OK.
So my computer is still broken. I think the reality is that my computer has gone to computer heaven.
It has ceased to exist.
Gone.
Goodbye little computer. You were such a good little computer, always willing to help me out at a minutes notice. Full of so much wisdom and knowledge. Oh how I will miss you, my little computer. sniff sniff

I was in San Diego this past weekend. Yee-haw it was a total blast!! I hadn't been there in well over 10 years... so it was a lot of fun to get re-acquainted with the city. I would LOVE to take my little family down there! We were able to have some amazing food! Those of you in computer land that know me know that food is a major deal to me. And boy oh boy, did we have some amazing food! YUM!
I have so much to update you all on. The trip was a smashing success! I have all sorts of photos to upload... proof that we didn't kill each other. lol.
I will do that tonight when Jefe gets home from work with HIS laptop. I have really upped the campaign for my own laptop. It is a necessity now. How does a family function without a computer? I think that it is almost impossible now. I am getting desperate!
Must. Have. Laptop. NOW.

I was unable to post before I left on the trip that Thing 2 took first place in the Pinewood derby at church. Yup. First place. Little stinker. He and Jefe really worked hard on that car... they only used the stuff that the church lady gave them... and just painted the crap out of it! They even accidentally broke one of the wheels, and had to superglue it back together! But, if I'm lying I'm dying, Thing 2 won the whole deal. He was clueless as to what really was going on with the whole thing. He was having so much fun running around racing the kids. Jefe had to really explain-- in depth-- as to what really happened! I think he would've been just fine if he would've taken 3rd place or no place at all... he was just having fun.
Anyway... I have much to post, and will do it later tonight with photos and all. I know. You are all just holding your breath in great anticipation of my posts... hee hee
This whole using the Internet at the library thing really puts a kink into my life...
A Great Big Kink!

I just wanted to give a shout out to my sister, Islandmom and her new website... Fontologie.com
It's a pretty sweet site and if you like fonts, like me, you will totally dig this website.
She is pretty talented, and I find myself hoping to be her when I grow up. Go check out her site and then go and tell all your friends!!

"The look, it was like something out of the Adams Family." Simon Cowell, American Idol


1. Mayberry - Rascal Flatts
2. Firefly - Tony Bennett & Kermit the Frog
3. Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
4. Ebay - Weird Al
5. Speed Of Sound - Coldplay
6. 1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
7. Geek In The Pink - Jason Mraz
8. On The Way Down - Ryan Cabrera
9. Never Know - Jack Johnson
10. You & I Both (Live) - Jason Mraz

Bonus: When You Come - Crowded House
And just cause its a nice day.... Sleeping To Dream - Jason Mraz

Thanks to Pandora.com I was able to get this here little list put together, since I had to sign that stupid (we don't say stupid mama) contract to not download crap onto Jefe's laptop. Check it out, its a pretty slick little sight. You can type in an artist or song that you really like, and then the music gods will find all sorts of music that is similar...
Scha-weet! Rock on!
What are you playing?

OK. I sort of disappeared off the face of the earth here for a little while. Let me explain why. On Tuesday, I was sitting, happily I might add, playing on the computer. Thing 3 decided that she should climb up onto the desk to "play witch you mama". She used the actual motherboard for the computer to help boost herself onto the desk... see whats coming? The computer tipped over, and ceased to exist. It no longer will even turn on. I think that it is now beyond resurrection. Its dead and gone. I just need to have that little funeral for it!
Sigh.
So, I have been yanked from a world of being connected to an antiquated world that I do not understand how I even survived! I mean, lets be real people.
Google.
1 word.
Google. How did we ever make it through school without this amazing device? If I want to know something, rather than taking the old school way of actually researching at the library, I go to the source of ALL knowledge,-- Google and there it is, my answer, in 2.1 seconds.
Amazing! Jefe says that Google is really just another word for God.
He (God) is all knowing, and so is Google.
Coincidence? I wonder.
Anyway... I have been disconnected from the world for a week. I had to do some major groveling to get to use this little laptop here... Jefe's laptop. I had promise him a little of this and a little of that... sign a waiver and a contract that I wouldn't download anything... meaning no fonts (gasp) no music (bigger gasp) nothing... sigh. But, my little Internet friends, that was worth it. Just to be connected again.
I feel human... well as human as can be expected!

I made a little proposal to Jefe... I would move all the bookcases from the family room, and get a recliner for him, take the desk in the office down and make a reading room if we could in exchange get a laptop to have in the kitchen to use... all of us use. He hates the bookcases in the family room, he wants a reading room in the office. I think that's a fair exchange don't you??
As you can see, I am pumping up my campaign efforts for a laptop. I had one at one time. But, Jefe gave it to a single mother that needed a computer. I hope she likes it. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad we could help her out. I am just missing my laptop right now, especially since I don't have a computer. Oh well. As Jefe says, no good deed goes unpunished... I'm sure that's not really true. But. People. I Want a Laptop.
Maybe I should start an Internet campaign and start taking pay-pal donations? Humm. That is something to think about!
Ta-ta for now.

Why does he get a laptop?

Periodically, I check the blogs of note, just to see what is out there. This one Tumaini kids
really caught my eye. Typically I go around with my head in the sand with regards to the rest of the world... but as of late, I have felt compelled to try to understand what is going on in Africa. I don't really understand why, other than it totally puts into perspective how stupid I am when I complain about completely absurd things. The gals who helped put together Tumaini kids also have a blog about their experiences, Tripping on words its a wonderful blog, and very insightful.
You should give them both a lookie-lou... you will be better for it.

"There were moments of complete torture in that vocal to be honest with you." - Simon Cowell to Gina.
Its Random 10 Friday... AGAIN?? I can't believe that it is 4 days from being May. MAY!!?! What is happening here? Did I somehow hit the fast forward button on my life again? Please find that danged remote and press pause for me!
Whatcha jammin' to people?

1. Dancing When The Stars Go Blue - Tim McGraw
2. Not Ready To Make Nice - Dixie Chicks
3. Taylor - Jack Johnson
4. Babylon II - David Gray
5. Mr. Brightside - The Killers
6. Smoothie Song(Live from Austin) - Nickel Creek
7. Cold Roses - Ryan Adams
8. Landslide(Live in Boston) - Fleetwood Mac
9. If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
10. I Don't Wanna Die Anymore - New Radicals

Bonus: God Put A Smile Upon Your Face - Coldplay

Yesterday a local dairy farm was bringing around free samples of their milk, and trying to get you to sign-up with them to be your "milk man". I'm all for free samples, so I let them give me a gallon of milk. Whats the harm in trying, right?
Well, I was pouring the milk for the kids to drink with dinner last night and Thing 1 was asking all sorts of questions... "Why is the milk in these weird containers? Where did it come from? How fresh is it?"... yada, yada, yada... Thing 3 was shoveling her food in so fast, I didn't think she was even paying attention until she dropped her fork, looking all shocked and sort of yells "Are you kidding me? This milk is from a REAL cow? No way!" Yup! A real cow! She was stunned, and started mumbling "Wow. This milk is from a real a cow. A real LIVE cow! It tastes so good!" Then, she drank 2 adult size portions of that milk that is from a cow. She LOVED it.
Huh.
I guess I should have told her milk came from a cow a long time ago!

Oh. BTW, we signed up for the milk service. How could I not, with Thing 3's enthusiastic response??

Thing 3 came to me last night and asked me, while I was getting dinner ready, if I was going to go to work. I told her: "No baby. Mama is staying home tonight."
She said "oh" and looked sort of dejected. I asked her if she wanted me to go to work, and she perked up "Yes! Cause then I get to sleep in your bed and protect Dad from all his nightmares! Cause I have nightmares too, and I need a real live human to sleep with me!"
Oh.
I see.
I guess this Mom working thing is a good deal for you then?!

"Like eating a hamburger for breakfast, it doesn’t go together, I don’t think you and that song went well together." - Simon Cowell, American Idol

Uhhh. Is that not a good thing? Hamburgers for breakfast? I do that all time!
Ummm! Burgers! (said in my best Homer Simpson voice)
I love Hamburgers... Anonymous BabySis says that I will put anything on burgers, and it wouldn't suprise her if I came to her and said :"Ohh. Have you ever had waffles and syrup on your burgers? Its soo good."
I'm a burger nut, I admit it, but not that big of a nut!

Whats playing today folks?

1. More Than Words - Extreme
2. When The Stars Go Blue - Tim McGraw
3. Rock N Roll - Ryan Adams
4. I Don't Wanna Die Anymore - New Radicals
5. Silent House - Dixie Chicks
6. Jeremy - Pearl Jam
7. Pride (In The Name of Love) - U2
8. Home - Michael Buble
9. Loser - Beck
10. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face - Coldplay

Bonus: September (Alternate Version) - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

I changed the tunes on my little player...
Its spring--- despite the intense rain that is falling right now---
I thought some happy tunes would be appropriate. Most of these tunes have sunny, happy memories attached to them... Or they just plain make me want to bounce, and dance!
The Things reported to Jefe that when I hear music I can't hold still, that I am constantly moving. AND further, that during our little Elementary school choir practice I am always dancing, and that is sooooo embarrassing!!
Well. This is true. I admit to it. I've been caught dancing in the street...
I am sorry. I can't help myself. Sometimes. No all the time. I feel like dancing.
Is that so terrible? I guess it is when, according to Jefe, I dance like Elaine on Seinfield.

Click HERE Or HERE to see her dance...
I'm sorry Things. Your mom is a big geek and loves to dance when clearly she should'nt be dancing. I just can't help it, nor can I stop.
Anyway.
It may not be pretty, but I like it!
So, click on those tunes and jam people. Life is too short to just sit there!!

We had Thing 3's play group here today. I love the idea of her being in a play group. I hate the idea of having to host the playgroup. 7 little 3-4year olds running around, screaming, running around, screaming... not my idea of fun.
I had to come up with a craft, and I really had zero creative juices running... then I remembered the infamous Pet Rocks. Thing 3 and I went and gathered all sorts of rocks... various shapes and sizes, washed them & dried them (at her insistence). The we bought googly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and markers. We were set for the event!
How do you know that it was a success? 7 little girls covered in goo and a 12 year old girl happily creating for 3 hours. Thing 1 came home from school, saw the rocks, markers, and glue gun and went to town. I heard nothing from her for almost 3 hours. When I finally went to see what she was doing, she had created a rock zoo. A rock elephant, spider, snail, sheep, bunny, turtle, snowman, duck, mouse, and more.
That's how you know your craft for the 3-4 year olds was cool... 12 year olds want to do it too!
Rock on!

I came downstairs into the family room this morning and found quite the sight.
Thing 3 was watching a Care Bears Movie, laying in the bed that she made on the floor with probably every single blanket she could get her hands on. She was happily sipping her cup of OJ, laying there in her bed, watching some T.V. and typing on a keyboard... That wasn't connected to anything. I asked her what she was doing, and she looked at me as if I had grown 2 heads and said: "Uhhh. Checkin' my email. Duh."

"I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room tonight." Simon Cowell to Sanjaya

1. Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
2. Elizabeth, You Were Born To Play That Part - Ryan Adams
3. The Lighthouse's Tale - Nickel Creek
4. My Town - Montgomery Gentry
5. But You Know I Love You - Alison Krauss
6. Closing Time - Tom Waits
7. New Years Day - U2
8. Walk On The Ocean - Toad the Wet Sprocket
9. 83 - John Mayer (Serendipity Soundtrack)
10. Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson

Bonus: Something To Be Proud Of - Montgomery Gentry

I got off work last night around 10:30 and called Jefe to see if I should bring him home a treat. He said: "Yeah. And Thing 3 wants something too."
Ummm. Excuse me?!
Yes. It was true. My 4 year old was up at 10:30 at night... Yapping away at her Daddy. Jefe said that she had been talking his ear off non-stop. They talked about allergies, and how Mommy is allergic to cats, so that meant that Thing 3 wouldn't ever get to have a cat. (in her words) Then she proceeded to tell Jefe that she was allergic to Werewolves and that he was allergic to Seagulls and Roli-Polies.
Oh.
Ok.
Seagulls and Roli-Polies?
How does one find out that they are allergic to Seagulls and Roli-Polis... And Werewolves for that matter??
I really would like the answer to these nagging questions!

I had to work last night, and I didn't get off until 1130... I had to swing by Wal-Mart to get some milk and bread to make it through the whole Sunday ordeal.
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
You would've thought that it was Christmas what with the way people were acting... and how many people were there. The lines to check out were 10-15 people deep--- making the wait over an hour. It was disgusting. I had been getting increasingly more disgusted at work as the night progressed. People were coming through my line getting hundreds of dollars of clothes for, as they put it, "Easter presents".
I mean, lets get real people! When did we start treating Easter like Christmas?
Did I miss that memo?
Then, when I got to Wal-Mart and saw the madness that was unraveling...
Well.
My disgust was complete. When people would see "Easter" type stuff, you would hear screaming, and yelling and the pounding of running feet.
There were ZERO eggs... Real eggs to fry up... None. Anywhere in the store. The shelves looked like the locusts had descended. It was gross!
Easter isn't the Easter bunny people. Nor is it silly presents and hundreds of dollars of clothes.
Its Jesus and his resurrection.
There has been no memo changing the meaning of the holiday.
So. I boycotted the whole deal. The kids didn't get little plastic eggs. Nor did they get a plethora of "Easter presents".
They got a basket full of candy. That's it.
And know what? They couldn't have care less. They just wanted the candy. They sat around eating their candy, watching T.V. and everyone was happy. I could be wrong, but I don't think that anyone will need therapy over this little episode... and I think that I will repeat it for next year too. No more consumerism on Easter.
I have drawn the line.
Now, lets just hope I don't cross it!

Tonight my entire family-- Sisters, husbands, parents, kids everyone (except the dog, much to my horror!) got our family photos taken. The first time in 5 years that we were able to do that! I think that we will have some awesome photos. Islandmom arranged with one of her scrapbook buddies, who has a photography business to come and do our photos... I think that the photos are going to be AWESOME!! I am soo excited to get them back! We did an entire family shoot with all 20+ of us, then just my parents and my sisters, then individual families, then all the grandkiddies. I am excited, and once I get them, I will post them here! The Photographer did a fabulous job... she was even able to get our stubborn little Thing 3 to smile! Amazing!
Anyway. It was fun to get our photos taken and to see all the kids running around playing. Afterwards, we went out to dinner and got Pizza. We went to a place I haven't been to in about 20 years... seriously! Yummy yummy pizza! I had forgotten how awesome it is! It was fun to look around the room, and see all the cousins laughing, talking and stuffing their faces. All of us together, eating. I think that will be what its like in heaven! Sitting around, laughing, talking, and of course eating! What better way to spend eternity?
Anyway. What a great night! And a great way to end a great week! It was fun to have everyone here. I wish that we all lived by each other. So we could sit around and scrapbook all day, and eat and talk and laugh! And the cousins could run around screaming and yelling and playing all day long... together.
Oh well.
Thanks girls! I had a fab. time!
xoxo

"My family is big and loud but they're my family. We fight and we laugh and yes, we roast lamb on a spit in the front yard. And where ever I go, what ever I do they will always be there. "
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding

It's Random 10 Friday again... didn't I just post last weeks? Where has this week gone? Crazy!
My sisters have all been in town this week, and its been fun to just hang out with them. I forgot how much fun we can have together when we are all being nice and getting along! We haven't all been together at the same time in 5 years! FIVE years... That is just plain ridiculous, and sad. When I was younger, I thought that we would always see each other-- every day and hang out together, and eat together, and raise our kids together... and all that comes with that.
Reality has a way of changing those ideas... those dreams. It was nice to have everyone around all week. Thing 2 was in hog heaven with his Island cousin being here! They LOVE each other and LOVE to play together! It was soo fun to watch them playing and pretending! It really warmed my heart!
Anyway... Whats playing on your MP3 player?

1. Sleeping To Dream - Jason Mraz
2. The Sweet Escape(Edited) - Gwen Stefani
3. Walk On The Ocean - Toad the Wet Sprocket
4. Thinking About You (Radio Single) - Norah Jones
5. Wonderwall - Ryan Adams
6. Hysteria - Def Leppard
7. Look At Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch
8. Martha - Tom Waits
9. Easy Silence - Dixie Chicks
10. Mysterious Ways - U2

Bonus: Please Forgive Me - David Gray

Among those whom I like or admire I can find no common denominator. But among those whom I love I can. All of them make me laugh!

"You know my feelings: Every day is a gift. Its just, does it have to be a pair of socks?" - Tony Soprano from The Sopranos

Random 10 Friday. I got some good tune-age here today, and it was all random... Anything good come up on your player?
1. Curbside Prophet(Acoustic) - Jason Mraz
2. Back To You (Live) - John Mayer
3. Here Is Gone - The Goo Goo Dolls
4. Shadowlands - Ryan Adams
5. Sweetest Thing (Single Mix) - U2
6. Seasons Of Love - Rent, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
7. Short People - Randy Newman
8. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe - Barry White * I can not help it, I LOVE this song. Must. Dance.Now.
9. 19 Somethin' - Mark Wills
10. Big Girls Don't Cry - Jersey Boys Original Broadway Cast

Bonus: Firefly - Tony Bennett/Kermit the Frog
**Ok. Another nerd moment. I LOVE to sing this song, and pretend I am some awesome singer chick!!**

Thing 3 and I were sitting on the couch watching "The Land Before Time", (did you know that there are like 9 of those movies now? AND a 30 minute cartoon show?? Talk about milking it...) when she started looking at my arm. "Wow Mom! Your arm is cool!" Huh? why is my arm cool? Cause you have polka dots. Polka dots here, and polka dots here and polka dots here and polka dots here....
Wow. My moles are polka dots.
I AM cool!

Look at what Jefe bought me today!!
YEAH!!!!
I have been out for a while... a long while. Well, at least a long while for me. I love love LOVE this perfume. I get so many compliments on it when I wear it. And usually no one has ever heard of it!! Its my absolute favorite.
Every year, Escada comes out with a twist of this perfume. They are called their limited edition perfumes, and they only sell them for 6 months... And boy are they HOT!
Escada gives them funky names like Rockin' Rio, Island Kiss, Chiffon Sorbet, Ibizia Hippie, Pacific Paradise, Tropical Punch, Sexy Graffiti and the newest one, Sunset Heat.
Man I dig this stuff! I have tried every single one. And I love them all. They aren't overpowering, and they are different.
I am anxiously waiting for the newest one to come online, 'cause that one is WICKED HOT!!
Thanks Jefe. Now I will stink pretty!
Yum!

I don't understand something, so please explain this to me.
My dog freaking LOVES bread. BREAD. I just don't get it.
I have to make sure that the bread cupboard is closed, or she gets up to the counter, and uses her paws to scoop the bread off the counter.
I guess I forgot to do that today.
I came home today to the dog happily carrying around a loaf of bread!
I found another loaf "buried" between the cushions of the sofa.
AND the wrapper to yet another loaf of bread in the office.
Good grief.
I mean come on, lets get real here. I understand why she loves bread. I love bread. Who doesn't love bread?
But, for Pete's sake. People. She is a dog. I just don't understand. She acts like a junkie when it comes to bread. What dog will bury a loaf of bread in your sofa? I came home a couple of weeks ago to the back door wide open. I had left her outside, but she has figured out how to open that door. She scraps at the door handle until it opens, then she pushes it open. Unreal! Anyway, I came home and she was in the backyard, burying a loaf of bread, and had eaten the entire brand new carton of butter. I am speechless. Its funny... sometimes. But, usually I just find myself perplexed. What is this weird obsession that my dog has with bread and butter?

"Dwight Schrute: Someone forged medical information, and that's a felony.
Jim Halpert: OK, Whoa, all right 'cause that's a pretty intense accusation. How do you know that they're fake?
Dwight Schrute: [reading from a sheet] Uh, Leprosy, Flesh Eating Bacteria, Hot Dog Fingers, Government Created Killer Nano Robot Infection. " - The Office

I love that show. It is freakin' hilarious!

1. The Long Way Around - Dixie Chicks
2. Elizabeth, You Were Born To Play That Part - Ryan Adams
3. Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
4. The Matador - Johnny Cash
5. The Early Years: A Scrapboook - Jersey Boys Original Broadway Cast
6. In Need Of A Miracle - New Radicals
7. I Am Weary (Let Me Rest) The Cox Family
8. How Deep Is Your Love - Adam Garcia
9. Everywhere I Go - The Call
10. Your Body Is A Wonderland - John Mayer

Bonus: Is She Really Going Out With Him (Acoustic) - Joe Jackson

Thing 3 came to me today, sniffing, and said: "Mom. I have a runny nose. Wanna know howcome?" I told her that she probably had allergies. She promptly said: "I do. Mom. I am allergic to werewolves, and I sniffed one outside. Thats why I have the coughs now. You better give me some medicine!"
Wow.
We have our own personal werewolf detector!
How 'bout that!

Thing 3 turned 4 today. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday...
Just yesterday I was sitting in a hospital room with Jefe watching the invasion of Iraq. Watching the invasion of Iraq... What a lovely thing to watch while you are waiting for you baby to come.
She is such a miracle. Such a STRONG little girl, she has been from the very beginning. She is stubborn, and everything has to be her idea, or its a no go. I am so grateful she is here, healthy, and happy. She is MY miracle, and I thank God for her on a daily basis... even if she does sometimes drive me nuts!
We opened her presents today, and she got a V-Smile... that was missing some of the most important parts. That was such a lovely scene! (not) After all the presents were opened, and the big kids were gone, she turned to me and said: "You forgot my little little little tiny puppy dog, my scooter and my new trampoline".
Uhhh.
Ok.
First off, she was never going to get a little little little tiny puppy dog, because that would mean getting rid of the big big big dog. Not gonna happen. Secondly, She wouldn't really tell us anything else that she wanted, other than the trampoline. (which is not going to happen either) She would just smile and say "You'll have to wait and see what I get." Not good. Not good at all.
So. We took the broken V-Smile back. She was completely uninterested it. She really wanted a doodle pet that comes in a purse. While we were back in the toy department, we found a little little little tiny puppy dog that has its own purse. PERFECT! She HAD to have it. I let her pick out some other stuff to have, using her money from the V-Smile disaster. She came away very happy, and entertained for the rest of the day. She had really wanted her little friend to come down and play with her new dress-ups, but Anonymous friend had the stomach flu, so that was a no go. I played with her all day... We played dress ups, colored, pet store, zoo, beauty store, and watched a movie. I would say all in all, it was a good day.
I still can not believe that she is 4.
F.O.U.R.
Where did all the time go with her? She is getting so big, so fast. She told me the other day that she didn't want to grow up. She wanted to stay little for me for forever.
I wish.
I really really wish.
My kids are growing up so fast, it makes me sad.
Thing 1 had Jr. high orientation tonight.
WHAT????!!
Am I really old enough to have a Jr. High student? I find that extremely disturbing.
I told my friend tonight, while I was watching all the boys check my daughter out, that I just wasn't ready for this. She started to laugh and said "Well Motherboard. Buck up, 'cause its coming for you whether your ready or not!"
Really?
Can't I just hang a sign outside my door that says "No Trespassing?"
I am so not liking this.
First Thing 3 turns 4.
Now, Thing 1 is registering for Jr. High School. AND the boys are checking her out!
What's next?

Anyway...
Happy Birthday Thing 3...
You're our Supa-star!

"Paula, all I can say is that you must [have been] starved of entertainment as a child." - Simon Cowell, American Idol Judge

Its that time again... Random 10 Friday. It seems like I just get my random 10 posted, and then its time to post it again. Does that mean that my life is on the fast track??
Did any good tune-age come up on your player??

1. 83 - John Mayer (Serendipity Soundtrack)
2. Slow Motion - David Gray
3. When You Know - Shawn Colvin
4. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
5. The Human Heart - Once On This Island Cast Album
6. Pride (In The Name Of Love) - U2
7. After Noon Delight - Will Ferrell (Anchorman Soundtrack)
8. Wishing On A Star - Rose Royce
9. When In Rome - Nickel Creek
10. Shadowlands - Ryan Adams

Bonus: Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett

I have been a busy little reader as of late. I don't know why, but I have been reading like crazy. Must have something to do with spring... at least that's my theory for now!
I finished 3 books this last month! They are all by the same author. I was waiting for the one that I really wanted to read to come available, so I checked out some of this authors other books just to see if I would like her writing style. Boy oh boy, I really like her style. I have just one complaint, and that is that she throws a MAJOR plot twist in at the end of the book, and I do mean THE END. As in the last 2-3 pages of the book. I hate that.

The first one is The Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult I really liked this book. It was one that grabbed me from the first page and kept me coming back for more. I had never read anything about The Amish, and so this was a new one for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my only complaint is that in the last 3 pages she threw in this major twist in the plot that I really did not like. I found myself screaming "I can't believe you are going to let them get away with that... but she did." Anyway, that being said, I would highly recommend this book.

The next one is The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
This book was interesting, and yet also disturbing. It felt like watching a car wreck happen. You know that you shouldn't watch, and yet you just can't help yourself. This book is NOT for the faint of heart. If what is going on in the real world with teenagers scares the tar out of you, and is not something you want to read about, then I would strongly suggest that you skip this one. I liked it, even as disturbing as it was.

Lastly, My Sisters Keeper is the one that actually started me on this journey of discovery. I had heard a lot about this book, and then my book club decided to do this for the month of April. I got a head start simply because I am a cheapskate, and don't want to buy a book unless I really LOVE it! Anyway, this was a very interesting book, and brought up some interesting ideas. It was a wonderful read and very quick. Again, in the last 3-4 pages, there was this major plot twist that just had me reeling. I really hated the way this book ended. It just seemed a little contrived and too convenient. I slammed the book shut with a great big UGH! However, that being said, I would recommend it as well. It should bring up a fascinating discussion at our book club... At least I hope it will.

It's always nice to discover a new author that is enjoyable... that means many many more books to read. YEAH!! Just what I need!! More books!
Jefe asked me what was in my Q to read now... I have to say that I haven't found anything that I am just dying to get my hands on. I will need to do some more investigating I suppose.
What have you been reading, and do you have any suggestions for me?

I found this new website that I am WAY digging. It was mentioned on one of the blogs that I frequent. I figured I better check it out, just in case I was missing out on a party or something! Let me just say... WHOA! Was I ever missing the party. I am totally digging it!!
Check it out... Pandora.com.
Let me know if you don't dig it too.

I noticed that some of you are TOTALLY digging projectplaylist.com.
Rock on!
Leave me a comment when you get your lists up and running so that I can check them out!

Thing 3 handed me her "other ankle" and said, pointing to a bump on her wrist: "My ankle still hurts Mommy. Right here. On my boob."
Huh?
My boob on my ankle hurts.
What?
"Mom", she says very exasperated, "My Boob. Right here on my ankle. It hurts."
Huh? Let me see.
Ohhhhh.
I get it. You have a BUG BITE, on your wrist. And it hurts.
Gottcha!
I thought maybe I was loosing my mind and had quite the anomaly for a child.

"Mom, my ankle hurts" said Thing 3.
Oh No! That's terrible! Here, let me kiss it!
I reached down to lift up her ankle to kiss it all better, and she groans, "No Mom! My ankle!" and hands me her wrist.
Oh.
Your OTHER ankle.

I HATE daylight savings time.
Well, let me be more specific.
I HATE daylight savings time in the mornings.

"I'm real sorry your mom blew up, Ricky." - Better off Dead

My Random 10 seems to be rather retro today. I'm a retro kinda girl! Whats coming up on your music playing device?

1. Short People - Randy Newman
2. Mr. Roboto - Styx
3. Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.
4. Magic - The Cars
5. Hanging By A Moment - Lifehouse
6. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
7. Englishman In New York - Sting
8. 19 Somethin' - Mark Wills
9. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face(Live) - Coldplay
10. Where The Green Grass Grows - Tim McGraw

Bonus: I'll Fly Away - Alison Krauss/Gillian Welch

My darling neighbor, Dancing Queen, showed me the COOLEST website!
I am totally lovin' it. I think that it is safe to say that I am addicted, and that I like it almost MORE than Rhapsody. That is saying a lot, cause I love love love Rhapsody!! This new site is cool, ' cause it has pretty much any song that you could imagine, for FREE, and then it gives you the code to post a player to your blog. The other thing that I love is that you can make the player either start automatically when your page is loaded, or make it so that people can choose to listen to your tunes. I like the latter, just cause there is nothing more irritating than a page loading and all of a sudden music blasting through your speakers... scaring the living day lights out of you. I say you when I mean me... I can't even begin to count how many times that has happened... Music blaring from the speakers unexpected, and me having to peel myself from the ceiling cause it scared the be-jeebers out of me!!
My current player has some of the current songs that make me happy! They are bound to change, since my favorites are always changing. I put the ones there that remind me of spring, and make me feel like bouncing & dancing away while we're driving down the road... much to my children's horror!!
Hee Hee
Anyway, Check out the cool new site HERE!

Thing 3 has discovered the joy of shopping. She likes to go and look around, and see what the world has to offer. This is a new experience for she and I. Usually, from the time she was quite little, I have avoided stores like the plague. She really didn't have the patience for shopping, and I didn't have patience with her. It was just easier to not shop. Lately she has been a joy to take shopping with me. She will pick out stuff, hold it up to herself and say "Oh! Cute Mama!" She likes to pick out clothes to take into the dressing rooms and try them on... " just like you Mama!" Its actually quite fun. She will try her clothes on, spin and twirl and say "Humm. What do you think?" Fun! Fun! Fun!
Today we had to take Anonymous Grandma to the airport. On the way home, we decided to swing by Daddys work. In order to see Daddy, we have to park in the mall. After our visit, Thing 3 was insistant on looking in all the stores in the mall.
Here is where I have now heard EVERYTHING! There is a kiosk in the mall that sells watches, sunglasses and stuffed animals. Thing 3 was happily checking everything out, and I was just patiently waiting for her. The sunglasses man comes up to me and says: "Would you like me to pick out and fit a pair of sunglasses to you?"
Uhhh.
No thanks.
He looks at me all serious like, and said; "No. Really. I am a professional. I pick out wicked hot sunglasses."
I gaped at him.
Wicked hot glasses huh and a professional too? Professional what? And without even blinking, he said "I am a professional sunglasses fitter." I started laughing and said "Well then. I guess you better work your wicked hot professional sunglass fitting mojo on me."


Did his wicked hot professional sunglass fitting mojo work?
I dunno.
These ones make my eyes hurt... I think its the rose colored lenses. I need the yellow ones.
Oh well.
It was worth a good laugh anyway!
Oh. And Thing 3 got some wicked hot sunglasses from the professional sunglasses fitter too!

I love music. It just seems to make life better, more fun.
A few of my shifts at work have been sans music... It really makes for a very "loud", long, boring night!
I just love music. I guess I live my life in moments punctuated with songs.
Thats why THIS is soo totally cool!
Check it out!
Now, I just need that danged lap-top so that I am not tied to my PC...

Last night I took these girls to help me "serve" at a dinner that my Mom was doing for Elder Dallin H. Oaks. For my friends who don't know who he is, he is a leader in my church, who is from Illinois. He is what we call an Apostle, and helps to lead and teach the members of our church. In the bible, they talk of the 12 Apostles (Peter, James and John...). Elder Oaks is one of the 12 Apostles in these latter-days. He is a "big whig" to state it plainly.
Anyway, I was asked to help out with the dinner, making sure everyone had food, and clean the kitchen once the dinner was over. I took these girls, and told them that once the dinner was over, we could all go to Training Table and have their awesome Cheese Fries.
Yumm. They are soo good!
I really didn't think that Elder Oaks would come into the kitchen, let alone shake all our hands... but he did. It absolutely thrilled those girls to death! For my catholic friends, it would be like being able to shake one of the Cardinals hands. It is a big deal! I told them to remember this moment, and cement it in their minds and then go home and write about it in their journals. It was a good experience for them!
We sat at the restaurant for a couple of hours, just chatting and having a great time! We ate 2 plates of cheese fries. Yumm.
I tried on several occasions to leave, but the older girls kept saying that they were having fun, and couldn't we stay longer?? Please??
At 9:30 I finally insisted that we had to go home... After I had delivered all the girls to their various homes, Thing 1 sighed rather loudly and told me how much fun she had had and how totally cool it was to get to meet an Apostle. Then she looked me squarely in the eyes and said "Mom. You are the coolest Mom. Ever!"
Ahh. Shucks. That brought tears to my eyes!
That means more than anything.
Bar none!

Now, doesn't that look like fun? They were having a total blast!! This is what happens when you close the door when you use the bathroom. Anonymous Nephew found the box of foam shapes, and promptly through them all over the house. You should've seen the look of sheer joy every time he did that. I would get the box almost all picked up, he would sneak over and grab the box and empty it out. At one point, he dumped the box, and promptly laid down and rolled all over in the foam. I gave up cleaning it up, and just let them throw them and toss them around. Once Anonymous Nephew was packed up and heading off to new lands to destroy, I started the cleaning up process.
45 minutes later...
But who cares?
I mean really!
They were happy and entertained for a long time. Its easy to pick up. Just embrace the mess, and you will feel liberated.
At least that is what I had those Tibetan monks chanting in my head!!
Anonymous Nephew came over the next night, and dumped every single bucket out in the playroom. I had just cleaned it.
Oh well.
"Embrace the mess. Embrace the mess."
I feel liberated. Sort of.
I wonder if those monks will make me a CD, all the while chanting:
Embrace you mess.
Don't touch your brother/sister.
Leave them alone.
Come here. Come heeerrreee.
Don't slam.... the door.
Put your bike in the garage.
Put your backpack in your room.
Pick up your shoes.
Clean your room.

Huh.
I think I could make millions off half-crazed mothers who are sick of chanting this themselves.

1,003 visitors to my little ole' blog?
Well, Gaaalllleeeee!!!

Hi.
My name is Cindy and I'll be your waitress/short order cook today.
Just tell me what you would like, and I will fry it on up for you.
Sheesh.
Thing 3 had 4, yes count 'em, FOUR things for breakfast this morning. Did she finish ANY of them?
NO.
She wanted yogurt. She got yogurt.
The she wanted ketchup eggs (scrambled).
She got them.
Then a pancake.
Then a dip-egg.
I was trying my best to be patient with her... but it was quickly becoming impossible.
She took a few bites of each thing, then would promptly push it away and say she was all done. She's not "hun-rey" any more.
THEN she comes to me not 10 minutes ago, crying, that she is going to die because she is sooo "hun-rey".
Uhhh. Too bad so sad chica.
Cindy has closed the kitchen until further notice!

"That bit at the end sounded like Paula talking. That's what you reminded me of, Paula judging this show. Blah blah blah blah..." - Simon Cowell

Random 10 Friday, Folks. Do you listen to music??

1. These Are The Days - 10,000 Maniacs
2. Freedom 90 - George Michael
3. Alison (Live) - Elvis Costello
4. 19 Somethin' - Mark Wills
5. Mahna Mahna - Cake
6. 1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
7. Rock N Roll - Ryan Adams
8. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson
9. The Heart Of A Saturday Night - Tom Waits
10. Favorite Year - Dixie Chicks

Bonus: Hysteria - Def Leppard

"I am a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine. If I am to change this image, I must first change myself. Fish are friends, not food. " - Finding Nemo

It's Random 10 Friday again folks.
Are you listening to anything good??

1. Monochrome - The Sundays
2. In A Little While - Uncle Kracker
3. Linger - The Cranberries
4. Plush - Stone Temple Pilots
5. When The Lights Go Down - Faith Hill
6. The Hand Song - Nickel Creek
7. I Don't Trust Myself (Loving You) - John Mayer
8. Bring The Rain - Mercyme
9. To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) - Ryan Adams
10. But You Know I Love You - Alison Krauss

Bonus: Crazy Life - Toad The Wet Sprocket

Jefe went to the dentist today. That in and of itself is not noteworthy! What is - is the fact that this is the first time he has been to the dentist in 10+ years. I figured for sure he would have at least 1 cavity.
Did he you ask??
NO!
How fair is that?
For Pete's sake!!
I go to the dentist FAITHFULLY every 6 months. In fact, I go to the dentist soo much that I probably have paid for an expensive vacation to the Bahamas!
I brush 2x a day. I floss daily.
And for all that, I have teeth that resemble a Meth user!
Jefe doesn't go to the Dentist in over 10 years and he doesn't even have 1 tiny little cavity??
What's up with that??

I have a question. Its an easy question.
Why do little boys insist on wearing dirty clothes?
Thing 2 was getting ready for school today, and he came bouncing downstairs, all happy. Wearing the same clothes he had on yesterday. I told him he really needed to go and change, and put on clean clothes. He moaned and groaned and stomped back upstairs to change his clothes. He came down again, and had on the most filthy shirt I think he could find. Ewww! I said. "You can't wear that! It is filthy and has food and dirt all over it! You need to find clean clothes to put on!" He started hollering "Moooommmm! I don't care! No one cares Mom!" Uhh.
I care.
And further, You SHOULD care.
Change your clothes.
He came stomping back downstairs in a clean shirt and filthy pants.
Oh. My. Word.
What the flip is going on here?
He just rolled his eyes and goes "Mom. Its just dirt from playing soccer. Its not that big of deal."
Well.
Call me crazy, call me weird call me whatever. But there is one thing that I must insist on and that is my children leaving my house in clean clothes. I just don't understand it. He takes his filthy clothes, folds them nicely and puts them back in his dresser. Why? They are stinky, dirty gross. We had to go through his drawers this morning, and pretty much everything in there was dirty.

Sheesh. Guess I'm spending the day doing laundry.
But, why do little boys want to wear dirty clothes?
Why?

Last year Jefe was sitting by Thing 2 on the couch, and he goes "Dude. You really smell. You need to take a shower!" Thing 2 goes, I did. I just put my favorite shirt back on. Jefe made him take it off, and then he and I sniffed the shirt.
Oh.
My.
Word!
That shirt made me start to dry heave!! I looked at him all confused, and he said :" Well. Its my favorite shirt. I have been wearing all the time for like, a long time."
No kidding.
It smells like it!
Now, on a daily basis we have to look at what shirts he has on under his sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts... just to be sure we aren't having a repeat of last years stink mess.
I mean, lets get real. When a kid stinks. Who do people blame? The mom!
Now, peoples.
I am here to let you know, we Mothers of the stinky boys must unite! It, as I am coming to find out, is not entirely our fault.
We insist that they bathe.
We insist that they wear clean clothes.
They just don't.
I don't understand this, and probably never will.
But, I must tell you this-- you would've thought I was asking him to cut his arms off and beat himself with them when I told him under no certain terms was he leaving my house wearing those dirty, filthy clothes.
For heaven sakes people. Whats the big deal with clean clothes?
I just don't get it!


On another note...




Life is good when you're 3!

I thought I was going to blow past all the sickness that has been plaguing my home...
Not so.
I am sick. Boy am I sick. Thanks family for your generous sharing!
Jefe is STILL sick.
Thing 3 is STILL sick.
Thing 2 is STILL sick.
Thing 1 is enjoying the freedom that having sick parents presents.
Joy.
Rapture.
Cough Cough sniff sniff.
I'm going back to bed now.

Happy Birthday Jefe!

A song will outlive all sermons in the memory.
- Henry Giles

It's Random 10 Friday again folks... listenin' to anything good??

1. Spoken For - MercyMe
2. 100 Years - Five For Fighting
3. White Flag - Dido
4. Across The Universe - Jason Falkner
5. Jealous Of The Moon - Nickel Creek
6. Out Of Hand - Mighty Lemon Drops
7. New Years Day - U2
8. I Don't Wanna Die Anymore - New Radicals
9. Bend and Break - Keane
10. Out Of My Hands - Dave Matthews Band

Bonus: Bigmouth Strikes Again - The Smiths

The things went to school yesterday, so I figured we were on the mend.
I figured wrong. Jefe called me at work last night to stop at the pharmacy on my way home to get medicine for Thing 2... He had an earache. He was up all night, basically, with the earache, which means that I was up all night with him. Jefe was up most of the night, hacking away. It was a regular old sick fest. I felt so sorry for Thing 2 cause he was in some major pain. We gave him the over the counter ear numbing drops, Tylenol and then a hot shower. After that, he started coughing so hard, I gave him some cough syrup too. He was probably higher than a kite! Then I set him up on the couch all propped up with the hot pad on his ear... and he promptly went to sleep. At 4:30 in the morning!
I was able to get him into the Dr. today, and he has a double ear infection, with his right ear drum ready to pop. OUCH! AND the beginnings of Bronchitis. Oh fun. Thing 3 has Bronchitis too... and I wouldn't be surprised if Jefe did too. Fortunately Jefe got antibiotics on Monday. I am not so sure that they are working, but it will keep all the other yucky sicknesses at bay. Thing1 is feeling much better. She actually stayed home today, but I think it was probably good for her, just so that we can get her completely cleared up.

Anyway. Now we have the plague identified. The Lysol is being sprayed in heavy amounts. The anti-bacterial hand sanitizer is flowing like old faithful and the coughing is slowly being subdued. The Things all have their various medicines in them, and Jefe is slipping off to never never land with his codeine laced cough syrup. We have rented a slew of videos... so I have that to entertain us. When we run out of that, there is always The Sopranos! Yeah!

Is this not the cutest thing ever? This is what I had wanted to make for the kids to give out as Valentines. I thought it was cute, and non-candy related. Thing 2 looked at me with his head all cocked to one side and said "Pencils?" As if I had completely lost my mind. Then he turned to Thing 1 and said, "Mom wants us to give out pencils." Jefe over heard them, and asked them if they thought that was retarded. Thing 1 looked at him and said "Dad. That is gay with a capital G. " tracing the G in the air. Jefe looked at me and goes "Yeah Mom! Get with the program!" Oh. Ok. Here I thought we were being creative... so we went on Valentines card hunt this afternoon. I had not even bothered getting any, cause I had been planning on making the pencils, that are apparently stupid.
After going to 5, yes count that FIVE stores, I finally found some stupid Valentine cards. Thing 2 was being rather picky, and I held up his choices for him and said "Dude, this is it. You can have Bob the Builder, Blues Clues, Barbie, Brats, or Shark Tales. OR you can have those lame pencils."
He promptly chose Shark Tales. Thing 1 said that those choices were even lamer than the pencils. Thing 3 was happy with Blues Clues. So. Thing 1 and I spent all night making her Valentine cards.
From scratch.
All night.
All because the pencils were pencils and they were gay with a capital G.
Whatever that means.
So, here is what we made. Hopefully it meets those weird 6th grader standards that nobody knows about except the 6th graders themselves!

We have the plague here. Sick, coughing, sneezing, feverish, moaning, plague. Everyone is sick around here, except me. How that happened is beyond me. I have been going around to the various rooms, spraying the Lysol disinfectant spray as I enter, seeing if they need anything, then spraying as I leave... then promptly washing my hands. I have been using those Clorox wipes and cleaning the handrails, door knobs, tables, chairs... everything. I really don't want to get this gombu! It looks horrid! This is how sick everyone is... Jefe actually went to the Dr. Which tells me that he must be knocking on deaths door. He NEVER goes to the doctor. Ever. Unless he has 1 foot in the grave. It sort of made me a little nervous when he announced he needed a doctors appointment.
On the other hand, the Things have been getting along amazingly! There has been little to no fighting. They sat in the family room yesterday, and played with all the toys, happily. Being nice and kind to each other. Sometimes having sick kids is a good thing... if they are going to be so nice to each other, and play together, and all sleep in the same room together! Too cute!

Thing 1 had her first school dance today.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN??
This growing up business?
YIKES!!!
She spent so much time in the bathroom this morning, she almost didn't make it to school. She looked darling. It was so fun to be there, and see her in her element... No! I wasn't spying! I was a chaperon, and I took pictures. I think I may have embarrassed her a titch when me and some of the other moms got out there and got a little jiggy with them. Oh well. I wouldn't be a cool Mom if I didn't embarrass her! Right? That's what I'll keep telling myself anyway.
Here's a photo of her doing her "thang"...
She is getting so beautiful, its sort of starting to stress me out!


P.S. Thing 1 said I did embarrass her, cause I looked like a big dork.
Oh well. Isn't that what Moms are for?

"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by thouse who could not hear the music."
- Angela Monet

Random 1o Friday again... whatcha listenin' to?

1. Goodbye Earl (Live) - Dixie Chicks
2. Poses - Rufus Wainwright
3. Curbside Prophet - Jason Mraz
4. Scotch & Chocolate - Nickel Creek
5. Either Way - Guster
6. You & Me - Lifehouse
7. How Come - Ray Lamontagne
8. Flying - Chris Isaak
9. Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me - Faith Hill
10. I Don't Trust Myself Loving You - John Mayer

Bonus: Someday We'll Know - New Radicals

My computer is dead. Gone. Caput. Ceasing to exist. DEAD!!
It keeps giving me an error message... Jefe says that means that the hard drive is dead.
Oh No! That means that all my photos are gone. My scrapbook pages are gone. GASP! What will I ever do?? I have been wandering around aimlessly for the last 2 days. Not quite sure what to do with myself. My routine has been completely screwed up... I get up, get the kids ready for school, send them off... Get Thing 3 set up in front of her show, and then I check my email and work on the blog. Not being able to do that, has really thrown me for a loop.
Do you think that means I'm addicted?
Probably!
Does this suck to have go to the library to check my email?
Yes.
Does this suck to have people reading over my shoulder?
Yes.
Does this suck to not be able to upload photos?
Yes.
Does this suck to have a TIME LIMIT???
Yes.

Sigh.
I guess I AM addicted.

When I walked into the library today, the librarian knew my name. He actually hollered out "Hey Motherboard! How you doin'?
"Uhh... how do you know my name?" Is what I wanted to say... but I just smiled... just a titch weirded out. Is that weird?? At first I thought it was, but the more I think about it, its sortof charming. I mean... isn't that what small towns are all about? People knowing people? I guess I am still used to being incognito... anonymous... unseen. It takes a little getting used to... all this familiarity.
Anyway.
I needed to use the computer, 'cause mine has decided to take a vacation. It's probably some where warm like Bora-Bora. Or Thailand. Maybe Greece. Yeah. Thats probably where it's gone.
Greece.
Gee thanks for inviting me.
Anyway, I asked the Librarian, who knew my name, what one had to do to get hooked up with a computer... He promptly signed me up... name and all.
Uhh. I find that a little weird.
What does this all mean??
It means I need to get a life!

Da bears.
Dey lost.

How sad for us. We were all decked out in our Chicago gear... food galore. We actually did watch the game. Until the last 10 minutes. It was just too painful. They botched it big time. I guess I could say it was the weather... but that QB had 6 too many over-turns/interceptions. Thing 2 was sad. Thing 1, suprisingly, was yelling and screaming at the T.V. like she actually knew what it was that they were doing.
Too cute!

Da bears.
Maybe next year!

You know that you go to the library too much when the librarian remembers your name, and you don't have to show your card any more.
Do you think I need to get a life??

I did something a little crazy. Usually, if I am going to do something, that would cause me "exposure", I mull it over and think about it, and plot it, usually until its too late to do it. That usually works for me.
Today, however, I got this "brilliant" idea that I should send in an essay to the Prairie Home Companion show. They call it "First Person" and they want essays, short stories or poems. I didn't have either of the latter, so I wrote an essay. It could only be 1,000 characters. Most of the other essays had been on people and their childhood homes or childhood memories. I wrote one on my childhood home. I actually submitted it before I could over analyze it. I don't know if its any good, or if it will even be accepted. I also had to write something about me... so I did.
Here it is:

My Town

I was raised in a small town in Utah where there was only 1 stoplight, and 1 restaurant… a greasy hamburger joint called Hobo Joes. I thought we were all a bunch of hillbillies. I just KNEW that there were bigger and better things out there waiting for me.

I remember when we got cable T.V. I was amazed that my little T.V. could show me what was happening all over the world. I would watch the news in Chicago and tell myself, someday I WILL live there! It was right then and there, when I was 10 years old, that I decided that small town living was not for me. When I was old enough, I would leave this town... this state and see what it is that the world had to offer.

Once I graduated, I did just that. I got a job being a travel agent, and set out to see the world. And see the world I did. When I finally “settled down” I did so in Illinois… The place I had always wanted to live. I had my little family, and I started to realize something… I started to feel something. I missed home and MY town. My small town.

It was on a particularly difficult day that I discovered Prairie Home Companion. I was cleaning my kitchen, when it started. That familiar opening tune was singing to me from my radio. Suddenly, I was home again. I was there, in my small town, with my family. I grew up listening to Prairie Home. Now, when I was so far from home, I was being reminded that I could make home anywhere.

I found myself there in Illinois. It was there where I really came to understand life, and its meanings, and where exactly I fit into the scheme of things. It became “My home”.

Recently, I returned to live in the town where I was raised. I found myself having those same feelings. Those same pains… I was home sick. I missed the mid-west. I missed the accents, the tail-gating and people. I even missed the weather. Then, I found it again... Prairie Home Companion. That familiar opening was singing to me again. Reminding me that home is what you make it. Not a building, but feelings. Yes. I remember now.

I’ve come home to my town. I couldn't wait to leave it when I was younger. I saw the world. I lived in fabulous places. Now, I will raise my kids here, in My Home Town.

About me:

Indeed, I am living in my small home town again. Small towns for kids are a curse, for adults, they bring comfort. I have a fabulous husband and 3 amazing kids. I also have a very rowdy boxer dog, who thinks she is kid #4. I still love to travel, and still plot and plan on ways to see what it is that the world has to offer. In my spare time I read and write. Someday, I hope to publish that book that we all are secretly writing. Prairie Home Companion has been an integral part of my life... I say this often, but my version of heaven will be Saturday nights, with Prairie Home in the background, the kids laughing in the pool, the steaks slowly grilling, the fireflies blinking away and the cicadas serenading me. Ahh. I can't wait! Until then, I will tune in here in the west, and dream!

I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both, maybe both happening at the same time. - Forrest Gump

Random 10 Friday is here again folks.
Here's what came up all random like on my player...
What about you? Care to play?

1. My Town - Montgomery Gentry
2. Not Coming Home - Maroon 5
3. All the Wild Horses - Ray Lamontagne
4. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams
5. Dice - Finley Quaye (The O.C. Soundtrack)
6. Bad Day - Daniel Powter
7. Theme From Jurassic Park - John Williams
8. Speed - Montgomery Gentry
9. Sparks - Coldplay
10. Musicology - Prince

Bonus: Escape (Pina Colada Song-Radio Mix) - Captain Jack