From the Tooth Fairy to this...

I remember in college when I started working and was bestowed the title of "Sports Information Assistant". I was still a student so having an actual job title made me feel a little self-important, I guess. More proud really. I was on the softball team, but injured my arm beyond repair. The coach said she'd make my scholarship "academic" if I started working in the sports information office of the athletic department and cover all the softball games. I traveled with the team, kept score, did stats. Mainly she wanted more press for the program, so I wrote stories and sent the stories to the media outlets, etc... . Little did I know she was doing me a huge favor encouraging me to write.

While working there, one of my assignments in my senior PR class was to do a complete media kit. As luck would have it, our campus was hosting the Texas Special Olympics and I completed a media kit based on this event. The TSO committee even decided to use it as their "official" media kit for the games. Again...I remember that proud feeling. A sense of accomplishment. A job done well.

After I graduated, I fell into a job at the conference office (An office of the NCAA, basically, that was over 10 universities athletic departments) as an Administrative Assistant. All I wanted to do was work in Media Relations. Due to many reasons, some having to do with Title IX, others to do with staff...I never got to do it for more than about a year. Another blessing. It caused me to leave for another opportunity.

I was offered a job to work in a small ad agency (more referred to as an "art house" as we were the ones the agencies called to do graphic design on a contract basis) and I learned so much about graphic design just by being sat down and told, "Okay...do this. In this software program. Even if it takes all day." And I did. I was an Account Executive and didn't make a lot of money, but the experience was invaluable. This was the first time one of my designs was featured in a national magazine. I ended up being published here several times and of course, pride exhumed.

From there, I moved on to a national home builder. I started as the Marketing Assistant. Of course, not liking the term "assistant" I worked hard until I was "Marketing Director". It took many years, but I did it. I made really good money, too. It was one of the toughest jobs, mainly because of the hours, driving all over the metroplex (I don't like driving!), a learning curve regarding the industry and multi-million dollar budgets, but mostly because of the climate at the office. People were petty. Jealous. It was a very insecure place to work. You never knew who was next to be put on the chopping block. It caused me a lot of stress and looking back, I had a guardian angel watching over me who was in the position to know the future of the company and advised me to "run as fast as you can". I did.

I started working from home about two weeks after I left and have ever since. I have since assumed a more important position in life. I don't have a title and I don't want one. Well...I take that back. I actually do have a title of sorts. The pride I feel from this job is indescribable unless, of course, you have my same job and view it the same way.

I've learned over all these years, throughout all the positions I've held, the most influential title or job I will ever hold is that of "Mom". Last night as I stood in the hallway listening to my two kiddos talk to each other, I got very weapy (shocker) from being so proud of them. A much more fulfilling "proud" than any result from a "job" I'd ever felt in the past. A totally different kind of proud. Shelby was losing her first tooth and Ben was dying to help her pull it. She was nervous. He wanted to help. He had squatted down in front of her in the bathroom where she was sitting on the automan, had his hands on her shoulders and kept reassuring her. "You trust me don't you, Shelby? I'm your big brother. I'd never hurt you on purpose. I will always help you. Let me help you.". Such comforting words. He is such a caring soul. She needs that. It's in his nature to do it.

Out of anything I do in life, this job will always be the most important and rewarding. It's not a position of monetary value, but the benefits are like no other. I've learned, as with any 'job', you get what you give. This job directly influences two little lives desperately and curiously searching their way through this world. Every move I make is a clue to them regarding how to behave in their own lives. What's right? What's wrong? What's appropriate? Who do I trust? Everything else pales in comparison. I hope they know they are priority number one. It's in my job responsibilities to make sure they do. It's also part of my job to help them become the type of people who will do the same for their kids.

I can't be around them and not smile. Taking little pictures with my mind of things they are doing I never want to forget. Sure they do things that get on my last good nerve (what kid doesn't?!) but I can't imagine a day without them and thankfully, I think they feel the same way. I still get a huge hug after school. They will still hold my hand. Ben will even put his arm around me *at* school, by the way because I've been told I'm a "Cool Mom". Shelby asked me the other day, "Mom, will you always be with me?". Assuming she was referring to my mom dying when I was young, I said, "Of course! Why would you ask that?!". She said, "Because I really like being with you.". Yes. I cried. And smiled. She laughed at me.

See? I've got the best title in the world. One I never could have imagined would mean so much. I hold it near and dear to my heart.

Offices, Home Bases and Forecasts...Oh My!

Sitting here this afternoon, working away on my laptop since my internet service decided to return as quickly as it disappeared earlier in the day, I am absolutely *positive* about something. I was NOT meant to live in a land without the warm sun. This cold weather needs to pack it up and hit the road.

I sit in the kitchen nook of the house to work because it has a bay window all around it and I get to look outside at the birds, trees, blue sky. Except, lately all there is, is gray. Or white, from all the snow. Which we could possibly get more of tomorrow. And my little space heater is providing the warmth the sun normally does.

Yet through all this dreary weather, I know how incredibly lucky I am to be sitting where I am. Looking out the windows I'm looking out of. Just feet away from my kids. I'm not stuck in an office somewhere. Don't have to deal with the political and petty messes that come with all that. (Though I apparently need some adult-interraction as when I do get around them, I talk a LOT.)

I won't have this particular location as my office much longer. But I'm hoping and praying all will work out and I'll simply trade one kitchen nook for another. Changing locations doesn't bother me, but I want consistency for my little co-workers...aka my kids. They need a home base.

While are aren't provided with a life forecast, I DO have the weather forecast for the next few days.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ALL OF NORTH TEXAS FROM 3AM UNTIL 9PM TUESDAY
TONIGHT - Cloudy skies and cold with snow flurries and snow showers developing after midnight. Low: 32. Winds: N 10-15.
TUESDAY - Cloudy skies and cold with snow likely. Light accumulations (1"-2" for the Metro) with higher amonts south of Dallas/Fort Worth and lighter amounts along the Red River. High: 39. Winds: NW 10-15.
TUESDAY NIGHT - Snow showers and flurries ending southeast of Dallas. Partial clearing and cold. Low: 29. Winds: NW 5-10.
WEDNESDAY - Partly then mostly sunny, dry and chilly. High: 48. Winds: NW 5-10.

Ughhh...

Ordinary Miracles

When watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics, Sarah McLachlan sang this song. I've heard it before a million times over but this time it stuck with me and is STILL running around in my head. I guess it's reminding me of all the "ordinary" things we take for granted that are in fact miraculous and how I need to slow down and take them in.

Namely, of course, my kids. I mean seriously...do you know the science that goes into two miniscule objects coming together and actually fusing, then dividing, etc...!? Until you've had fertility issues, you may not. So knowing just how amazing it is for this to actually happen PROVES kids are miracles.

There are too many 'ordinary miracles' to name, both those we touch and emotions we feel. And obviously, everyone's definition of a 'miracle' to them is different. Just the fact a beautiful flower can start from a tiny, black spec. Or how a magestic oak tree starts from a small acorn we can use for eyes on a snowman. The way if I could have picked out any two kids in the world, I would have picked Ben and Shelby. When Ben tells me he loves me and somehow, it's exactly when I need to hear it. Or when Shelby says, "Mommy, you're beautiful." Ahhhhh. The way we are provided with peace or motivated to act. How things are delivered just when you need them most...and didn't even know you did.

Don't look past your ordinary miracles. Learn to appreciate them, if you don't already. Here's to taking time.

Pay It Forward

I was so thrilled the other day for what the two ladies at the salon did for me (and are still going to do for me next Tuesday!) that when I had the chance to do something for someone else today and give them the same warm feeling, I jumped at the chance to pay it forward.

I won't mention who it was for or what I even had the opportunity to be a part of (It wasn't just me! It was a group of friends.) because I feel like naming it would mean doing it for all the wrong reasons.

In fact, my only purpose of even bringing it up here is to encourage anyone who MAY drop by this blog to do the same. The second you start thinking of others before yourself - putting the needs of someone else ahead of your own selfish agenda, happiness or world - your world starts to become a better place. It's-just-like-that. Trust me. Especially if it's a kid who needs you. People call them resilient all the time, but fact is...they shouldn't be expected to be that resilient or have such low expectations for their life.

Don't talk-the-talk about how you show up when you are asked to help. Walk-the-walk and just help someone. If you know someone who needs help, then help them. You don't need to say, "Hey I did that for you!". In fact, don't. Just help. Put the needs of someone else ahead of yourself.

A Dream Come True

As I was out running errands this morning, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror and thought, "You look horrible!"

Now, I know the rearview mirror isn't the BEST mirror in which to judge your looks in. However, I've thought it for awhile and decided this morning I was going to do something about it. I haven't had my haircut in well-over a year and it was starting to haunt me. I've got way too much of it to not reign it in professionally every once-in-awhile.

Let me tell you...a couple things happened in that salon I would have never thought would happen. Especially to me.

I guess I met an angel of sorts. As she was washing my hair, we started talking and pretty much hit it off instantly. She started telling me about her life, her daughter, asked about my kids and asked what brought me in today (I didn't have an appointment...I walked-in). I told her I needed it. I wear the same clothes day-after-day since I work from the house, my hair is drab, I highlight it with an over-the-counter solution and it never does a good job. I can't reach everywhere I need to reach to do it right. Plus, it doesn't get it the right shade. I just wanted to do something for me, basically. I told her I don't want to sound selfish because I really am not a selfish person. I know this $50 should probably be spent elsewhere, but this is sort of a mental health thing I'm doing here.

She said she totally understood. Her mom was the same way. As we talked, she deep conditioned my hair. She said, "Hey...we do eyebrow waxing too and I just warmed up the wax. Want me to just shape your's up a bit? You'd be doing me a favor to get the wax ready." That was strange to me, but okay. They desperately need it so who am I to turn that down?!

Back at her chair, her good friend who does coloring (I believe her exact title is Technical Art Director!) came over and we started talking. They started commenting that I had a lot of hair. Then asked if I'd consider coming back next Tuesday night and being a hair model for her. Huh? "Well...what would I have to do?" I asked. "Nothing. Just show up and let us give you an amazing color job. We are both going to a new salon that's opening in two weeks and we have to "test out" to corporate. Since my specialty is color, I'm doing that and your hair would be perfect. I need one more model with long hair." she answered.

My head started spinning. Someone just offered to do a bad a$$ highlight job on my hair? And it's not going to cost me the $100+ it normally would? Am I on Candid Camera?

It's all set. I'm doing it and I'm SO excited. These sweet ladies made my day. FREE deep conditioning. FREE eyebrow wax and now the highlighting. This is unbelievable.

Strangers can be oh so sweet. It's wonderful how you can make (or break) someone's day with kindness...or a lack thereof.

Always remember and never forget: If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~Dalai Lama

Resetting My Alarm Clock

I've officially become one of those people who say, "I just don't have enough time in the day to work out." Which, of course, is c.r.a.p. I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it.

Fact of the matter is, I haven't carved out a time in the day to do it. Since I've started working full-time hours, my the timeliness of it has become even more challenging. Work during the day. Along with *all* the household chores that are required. Get kids from school. Get homework done. Dinner. Practices. Etc.... . And that's okay. I chose to have a family and responsibilities come with it. So if it seems like I was griping about it, nothing could be further from the truth. I am totally blessed with these so-called 'responsibilities'. Regardless, these things do consume most of my waking hours.

Note the phrase 'waking hours'. Here's the flaw in my theory.

I need to get up earlier.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. The beginning of Lent. I looked up the history and definition of Lent then planned on describing it here, but it's quite long. Basically, it's a time of self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. And it lasts for a period of 40 days.

Many people don't do it. Don't even pay much attention to it even. Some (including me in the past) use it almost as a second chance at a New Year's resolution for those who have already given up on their's.

This year, I'm going to try something different. The thing I'm going to deny myself is some sleep time in the morning to get up and work out and even meditate. Spend some time with me. Spend some time focusing, reflecting and yes, even self-examining. Get my body looking the way I want it to look and feel.

There. I said it. That makes it official.

Of course, it would actually take someone reading this to hold me accountable. Hopefully I'll do a good job of holding myself accountable!

We'll see.

By the way...thank you to the inventors of the Bender Ball. LOVE. IT.

Whatcha Got, Vancouver?

I absolutely *love* me some Olympics! I'm not sure why, but I get a kick out of watching sports I would NEVER usually watch. Maybe it's because it's US (America) against THEM (the rest of the world). Maybe it's because I really enjoy sports in general. Or maybe because it's so special and only comes around every two years.

Remember when it was every four years? That blew.

Regardless, the opening ceremonies are tonight and I plan on being front and center. As I watched a brief clip of the last opening ceremonies, I remembered just how amazing it was. And I recalled my thought last year as it was going on, "That must have cost a fortune. I mean they could have fed a small country for years."

I have memories of watching the Olympics with my family when I was young. Nothing super detailed, but memories nonetheless of us going, "Ooooh!" "Ahhhh!" "Did you see *that*?!" "We won the gold!!"

My day started this morning with a great 'little' memory. Over 10" of snow (as the previous post chronicled!) on the ground outside, school canceled and my sweet babies (okay...they're 6 and 9 but will always be my babies!) crawled in bed this morning for some hugs and love. We made note that if Duke were able to jump up there like he used to, we'd all be in the bed (as yes...Scout was up there too!).

I've got a pot of chili going. Kids snuggled in for the night. Getting ready to feed dogs. Laundry room humming away. Work done for the day. Wine in the fridge if I so feel the urge. The knowledge that the kid's sports have been cancelled for tomorrow so we don't have to get up at the crack of dawn. I'm looking forward to a warm and cozy night at home.

I'm sure whatever Vancouver has planned will be phenomenal and I'm excited to see it. I'm sure also that their thoughts will be surrounding the Georgian luge athlete who died today as he flew off the track and hit a pole during his practice run. I can't imagine what his family is going through. Hopefully, one of their last conversations included the phrase, "I love you."

Not to get too down, though. Looking forward to this weekend, Vancouver. Bring it.

Sweet Sweet Memories Are Made of This...

Ummm...can you say SNOW?! I think *officially* (as in at DFW Airport) we have about 7 inches of snow on the ground. In Texas. That's right. And there's more to come tonight.

Our day started off with a 7:30 a.m. snowball fight...cuz that's how we roll! :-) Of course a couple firsts happened in the snow today. Shelby made her first snow angel (awwwwe!) and Ben..well Ben made his first yellow snow. Twice. Before school AND after. Thanks to Dad's mentioning it first thing this morning about being careful not to eat the yellow snow. And let me tell you, Ben thought it was the funniest thing (as did I!).

Then I decided I should probably pick the kids up a little early from school. Partly to miss what would inevitably be an endless carpool line and partly because, well...these moments come far-and-few between. We NEVER get this much snow and I wanted to make some memories. It's only right. Right? Right.

There are those big memories we make during significant events in our lives and then there are these little ones. These too all - add - up. I can hear it now. Ten or 20 years down the road, "Do you remember the time it snowed over 10" and you got us out early from school? Then we had snowball fights, built a big snowman, made snow angels and yellow snow?! Twice! That was great." And I'll agree with a huge smile and bring out the pictures. Cuz you know I took a ridiculous amount! But not of the yellow snow.

Here's a sampling...

God how I love these kiddos! How could you not? Just look at 'em!

Thank you Mother Nature for the amazing snow.

Blindfolded Faith

I got in the car the other day and heard an amazing song. Truth be told, I've probably heard it a million times before, but God made sure I really *heard* it this time.

When I got home, of course I searched for the YouTube video of it. It literally gave me (as Ben and Belle would say) chilly-bumps from the inside out.

It's easy to say we "believe" in God. It's something totally different to put complete faith in Him and have Him carry us through tough times in our lives. And sometimes, it's so very difficult. Sometimes it seems like we are being attacked from all different sides. Like stealth bombers are circling over our heads. Just when we thought they've disappeared, they emerge again and are both relentless and careless to what their bombs are doing.

But I do believe. I've been given too many first-hand examples not to believe. And, I have faith. And I am desperate for my kids to have faith in this life that can present challenges beyond belief.

This video is taken from the movie "Facing the Giants" which I'm embarassed to say I've owned for years and have never watched. I plan on changing that very soon.

It's easy to get caught up in the video. But the words to the song are beautiful. So listen to them. But when the coach puts the blindfold over his player's eyes, he says something to him that is so true and it shook me to the core. Literally. Faith is a blind truth.

And...Here's to "standing up".

The Adventures of Ben and Jack, Chapter One

These two boys (Ben being my son and his friend Jack) are always a trip to be around. Due to today's conversations with them and watching them play, I decided I simply must start writing about them. No doubt I'll want to repeat these scenarios to Ben one day and knowing full-well I have the memory of a fruit-fly, I'll forget.

So, bear with me...

Act 1 , Scene 1 - Gym Office (where I sub in PE)

enter the dynamic duo

J: Hey Mrs. Phillips! Check this out...(in his best, 4th grade boy British accent, mind you) 'Pip pip diddly doo, may I flush the toilet for you?'

B: How did you do that? How do you do that accent so well? Do you still have your tonsils?

J: Yep. Of course, everyone has different voices.

Me: Huh? You guys are so strange. Especially on Friday afternoons.

Scene 2 - Leaving the school

both boys notice there are pieces of paper taped everywhere about the 100th day of school and each piece of paper has a student's name on it saying they walked 100 steps.

J: Puhleez...so what if you walked 100 steps. I've walked at least a million today. Try walking in my shoes!

B: You're telling me, bruthah. Geeeez.

Me: Again...you guys are strange.


Act 2, Scene 1 - On the way home in the car

somehow the subject of boyfriends and girlfriends come up and they declare that a particular boy and girl in 4th grade are 'meant to be'.
Me: What do you mean 'Meant to be'.

J: You know. They are just meant to be.

B: Yeah mom. Meant to be together. They just are.

Me: They're in 4th grade. How could they already be 'meant to be'. Why do you say that? Are they especially nice to each other or something?

J: No! You know what you have to do.

Me: No. What?

J: You know. You act rude to them in public if you really like them so you aren't embarrassed. That way they know you like them.

B: That's right.

Me: What?!

J: Oh yeah. That's what you do.

B: You know, mom. Young love.

Me: Young love, huh? Well I'm sure glad you guys know all about this stuff.

B: Oh yeah. We're smart.

J: But you know what I *really* want to do when I grow up? I want to buy a bunch of legos and build them so that I can stand on them!

B: Dude! That would be so cool!

Me: Yeah. You guys aren't to the point of me being too worried about you being too interested in girls yet.

Scene 2 - At the house playing

They are taking turns hiding Nerf guns in the backyard, While one is hiding the gun, the other is *supposed* to be upstairs so they can't see where it's being hidden. BOTH of them act like they are going up the stairs, banging their feet as if walking up, come down and watch through the blinds where it's being hidden, race back to the stairs and bang their feet as if coming down. BOTH are telling me not to tell the other one. BOTH never get what they are each doing to each other. BOTH laugh hysterically when they continue to find the guns, as if they are just *that* smart.


Proud moment indeed. But honestly, I totally love both of them and they are the poster children for friends not having to be in the same class (never have been), or go to the same church (they don't) or even play on the same teams (used to, but don't right now) in order to maintain a friendship. They are friends because they crack each other up and have each other's back. Not because they are assigned to be in a certain class, group or team together.

They are in 4th grade, have been friends for years and they totally get the meaning of true friendship. D and I both have friends we've know since elementary school and we both consider them a blessing. I'm thinking Ben and Jack's adventures will continue on throughout their lives. At least I hope they do. TRUE friends are hard to find.

Looking forward to their next adventure. I'll make sure and document it here...

Dear Google Ads: You Suck

So I write about how I'm not happy about my body, self-image, etc...and what does Google Ads do? They put a smokin' hot picture of Jillian Michaels on there.

Thanks, Google. Feel tons better now.

Idiots...

It's All Going to be Okay

I had to run up to the kid's school today for about an hour. When I got home, Scout met me at the door and was going crazy. Not just her regular crazy, but crying and what-not. My sweet Duke *always* meets me at the door, but this time he was nowhere in sight and I knew something was wrong.

I walked in the dining room and there he was. He was literally sprawled out with all four legs stretched out - him lying on his belly, an "accident" nearby and crying. I picked him up, told him it was okay (he was shaking...partly because I'm sure he was terrified and partly because he'd had an accident and thought he would be in trouble).

I cleaned him up. Kept hugging him, telling him I loved him and everything was going to be okay. He stopped shaking and started wagging his tail and has commenced his usual ritual of following me in every room.

His vertebrae have fused together at the end of his spine and cut-off circulation to one of his back legs. Eventually it will go to the other leg and for a 70+ pound dog, his options are few. Some dogs wheel around in a little scooter type thing that holds their back legs up. Since he weighs so much and is so large, this isn't really an option. Though I can't bear the thought of putting him down since his faculties are still in place.

He still looks at me with pure love and a little confusion. Every once and awhile he will take a look back at his leg as if to say, "Why aren't you doing what I want you to do?". Everytime he wants a puppy treat now, he pretty much gets one. Who am I to deny him that at this point? He's not putting any extra weight on, so it's not hurting him. In fact, he's losing any muscle he has left.

This friend has never left my side. Always let me cry on him. Kept all my secrets. Never judged me. Stayed up with me when I couldn't sleep. And has never told me to stop talking. Not once! He always tries to cheer me up when I'm blue and is the first one to celebrate with me when I'm happy. If he had a phone, I feel sure he would answer it when I called every single time and would be glad to hear from me.

I absolutely hate this for him. And selfishly, for me. I'm sitting here alone in the house, crying on yet another rainy day with more to get done than there is time in the day and all I want to do is hold him and tell him it's going to be okay. Even though it's not. But we all need someone to tell us it's going to be okay. And for him, I'm that someone.

Get the hell outta here

To say I'm utterly sick of this cold, wet, dreary weather would be an understatement in mass proportions. These clouds make it very hard to see the proverbial pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow. Given I can't see the darn rainbow.

I swear the gray skies suck the seratonin right out of everyone. Me included. I've mentioned many times our attitude is a choice. I tell my kids almost every day how they are in control of their mood, be it good or bad. But even I have had a hard time with it lately, much to the chagrin of those around me, I'm sure.

I'm ready for the sun to come back. I'm about ready for summer, except for the realization my body is NOT ready for summer. Hence the poem I posted earlier this week about "What's it gonna take?". That was all directed at me, by the way and ON the subject of how disappointed I am with my lack of a workout routine.

Upon getting out of the shower the other day, I was 'graced' with the visual (thanks to our wall of mirrors in the bathroom) with just *how* out of shape I've gotten. I literally said to myself outloud, "Geez...what's it gonna take for you to workout?". What's it gonna take, indeed. And boom, I wrote about it. Yes, I wrote it. I didn't 'find' it as I said. I wasn't ready to hear, "Where'd you find that? It's stupid!" Especially since it was about me.

So I'm going to once again DECIDE to attack this mood. Sun or no sun. Snow or no snow. Out of shape body or...well, you see where this is going. My family, friends, strangers and me don't need it. I'm forcing it outta here.

I don't enjoy being grumpy, sad, disappointed, etc...so I'm done with it. Again. I'm no Pollyanna so I'm sure the mood will return again. And once again, I'll 'choose it away'. I know we aren't supposed to be up and happy all the time (robotic stepford wives, right?), but these things have a way of snowballing into other things that have absolutely nothing to do with what caused the mood in the first place. And unfortunately, I feel the need to talk about it (sorry). Yep, I'm a talker. I'm not, never have been, the quiet type. I'm working on that. :-)

Yes, I'm ready for the sun, warm weather, playing outside and...working out. Bender Ball...it's me and you.

I Don't Know Where She Gets It Either, Ben...But I Love It!

Conversation between Belle and Ben tonight...

Let me set the scene. Belle comes downstairs with a smirk on her face and an envelope in her hand. Ben is sitting at the kitchen counter, just having finished his homework.

Belle: Well look here. I have a letter for Ben Phillips.

Ben: Huh?

Belle: Yep. It's for you alright.

:::he reads it:::

Ben: Where does she get this stuff?

Me: Well, she loves you. Why? What does it say?

Ben: :::sigh::: Nothin'.

I continue cleaning the kitchen, wrapping up work, doing laundry, etc... .

About an hour or so later, I go into the kitchen and notice the folded letter on top of the envelope on the kitchen counter. With all my other "mom duties" going on, I forgot about the scene that played-out earlier.

I pick up the letter. Read it. Smile. Show it to D. Take a picture of it, as I do all their memorable things. And here I am. Putting it in the vault.

God, I love these kids. By the way, they've been upstairs playing ever since. I will say, he's watching his iTouch while entertaining her 'cooking' various things for him. They really are quite incredibly awesome.

Pick Me! Pick Me!

So I wake up this morning and it's relatively no different than any other weekday morning. Alarm goes off, wake kids up, get coffee, doing all the "goings on" that get kids ready for school and drop them off. Come back and start working because I'm extremely *lucky* enough to be able to work from home.

Of course, my morning work usually starts with a quick scan of the internet. Morning news homepage, pop over to "entertainment" to see which Hollywood stick figures have embarrassed themselves this past week then, of course, to read two of my favorite blogs: NicoleIsBetter and TheBlogess. One of the reasons I like them is they have such real-life scenarios they write about and make fun of themselves (and others...love that) constantly. I also like that they say it like it is. The way I'd say it if I weren't so damn nervous about offending everyone with the language I'd really like to use sometimes (if you click over to their sites, you've been forewarned so don't get all uppity).

But, I digress...

I quickly notice Nicole (as we...D and I...refer to her, as if we actually *know* her) has changed her blog design. "Holy crap!" I say. "Nicole changed her blog design!" To which D says, "What? I didn't give her permission to do that."

I'm instantly engulfed with a wave of jealousy as I've recently written about how my ADD and lack of html graphic design skills inhibits me from designing my own blog and propel me to change the background of it constantly. I have to go to various websites that supply "free background blogs" and if you know me at all...you know I DESPISE cookie-cutter design things. I prefer custom. I can't do custom blog designs. Logos...I can do. Ads, billboards, notecards, magazine layouts...all done. But I can't design a webpage or, in my case, my blog design.

THEN...I see that her and her roommate (apparently a guru at design-related matters...I kneel at your feet, Jamie) are giving away a custom blog design. Whaaaaaaaat? A few steps are layed-out to have a chance at winning said blog design and I find myself navigating over to my blog to write a post basically saying, in my best Arnold Horshack (hello Welcome Back Kotter) voice, "OOOOH! OOOOH! PICK ME! PICK ME!"

Surely, if they visit my blog, they will see I desperately need this design! If more followers are what I need, just let me know ladies! I'll do what it takes. I know I'm new in the blogworld and my inadequate blog design is killing me! (For you left-brained people...you don't get this desire and never will so just move on).

February 15th is the big day they will announce the winner (:::uh-hum:::...me) and along with my plans of winning the newly introduced Power Ball Lottery to the great state of Texas...this looks like the makings of stand-out month for me.