Snuggle up with The CuddleUppets!

The Bee and I were given a CuddleUppet to review and due to her schedule (bouncing back and forth between here and her dad's) and the Hellish heat we experienced in the Delco Valley, it took us some time to review. Finally the nights have cooled off and we were ready to cuddle.

Read all about our experience with the CuddleUppets on Review it Rah-shay!

-r

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Don't Want to Hear That

In which I do Monday Listicles on Tuesdays.

The prompt for this week's listicles is Ten Sounds that Drive Me Crazy. Anyone who knows me IRL and through the blog will know that I at the point of which my summer is going cray cray! Today I had a total of 43 people for storytime. FORTY THREE! A mixture of personalities and ages that, well, I earned every penny of my paycheck today! Today was also a test for each and every type of child and sound that drives me out of my mind.

Ten Sounds That Make Me Cringe

1. Loud thud followed by a screech and uh oh, here she comes.
This would be all ages of kids that visit the library engaging in all manners of nonsense. This is usually accompanied by someone climbing on something they have no business being on, somewhere (behind my desk) they have no business being near or running through the stacks.

2. "Oooooh! I'm telling!"
Why do kids think tattling is something I want to be a part of?
Although, I guess as the authority (snicker) in the room I *AM* the person that is in charge but really? Is there some thing that causes kids to look towards me and think, oh yes! Ms Rachee wants me to repeatedly tell her everything, blow by blow, that Kid A is doing.

3. "The Library Lady is Going to get you!"
No I'm not. I hate being the threat for your kids to behave. That's not my role. I am going to let your kids know they can't be acting a fool, especially if said act is going to cause extra stuff for me to do but come on. I hate being used as a way to keep your kid inline.

4. The theme music to Peep, Dora and that damned Rescue Game.
My library has early literacy stations that kids can use at the library. These computers are lovely but I hate some of the noises they make. Even when I adjust the volume of the computers these particular games seem to be so friggin' loud. Gah!

5. "I'll be right back"
This is always said by some parent trying to leave their underage kid unattended. Please don't. This is not daycare and I really don't want to be responsible for little man or lady who inevitable falls, trips, or encounters some other ailment when left unattended.

6. Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech!
I cannot really figure how to write this bit. There are some shriekers that visit the library. Moms, Dads please note: That sound cuts right through me like a hot knife in butter. I love my little guys, y'all all know that but those opera  stars in the making...? No way.

7. "Come Here (_________________fill in the kid's name)
This is oft said while the adult is sitting in one spot never moving. The kids are falling, fighting, needing something but the adults sit and sit and sit and just beckon the kids to them. I totes get it; I used to be that exhausted parent wanting to read my magazine or book in peace for 10 minutes. However when your kid is sobbing inconsolably, a kid has been asked several times to do something and the kid just won't listen or just other general foolishness, me time is over and it is time to do what you need to be doing...taking care of your kid.

8. "We Didn't Have That"
Yes you did. Yes. You. Did.
You know good and well your kid was throwing crayons around, was throwing crap around and was generally acting a fool. Do us all a favor..clean up please.

9. The beep beep of a bus backing into the parking lot letting kids to drop off a group of kids from an unscheduled camp.
I am so happy that people feel the library is a safe place, a place to get information, that people dig what I do. But please, please, please CALL before you come. Call. Call. Call. This is my biggest pet peeve. I attempt to have camp only activities because let's face it, 30 ish kids in a camp is a totally different dynamic than 12 families. Not good, not bad just different.

10. "I'm bored! There's Nothing to DO!"
My co-worker and I have put together a summer full of events. We offer no less than three programs each day. They may not all be winners but there are a variety of activities for your pleasure. It burns me to hear "There's nothing to do".


Whew!
That was kinda cathartic.
I probably (did) go way off topic but these are the ten sounds that have been driving me bananas this week.
What say you?
Are there things that you just don't want to hear?
Let me know in the comments or link up via The Good Life and Monday Listicles.

-r

One Per Household

While at work I am constantly being bombarded by the gummy, gooey smiles of little ones which causes me to go temporarily insane as I think that maybe, just maybe I would like to have another kid. Once the veil of insanity is lifted I am reminded of my kid rule (one per household) and all becomes right. I jokingly talk about my "One per household" rule but this wasn't always the plan. Way back when The Dad and I were married and young and still liked each other we would imagine a life with two kids. The Bee and a second one.

As arrogant new parents, we planned just how our new family would come to be: The Bee was to be a completely potty trained toddler, ready for a "big girl" bed leading the way for us to be ready for this new member of our family. The Dad and I had both started new jobs so we were planning how we would maneuver time off and just how our little family would be growing.

But this pregnancy was unlike my last. I was sick all of the time, cramping and tired. At a routine appointment the technician was mum about the results seen during and ultrasound and her reaction was echoed by our doctor: there was no movement. Stunned, The Dad and I discussed what we should do. Well, there really was nothing to do but deal with the ensuing aftermath of losing a baby.

That night as I hugged The Bee tight and dropped her at my sister's, a part of me felt relieved. Despite The Dad and my planning, we were actually having issues in our marriage and a new baby wasn't the answer. There was a part of me that felt like I was being punished. The arrogance of planning a child resulted in this.

The physical pain lasted a few days but the emotionally I was exhausted. I felt that I must have done something wrong this time around and of course there was something wrong with me. Why was this pregnancy so different than others? Maybe the relief I felt for not bringing a baby into a rocky marraige was was cause for punishment?


Years later The Dad and I talked about all things marriage and he shared his feelings. He was heart broken and while I seemed to have gotten on with life and went on my merry way, he was still looking for answers. The Dad never blamed me (I had blamed myself enough) but my seemingly unaffected nature caused the problems we were already having to grow.


Now that time has passed, I am happy with my beautiful daughter and love seeing the families of others. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if things went differently. For these times I happily scoop up a visiting child and steal as many hugs and kisses as possible.


-r


This post was inspired by a prompt from Shades of Social Media. Karla Trotman, who writes the blog Belly Button Boutique, asked us to share thoughts about Uncomfortable While Pregnant.

Friday Favorites: Dancing for the Weekend

Can I celebrate the end to this week?
I really don't mean to complain but Holy Hockey Mom, Batman has it been a crazy week!
Without the usual whiny whiny boo, boo rant about how my week sucked, was a challenge and in between (let's assume we've already covered that) here are some of the favorite songs I have been blasting as I got myself around all week.

First, here is Loverboy with my anthem for the week:



Now then.
I love me some Go-Gos and this Target commercial, although unappropiate (school supplies in July...bah!) is my new favorite.

Notebooks and jeans! Notebooks and jeans, notebooks and jeans!




Yes.
I am late to the whole Goyte phenomenom but that thud is me jumping on the bandwagon.
I am loving "Somebody That I Used to Know."




And can we talk about this little girl jamming to Goyte.
She is all into it!
When do kids stop being so carefree and turn so self conscious?



How can I not dig this version of Look at Me Now? If my kid were here she would berate me getting the words wrong. *looks around* She ain't here...so yes, that is me dancing and singing!




Lastly...I knew I would have to eat some crow and *munch, munch* here it is...I am digging Beyonce. Say what you will about Mrs. Carter but dangit, she gets it in, does the thing and some other things that sound silly coming from me but is oh so appropriate to describe her!

Here is a Malaysian kid, in his snuggie dubbed Blue Ivy, performing Countdown:

CollegeHumor’s Favorite Funny Videos

Here is Miss B's version:




She is one bad...shut yo' mouth!
Well, have a great weekend and share your fave tunes!
-r

AboutOne is getting me organized

Co-parenting is no joke. Despite having only one child there are days when I am not sure if we are coming or going! The Bee has to navigate three homes, school, activities and then here's me, busy with two outside of home jobs, blogging and, soon, school and oh yes, that mothering thing.

Read more about this experience on Review it Rah-shay!

The Diva Cup

In which I share a lot more of Rachee than you may want to know about. 
Please to know: This post is going to be borderline TMI as I am going to discuss my monthly menstrual cycle. If this freaks you out, grosses you out or dispels the rumor that the sun does indeed shine from down there, stop reading this post and check out any other post like this one or this one.

Now then.

It's known by many names...the curse (my grandmother's favorite), your monthly visitor, Aunt Flo and my favorite: surfing the crimson wave (kidding; I've never uttered that phrase). But whatever you call every 28 days or so its time for it IT.

IT is the monthly cycle that can determine fashion (no light colors), is accompanied by a variety of symptoms: mood swings (remember that episode of Roseanne?), bloating and the desire to eat chocolate covered salt, irritability and fatigue. It's something I've dealt with and just accepted as something that I would have to put up with until mid life or so as each month I dutifully purchase supplies and try to quell the urge to slap people while eating chips.

Despite having a young mom and a younger aunt, my sister and I were taught the basics of how to keep ourselves sanitary and that was that. My aunt did have a copy of Our Bodies, Our Selves but that wasn't quite as titillating as the Jackie Collins book she had hidden on her bookcase so Our Bodies lay abandoned in the pile of text books my aunt ALWAYS seemed to have. It wasn't until high school and an eccentric teacher by the name of Ms. Tittles. Ms. Tittles had the infamous distinction of being a feminist type who would order us to know ourselves. Not in a Divines* type of way or a creepy "she wanted to be there" type of way but in that "Our Bodies, Our Selves" type of way that encourages women to educate themselves about the ins and outs of their bodies. 


At the time I just couldn't deal. My sixteen year old self would sit in class and cringe, hoping, praying, that she would avoid calling me and and knowing that I would never take her advice. I was not a look at my body type of chick. I am still not quite as comfortable as I'd like to be as master of my domain but the older I get the more I know that there is nothing wrong with my body and well, after giving birth my body is not disgusting but a powerful machine. But really, my period is still viewed as a pain in the ass. It's an inconvenience, its messy and I don't like it. Screw feeling empowered...my thoughts are that if I could make it easier I totally would.


Enter the Diva Cup.

My friend Cecily always talks about using the Diva Cup and after she explained what it was I was like "Uh uh! No way!" As much as I love me some me, I was NOT ready to be quite as up close and personal as this item would need me to be.

At the Digital Family Summit I was able to meet Nancy who does social media for The Diva Cup and she listened to all of my questions, chatted with me for a while about what I could expect and gave me a cup to sample. When my cycle started I was kind of excited...I would get to use the cup and see if it was worth the hype.

I'm a believer. After a lifetime of sanitary napkins, worrying about leaking, carrying supplies, I am ecstatic to say that I will happily give them up for this new protection.  The first time I used the cup there was a bit of a learning curve. I read the instructions several times before I felt confident enough to give it a go. But that first day...because I wasn't sure if I inserted it correctly, I obsessively visited the ladies room to check things and ensure that there were no accidents. 


Although inserted like a tampon, the cup isn't drying or uncomfortable as tampons make me feel. The cup sits comfortably and I forgot I was wearing it after a while. The idea of handling my own, err, body fluids did/does take some getting used to. I won't lie; the first time I emptied the cup I was ready to chuck the whole idea and go back to what was familiar and what I knew. Let's just say I was not quite as in awe of my body and what it does but more skeeved than I want to admit. However in using the cup I was not quite as freaked out about handling it and am loving the idea of only having to use one item during this time of the month. 

Pros:

-The cup can be worn up to 12 hours. 
Awesome! Depending on your flow you may want to check it more often. The first few days of wear I checked obsessively but after a while I was confident that it wouldn't leak.


-Hygiene
I have to say each month I am always worried that I smell but this month I didn't feel like that distinct smell wafted from me. The cup keeps it all inside as opposed to a pad that catches it.


-Comfort.
Pads can be bulky and a literal pain. Tampons can be drying and irritating. With the cup I never felt discomfort or pain. I would forget that I was using it at times.

Cons

-You must be comfortable dealing with your own fluids.
I can't sugar coat this. I was really ready to chuck the whole thing the first time I used it because, well it was pretty nasty. After repeated use it was much better.

-You must be comfortable with YOUR body.
You will be up close and personal with your own body.
Literally

-How to deal in public.
At home it was easier for me to rinse and clean the cup but in public I haven't quite figured a method for this. Luckily the cup can be worn for up to 12 hours so I was able to wear it for an extended amount of time

-Cost
Although I was given one for free I have seen the cost anywhere from 25 to 40 dollars. I think that this will even out in the long run depending on how much you spend on supplies each month.

I still don't look forward to that time of the month (which, as I get older seems to have gone from 3-5 days to like an event that lasts up to two weeks. The symptoms and junk) but this makes it much more bearable.

Check out The Diva Cup site for more information.





Please note...I am using an Amazon Affiliate link for The Diva Cup in this post.
Also, while I was given a DivaCup to try, there was no compensation or request for this post. I enjoyed the product and wanted to spread the word.


*Not this kind of Touch Myself although no judging if you do.

Tangled Tuesdays: Introducing yaRRns!

In which I be about it and not just talk about it.

Source: themetapicture.com via Rachée on Pinterest

For some time now I've been fooling around with ways to make some extra moolah. Yeah, that's right, I am talking about making money on the blog. I put up ads but y'all don't click for nothing. I've started Amazon Affliates but as a library chick I am truly torn with advocating buying books and knowing that libraries (my library) need circulations. And see above (y'all don't click for nothing!).




And of course the doubts, my doubts, have crept in. It won't be fun anymore if I HAVE to do it. I don't have time to make stuff (ha!) and my favorite naysayer thought: who would want MY stuff.


But after pushing that little voice deep, deep, deep down into that place where I won't allow myself to dwell anymore, I have begun to experiment with sharing my talents. My friend Randy suggested I start a party business but that idea was not for me. While I do a sort of party planning at work daily, that is a controlled crowd and I'm OK with doing craftythings after storytime. (When I thought of taking the show on the road, the end of Big Fat Liar popped into my head and I kept imagining myself getting mistreated like Paul Giamatti. Although he really deserved what he got.
(Please excuse the poor quality of the video)








Storytelling was another option but sadly my first (and last) gig was to an empty room and while I have been invited back, I haven't really taken the initiative to schedule more outside of The Art Sanctuary.


Then my yarn things.
I enjoy the satisfaction of whipping up a yarnthing, the look a person gives me when I am working double crochets or when a pattern finally reveals itself.


What a rush!


I've been testing the waters...a scarf here, hat there, cowl here but never fully committing because, ya know, I may fail and no one ever failed. I would half assed commit to making things but would always leave an out, cause, well, if no one, me, expected anything, then I couldn't disappoint right?

Then I am so busy, oh so busy! Work is...busy. Being a mom is super busy. Having a dude, I get busy..hiyo!  So there was never really time to make my craft more than a part time thing that I did and I was content to flounder but lately, I have felt the changes coming and I want to make sure that I am ready. I have missed a few opportunities in the past because "I wasn't ready" or "I wasn't enough" and some other such nonsense that was a mere distraction from the fact that I am scared, scared, scared. 


Eek!


So, when word came out that my social media group was having a summer get together, I put my name on the list to donate a door prize. Sure, the things I WANTED to make didn't actually get made BUT I actually whipped up two hats to donate and it worked out.

So introducing...yaRRns!
My sister (who knits) and myself (the happy hooker) have decided to see if we can make it rain crafty goodness!

My artist Izabina is fantastic!

I whipped on two hats, a combination summer hat (I didn't do the knit bit)

The second from the website Gleeful Things, I added a button to give it a little flair.

I spoke with a friend who also does yarn things and have done the craft fair circuit and was given some great advice about finding craft shows, selling items and getting started.

I'm excited about what's to come and my hooks are ready and waiting!
Happily hooking.
-r

Between the Covers: We Ain't the Brontes

When I spied the cover of Roslyn McMillian's "We Ain't the Brontes" my first thought was this book would be a fictional account of the real life relationship between best selling author Terry McMillian and her sister Roslyn and I was eager to get started. After reading this book I was more upset that I wasted a few hours reading this book although if you are truly looking for an escape,


From the Amazon description of the book:
Charity Evans and Lynzee Lavender haven’t always had the best relationship—for the most part thanks to them being writers. But while Lynzee is the wealthy, successful New York Times bestselling author of science fiction books, Charity is just squeaking by. Why is success passing her by? And why is her publisher all of a sudden reluctant to renew her contract? Now Charity suspects the worst: That her own sister has had her blacklisted! With her savings dwindling, Charity struggles to pay her bills, and the pressure is putting an incredible strain on her marriage. The rivalry goes into overdrive when Lynzee reveals that the father of the child she gave up years ago is…Charity’s husband! Charity’s life goes into a tailspin as she struggles to decide if she should tell her husband about the child he never knew he had, or if that would be just the excuse he needs to abandon her for good. She knows she has to do something, but will the path she ultimately decides to take end up destroying them all?

I really wanted to like this book. I love a good drama about family dynamics but this book left me frustrated and confused. The book starts with the two sisters on their way to an award show getting along semi well. One seemingly benign word later and we find Charity destroyed by her sister's actions. They make up pages later and this sets the tone for the book. Charity and Lynzee fight, argue, say mean and hateful things to each other, DO mean and hateful things to each other and then make up. Charity and Lynzee's relationship is so volatile they even have a literal fistfight yet all it takes is one night of them partying to make amends.

A huge part of the plot revolves around Charity's marriage to Jett, a man who seems to be simultaneously jealous and eager to take advantage of Charity's success. He seems to enjoy the good times but as soon as trouble brews he demands that Charity do as he commands. When Lynzee drops a bomb on Charity that Lynzee and Jett had a child together YEARS before Charity even married Jett it becomes Charity's issue to tell him the truth. When the truth is revealed, instead of Jett dealing with the information like a mature person he blames Charity for keeping his daughter away from him and leaves their marriage. Only when Charity seeks attention from another man does Jett realize what he had and some shenanigan ensue.


Other observations:
For a writer, Charity never seems to be reading any books. Roslyn loves to describe in depth and with great detail how many televisions the Evans family have.

Charity enjoys lots of financial success, so much so that she can walk into a car dealer and buy a  car yet when she treats herself to dinner she foes to...Outback. I love me some Bloomin' Onions but dang. Outback? After you've bought a brand new car?

General foolishness. Some parts of the book seemed to have been written by someone other than Roslyn. The conversation flowed better, the plot moved along a a good pacing and then there were the parts of the book that dragged with superfluous bits and information that had nothing to do with the central plot.

Older books by Roslyn were really good, well writer and full of great characters. This one left much to be desired and was good for passing time while I waited hours in the Emergency Room with my mom.







Please note I am now using Amazon Affiliate link.

Inspiration sizzle

I must confess that I was more enamored with the idea of Julia Cameron;s The Artist Way Toolkit than I was with the actual exercises that went along with it. I really do desire to become a better writer and golly knows I know that I need to work at it but I readily admit that I suck at the work that is necessary and comes with honing my craft. Now as the campaign wraps up I find myself regretting that I didn't take a moment or two each day to work the activitities. Whenm I did take the time to check the exercises I found that my actions were smacked with resentlment and the thought of "get it done" so that I could just do what I wanted.

Blah!

But as the final hours of the campaign winds down I do find myself wondering What does inspire me? What is the thing that keeps me going?
Is it the thought of someone reading what I write and laughing out loud as I fancy myself a comedy writer?
Is it the thought of possibly inspiring some young writer, The Bee maybe, who will then turn to pen and paper to express themselves?
What does inspire me?

Looking outside myself for inspiration is fun. My blogging friend Sarah and I were tweeting back and forth during a session and decided to do 100 and 1000...100 ideas and 1000 blog comments. While I am sure that the 101 in 1001 that I created way back wen still applies (I really need to revamp that list!) the idea of 1000 comments on blog posts across the blogosphere makes me excited. fully reading what others are writing and making thoughtful comments. If that is not inspiring, I don't know what is!
Check it, instead of some silly comment I will be taking the time to really think about the thought behind a writers words and how it makes me feel.

Not that I am some type of narcissistic person or something.

Ahem.
So while my own blogging may be a bit slow the thoughts of others have encouraged an inspiration of some sort and I find myself excited to read, read, read.

Addendum: You don't have to take my word for it!
If you would like to take a crack at Julia Cameron's My Artist Way ToolKit check out this promotion:

To try the My Artist's Way Toolkit FREE for a month enter the code BLOGHER in all caps during registration. After entering the code, you will be taken to a credit card page where you will need to put in credit info. However, there’s a disclaimer on the page saying that, for those with the promo code, they will only see a zero charge on their cards – and they will not be opted in to anything. No recurring charges. Zilch. The system is just set up so that it needs card info, so you can’t get around that, even with a free trial. 
-r


This post was inspired by BlogHer's bookclub campaign for  Julia Cameron's My Artist's Way Toolkit

Delaware County 100 Years ago Through Postcards

My friend, Keith Lockhart, shared this upcoming event with me. I hope you are able to check it out.

From the press release:

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park presents Delaware County 100 Years ago Through Postcards.

Example of what you will see!

On Wednesday, July 18 the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation will offer its first ever “Wednesday Evening at the Farm” with a special presentation by local historian, Keith Lockhart. The gate opens at 6 PM, and visitors can bring their picnic dinner, blankets and chairs to enjoy a leisurely picnic before the evening’s offerings get underway. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

At 7 PM Lockhart will present a program featuring his prized collection of Delaware County postcards. Lockhart’s collection is considered the largest of its kind in the region. Take a trip through Delaware County 100 years ago when postcards were the rage! The program will take place in the Plantation’s colonial era wagon barn.

During the evening the Plantation farmhouse and the kitchen garden will be available for tours. Demonstrations taking place include textile making and long rifle firing. Of course, the Plantation’s farm animals will be around for viewing. 

Closing time is 9 PM. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 4 are free.

The Plantation is located in Ridley Creek State Park and is easily reached via Routes 3, 352, 252 or Providence Road. 

This is a weather permitting event. If the weather is uncertain, check the Plantation’s website at www.colonialplantation.org or call the Plantation office at610 566-1725 and listen for the message.

Keith blogs at Delaware County History. See more images here.http://www.delawarecountyhistory.com/

Friday Pins

Hey all!
This week was short due to the holiday (Happy Birthday America!) and its still hot as Hell in these here parts. While time seems to be flying (week three of summer reading down!) time seems to be moving in some weird way for me.

Bah.

Let's kick off this post with a little admission: There are times that I still pretend that my work and personal life are two parallel worlds. That ends as today I will out myself as a book reader of some sort at a place that has lots of books. Ahem. This week I read one of my favorite books, The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone, and  here is the video that caused me anguish (I'm not wearing white on video days AGAIN!) and the reason I pinned the pin below.



From the board (the parenthesis thoughts)

Source: cdn.simplyshredded.com via Rachée on Pinterest

Tonight as I was going to check out some books a little girl from one of the day cares I read to saw me, stopped in her tracks, turned on her heel and ran screaming to her mom. Her screams were, "Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmy! Look who's here!" Followed by piercing screams that I can't figure how to type. After I checked out the other person I chatted a minute with the little girl who grinned, and smiled and I just felt all types of good.

Which was good because I was really feeling like this:

Source: someecards.com via someecards on Pinterest

I love that someecards allow people to make their own. These anonymous people totally get me.
When I first started planning for summer I was all, "I am not going to add extras at the end of the week, extras to my day and dog gone it I was going to put my foot down once and for all about camps, the groups that just show up and the like.
Yeaaaaaaah.

From the board Yarnthings

Source: etsy.com via Rachée on Pinterest

In a few weeks we are doing a space theme and I am trying to rationalize why I SHOULD purchase this pattern. I mean really, that little green alien almost looks like a minion from Despicable Me! I love Amy Gaines's work. It's so neat, pretty and doable.

From the board Hot Mama

Source: facebook.com via Rachée on Pinterest

Abbe shot a video of me (the one above) and all I wanted to do was cry. I couldn't see how great my performance was; all I could see was how I looked, which to me was like Ahab himself was gonna get me.
Sigh!
Here is my weekend work.
A start, cause it's still Hella hot.

From the board Books Worth Reading:

Source: Uploaded by user via Rachée on Pinterest

To tell the truth I hate origami. I can't get the folds, my stuff is always bumpy and screwy looking and it frustrates me. *shakes fist at the crane*
This book is cool. Who can't like a paper Vader?
I would swear I read that this book is not out until November and when I tried a google search I was unable to find the release date but DID peep that there is a Star Trek Origami book available (squee!).

And lastly, it will come to a shock to you all that The Bee and I have more books than flat spaces. Books are EVERYWHERE! This deal below would totes clear some of the clutter.

From the board My Dream House Set-up

Random Monday Listicles. On Thursday. So Let's Call it Thonday. Or Mursday.

Ahem.

So friends, we are going to play a game of pretend...we are all going to pretend that I've already done the whole thing in which I make an excuse for why I am doing this Monday Listicle on Thursday (please insert your favorite excuse). I am not even going to apologize for not updating the blog (that kinda was an apology...crap!).
Instead you will sit back and enjoy my answers to the random ten questions that Stasha, from the blog The Good Life have suggested.

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Rachée on Pinterest

1. Grab the book nearest to, turn to page 23, and find line 4. What is it?
"...e-mail address for the purposes of the study is Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org..."
I am still reading Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon. Why can't I get paid to sit and read?


2. How many times a day do you say Hi?
Eleventy Billion?
Seriously, working in a public library there is no end to greeting folk. My one co-worker speaks to everyone who enters and I feel compelled to do the same. Add in my little guys who are just learning to speak, the kids who are regulars and everyone in between and that's a heap of hellos!

3. Have you ever worn a uniform?
Yah.
When I were a wee lass, I worked in a fast food joint. Those uniforms were not kind to me. Neither was the reduced (free) food that I could enjoy while working my shift or cleaning up the place at night. Then I worked in a hospital and had to wear uniforms. I used to love scrubs. Not so much after having to wear them several times a day for a few years.


4. What do you think about the most?
I can't really answer this one. There are so many things on my mind.
Psyche. 
I'm lying. Most of the time I am wondering if I look fat followed by oh dear Barbabra doI have a double (treble?) chin?


5. How many keys are on your keyring?
Ten including:
Three for home
One car key
One key for my moms
Three keys for work
and one that I have no idea what its for but know the minute I toss it I'll need it. (This here sentence is how hoarders are created)


6. What was the last thing you bought?
he gals and I went to see Magic Mike the other day. It's a movie about MOSTLY hot strippers. (Yeah. No judgement there!)

7. Are you growing anything these days?
Do the weeds in my garden count?
Seriously, I have several herbs growing in the window at work and, dare I say it...they are thriving!

8. What is under your bed.
Lil, two mismatched flip flops, three books, a crochet hook, a tangle of yarn, miscellaneous bits and pieces of paper and a dust bunny.
A shirt, one sock, two graphic novels and two water bottle caps.
The maid quit.

9. What is the most important thing in your life?
This week I am all about relationships whether its family or friends. I think having a good support system is key for not going cray cray.

10. What is the strangest word you have used this week?
Besides the above written "cray cray"? Hmmm....I used the phrase "Here's the rub" when talking about some shenanigans of one type of another. Effin Guy thought that was Hilarious and I'm going with that.

That's my ten...what's on your list?

A #vlogmom video: How to Conference

Hilary from My Scraps asked what are three tips you would share with a newbie conference attendee. Here are my suggestions.

Monday Musings: Five Things

In which I don't really write a full post but want y'all to know that I'm still here.

Ahem.

So, I've been busier than a one armed paper hanger. Between work, home, The Bee, Effin Guy and social media type things,  feel like the days are a blur and I don't know which way is up!


So let me break it down


Work:
Summer reading is going really, really, really well. Like spooky well and the pessimist in me wants to think something negative is about to happen but I'm not going to go there. So far the crafty days have been well received, the programs well attended and people are actually logging books! The camp groups have been on point too. Today one camp arrived late for the movie we were showing at the library and despite a few kids who were not into "hearing a story" the group all ended up quite receptive to my reading of monster books. One kid told me I was the best reader ever. *pops collar*


Home looks like a disaster struck. We had a leak that seemed to have been fixed but today I heard the familiar drip, drip of water. Boo! However even with this mess (and huge hole in the ceiling) we have been doing other things to make the house a home. We may even have that family game day I have been talking about for a while. 


The Bee and I went to the Digital Family Summit this past weekend and we had a marvelous time! She got to share in on my world and we both learned so much! We met so many new friends, have so many great ideas and The Bee is even blogging and making videos!


I am hoping to grab a few minutes this week to make a plan for all of the fabulous information we learned and put it into action.


Effin Guy and I have been like ships passing in the night. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time together and I miss just hanging and chatting and such. Hoping that the next coming weeks will allow for some time to get together and hang.


Crochet....still working on big things (well, big for me!) and in a week all will be revealed. 


So how are y'all doing in the blogosphere?


Greets Monday with a smile,
-r