Facebook Is Down

Facebook is having a meltdown. A tantrum, it's tired. With 1/2 a billion users worldwide, it's just had enough. What are we all going to do??...start twittering? Or maybe actually be productive at work?? Today, most users are apparently just getting a "Service Unavailable" failure message and the on-line social world has pretty much come to an end. I know because this is my favorite time of the day to be on-line!! I'm home from my day checking email, doing paperwork and am not quite on mommy duty yet. Seems like my 4 o'clock social hour will just have to wait til tomorrow. Wonder how many people out there need a valium without access to their beloved Facebook page? haha. You may have to actually go outside and talk to someone. Oh the horror!!! It's ok, I'm sure mega bagillionaire Mark Zuckerberg will have his baby up and running again soon.

Just To Clarify...

No, I have no idea who "visits" this website! I just received an email from a friend (you know who you are) who is starting his own blog and wanted to know what tracking system I use and if I can see who is visiting....either that or he is actually stalking me and doesn't want me to know...haha, joking!! Unless, are you? ;)

No really, I use Google Analytics and it's just basic info. I can see how many hits I get and from what web broswer (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc) and that's about it really. I can also see how many pages on average are visted and the average length of stay. But, I have no idea from who or where the hits are coming from. And I am nowhere near 100 hits a day, not even close...but enough that I keep writing! ;) So, go on stalker friend and stalk away!! haha..again, I joke.

2 posts in one day...i'm gettin' crazy.

Wait, What? I'm 30?

...or 32, same thing. Right? Is 30 the new 20? And will 40 be the new 30 and so on? God, let's hope so. This morning my doorbell rang and it was the UPS guy delivering my first wine package from last weekend!! He immediately stated that someone over 21 needed to sign...I laughed and asked him if I looked 21...he said "around that". I seriously wanted to lunge out of the doorway and plant a big smacker right on his cheek. But instead I laughed, told him I had 2 kids and was in my 30s. He is now my favorite person of the month....I wanted to tell him how much I love him...he's lucky I didn't start making out with him! haha...kidding, of course!! But it got me thinking about being 30 and what comes with it...I'm learning quickly what's good and what's not so good about this decade. Let's start with the obvious. I'm getting older...not old, but older for sure. I'm not a young little thing anymore (even though I may try to be at times) and I do not look 21, that guy was delirious. My body is different, a little slower, doesn't listen quite as well and is a little less resistant to abuse. :)

But at the same time my head is clearer, I'm wiser and more confident, more secure. At some point I became more mindful, more present and more aware of my effect on others...just like a deeper self intuition or something. I don't really know how to describe it, just stuff I would have never cared about or thought of in my mid 20s. Probably stuff that would be good for later posts...stuff that you could write a whole book about, or for me at the very least an entire post on.

I've also noticed that in our 30s the dating dynamic has changed drastically. I have a good friend, he's 35, single and still trying to find someone. Recently he went out on a date with a girl and instantly liked her, she had it all. But toward the middle of the date she tells him that she has a child. So, at 25, any guy would go running the other way. At 35, it's different. This didn't seem to phase him I guess maybe it becomes more the norm when dating a woman in her mid 30s. By mid to late thirties, people just have baggage....ex spouses, children, ex fiancees, etc. The divorces start rolling in one after the other...I found out a couple weeks ago that a friend recently filed for divorce, which I hear more and more. Which brings up this question about marriage...Is it really natural for human beings to be committed to only one person for their entire lives? Looking at the history of marriage (which I have...and it's fascinating) and as a man made institution, I just wonder at some point if it will cease to exist. But, again, this is a topic that deserves it's own post...sorry for the digression. Back to dating...it's seems to me that people in their 30s are looking for something different, something real. It's not about the surfaced stuff from your 20s, like "we like the same things" or "we look good on paper". It's about connection and a much deeper level of communication. The kind of connection that doesn't happen with just anyone....perhaps with a chance of lasting a lifetime.

So, 30s just feels different. Here's to getting better with age! :) Cheers...(I'll be clinking my wine glass a little later to myself as I bust open my wine delivery). haha

Blocked

Somehow I've managed to develop a case of writer's block, an affliction I have yet to endure. I love to write and typically (when I have time) the words can't come out of my head fast enough. And for those of you who know me well, you know I'm like this in conversation as well. I can talk to a brick wall for christ's sake...so what is this thing? It's annoying, that's what.

But, I think I know why. I think I'm wishing this blog were anonymous. I mean, how much can you really say when everyone reading knows who you are? I feel like I have to watch every little word I type. It's not like I want to blog about terrible things or anything crazy, but a lot of times I just want to be honest about stuff. And let's face it, some people just can't handle the truth. So, I have to watch what I say, avoid certain controversial subjects and I can't ever discuss issues going on with individuals in my life because they would know who they are. Right this instant as I'm typing, I can think of a couple entertaining and very bloggable situations in my life, but I don't want to deal with the wrath that would be putting it out there for all the world to read. So it stays locked up.

You all know I tend to leave the filter off my mouth at times...I say it as it is and I say it as I see it. What you see is what you get...yea, true, but only to some degree. There is still a ton of stuff floating around in my head that only I know. And I'd love to share b/c I love to share, but unfortunately (or fortunately) I think I may have to wait till we're one-on-one.

I guess this isn't quite like a diary, is it?

Soul Mates

So, last night over a few drinks and good company I found myself deep in the neverending debate about the existence of soul mates. Do they exist and if so, who are they? The pop culture definition of soul mates is one of romance...your one and only, we were meant to be, the Romeo and Juliet effect. Most people never stop to truly understand what a soul mate is, so the term is used loosely without much meaning. It's also typically used to define just 2 people in this world who are meant to coincide, who were made for each other, just those 2. My friend included has fallen into this cultural stereotype. And frankly, I have to respectfully disagree.

I don't believe at all in soul mates the way the masses define the term....that there's only one person out there for you that was created for you. I mean, really, if this were the case, we'd all be walking around lonely and depressed because with almost 7 billion people on the planet, the chances of us running into our one and only soul mate are slim to none....basically never gonna happen!!

But, it's not that I don't believe in soul mates, because I do. I just think of them differently. I believe that all of us have an abudance of soul mates out there. I also believe that the term "soul mate" does not have to refer to a romantic partner or spouse. A soul mate could be a friend, a parent or even someone you barely know. To me, a soul mate is someone that you connect with, have a strong sense of familiarity or perhaps even someone you feel a strong affinity for. Let's face it, we don't "connect" with everyone. So think of those individuals in your life or in your past that you felt instantly connected to. I can think of a few in my life and when I think of these people, I have a strong feeling of familiarity, comfort and connection. It's almost hard to describe and in each case these feelings came quickly, if not instantly. Those are my soul mates. To me, a soul mate could be anywhere at anytime.

So, if you're out searching for your one and only, maybe you should stop, slow down and pay attention to all the people already around you.

This Post Has No Title...

There comes that time in every parent's life when their young child comes to them with the age old question..."Mommy, how are boys and girls different?". However, tonight it came out of Anna a little like this...

As I am drying her off after her bath...

Anna: "Mommy, what are those things that boys have?"

Me: "What do you mean? What things?"

Anna: "You know those things that boys have and girls don't have...they're like this"...and she now proceeds to use some hand motion to try to explain to me that she is talking about a penis.

Me: I AM TRYING TO INHALE MY GIGGLES, so I can't speak at all. Trying to seal my lips shut so not even a smile escapes. It's not that she's asking me the question that's funny, it's the way she is asking it...and it gets worse. So now she is just staring at me, waiting for an answer when she says...

Anna: "You know, mommy...those things....they're like trunks!"

Ok, now, let me just be clear that we have had the boys have penises, girls have vaginas discussion before. But for some reason she must not have been listening because as I proceed to explain this to her she just looks at me mesmerized, as if she has just uncovered the worlds greatest revelation.

Something tells me this time she won't forget.

Mommy Dearest

Yesterday, one of my dearest friends became a mommy for the first time to little Abigail Katherine. No, that's not her pictured above...although that appears to be the cutest baby alive, baby Abby is actually much cuter.

So, naturally this brought me back to my own early days of mommyhood. There really is no way to prepare yourself, is there? I mean, you can take all the classes, do all the right things, have one of everything stocked at Babies R Us, but when that baby take his/her first breath you suddenly realize....you're about as prepared as you are when the teacher yells "pop quiz" and you haven't so much as peeked at your text book.

Becoming a parent is arguably the biggest change one will ever endure and in my mind tops the list of all major life events...including getting married and even the stress from the death of a close family member. Becoming a parent shakes you to your core and simply changes you forever. It's true that becoming a parent opens up a whole world of feelings that you didn't know you were capable of. So, how could you possibly prepare for something that you didn't even know existed? The answer? You can't.

So, I laugh thinking back to those first few weeks...not really sure how to even put one foot in front of the other, not knowing whether I was coming or going and really having not one other care in the world that didn't revolve around this little 8 lb child. Days, weeks and months went by when I didn't put her down. Trust me, not by choice. Let's just say that Anna came into this world knowing what she wanted. We even have ultrasound video of what appears to be her crying in the womb. So, as soon as she got a chance to actually use those little lungs, it was all over.

But, we survived what I thought would never end and now 4 years have passed and I'm left wishing I could have those days back.

Well, maybe just 1 of them.

My Facebook Rules

So, yes, I am a self proclaimed lover of Facebook. I think the concept is genius and as someone who appreciates my social circles, I am happy that I can come to one place and see what all of my people are up to. And yea, that includes best friends, close friends, acquaintances and even a few people that I don't even know very well.

However, I do think a few rules need to be established...maybe even be made into law.

#1. Do not post on your wall for all the world to see the demise that is your relationship. I don't want to read about how much you hate someone or how wronged you were. I don't want to know the intimate details of the argument you had or the terrible things he/she said to you. Keep your wall light and your personal agony private. Call your best friend to air your dirty laundry...

#2. Would you please give up the games? The Farmville, the Mafia Wars, the Fish and Zoo whatever. Come on people!! Each time I think I have a game blocked, a new one pops up on my news feed. Please let it go. What is really going to happen if your crops die???

3. Please do not post every little tiny thing that you do all day, every day. You went to the grocery store, yay. You're at work, yay. You're in the car on the way home from work, yay. You just took a pee, yay. You just cut your toenails, yay. Really, I love my news feed, so post all you want...just make it relevant!!

4. I just have 2 words to say: ' Tagging Etiquette'. Need I say more?

5. Why leave us hanging? Posts like "The best thing happened to me today" or "What a tragedy" can become a research project if not ignored as I go fishing through your profile to find out what you are talking about. Just spill it!!

6. Don't stalk. If I "ignored" your friendship request the first time because I have no idea who you are, please don't turn around and send me another friend request.

7. Play nice on the playground. If you don't like something that someone else posted, ignore it. Unless they are asking for your opinion, just simply move along...

8. Wynne, this one's for you ;) If I wished you a Happy Birthday by phone, text message AND sent you a hand written card in the mail...don't get pissy that I didn't write it on your Facebook wall!!

9. Keep posting pictures!! I love seeing pics of the babies, the kids, the moms, dads, adults, places you go, things you do...everything really. Old pics, new pics, funny pics, sweet pics, event pics, dumb pics, amazing pics...all of them!!

10. No, really, just keep posting in general. I love hearing what you're up to, the trips you take, the new things in your lives, kids birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and the funny everyday stuff. I actually wish most people posted more!

Just a reminder...this is the last automatic email I'm sending out in case you are receiving my updates in your inbox and didn't read the last message. From now on, if you'd like to read, please just come visit on occasion when you feel like it!

Blog Overhaul

Sorry I've been s0 MIA, I feel like a few other things in my life have needed special attention lately. Plus, as always, I'm always wondering if I should continue the blog. BUT, you guys continue to surprise me by your visits! I haven't so much as peaked at this page in over a month, but when I check my visitor numbers, you continue to be going strong. Thank you for being interested in the insignificant nonsense that I blab about!

Sooooo, I feel like it's time for a change for this blog. We no longer have any highchairs around here!! I'll be doing a blog overhaul for a few weeks probably, so bare with me. But, I'll start posting again! Another change, I'm going to stop the automatic updates by email, so if you are currently getting my updates in your email and want to read, be sure to come visit! I'm changing it up because I'm not exactly sure what the content of this blog will be going forward and quite frankly, I don't want anyone taking offense at anything I say. Lord knows I tend to leave the filter off of my mouth at times. ;) So, be sure to visit at your own risk. I'm sure I'll be discussing the same nonsense....stuff about what a joy and a pain motherhood is, my sarcastic sense of humor, my battle with aging, making sense out of this world, the things and people I love and the things I could live without.

Let me start by saying that my dearest and oldest friend Michelle got engaged a few weeks ago and I am so happy for her. The other night on the phone she asked me if I would be her Matron-Of-Honor and of course I said that nothing would honor me more. Under one condition....

I am in no way, shape or form called a Matron of any sort, ever. Doesn't that word Matron just sound old? Dowdy? Boring? I will be the Maid-Of-Honor, end of story. :)

Thanks for reading, listening and taking a walk around my head at times. Come back soon!

Just A Sunday Note

I've been here mentally recovering from my 10 yr college reunion last weekend. These are the things I've decided:

1. I'm 31...college was a LONG time ago, but feels like just yesterday.

2. I LOVE my girlfriends. Just like Samantha said in Sex In The City...they are my true soul mates. I am such a lucky girl.

3. I missed my babies, but time away from them is crucial.

4. Like one of my college girls said yesterday...WE STILL GOT IT! Hoping we can still say that in 10 more.

5. I didn't realize how homesick I was for Miami...but luckily Chicago is truly a close 2nd.

6. At 30+ yrs old, teaching the college kids how it's done....that's priceless!

6. Where did the past 10 years go!?!?!?

Oh and a random side note...my kids LOVE Usher's new song "Hey Daddy" and have been running around all night singing "hey, hey, hey daddy". Hmm, thankfully they think they're singing about their daddy!! :)

Compliment

Tonight Anna bestowed upon me the most lovely compliment. Here it is...

Struggling to get her dress off for bathtime she says to me,

"I need help!" Then pauses for a second when I don't help her right away and repeats herself...."I need help old lady!"

WHAT? Really. I mean, cereal.

Sale! Theory, Sanctuary...need I say more?

Oh Joie, the Stars have aligned! Call your Boss for the day off tomorrow because I have Juicy news! Bloomingdales is having a Splendid little sale! Actually, more like one of those "everything in the store is on major sale" kinda sale. And all our friends will be there...even Alice & Olivia!

And if your friends Marc, Rebecca and Nanette are looking for a new playmate...(Three Dots) I heard Vince wants to play! So stop all your Citizens of Humanity and drag them to Bloomies with you! ;)

The Dishes Are Done

One thing I've learned in my 5 short years of marriage is that men and women have starkly different definitions of "doing the dishes".

To a woman, doing the dishes is a constant chore, something neverending. Including constantly scouring the house for any and all sippy cups, lose utensils, snack traps and scrubbing all dishes after every meal before going in the dishwasher just to repeat each and every day...sometimes twice.

A man will walk into a sparkling clean kitchen with a glass of water in his hand, open the dishwasher and see that it's full, add his one little glass and some dishwashing liquid and push the "on" button.

Later at some point that same evening he will exclaim to his wife "did you see???...i did the dishes!" And he will expect some type of medal for his sacrifice.

Prom Pics!!

Ok, so there's a part of me that wishes I could go to Prom again. The dress...the hair, the dancing...the boy!! But, no, these pics aren't of my Prom (although those would be entertaining!!). They're of Anna's first Preschool Prom!! No, she didn't have a date...as if! But, Daddy was the next best thing and even bought her a sweet little corsage.

Anna in her very first prom dress!

Enchanted Garden Prom!!

Yummm, dessert!

Anna & her date Daddy

Anna & Mommy

Anna and her bestie Savannah

Anna with her other bestie Madisyn

Of course the boys have balloon swords while the girls twirl!

Anna & Savannah with their teacher Ms. Christine

And of course Mommy can party too!!!

Mommy You're Embarrassing Me

Anna gave me a good chuckle at my own expense in the car on the way home tonight. This is my best attempts at a recap:

Anna: "Mommy, I like it when daddy takes me to school!"

Me: "I know honey, daddy took you to school on Friday didn't he? I know you really like that."

Ok, here it comes...

Anna: "Yea, I like it when daddy takes me to school because he looks the best!"

?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?

Me: "What was that? I think I heard you wrong...why do you like it when daddy takes you to school?"

Anna: rolls eyes "Because I told you, I said he looks the best!"

Me: "oh, you don't think mommy looks good?"

Anna: "Yea you do mommy, you look good....(pauses and contemplates for a second)...well, I mean sometimes you do and sometimes you don't"

Me: "oh, well when don't I look good?"

Anna: "When you have your little glasses on....not your big ones, i like your big ones (sunglasses)....and when you're hair isn't down"

Whoopsy, she just might be referring to the mornings when I roll out of bed, throw on some jeans, pull my hair back and haul them off to school without brushing my hair or my teeth. I guess it's time I start worrying about embarrassing her! lol

Shabby Chic Tea Party

I can't believe my Josephine is 2 already! Wow, time flies. Here are pics from her Shabby Chic Tea Party b-day party from last weekend! We had great weather and lots of fun! Thank you again to all of you who helped celebrate. I thought I'd start out with the little guest of honor herself...

Thanks for looking! Wondering where I purchased something?

Scalloped circle shabby chic invites - Milla Love www.etsy.com/shop/millalove

"J" and "2" Cupcake toppers - Milla Love www.etsy.com/shop/millalove

Teacup favor tags - Milla Love www.etsy.com/shop/millalove

"Josie" and "Happy Birthday" shabby chic banners - Milla Love www.etsy.com/shop.millalove

Tea Party door sign - Milla Love www.etsy.com/shop/millalove

Josie's "2" Tea Party outfit - Mandy Ann Clothing www.etsy.com/shop/mandyannclothing

Pink tissue paper poms - Party Poms www.etsy.com/shop/partypoms

Pink pom garland - Party Poms www.etsy.com/shop/partypoms

Mini pink pom ties - Party Poms www.esty.com/shop/partypoms

Square tiered b-day cake - Lovin Oven www.lovinoven.com

Cupcakes - Lovin Oven www.lovinoven.com

Petit Fours - Lovin Oven www.lovinoven.com

Tea Sandwiches/Scones - Tea Harbor

Invite matching scalloped "J" cookie favors - Lovin Oven www.lovinoven.com

"Sip, don't slurp" sign - Glitter N Grunge www.etsy.com/shop/glitterngrunge

Teacup Windchimes - Hobby Lobby

Shabby chic wooden "2"s - courtesy of me

Hydrangeas - Sandi's Florist

The rest? Michaels, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Macys, Ebay, Sam's Club, Starbucks, Target

Music/Entertainment - Jeanie B! www.jeaniebmusic.com

Cute little girl? - Homegrown :)