Sunday, January 31, 2010

Valentine Give Away

It's been an interesting few months...
I turned into a card-carrying AARP person.
Perhaps.
My two year blogoversary came and went.
Very little notoriety.
Well, unless you ask my husband, the Squazz.
He still believes it's all about me.
But what is wrong with that?
He is such a good hubby.
Sometimes...
Any. How.
I had a wonderful email last month...
From LuShae
It was my Birthday Month if you remember correctly.
I was offered a FREE piece of jewelry.
I chose these:

And now I want to share them.
Because I want you to have nice February Whatever.
You know, that Hallmark event in the middle of the month.
Gah.
I want to share these wonderful earrings with you.
Just because....
Leave me a comment.
A winner will be chosen on Friday.
February 5th.
Go forth and comment.
And Pimp,
If you are so inclined.
The earrings are wonderful!

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Eye of the Beholder?

Photo credit
A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart. The husband picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart.

'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.

'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans,' he replies.

'Put them back, we can't afford them,' demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.

A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.

'What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.

'Its my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.

Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price.'

Happy Friday everyone. Have a Beautiful weekend;)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

This-n-That Thursday

People who made me go GAH (this week):
  • Pregnant men
  • Jay Leno
  • John Edwards (always)
  • The mailroom guys at Villanova
  • Nancy Pelosi (always)
  • Heidi Montag (always)
  • Toyota executives
  • The man with the lizards in his pants
  • Brangelina
  • Rachael Ray (always)
  • Dennis Hopper
  • Basketball players brandishing guns in the locker room
  • The Restasis commercial ladies
  • Nancy Grace
You?

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Analyze This One....

If it's true that you work out your 'stuff' in you dreams, then I may need more help than I think. Or maybe I should just stop watching Morning Joe.

The Dream:
I was in college.
My car was a stretch limo.
I never turned off the engine.
My roommates were Joe Scarborough and Willie Geist.
I had a crush on Joe.
Our bathroom did not have a door.
The end.

Help! And then tell me yours.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

The one where I wonder what all that tuition money was for:

My AP Spanish-taking son...
doesn't remember how to speak the language.
And in his defense, he has been out of high school for 6 months.
???
I guess it is up to me to be the spanish scholar now.
So, last night, when I started my class,
I sat in the front row with my friend Lynnie.
We listened.
We answered. In espaƱol.
It's going to be an interesting 10 weeks...
if we can find a tutor.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Note to Self....

...Pay attention in Beginner's Spanish Class tonight!

Aquarius

Aquarius is at their best when surrounded by water. If you're looking toward Europe, the island of Ibiza off the coast of Spain is about as wet and jet-set as you can get. You'll love the island's beautiful beaches, world-renowned night life, and natural wonder. This is the place where you can live out your fantasies by mixing with the international beautiful people and still being able to get off on your own.

Now I just need to go buy that Lotto ticket...
Where are you going?

Sunday, January 24, 2010

The Answer

Can't we all just get along?

Free Webcam Chat at Ustream

Friday, January 22, 2010

Recuperating

Thank you to all my friends...
Those of you both near and far.
My birthday was the best one, ever.
And now I need a nap.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Two Broads on a Beach

MPM and Mama 1960
Today is my birthday.
50.
There.
I said it.
And to celebrate...
And honor my mother, who would have been 80 this year,
I am going to run a marathon,
And raise money for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society.
In hopes that we can put an end to cancer.
So everyone can enjoy more birthdays.
Check me out:

And get out there and celebrate today!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Birthday Suit

It's my Birthday Eve!
A day of contemplation...
What does the next year hold?
What is my purpose?
When will I stop sweating?
Itching?
~~~
Will Shauna ever stop entertaining me?
Don't her children look happy?
Should I wear that outfit doily to my birthday party?
Where on earth does one get something like that?
But those shoes?
They remain a constant...
They make me smile.
And for that, I am thankful.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™


The Bird had a little frustration during her return to school yesterday.
I found it a little incredibly entertaining.
I don't know where all this impatience comes from.
But it sure was funny....

Monday, January 18, 2010

A Birthday Week Warning?

It's a big week here at the Mental P Hacienda. The Baby Bird leaves for school this morning. And on Thursday, Mama has a BIG birthday. Gah.
And as far as I'm concerned,
this explains me to a "T."
Pretty much every day...

Aquarius Daily Horoscope

Laziness, self-indulgence, and expecting everything to work out well with no effort on your part are negative possibilities now. You feel very lucky and you are likely to be lax or extravagant with your money. Material benefits are, indeed, likely at this time, but beware of being overly generous or depending too much on Lady Luck.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 19, 43, 15, 44, 6, 34

Going to buy a Powerball ticket today.

You?

What does yours say?

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sunday Brunch Anyone?

Coming right up.
Searching...
Searching...
Wait...

Friday, January 15, 2010

The Nest Empties Yet Again...


For nature lovers, this season has brought the appearance of a special species, homo studentus universitatus, a.k.a. the college student on break.

This highly social creature, which travels in packs and leaves a trail of unwashed dishes, is apparently drawn to return every winter to its parental nest. Researchers speculate that it is attracted to large-screen TVs, down comforters and a ready supply of food.

The initial arrival of homo studentus in late December is heralded by the appearance of a large pile of dirty laundry. This is followed by other piles of shoes and clothes, as the denim-rumped primate marks its territory by covering all flat surfaces with its possessions. Within days, the floor of its den is nearly impassable, though interestingly, the creature itself seems not to notice.

It generally remains in its winter habitat through mid-January, displaying the characteristics that make it a particularly intriguing form of wildlife.

A nocturnal animal, homo studentus is rarely glimpsed before mid-afternoon. Observers are warned: Do not attempt to disturb it before it awakens, as it can become hostile.

Once it begins to stir, it generally moves slowly to the vicinity of a television and a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Again, do not approach it; at this point the creature appears to be unable to engage in conversation or even to hear sounds such as requests to walk the dog.

By late afternoon, however, homo studentus becomes fully conscious and begins to interact with other members of its species.

Homo studentus communicates largely by using its opposable thumbs for texting. The species' social structure is complex and communal. Individuals gather in collectives, similar to hives, with different individuals fulfilling specific roles. One may buy the beer; another may surf YouTube for funny videos of animals.

They will often congregate on sofas in family rooms, burrowing underneath fleece throws and blankets. The pack can grow so large and dense that it may be difficult to discern which feet belong to which body. Observers trying to track the populations are advised to count heads.

Homo studentus is an extremely intelligent species, judging by the creatures' GPAs, their verbal interactions and their speed with answers to "Jeopardy!" However, scientists are puzzled by their inability to fold blankets or put dishes into a dishwasher. It may be that their brains have evolved to specialize in such tasks as remembering lines from movies and applying to graduate school, to the detriment of those parts of the brain that are involved in such tasks as hanging clothes in a closet.

They appear to be cold-blooded, judging by the levels at which they set the thermostat. On the other hand, their preference for indoor heat may be a function of not paying for utilities.

Those who hope to observe this species closely can attract them by providing the right environment. Set out feeders, e.g. pizzas. Scatter indoor areas with pillows. Provide premium cable channels and potato chips. Stay out of sight and don't touch the remote.

You may not always see the creatures themselves, particularly if you sleep at night. Some people have gone days without seeing the examples of homo studentus that have taken up residence in their homes. Be patient, and look for signs: A profusion of hair-care products in your bathroom, perhaps, or tire tracks in the snow on your front lawn. Eventually, even the most elusive of the creatures will show themselves, if only to ask you to buy more Honey Nut Cheerios.

The rewards of the species' visit are substantial -- a window into a complex society, happy noise in a quiet house, an impressive library of funny animal videos and the way your credit card feels so vibrantly alive. Indeed, many wildlife watchers are reluctant to see the creatures depart, and abandon their roles as observers to hug and kiss the creatures.

But the homo studentus season is brief. No matter how much the creatures have enjoyed the family nest and the use of their own bathrooms, they will soon return to college. Nature lovers must put away their binoculars, turn down the thermostat and bide their time until spring migration.
By: Barbara Brotman
I wish it had been me!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

This-n-That Thursday...

Ways of giving:

To Haiti -

To find organizations sending directly to Haiti Earthquake relief, go to http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti
Many employers will match donations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giving that is FREE!

All you need to do is click:

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Tears for Haiti

You can do something right now...
Text YELE to 501501 and you will give $5 to Yele Haiti Foundation
or
Text HAITI to 90999 and you will give $10 to the Red Cross
reuters picture
On a good day, life is tough for the more than 2 million residents of Port au Prince. On a good day....
All my "big" problems yesterday are nothing to me now.

And if you want more information from a relief worker,
Go visit my friend The Drama Queen.
Every single one of us can help.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

The one where both the mother and the dog are dismissed:
This cutting of apron strings is tough work.
sigh

Good News for Aquarians!

Today's Aquarius Horoscope:
Jan 11, 2010

Whatever you want, Aquarius, you need only ask for it and there is a good chance you will get it. And it's about time, too. It seems you have been working exceptionally hard lately. You are certainly due for a raise, if not a promotion. Gather your thoughts, collect your supporting evidence, and ask for what you deserve. If your yen for more public recognition is nagging at you, then take steps today to ensure that you get more time in the spotlight.

Wouldn't this be great news if I only had a job???? At any rate, I'm going out there today! I hope everybody has a day like this!


Get your horoscope

Sunday, January 10, 2010

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!


A diverse group of Norwalk parishioners watched with pride on Saturday as their parish continued its progressive spirit, ordaining the first female minister in the church's 260-year history.

The Rev. Cynthia Stravers became a full-ordained minister at St. Paul's on the Green during a special ceremony Saturday, in which she was ordained by the first elected female bishop in the Diocese of Connecticut, the Rev. Laura J. Ahrens. The rector of St. Paul's since the early 1990s, Rev. Nicholas Lang, called the ordainment a continuation of the church's welcoming attitude. "I think the message is we are an inclusive community where everyone has a place to bring their gifts, and that includes the priesthood," Lang said.

Under Lang's leadership, the church has reformed its spirit as one of radical welcome. While Stravers is not the first female clergy member at St. Paul's, she is the first woman to be ordained within the church walls, welcomed as a leader of the parish community. "The old culture of this church was against ordaining women," Lang said. "But to really do what a church is supposed to do, we have to open our doors to everyone, and make the community aware that this church welcomes you no matter who you are."

Following her graduation from the General Theological Seminary in New York City, Stravers, 53, joined St. Paul's in June as an assistant to the rector.

Now an ordained minister, she is allowed to preside over all church services. "One of the first things I noticed about this church was how much the people here really love each other," Stravers said. "The people here are honest with themselves and each other. We're all in this together, and we accept each other as we are." That's a welcoming change for Stravers, who was raised in a conservative Christian family that didn't particularly support a women's right to occupational fulfillment. "I've been in churching communities my whole life, and St. Paul's really stands out that way," she said.

She was welcomed by a member of St. Paul's long before her ordainment on Saturday. The bright red boots she wore during the ceremony were a Christmas gift from an anonymous parishioner. She recently shared a story with church members about her days in the seminary when she witnessed how a fellow student was scorned for wearing red cowboy boots during church services. Since that day, the girls in the seminary each made a pact to wear red shoes when they were ordained. An attentive parishioner at St. Paul's who clearly enjoyed the story surprised Stravers on Christmas Eve by leaving a new pair of bright red shoes on her desk. "That's the kind of fun, delightful relationships people have here," Stravers said. "I really don't think I could be happier anywhere else."

Stravers received her master's degree in divinity from the General Theological Seminary in New York City and holds another master's degree in social psychology. She is a mother of three daughters, Nelleke, Xan and Hannah, and has two grandchildren.

This is my church, I am proud to say. And look! Someone gave her some red cowboy boots! Wonder who?

And, by the way, I stole borrowed this article from here.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

I Think I Found Something To Do!


Does anybody need a puppy or a kitten? I am a very good shopper!



Thursday, January 7, 2010

Wondering

The Mental P Rugrats will be home tomorrow.
They report cold weather and lots of snow in Northern Vermont.
And that translates to much time spent skiing.
I hope they're having fun....
And dressing in warm clothes.
And eating some leafy greens.
And washing their hands.
And behaving.
And being nice to one another.
This is what my life has come to:
Wondering.
gah
In the meantime,
Via my Parentexting™ techniques,
I've had some technical advice from my daughter:
And more riveting conversations with my son:

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

This-n-That Thursday...

I'll be brief....
  • If Q-tips don't belong in your ears, then why were they invented?
  • Really, this metabolism thing?
  • Really?
  • No, really, where do you use a Q-tip?
  • Is it normal to lose 150 hairs a day?
  • Really. Does anybody use a Q-tip?
  • Any other questions?

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Wheeeeeeee Wednesday

I am the Perfect Dog...
And that should be self explanatory.
Just look at me:
How cute am I?
Please visit my Facebook page.
Those bratty children
The Bird and Augie have gone to ski.
And my Mommy?
Is away until Saturday!!!
Dora T. Explorer will try to survive for 4 days!!
Play?
Maybe.
Mommy. ?

Please bring all food to me.
Thank you.
Love, Dora
I love everybody.
Really.
And your biscuits.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Tuesday Text

And in other news,
The Baby Geniuses go back to Vermont today.
At this point in the big game of college student conversations,
I just ask them if they have enough skin cream.
And then? They're on their own.
I cannot believe I am going to say this...
But I like it when they are at school.
There.
I feel all better.

Monday, Monday


Aquarius Daily Horoscope

Things get a lot easier when your workload lessens and your income increases. This is possibly because of the offer that comes your way via a source you have put all your faith into. A relationship becomes much more satisfying and has hints of new beginnings associated with it.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 42, 44, 10, 23, 29, 15


I think I could have written this one. Who would have thought that things get easier when you work less and get more money? I think this can just be my scope for the rest of the year. Is yours any good?

Saturday, January 2, 2010

A Little Bit Discombobulated

Seriously.
What are we supposed to do today?

Friday, January 1, 2010

Burning Bowl Ceremony

To start 2010 off with the best possible intention,
I went to a Burning Bowl Ceremony at church last night.
We wrote all our negative feelings, fears and hurts on paper.
And tossed them in the fire.
The feeling was amazing.
I left a lot of stuff in that fire....
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love.