bad habit you'd like to break.

Please note: The prompt read, "A". That means ONE. Not two, or ten, or thirty... I'm sure I can think of so many more than ONE. Wow. Holy cow. Only one. And so... even though I read this on Monday, it took me until today (Wednesday! - night...). But hey... it's one step towards the topic.

Because, you see... My ONE bad habit that I would like to break more than any habit I have is...

Drum roll...

"... such a hard habit to break..." (Can you hear Chicago singing it in your head? Yeah... You know it'll be stuck there all day... a-yup...)

Um... I'm sure so many other people picked the same thing...

Can I hold it off any longer?

Uh...

Nah...

Here we go...

PROCRASTINATION!!!!!

So... How do you think I did? I think I got past it... at least for this week...

But seriously. I procrastinate (dunno why... and I know it's a bad habit... I've written about it before... at least 9 times that I labeled in the past) and miss out on those rebate offers that are supposed to save me so much money. Not all, mind you. but lots. and lots. Ugh! I also miss out on lots of contests and such because... well... I put it off until "tomorrow". And "tomorrow" never came, and then... I missed it. It was "yesterday" or "the other day" or "last week". No matter what it was, it was too late.

I have good intentions, as I'm sure most post people do, but... When it comes down to it, I just don't want to do it. Sure... "something" always comes up, too. But... I didn't really need to do that something. Apparently. But my mind and my heart just aren't in the thing I am/was procrastinating. And that's a bummer.

I'm okay, in the long run. I just could be better. Then again, I'll get to that... tomorrow...


If you'd like to share in the writing prompts, please head on over to see Mama Kat (click on the badge below...)! Please be sure to comment and give a holler to everyone else (at least 3, please...) while you're there. We'd all love it! Thanks again for visiting here...

Mama Kat's Losin' It! Writing Prompt 5... It's a Doozy!

This week, up at Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop, there's a whole bunch of prompts to choose from.

I could... write about summer where I'm at. Um... it would be too simple... and boring. It's hot. I run the kid around most of the day and cater to my husband. Oh. And do normal household chores. Not much to tell...

I could... write about what I've done on Pinterest (one of my FAVORITE time-sucking sites!). I've done so much and (unlike Mama Kat) don't have a board of "What I've Tried", although... NOW I'm going to start one. It's such a fabulous idea. And so... I'd have to search through literally THOUSANDS of pins to find them, so I won't... today. Another day... maybe. It's a new goal. 

As a writer that needs some push sometimes, I felt the need to go with something that I might not want to do. It might hurt. Heck, it will hurt me. So... here we go. 

5.) When you were your youngest child’s age, what were you like? Would you have been friends with your child? Why or why not?

My youth has a lot of memories. Memories that I remember and cherish, and memories I'd really really like to forget. Pinpointing an age brings those harsh memories flooding back.

I was 8. I was in third grade. I wasn't perfect, but I was compassionate. I read a lot. My friends and I were all "smart". School smart. We all got straight A's and we read. We used big words that a lot of 8-year-olds don't even know, but we did... and we knew what they meant. And we sang LOTS of folk-type songs (music was a big thing in my school... you know before the horrible budget stuff all happened).  We respected all adults.  I had a few really close friends. We'd go stay the night at each other's houses, brush each other's hair. We shared our hopes, our dreams... everything... almost. But... I didn't share my secrets. My secrets would make me different. My secrets would make my friends think I was weird... or so I thought...

My secrets, even as an 8-year-old, were very dark. Things were going on in my life that I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. I'll simplify it to say like many many children, all over the world, I was  abused as a child. I was told not to tell anybody. I loved the person who abused me and didn't want that person to be in trouble or "go away forever". And so... I didn't.  I'm sure because of this secret, I appeared "weird" anyway. I'd always think that everybody knew. And they just were my friends out of pity, that they felt sorry for me. (and just so ya know... I've had "the talk" with all my kids. They know that if anybody touches them in an inappropriate place or manner or says anything to that affect, to tell me or someone else with authority. It's not their fault.)

Another secret was that I was "adopted". Not in the "full" sense, but by my step-father. Why nobody was supposed to know... I'll never understand. It's really not that big of a deal. But when you are the only blond person in a brunette family, and you say they're your parents... people, especially kids, just kinda don't believe you.

So, in a nutshell, I hid a lot of things. I still do. But... I was a great friend, as were my friends. We supported each other, very rarely had any type of argument, and agreed on so many things.

My daughter on the other hand...

My youngest child is 8. She's beautiful, she's fabulous, she's very outgoing. But... she's a brat. So are her friends.

In today's world, kids are a bit different. 

They are so much more competitive. "I call that!" OMGosh! It gets on my nerves. Things they can't even touch, things on the tv. Apparently, only one kid at a time can "like" something. Because... someone already "called it". So weird. They are always all trying to compete with each other for who did what the most or who knew who longer. Like it even EVER matters...

When times were different...
I still love the crap out of this little girl!

Then there are the parents that pretty much let their children do everything. My kid is NOT perfect, by any means. But... I had a parent and child come over once. The child decided to bounce and throw a ball in my house. The ball hit a glass globe (and that's how I found out... by the "clink"). I quickly came out of the kitchen and said, "There's no ball-throwing or bouncing in the house. You guys can go in the back yard and do that." I am not kidding, the child wrapped her arms around the ball, turned to the mom and said, "Mom..." (Total lack of respect here, huh?) And the mom replied, "It's one of her rules. I guess her house isn't child-proof." Umm... Wow. As far as I know and knew (at the time), it's a staple rule in most homes. It's just not something you DO! Anyway... getting to my point...

My daughter is surrounded by this type of disrespectful attitude and often has to be reminded to respect adults, opinions, and people, in general. (At least when I'm around. I sure hope she acts better when I'm not.)

All these kids argue a lot. They pick little things about each other and "not like" each other anymore. All. The. Time. There is more drama in an 8-year-old's life today than I ever remember. Someone will start a "group" and have all those kids "not like" someone because they are wearing ugly shoes that day. My kid gets her feelings hurt easily and a lot. I try to toughen her up, but it still happens. No... I'm not saying she gets bullied, by any means. I just see that she can't take it very well. But I know that she does it too. She gets the "talk to" all the time from me. About how to treat people. About how to be a good friend. About how not to spread rumors and start them, too. (I volunteer a lot at the school and am amazed by the gossip these kids generate. It is craziness, I tell ya!)

 

There are times, though, when my daughter is very caring... very loving... very compassionate... a very good kid. But it's all the times that she's not which makes me say...

In another nutshell.  No.  I would not be my child's friend. Then again, I wouldn't be friends with MOST of these kids today. I wouldn't "not like" them, I just wouldn't be friends with them. It blows me away. I'll continue to counsel and teach my daughter about friendship and other replationships. I hope it's within her to be the person I'd like her to be, instead of the majority of the time being a little Diva-ous Brat. And make no questions about it. I love my daughter. It's just the journey to her becoming a grown-up that is frustrating.

Thanks for visiting and getting the inside scoop of my head. I said this post would hurt. It hurts in more ways than one. Re-living my childhood and admitting I wouldn't be my daughter's friend. One day, I hope things will change on the latter. 

Getting off that topic, please go visit Mama Kat and visit all the other wonderful writers who inspire me all the time and help me to want to keep writing, as well.

Mama Kat's Losin' It Writer's Workshop 1.) List 6 random facts about you and your husband.

Um yeah... Juan. and Me. We're a crazy mis-matched pair of complete opposites... Go figure...

Random Fact Numero Uno.) I tan. He burns... and he's the Mexican side of our twosome. Weird, huh?

Random Facto Number Two.) I'm extremely opinionated and research... like EVERYTHING! He wonders who talked me into the ideas or mindsets (has he even met me?), yet he's the one who was CONVINCED that Michael Moore was completely right and not at all one-sided or biased in Fahrenheit 911. I'm going to go with... he's the one who believes nearly everything he hears. (and if it's on You-Tube... it must be true... lol!)

Random Fact Tres.) I taught him the rules of various sports... apparently, it's NOT a guy thing. I thought he was joking at first, when he asked me why a person was called out or a penalty made. Yes, seriously.

Random de-Facto Four.) Juan knows crafting, cooking and writing are important to me. I'm glad he does. He even built me the craftroom I designed because he wanted ALL of it out off the dining room table and other stashable places because he cares about my passion. By the way... only recently, he has let me know that, "Nobody cares," and "It doesn't matter to anyone; they're only going to throw it away," in regards to my card-making, gift-making, and gift-wrapping. Ugh! But I've been assured by others this isn't true... people PAY me to do it. Hahaha! Joke's on him, right?

Random Fact 5.) We really do love each other. I know it sounds crazy funny, but we do. I'm constantly asking him if he's happy, and if he's sure. And he always provides the correct right answer. He is! He's perfect in every other way that he isn't. And I've always been perfect. There are no questions about that!

And the finale Fact SIX!) I'm always right. He's always wrong. Simply put. It's just the way it is. He knows it. I know it. And who in their right mind is going to argue with that?



With this week back on the writing wagon down... I'm hoping to continue on during the summer. Hoping I got my mojo back.... Please go visit all the other WONDERFUL writers at Mama Kat's Writers' Workshop. It funny. It's awesome. It's a great place to be.  Thanks for visiting me!

Wordless/Word-FULL Wednesday: So Not My Photo, But I Love It!

Juan's on vacation this week... so there isn't much time, but... I'm here. I came. I presented.

 

I'd love to give credit to someone, but I don't know who... I found this on Facebook, and just loved it.  After working on a pool deck for a couple of beautiful weekends (where the weather was perfect... especially for a California pre-summer!) and having multiple people ask me what time it was... while I was supposed to be watching the strokes, turns, take-offs, etc... I just laughed and laughed.

 

I'm sure nobody else will think it is quite as funny as I do... but... I'm still cracking up when I view it.

 

Thank you to whoever did this little diddy. I love you for it! and FYI... If it happens to be YOUR work, please... PLEASE let me know, so I can give you the credit you deserve. It is awesome!

 

I'm sure there are TONS of other awesome aspiring peeps out there, whose pics and words can entertain you for a bit. Please go check them out here: http://www.twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.com/

 

And now I'm off!

6 Months Ago...

... I started writing again. Briefly. Only to stop again.

It's not that "life" got in the way.

It's not that so many things happened.

It's not that I was so overwhelmed.

It's not that I didn't have anything to write about.

It's about...

Me.

I lost it.

I felt lost.

I lost some "friends", not in the passed-away version, but in the they-didn't-want-to-be-my-friends-anymore version.

And so I felt I wasn't worthy. That I was a bad person.

I tried and tried to get away from that.

As it turns out. It was them. They may have been liars, users, and manipulators... all of what I'm not, and they didn't like it when I called them on it. And so... they ended the friendships, without letting me know... without letting me know why... leaving me to wonder and feel bad.

And I may have misinterpreted some or all... But when you don't let someone know, they can only guess. And so I felt bad... In a bad way. 

I'm a good person.

I'm a great friend.

I'm better off now. I'm ready to write.

I'm ready to craft and write about it.

I'm ready to cook and write about it.

I'm ready to go through life and write about it.

With all that said... I'd like to thank the true friends I still have, my family, and everyone else who really stood by me and supported me. You all made me feel worthy and told me about the person I really am.  Thank you.

Now let's get busy!!!!

Mama Kat's Losin' It Writing Prompts: 1.) A mom fail moment.

First of all... I'd like to say to you (and have you realize) that I have a lot, and I mean a lot of mommy fail moments. Don't know what these are? Um... right... In case you're serious (which I doubt...), a mommy fail moment is that moment when you realize that YOU as a mommy (or other parental-type) failed. You or your kid did something bad (or just not good or rude or...) and you realize it's your fault because the example you set wasn't so hot.

If you don't have a lot, or at least some, then you should write a book. And the rest of us would buy it, because... we want to see how to raise your child perfectly. Uh, huh. Yeah...

Anywho... it was hard for me to pick just one. ONE that wouldn't totally embarrass my kids. ONE that wouldn't totally embarrass me. ONE that wouldn't be judged so harshly (because we have those, too!). ONE that I really didn't mind blogging about. It was really hard. So... here goes!:

The Fart Fairy

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away... a little girl was passing gas (quite a lot) on an ordinary Springtime Day.

The girl was super sad and felt rumbly in her tummy; she didn't like the way it smelled. It made her feel crummy.

Her loving mother assured her to all beings it was inherent and that the smell wasn't quite always apparent.

And so her mother sat her down and told her a fairy story... full of breaking wind and all the glory.

Of witches, goblins, fairies and fairy dust, the tale cast a spell while the little girl fussed

And pouted and cried and shouted

But then her mommy told her about the Fart Fairy... a wing-ed chubby chick, who was slightly hairy...

Who came in the night and waved her wand, taking farts from all the children as they yawned

While they were sleeping, she'd poof them out and take the gas to prevent the children from weeping.

The girl laughed and giggled, guffawed and wiggled

And wanted to hear more... Her mother was just happy that she was back to before

To happiness and peace in the air; previously she'd thought she'd pull out her hair!

And so it goes... that every time the young girl farted, the giggling fits and laughing started

And then one day, she went to school and there was nothing in the golden rule

About not farting, not passing gas, and when the children gathered in mass...

Someone tooted! They all laughed and made awful an awful joke, then the little girl up and spoke...

"Don't worry, I guess the Fart Fairy didn't visit you last night. Don't worry. Sleep tight tonight and all will be right.

The Fart Fairy will come. She'll wave her wand and take your farts away. And when she does, you won't have much gas that day."

Needless to say, the mommy has had many teachers and parents calling and asking lots of questions where EVERYBODY mentions...

THE FART FAIRY

The moral of the story? Be careful what you stories you share. They go around. Any time. Any place. Any where...

And that, my fellow failing friends (or non-failing!) is a Mommy Fail Moment! Ta-da! and should you want to check out what others wrote about, or join in yourself, please check out Mama Kat's Losin' It. We'd love for you to share, too!

Tip-sy Tuesday - Tips from the Photo Printing World

My Monday Mojo is running a tad late this week. I think I left it at Walgreen's yesterday...

I had ordered prints for my "California Project" (this week's DT Challenge), and had "issues" at the above-noted establishment.

Let's start at the beginning...

I uploaded online. I always do. Usually, I have them mailed to me, because... *sigh* I'm not a "glossy" person. I'm a "matte" person.

Glossy just attracts things. Things like fingerprints. Things like dust. Things like GLARE when you're trying to take pics of them. And glossy just can't be played with as much (i.e. coloring with markers, pens, paint... whatever...) without being totally obvious and taking away from the effect.

So matte is my fave. I love to play with my photos, both in PhotoShop (I have two programs!) and the more traditional way, the manual way... where I can do it myself.

But Sunday night, I ordered prints to pick up at the store, and they only do glossy in the store. No bigsters. Ok.

I went to pick them up after working in the kindergarten class yesterday morning (around noon'ish). They did not have my order. They had nothing. It didn't show in the queue. Um... WHAT? And so... being the SmartPhone that it is, I whipped out my trusty cell phone and got on the dang internet. Whew! (I looked really tech-y, I'm sure!) Logged in... and it had me at an order continuation page. Um... yeah... It told me that my available time was no longer available. Meaning? I had to resubmit my order! Seriously? And then it happened AGAIN! Ugh! Finally, it went through... ok.

TIP #1: ALWAYS check to make sure the order went through before going to bed for the night. (a confirmation screen must be seen!!!)

The order confirmation page told me my pics would be ready in an hour. The tech said give me 15 minutes. And then he went on his 15 minute break? (So not my day!) And so... I'm sitting there. I've already browsed the store, picked up a couple-a school supplies that were steals.. um... DEALS! and perused the alcohol (did you know that there is a chocolate red wine imported from Holland for $12.99 a bottle..? not sure about that one...), came back and sat on a stool waiting. And I waited more... (it's air-conditioned, ya know? and it was well above 95 outside...).

A manager came and asked if I needed help. I told said manager that my prints were going to be done by noon, and she informed me it was AFTER. WHAT?? uh... and so... she looked in the queue, printed out the pics, and stopped. She informed me that she could not let me take the 5x7 photo I'd ordered. She said it was copyrighted.

Yes... I told her. I know that. And I paid for the copyright. (It is a Sea World photo, with all of us on Shamu... no jokes, please...) She said she'd have to see the copyright release. Ok... and so, I wasted gas and went back home to get the CD.

And I came back. I handed her the CD. She told me she didn't have a way to "read" it. Seriously... Ok, well, can't we just put it on the kiosk thingamajiggy and read it there. Only the kiosk only accepts photos and videos she told me. (I'm sure my eyes were rolling to the back of my head at this point, and I really didn't care if she saw me do it or not, but the folks at Sea World assured me I would have NO problems, that photo places knew about the discs and copyrights... and here I was... over 1 1/2 hours from the time my pics were supposed to be ready! AND! the fact that duh... she could've probably viewed it on the screen anywho...) *huff* and so... I went back home, as it was closer than the Kinko's she suggested (and cheaper, too!) and printed the dang thing.

TIP #2: When in doubt, print it out (if you believe you may have a copyright issue).

And I came back... again... Apparently, there's some peeps out there who are so frickin' desperate that they fraudulently print the copyright doc, as well, because... she tried to tell me I could've just done that myself. (Guess who was getting a call later that afternoon? uh yeah... Corporate Walgreens!) But then... the printing operator came back and showed her the copyright page with the THEME PARK EXCEPTIONS! and handed me my items (without even an apology) and sent me on my pissy little way.

Yes, I did call. That phone call took another 20 minutes and made my day much brighter. I'm that kind of person. Bad customer service and harassing customers, especially from management, deserve a phone call (and not the good kind). On the upside, after huffing and puffing and ruffling my feathers (wait... I had to pull my panties outta the bunch!)... I ended up with a hefty (read: FREE prints!!!) discount the next time I order in store (like I'll ever be doing that again!).

TIP #3:  If you have a problem, let people know. If they can't help you, take it to a higher power... and so on...

And so, my steam and my mojo were well spent at Walgreen's... (hopefully, it'll come back soon!)

I'd show you the pic in question, but I'm saving that little tidbit for tomorrow...

How did the rest of my day go? um... let's just say... (not a photo printing tip... sorry...)

TIP #4:  When putting loads of cooked beans (pinto or other) into the fridge, do not put them in one of the throw-away containers like Glad. The lid comes off and someone may have to clean the floor!

So... here's hoping you all find yourself some useful tips. Thanks for your awesome comments, and I hope to be using them soon! And... have a great day! Remember... it could be worse...

Feed Me Friday!!! and the Proposal of other Days...

Yes, I know today is Saturday, but meh... Whatcha gonna do 'bout it? huh?

And I thought of this late last night... so the thought process was still working and here's my thoughts written down.

Starting THIS coming week... (can I get a drumroll, please?) I'll be writing/posting MORE! Woohoo! I'm thinking I'm going to have "days" (and hopefully... when I can... posts in between, as well). But, someone had commented to me (on another post I posted... of all things! YES! I totally DO read your comments and take them to heart!) that she specifies a certain day for a certain thing, and this sort of keeps her on a schedule.

School has started back, and I'm seriously trying to get on a schedule for ME! Yes... I said ME! ME does exist, it's not just for the kids or the hubs, ya know...

So...

Mondays - Queen of My Craftroom's Monday Mojo - where I post Design Team challenges that I've linked to her blog. By all means, please feel free to go to the Queen's blog as well, and see what the other designers and challenge-takers have done, as well!

Tuesday - Tip-sy Tuesday - where I post tips whether they be crafty, gardener-esque, shopping-esque, cooking-esque, or just general-wannabe-knowledge-esque. Pretty much what I've learned or found out through experience or others. And I totally love to give credit where credit is due, so if you'd like to share a tip, send it HERE (please... no SPAM!) I'd love to give you a shout-out and link up to your blog or website as well, so let's open the communication lines and begin a wonderful relationship! And I may even feature tipsters who haven't sent me anything... my friends and lovely/loyal followers and commenters... I love you all!

Wednesday - Wordless Wednesday - where... yeah... I post a picture that's worth more than words. I usually link up to Two of a Kind Working on a Full House, where she's got great tips and contests (win some FREEBIES everyone!) on everything from parenting to just life in general, and the Wordless Wednesday "HQ". Lots of my following friends (including A Nut in a Nutshell - another awesome friend with contests and tips!) It's fun to see what everyone's been up to and what thoughts/pics they have on the brain... Click around and check their posts out. Make some friends... I do! AND PLEASE!!! Leave comment love for peeps. Everyone needs a scratch on the back!

Thursday - Mama Kat's Losin' It Writer's Workshop (Writing Prompts) - on Sunday or (sometimes) Monday, Mama Kat posts some writing prompts, and a bunch of us "writers" post, based on these prompts. They are often fun and sometimes humorous, but sometimes sad, so... grab some tissue and jump around, because the tears will be flowing, either by hilariousness or compassion. And once again, this is a great way to visit others, leave some comments, and make new friends.

Friday - Feed Me! Friday - I'll either post a recipe that I've tried out with a photo tutorial and/or *gasp* maybe even a video or... a review of a restaurant or food product I've tried and what I opine about it... and for those of you who know me... I have LOTS of those! As a matter of fact, last night, we went to a "new" restaurant (new to me, but has been there for years, and I'd just never visited... huh?) and I was being me... analyzing everything. (Yeah... I do THAT!) He told me he didn't want everything to be analyzed... but then proceeded to hand me over a piece of fried tortilla from a chimichanga and asked me what I thought. Well... without "thinking" I started to tell him, then stopped, apologized and said, "Nevermind..." My 17-year-old daughter started cracking up. He didn't get it. Um... yeah... don't tell me NOT to do something and then ask me to do it! Very confusing for the blondness!

Saturday and Sunday are currently freebies for whatever I might decide to do. As... well... I haven't decided just yet. But hey! leave me a comment and tell me what you think of my lineup!!! I totally love that you leave me ideas and such and comments just totally rock (makes me feel like I'm NOT talking/writing to myself so much... hee, hee!) Blast 'em out, Baby!!!

Mama Kat's Losing It Writing Prompts: 5.) The perfect hiding spot.

Where NOT to Go?

If you're a fly

or a teensy little ant

Stay still

Stay quiet

And hide inside my plant

If you're a child

Playing hide and seek

Go into a closet

Close the door.

Don't laugh

and

Don't peek!

But if you're me

Trying to get away

From the things that bother you

Every. Single. Day.

Don't go into the Craftroom

They'll find you there.

They know you...

Yes, I know... It isn't fair.

So smile and take

Your purse and the car keys

Go to the mall...

And only answer the cell phone

IF YOU PLEASE!

Yes, you've found it!

The perfect hiding spot

Can they find me or you?

No... I think NOT!

Mama Kat's Losing It Writing Prompts: 1.) A list of 10 old TV shows you’d like to make a comeback.

Okey dokey. Let's take me back... to tv. (Like I don't watch enough already!) My top pics, because it DOESN'T say they have to be kids shows, adult shows, family shows, non-reality shows... are a bit all over the place. Just. Like. Me. (see previous post about me being all over the place!) And it all really depends what your definition of "old" is. (hee, hee!) Some are a little more recent, because... well, let's face it. Don't YOU get tired of investing your time into the characters and story line, only to have then snagged from you midseason or never to return the following season? Me, too!

1) The Facts of Life... You take the good; you take the bad; you take them both and there you have the Facts of Life, The Facts of Life... Seriously, who wouldn't want an awesome second Mom like Mrs. Garrett? Everyone loved her. She was wild; she was crazy, she was unpredictable, and most of all... she taught us all great life lessons, the true Facts of Life.

2)  Fantasy Island... Ohhh, yeah... yum... My seven-year-old self lusted after Ricardo Montalban. To this day (at the ripe old age of forty!) I still think he's hot. Romantic, suave, classy... and then there was the show. I loved staying up on Saturday nights to watch people pay for a fantasy... and have them learn a lesson. To me, it was a lot like a different-type version of the Twilight Zone.

3) The Love Boat... promises something for everyone... Yep. Yessiree! It promised a seven-year-old an hour of romance and sailing the seas. Vicki was the luckiest girl alive... and I think every young girl aspired to be a cruise director... Calling Julie to the Promenade Deck!

4) Magnum PI. I have only two words for this one. Tom Selleck. (now I watch Blue Bloods!)

5) MacGyver... Kids today don't realize where the terms they use really came from. This one carries on...

6) Land of the Lost (the TV series... NOT the Will Ferrel movie!!!)... My 6-year-old loves it. We TiVo it whenever it comes on. Granted, the effects aren't that great (anymore), but this ancient series still has it's charm.

7)Will & Grace... one show that had absolutely everything. Humor. Fun. Wildness. Drama. Poignant moments. Romance. Heartfelt warmth. And a cast of actors that beat them all. I will always love this show... and I miss it so...

8)Moonlight... oh another YUM! Vampires... the adult kind that aren't so totally off-kilter and racy that they are rated R and on paid cable channels. And adult enough that you don't smack yourself for fantasizing about them... Totally taken before it was ready to go. I love you Alex O'Loughlin!

9)Women's Murder Club... another one that left us hanging. Out of sight Lindsay Boxer (Angie Harmon) and her other kick-ass-figure-it-out group solving murders and having romance (let's not forget Lindsay's ex-husband-turned-BOSS [Rob Estes... can we say YUM!!!! again?]) But we never knew if the Kiss Me Not Killer was ever caught, and he was after Lindsay... I guess if I really want to know, I can read the books... and add that to the long list of summer/everyday reads... ugh...

10) Samantha Who? Where? What? Happened? ugh! We all fell in love with the charming used-to-be-total-bitch-that-only-cared-about-herself-and-threw-everyone-else-under-the-bus-and-hurt-them-spitting-them-out but is totally sweet know because she was hit by a car and has amnesia. It's too bad she's gone...

There's a whole lot more I could add... and then some. As you can see by my sidebar, I'm a junkie... a tv addict, I was back then, and I always will be. Seasons and shows come and go and somewhere, somehow... the television gods have massive control over it all, including us (me). This alone, makes my list of shows-gone-bye grow... up into that great tv set in the sky...

Mama Kat's Losing It Writing Prompts: 3.) What do you find most challenging about blogging?

Wow! Where do I start? Everything is challenging, at times!

I'm not sure where my voice is sometimes. I'm not really sure who or what I wanna be when I grow up, so I just stick with being me. I'm a little bit all over the place. And that's why there is the name "Lisa's Little Bits". Yeah. Because... that's who I am.

But the most challenging? Hmm... it's remembering or having the time to actually post. Sure, I take lots of pictures of everything that I do, that my kids do, that my friends do, that I see other people do, etc. I also take lots of pictures of just about every. little. freakin'. thing. And... they actually do get put into the computer. But what doesn't always happen is a post.

Like most people, there isn't enough time in my day. By the time I'm done blog-hopping (please see the give-away - blog CANDY!!! on Scrapping at the McCalley House for the All American Blog Hop!!!) and reading other people's blogs and comments and all that other stuff, I seem to forget to do mine, or think that mine is less important... that those other people have better stuff or something more important to say or their story is better than mine, and HEY! who's reading it anyway? And so... I put it off to go pay homage to other people. (Please see blog candy reference in parentheses in this paragraph to believe me! lol!)

If... if I could get a focus or design team or something like this that would "require" my input? Yeah, sure! I'd totally do it in a heartbeat. I love writing for other people or with a commitment or goal in mind. And yeah! I'd find the time and totally make the effort.

So I guess, by reading my own post... my most challenging thing about blogging is actually myself. I need to make sure I put the time in and make sure that I have confidence that what I have to say/do/be is important!!!!

So, thank you, Mama Kat! One day soon... I'll get there again...

*** NOTE! If any of you came here after 7/4/11, OOPS! I posted the WRONG link. Please go to today's post HERE. Thank you and have a wonderful day!!!

Mama Kat's Losing It Writing Prompts: 3.) What I know for sure.

I know lots of things. I'm one of those people. Yes. I am.

I read a lot of books. And if I hear about something that I don't know about... I research it. Because, well... I like to be one of those people.

I'm not a know-it-all. Because, I don't know everything. Nobody does. I know lots of things, though. And I put it together. I figure it out.

But what I know for sure is... I am one of those people. I'm proud of it. I like to be one of those people, because, well... I don't like having to ask everyone else everything else.  No, I don't.

I like to have one of those other kinds of people ask me.  I like to feel... mmm... not like I know more than others, but like I have a some-type-of-purpose-other-than-merely-existing sense to my being. Because... people like me have a paranoia about them. People like me feel like they have no purpose in life, at least not a significant one. So... people like me... those kind of people feel somewhat important, like they do have a purpose in life.

And you know what I know for sure, even more than what I knew for sure just a second ago? Um... I'm really kind of silly. And nobody knows anything for sure, huh? Even those kind of people... people like me!

Mama Kat's Losing It Writing Prompts: 2.) April is national poetry month...Write a poem about hope.

Something that fills us
Makes us all warm and fuzzy
Gives us insipiration
And mystery

A feeling
A joy
A psychic ability
Premonitions moving strong

Propelling us
Keeping us
Moving...
On...

A Letter to a (My) Teenager

Dear Future Teenager,

While the world is growing and things are advancing, like technology... you might come across this letter and think, "How the heck did she write this?" and "What the heck does she mean?"

I know, because, well... I thought those things, too.

Language uses change, as does meanings of words. People change, as they get older, becoming less tolerable.

If I say you are sick... it doesn't mean it is fabulous. It either means you are being disgusting or you have an illness.

If I say something is ridiculous, it doesn't mean fabulous, either. It means it is stupid, preposterous, or laughable.

If I say you are beautiful, that doesn't mean sarcastic, as I would never tell you that with sarcasm and have it mean the opposite.

When I say, "I love you", it means what it is. Love from me that is there for you. Please hold this in your heart forever.

So... if ever I say things to you that you might find offensive or embarrassing, please remember, in my time, they weren't offensive, but meant something that I would want you to be or believe that you are. So, in my own way... don't take it the WRONG way. I don't mean to embarrass you. I just mean to tell you the honest truth, and have you keep it with you, as a memory in your brain.

Love always...  Mom

This post is courtesy of Mama Kat's Losin' It Writers' Workshop, Weekly Writing Prompt: Write a Letter to Your Future Teenager.  Thanks, Mama Kat!

Airing Out Some, and only Semi-Walking on Eggshells

On the eve of my daughter's 17th birthday (that means tonight), I have been thinking about some things that really bother me... quite a bit.

I have been walking on egg shells so much around so many people. I have tried to post as an honest person, but have really skirted issues that bring up much controversy. So... I am turning to Julie Powell and becoming as honest as I can, without mentioning names. If you know this is you, please understand that I went through great pains and many years of holding it in. I also went to great lengths and re-wording just so nobody could figure out it was you. But... I seriously doubt any of you read this, so... here goes.

There is a person in my life... he/she can be a friend or relative, it really doesn't matter. But... this person indirectly hurts more than 9 people (yes, I counted!) because of his/her lack of respect. This person blew at someone else (in the someone else's own home) very much disrespecting the someone else, and alienating others. So, "this person" feels that he/she should be able to keep everyone else moving around in circles to accommodate him/her, thereby forcing those of us who want to keep in touch with "this person" and this person's family by walking on egg shells. Now I'm sure there are some other issues... but in the end, the "right" thing to do would be to apologize. Afterall, if the "someone else" blew up at "this person" in "this person's" home, "this person" would have thrown out the someone else and expected an apology. But no... "this person" feels he/she has done no wrong and that the apology that should be given is not deserved. Whatever! Grow up and grow some balls yourself. Apologize out of respect, not necessarily out of right or wrong, but hey... you shouldn't have reacted so foolishly in the first place.

There is another person... he/she could be a friend or relative. (how vague is that?) This person constantly challenges me in front of my children, who might I remind you, are easily-influenced teenagers. This person has not reached the level of maturity that he/she should have by now. He/she is easily influenced by others, as well, but doesn't see it. He/she also doesn't see how much he/she has changed in the last year. It is not for the better. He/she's judgment and maturity has gone downhill. He/she just simply doesn't care what others think and therefore doesn't think before he/she speaks, no matter how hurtful it is to others. When called into question the things he/she says to me, in front of my children, he/she simply replied, "It's just issues I have with you." Well then, I say... you have issues with me? No worries, but you will not be displaying those in front of my kids. You have no children, you do not have the maturity to deal with children. Until you display a little more maturity and a better sense of judgment and responsibility, my kids will not be alone with you. No problem. Act like an adult. Act like the Christian you say you are. How dare you pass judgment on me, especially in front of my kids, when you know nothing of how to raise any. I will be blatently honest with this person for now on, as now I know it has to do with "me" and not just how stupid he/she can be.

Ok... one more person in my life that I walk on eggshells with... this one is a little harder to be super pc with. Ugh... I hate having to hide things. This person doesn't like drama, but expects me to share everything and anything with him/her. But, because life encompasses drama, I end up leaving a lot of my life out of our conversations. I don't feel I share all that much. (I don't seem to share all that much with anybody, as I don't want to seem "drama".) Anywho, so now I hide a lot and don't share a lot, so I am not exactly making my portion of the relationship, no matter what type of relationship it is. I don't tell this person what I am feeling when it comes to his/her family, especially his/her kids. This person is probably in total denial as to what is going on in his/her own family, especially with the kids. But... if he/she can't see it, I'm not going to be the one to burst his/her bubble! Sometimes denial or ignorance is the way to go... I guess. It probably makes life easier to deal with.

So... that's enough sharing for now. I'm still trying to think of what exactly to write about, but this came to mind. I really wanted to air it out. I have no one to really talk to about it all, because you never know who it's going to go back to, and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, especially when most of my friends/relatives are so hard-headed that they don't think they do any wrong anyway. Don't get me wrong... I do plenty, but at least I admit it.

I am not a perfect parent. I am doing the best I can and learning through my experience. I am trying to be a good person. Once again... I may not be perfect, but I'm doing the best I can and am learning through experience. Experience can be something to write about. Let me think on that one.

Re-thinking... a lot...

Tonight, I finally watched "Julie & Julia". I know... for some of you that know me, you might think that I'm a little behind and you thought I would've seen it by now, especially since I love to cook so much. The truth is... I knew the premise, and I felt saddened.

How could I have let so much of life go by and not feel that kind of ambition, determination, or commitment? Julie Powell made a goal and braved it on. She had many deterrents and many errors, but she kept on. Even when she found out her idol (Julia Child) was disinterested in her work, she finished her project. And what have I done? What do I want to do? Who knows... least of all me.

As I'm sure some of you have done (and lots of others, too... as I've read their comments to the now famous Julie Powell), I felt a little inspired by her story. I felt the need to return to my blog and update it. I have been extremely neglectful in the past 6 or so months, but here I am. What to write about is another issue, all its own.

After I watched the movie, I researched Ms. Powell. She came out with another book recently and is touring the country with it. It seems much darker than her first book, but still with the brutal honesty of herself. Can I be that honest? We all have skeletons we would like to keep hidden, some more so than others. There are things that some people would rather we not publicize. Hmmm... so, once again... what to write about?

But again, back to the research... I read several things about Julie (Powell, of course, I feel like I know her well enough now to be on a first-name basis!). I told my daughter about the (SPOILER ALERT!!!) affair Julie had, that it sure was different from the "perfect marriage" we thought she had from the movie. I told my daughter about various other things. My daughter seems to think I go "full out" too much. I like to research things, to find out information, gather different opinions, get the "full" scope of the matter prior to forming my own. I like to know as much as I can about a subject (sorry Julie - I don't mean you are a subject!) as I possibly can, or as much as I can understand, since it is not always possible to understand everything.

As I sit here, writing this, I am again saddened... I simply adored the movie. It was quite delightful. However, at its end, I needed more. When I researched and found more, I was rather happy with the knowledge (not of the adultery, mind you, just that I learned more) I'd found. But it is hurtful when your own child(ren) thinks you know too much, or that you shouldn't do things completely ("full"). I would hope that I was instilling into my children that to do things 100% is the way to go. Did I miss sending this message? Let's hope that she (my daughter) means it when she says, "I didn't 'mean' it, Mom."

Maybe I shouldn't be so sad or feel such the failure. I have three great kids that are growing up well. If I didn't do things "full out", where would they be now? I have to laugh at myself, sometimes. We all do the "if" question, do we not? Sigh... enough rambling for tonight. I have to think about what to write!

By the way... if you haven't seen the movie (Julie & Julia), I suggest you do. It is truly an inspiration!

An Odd Day... and a Forgotten Birthday (I'm sorry!)

Waking up at 5:30 am is just not for me. But, whatever, as I have to do it for my kids... well, at least one of them. Stacy began swimming practice for the high school swim team today, and they have "Hell Week" until the end of the month. Since the season starts during school, their week lasts about 3 weeks. They have to be there at 6am, in the pool, ready to work. Oh what fun! I'm just glad it's not me!

Well, lazy soul that I am, I came back and flopped into the bed. 7:45 came really early! I had to take the other one to school, as well. Yay! Rey looked so pretty as she walked up the school steps. She curled her hair today and looked almost angelic. At least she smiled. (She woke me up at 7am, showing me a cut foot. Put tape on it, and let me sleep... lol!)

I came home, did a little bit of research and was off to the library (StoryTime for Marissa). Only, I guess my awake mode wasn't in gear just yet... As we were walking to the library, she asked for me to change her diaper (she did a doodle...). No problem, right? Uh oh! As I was running out the door, because I thought we'd be late, I had forgotten the diaper bag. Yuck! I am a horrible mother...

We were already half-way there, so I told her to hold on. When we got there, I did a mad dash to the restroom... Did you know they don't have a baby changing station there? I know this is a library and everything's supposed to be quiet, but there are kids with diapers who go for StoryTime! I had to lay her down in her stroller, wet some paper towels, and clean her up. There was no way to reuse the diaper, so she went diaperless. She did well and sat through the whole rest of StoryTime, without screaming and without pottying her pants. Usually when I don't immediately put a diaper on her, the shrillness of her screaming makes me cover my ears and run for the diaper bag. We even got home with the pants still dry. She calmly asked me for a diaper, once we got into the house, and I obliged.

Then I began decorating for Valentine's Day. I still have to finish, and I am starting a little later than I'd hoped, but at least it's getting done prior to the big day. Gifts are already purchased. The girls will work on their Valentine's Tuesday & Wednesday night, and we will be ready to roll. Marissa will have hers done Tuesday for the library "friends" on Wednesday. I still have to figure out the menu, though. Haven't done that.
Oh no!!! I have a wonderful sister-in-law. She is so patient and understanding... (do you feel that smooch yet?) I was so pre-occupied with thoughts of my dad and my normal everyday things, I neglected to call her on her birthday. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, VIC! Sorry about that. We can call and sing to you, if you'd like... Please forgive us. (huh, huh? What do you want? I will make you something yummy...)

(Sigh!) Today has promised to be another exasperatingly busy day. Marissa is rather demanding today, and I promised myself I'd get more done (I did that in Church yesterday). I've got to run to pick up Rey in 1/2 an hour, then pick up Stacy an hour after that, then run back to the high school for Rey's swim practice. Yay! We are back at our home school! The pool is done! No more camping out on the other side of town for hours on end! Home Sweet Home.

Oh! I've still got to make Juan's lunch (isn't he just so lucky...) and upload photos to have printed... I'm actually going to scrap for myself tomorrow. I'm goin' to Karen's! She has the day off, and she is NOT going to cancel this time! Yay!

Oh yeah! A new friend of mine published a piece of mine on one of her sites. Check it out at http://molly-mormon.com/the-journey-to-better-friendships/. Toodles for now! lisa

Research, Reading, 'Riting & Laundry!

Among other things, I've been writing a lot (not here... sorry). With that comes research and reading. Currently, I'm reading a book on relationships. It is research for a test piece. We'll see how that goes.

Stacy's last water polo game was yesterday. Did I say my daughter is an awesome player? At least when she gets it in her head to play... She has an arm like a cannon and can shoot and score from the half (field). It's really too bad they lost (again), but some didn't give it all they had. There is one senior on the team who feels that her main goal was to be "captain", and that's where that ended. She swims almost relaxed and doesn't go for the ball, letting it skim past her into the other team's hands. (Sigh.) Oh well, we know she won't be there next year. Hopefully, next year, the team will begin with more spunk and pick it up even more. We are trying to get Rey to play, too. We'll see how that goes.

After the game, we went across the street to Church (it was Ash Wednesday - the beginning of the Lenten season)... to attend the shortest Mass ever known in the history of mankind. It was quick and not as crowded as our church. During Lent, I make sure we go to church every Sunday. I know... I'm a bad Catholic, but at least I don't reserve church for only two days a year! We usually continue on past the end of Lent, but somewhere, sometime, it fizzles out. Then I go when I "feel the need." How odd that the "need" usually comes around this season each year.

With so many things happening to me, my family, and my friends at this time of year, it's no wonder we always go at this time. It's like God's way of telling me... "Get back in there. I need to know you are still with me..." How odd, or is the a different version of Divine Intervention?

Now we continue on with the tradition of no meat on Fridays... YES! This includes chicken! I don't get how lots of people believe this is a substitute for fish. Oftentimes, we don't even eat fish, but a vegetarian-type meal. It is really not that hard. I don't understand why so many people seem to have a problem with it at this time of year, when they eat meals like this, normally, throughout the rest of the year on any day. Go figure. This is a time that we usually like. Yum!

My dad is doing much better. He is getting up and walking... they'll probably kick him out on Friday (according to my aunt). He even admits it is hereditary. Yikes! Uh... maybe I'll really begin to lose that weight, so as not to put so much strain on my potentially thin vessles... Dad is in really great condition, and that helped him a lot.

This link goes to the article written on my great grandmother (Dad's side). The actual bloodline gets complicated, but my Gran is doing so well, she ended up on the front page last Thursday! Congrats and keep it up! http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801300318

Today is my normal laundry day. Oh what fun... but hey! I feel better just making sure I stick to my routine. I'm still clogged up, keep getting headaches (don't know what that's from!), doing the blonde thing (hollow feeling in my head... NO! That's not normal!), and normal tiredness, not to mention probable dehydration, as I really don't want to drink much - then I'd have to go - and it's mighty cold here!

You have a great day... I know I'll try. By the way... the "spellchecker" is not working on this site, so do forgive... The dryer just stopped... Marissa just got up... Gotta go! Toodles for now! lisa