Laugh Until You Cry - It's Good For You!

My husband sent me a video. I was just about to start my work day so I clicked on it.

A video of He-Man and Skeletor dancing - completely innocent.

That's when I lost more than ten minutes of my day.

Laughing.

Then crying because I was laughing.

Then wheezing because I was crying from laughing so hard.

But I was all by myself - home alone. There was no one to share in my joy. So I set up to record myself for proof. I couldn't stop.

I realized that I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. The mere thought of that made the crying start. Crying and hysterical laughing. Then I had to dial into a conference call. Still laughing and crying while trying to calm down. Which made me laugh and cry even harder. Then I had to unmute my line while sniffling and snorting to then explain why which made it start again. Thank goodness for the mute button.

So here I am laughing, crying, the works! Someone totally made my day today and I'm grateful!

Today, have a good laugh. I feel like a million bucks!

Enjoy the video of me below and of course don't miss the He-Man one above!

 

I Won’t Be Buying Anymore Powerball Tickets

The Powerball pot recently is outrageous. So many millions of dollars unfathomable to someone like me. I never play Powerball but like most Americans, when the pot gets in the high six figure millions, I decide, eh why not and get a few.

Last night as I got into bed with my husband, we talked about the Powerball jackpot of almost 400,000 million dollars. Wow, it hurts just to type that! So. Much. Money. As I’m sure many couples, friends, families do, you play the hypothetical of what you would do if you won.

I sat down next to him and asked him seriously, what would you do. Not joking around. I wanted to know. My husband, being the practical person he is, talked about a financial advisor, putting most of it away to earn interest and invest. He said he’d give some to our families but most importantly, he wanted to grow the fortune to benefit our children, their children, and so on. He said he’d want to live comfortably for the rest of his life, get a dream home, and focus on some of his passions knowing most of the money was in the bank to help future generations of our family. Sounds nice right?

He looked at me and I told him I’d give most of the money to charity. I said I wouldn’t want that kind of money; it’s too much. I’d prefer to give most of it away to those who would need it and then we could live comfortably with the rest. Set up a trust fund for our children and make sure they were taken care of. But having a bank account with that kind of money actually stresses me out. How could I go on living life with that kind of money knowing there were so many people struggling in this world, in my country, or even in my own family. I would hate it if I didn’t share with everyone and give it all away.

A bleeding heart he called me. Said I was ridiculous for wanting to give all the money away. Told me I could start my own charity - which yeah that sounds awesome. Told me we can give some to our families. Said we wouldn’t give it all away.

This was not an argument we were having but a conversation by two completely different people. We are married but so different. I think it’s actually better that way - we both have our own thoughts and ways and we even each other out.

As I looked at him and imagined holding a winning ticket in my hand with an enormous chunk of change coming our way, I realized right then, I don’t want it.

Winning that kind of money would, inevitably, destroy our family. We’d compromise and work out the plan together but I’d never let the guilt I feel over having so much more than others subside. And my husband would get stressed and I’d grow to resent our decisions because of the guilt.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no martyr or Mother Theresa but going from middle class, getting by to filthy rich mega millionaire is a huge difference. I’d never feel comfortable as a mega millionaire. I don’t do fancy cars or name brands. Every dollar I have is a fortune to me because of the way we worked hard raising our family.

Therefore I decided I’m not going to buy any more tickets. I don’t want to win the mega Powerball jackpot. I am happy with my family, our circumstances, and our life. I wouldn’t want that money to get in the way of that.

I don’t want the money. I don’t want the problems. I’m good. No more tickets for me.

Cars Suck and Silly Things that Make me Laugh

My daughter is on April break right now. I figured I’d take off a few days so we could have a long weekend doing some fun stuff. It was a nice thought.

The week before my four day weekend with the kids, I decided last minute to book a trip to the New Jersey shore. My parents wanted to scope out a beach house for the summer so I tagged along. I was envisioning a couple days swimming in a hotel pool and walking the beach with the kids. Time away from the monotony of day to day life. Some sun and sand and fun!

The day before we were to leave my son started puking and had a fever. The day we were leaving he was a bit better thankfully so we hit the road.

An hour into the trip my car died. On the highway.

An SUV with four adults, two children (plus car seats!) and an entire weekend of gear jam packed into it. Dead.

(Just think about that for a second.)

I was able to coast into a Dunkin Donut parking lot (thankfully) and we had to unload the kids and carseats while the car got towed leaving us stranded there with bagels for dinner until a very helpful family member came to pick us up. We then had to go to the towed car and jam pack all our gear into the other car - and yes reinstall car seats! Fun!

Hotel canceled (but still charged). Beach trip canceled. Vacation ruined.

We spent the weekend at my parents. Oh and I tried breaking into their house at one point and set off the alarm.

My children were driving me nuts, bummed about their lost trip so I left after day two to head home and stop at the beach. We lasted 45 minutes until one had to pee and the other had consumed way too much sand.

But we will prevail I told them! We will make lemonade out of lemons, Goddammit, if it kills me!

The next day we had a good day of hanging out, playing, and another hour at the beach. Not too bad! I even had a spontaneous date night with my daughter which was just what we needed.

Then I heard my car was actually dead and will cost a fortune to fix. So now I’m car less and broke. And all those vacation plans I was working on for the summer are dead as well.

And I woke up this morning to a screaming toddler and then spilled coffee all over me burning my boob. Seriously.

All I want to do is eat my feelings and give up on life. Talk about a downer.

I put on TV for the kids because I just wanted to shower in peace and think about things. In the shower, I was feeling really down. I was about to cry and then I remembered that it could be worse. Some bad luck can’t make me so miserable. It’s just a car. My toddler will grow and stop crying constantly.

Out of the blue, in the shower, I drew a penis on the glass door out of the condensation. I have NO idea why. Then I started laughing hysterically. So I drew another one. And then some boobs. I was laughing so hard, my child came from upstairs to check on me.

So misery, be damned. Tears, go away. Car, FU for messing up my vacation. I have my health, I have my kids, and I can draw penis’. And I can laugh it off and pray for better times ahead!

I Used to be Cool...

yeah, i'm cool...

I do a lot of reminiscing. That’s mostly because life just goes by so fast and it feels like yesterday I was only a kid myself. But no in truth, I am a 30-something year old married mom of two (and by 30-something I mean in my 30s, one of those numbers because I really can’t remember which one and all I know is that every time someone asks me my age, I start with twent...and then realize nope, wrong decade!) Wishful thinking? Maybe…?

Inevitably, after you get married, buy a home, and start having kids, life definitely changes. 
You’re no longer buying new shoes, endless clothes, and purses in every color but instead spending money on diapers for the kids, mulch for the yard, and hemorrhoid cream for the butt (because if you are having babies, you’re most likely also getting those too!).

The other day I was pumping up a jam from back in the day, good ol’ Wyclef with Stayin’ Alive, which served as part of the soundtrack of my life for the better part of a year. As I danced around my kitchen with a wooden spoon making my kids laugh uncontrollably while at the same time impressing them with my awesome lip syncing capabilities, I realized that yeah, I used to be cool. My beautiful daughter was bobbing her head to the beat of Wyclef and I had this instant craving to tell her just how cool her mom was.

Diarrhea of the mouth quickly arrived and I started over sharing semi-inappropriate stories trying to prove to my five year old just how cool I was.

I was so cool that back in high school I used to sing and dance on tables to this very same Wyclef song at people’s house parties. Most of the time, I was the only sober one and the craziest! Man, I loved this song! (She wasn’t impressed.)

I was so cool that I used to drive a car with no top! I zoomed around town with my hair blowing in the wind and good tunes blasting from my stereo. (She loved this one.)

on top of the eiffel tower in my signature pose

I was so cool that I once skipped out of school early and drove someone else’s car without my license! (She’s just starting kindergarten so teaching her about skipping school was not my brightest moment… luckily a fly distracted her and she missed this anecdote.)

I was so cool that in Florence, Italy, I went to a discoteca and danced on top of a speaker in front of everyone. (Again, she’s 5, not the best story to share.)

I was so cool because I lived in London during college without gramma and grampa! (She was mildly impressed with this mostly because she was probably contemplating when she’d get to be on her own and stop being harassed to clean her room.)

I was so cool because I got to travel to China, Brazil, and lots of other far away places! (She started yawning.)

I was so cool that I got to go to tons of concerts all the time with daddy. We used to drive all over the place to see amazing shows! (She definitely perked up hearing this.)

I was so cool because I got to dance in front of the Eiffel Tower, walk on the Great Wall of China, see the Colosseum in Rome, go across the Tower Bridge in London, see all the bikes in Amsterdam, hear the Pope at the Vatican, travel all over Europe on a bus with a bunch of other 20 somethings, and went to an awesome luau in Hawaii. I’ve toured Scotland, Wales, Ireland. I’ve read hundreds upon hundreds of books. I’ve seen dozens of concerts. I’ve done clubbing, bar hopping, and wine tasting. I’ve worked my way up in my career - I’m a professional! I’m a published writer! I’m married! I’m a mom! (She stopped listening five minutes ago and is playing with her baby brother.)

I was am so cool because I’m your mom. I realized I wasn’t trying to convince her anymore but myself. Yeah I did use to be cool. But I still am and not because of all I’ve done and seen but because I’m the mom of the coolest kids.

Life sure does change. I used to be a cool in a…

flashing a river in Scotland because of a superstition,

asking a hot guy “can I jump your bones” to his face,

drinking shots out of a plastic sperm shaped tube…

kind of way.

I’m still that person but now I’m more of a cool,

dancing while I do the dishes,

singing into a wooden spoon,

teaching my kids how to head bang…

kind of way.

And anyway, it doesn’t matter what I think, my husband thinks, or anyone in the world thinks. My five year old thinks I’m the coolest around and to me that is all that matters.

Adventures with my Sister - the Bride

My sister is getting married in August. So don't mind me while I humor her.

I was supposed to go to Cincinnati this weekend for work but due to weather, my flight was canceled and I couldn't go to my event. I was at my mom's house already as Lyla was staying there for the weekend so I decided to stay for a night and do work from her house rather than mine.

So my bride-to-be sister pretty much set up an entire makeover for me. And now I look like a Barbie (minus the size zero waste).

First it was highlights but they are a lot blonder than I anticipated.

Then it was a spray tan. Now, I only did this because it was free, and figured I'd see how it worked because if I'm not tan for her wedding, I'll probably have to go this route.

During said tanning expedition, I laughed hysterically while being sprayed so I have white lines on my face creases (see below). And I didn't take off my jewelry so I have white ring marks.

All in all, instead of going to Cincy for the weekend, I came home:

- A blonde
- Orange
- Spotted

I'd say it was a productive weekend...

It's Official

We made it to 8! Only a few people may understand the significance of this post. But it's important nonetheless.

31 Things I've Learned in 31 Years

(Well I started this in September 2012.   Just added a few more in October 2012.  Added a few more November 2012.  Adding more now January 2013. And finally finished March 2013.)

On my 32nd birthday, today, I have decided I must finish this post. Finally. Enjoy...

Over at one of my new favorite blogs, they are all doing this exercise and I really wanted to add my two cents... Let's see how long this takes me to write!

31 Things I've Learned in 31 Years

32 Things I've Learned in 32 Years

1. Nothing ever turns out the way you planned. You can plan 100% of everything but get ready to be disappointed.
2. Judge a book by it's cover, literally.  In the end, you'll be more surprised with the outcome because you didn't what it was about!
3. There is no such thing as true love until you've become a mother.
4. No matter what you're going through, always remember someone out there has it worse off.  It could be worse.
5. Be grateful for the little things like running water, an abundance of food, shelter, and people in your life making things all the more easier.
6. Marriage is hard!  You both have to work at it and it can't be one sided.
7. No matter how many romantic comedies you watch or chick lit novels you read, your life will never be like that.  This one is hard to swallow ladies but if you think John Cusack will be outside your window some day with a boombox blasting Peter Gabriel, think again...
8. When all else fails, have some chocolate.
9. Nobody can get anywhere without rolling up their sleeves and committing to some hard work.  
10. Enjoy life in the now and don't say "I can't wait until..." because that moment will come all too fast and go by even faster.
11. Take some me time, every day.  Even if it's only for 5 minutes!
12. Be spontaneous.
13. Don't get upset over the little things like spilled milk and broken glasses.  They are only things.
14. Do stupid stuff every once in a while. It will be fun, I promise.
15. Never, ever, ever change who you are for someone else.
16. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you think your tunnel is never ending and too dark.
17. They are your feelings and don't listen to someone if they say don't worry, or it's stupid.  Your feelings always count.
18. Working from home rocks.  Seriously, it rocks.
19. Age is just a number.  You're only as old as you feel.  And no matter how depressed you get for being older and growing up (well do we really ever grow up?) and life going by too fast, just remember it could be worse. You could be dead!
20. If you have troubles, nothing can take them away better than reading a good book.  A little bit of fiction is a great escape!
21. You will do some of the same things your parents did.  Try not to.  I dare you! (Trust me. I never thought in a million years I'd be saying, "That's right on a Saturday night!" like my dad always says.  Damn, I can't escape it!)
22. True friends are hard to fine.  And friendship is a two way thing.  One person can't do all the work.
23. Playing with a child and using your imagination is so amazingly rewarding.  We must all do this more often.
24. Don't stress about weather! You can't control it.  So what if it's torrential down pour on your wedding day.  So what if there is a hurricane and it cancels your event.  There is nothing you can do and stressing just makes it worse! (Okay so I need to listen to this myself...)
25. Food is awesome so don't limit yourself because of calories!
26. Family is just that, family; no matter what.
27. A good cry is necessary every once in a while. Try it while sitting on the bathroom floor or in an empty tub for superior results.
28. Sing loud and often wherever you are. Singing is so gratifying even if you have a terrible voice.
29. Being nice all the time is not all it's cracked up to be. People will walk all over you and take advantage of you. Sometimes people suck ass.
30. Close your eyes when you're listening to good music. It will sound even better and it's invigorating. 
31. The beach is more fun and calming in the winter so grab you hat, gloves, and coat and take a walk by the waves during a snowfall.
32. Smile. Really, smile. So many people have blank faces or frowns all day long. Having a smile on your face puts you in a good mood and will make others happier around you... If you just smile...

I can't believe how long this post took me to write.

Roses, Goldfish, and Valentines!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last night the husband came home with two dozen yellow roses.  Just beautiful.

Lyla's auntie made these Valentine cards for her friends at school.  So freaking cute! Thanks Auntie Jojo.

I asked Lyla who her Valentine was.  She said it's Gavin cause he's her best friend.  And so it begins...

Operation Closet Redo!

I'm a very organized person when it comes to everything and everyone else.  But when it comes to myself, I feel like I don't give myself enough effort.  It's annoying, really.  I deserve organized stuff!

My closet got way out of hand.  It's a good size closet but not well organzied.  We keep saying we're going to invest some money to really make it a nice closet but that still hasn't happend.  So today at my favorite neighborhood store, Target, I got some stuff and went to town.

I am WAY too embarrassed to show you an actual before photo because it was not pretty.

But here is all my stuff emptied out!

Voila!

I got this great hanger at IKEA a while back.  It has 28 little circles so I was able to nicely drape all my scarfs in there for ease of access!

Happy as a clam am I!

Dinner for a Stranger

The other night I had to return something to the mall.  So I did what I always do when I have nothing to buy, I went shopping.  I have this crazy habit of going to the mall and just spending money (that I don't have) on things that I don't need without trying anything on.

Then I come home and try it on and return it all back to the mall.  I don't get it, I never will, but it's what I do...

But anyways, this is not a story about my weird shopping habits.

It was after 6 when I left the mall so I told Jared I had some cash and I'd pick up some Chinese take out on my way home.  Our local place only takes cash so it's a special treat when I have cash - which I never do - to get some of the most amazing wonton soup ever made!  See at our Chinese take out place, they have the broth and the wontons separate so it's so fresh and delish!

But anyways this is also not a story about wonton soup...

There I am at the Chinese take out place with Lyla paying for my meal when a girl walks in.  She's a young girl, maybe 18 or 19, pretty and looking totally helpless with her credit card in hand while she stares at the "cash only" sign.  She repeats the sign and says she doesn't have any cash, didn't know it was cash only.  The lady at the register says she's sorry but can't take credit cards, they don't have a machine.  She says this once she can take a check.  But the young girl shakes here had solemnly that she has no check book.  The lady tells her where an ATM is and the girl leaves, defeated but determined to get food.  This whole time I'm thinking to myself, buy her dinner for her.  

But I feel as if I've missed my moment. The girls walks out the door and I sit there stunned that I didn't move fast enough.  I decide not to waste any more time and I follow the girl out. She asks me where the ATM is and I tell her I don't really know. I tell her I don't think there is one in walking distance.  Then I tell her, let me buy you dinner.  I have some extra cash.  She insists no. She can't let me do that.  I march in the restaurant and tell the lady that I'm paying for her dinner.  The girl looks at me so gratefully not knowing what to say.  The lady I pay smiles and says it's very nice of me.  

It's not every day you get to do something nice for a stranger, I say.  The girl, now almost in tears, tells me she had the worse day ever.  I tell her we'll end it on a good note.  She leaves food in hand, thanking me again and again, even offering me some of her food.  

I feel good.  That $8 would have just gone to something stupid so I'm happy it went to feed this young girl who had a bad day.  I need to do this more often.  It feels so good to do nice things for strangers.

I recommend we all do these kinds of things often.  Brings smiles to people and renews faith in mankind for all.

It Could Have Happened...

Last week I had a heart attack - not literally but my heart was attacked.  To quote an awesome song...

"Tears stream down your face, when you lose something you cannot replace."

While Jared was away, my iMac crashed.  It was just black and I couldn't get it to work.  I didn't think much of it and figured Jared would fix it when he came home.

No dice.

He called Apple and they needed to look at it so he brought it to a Mac repair store.  That night, he said it was backed up but he wasn't sure if it worked.

There wasn't even a second of hesitation, the tears literally came streaming down my face.  Lyla was eating dinner, Jared was cooking, and I was standing at the counter crying, no sobbing.  The more I thought about the things I had on my hard drive the harder I cried.  

All my photos, all of them.

My writing from the last 15 years.

My projects I've created.

The letters I've been writing to Lyla since she was a plus sign on the EPT test.

Videos

The lot

All of it.

Lyla was getting worried so I went into the dining room and literally collapsed on the floor hyperventilating at the thought of the loss.  On my hands and knees, Jared came over to rub my back and said he did all he could and it should work but he wasn't 100%.  He felt awful, naturally.

I could not calm down. My hysterical fit lasted about 25 minutes.  I was resigned to wait for the outcome but I couldn't help feeling it was over - it was all gone.  I thought and thought about it and just knew it was gone.

They were able to fix my computer and when Jared brought it home, he plugged in the back up to restore my Mac.  It was Friday morning and he should have been at work but he knew how worried I was.  Bad news, he couldn't find it.  My folders were there but nothing was in them.  He looked like he was going to cry because of my first reaction to the thought of losing everything.  I was so sad I had no reaction.

He took the back up and the Mac back to the guys who fixed it and left it in their hands hoping for a miracle.  All day I waited on pins and needles wondering what was going to happen. Was my life erased or did I have it still? My only saving grace was the writing and photos I had on my blog. I'd have something...

The phone call finally came in, they had found it.  It was there, all backed up. I was okay. I was whole.  A huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I felt liberated.  It could have happened but it didn't.  I could have lost everything but luckily my husband backs up and even though he couldn't find it, it was there.

My life on my Mac is irreplaceable.  I would have never had those items again.  Now I know to cherish them always.  And keep the most important files on a thumb drive in my purse at all times!

In any event, I calmed down and just hugged my hubby.

Do you back up?  You should...

What I did on my Vacation...

I took 2 weeks off work.  That's right 2 weeks vacation.  Meaning rather than sit at my computer each work day for hours and hours, I only sat at my computer working for an hour or 2 per day while checking emails constantly.  Lame, I know.

But it was a vacation of sorts!  Well if you call potty training and having my inlaws stay for 2 weeks a vacation!

So what else did we do?

We welcomed Jared's parents (Christine and Colin or Oma and Opa) from England.

We went to Touch-a-Truck in East Lyme.  What a great event for kids!

In a news truck

Opa and Oma

Riding the choochoo with Oma

weee!

Face painting!

hitting the beach

the happy husband and Oma

We played in the pool.

Jared cleaned it daily...

big girl!

splashing with daddy

loving the pool

strike a pose

all wet!

bad daddy...

eating in bikini

waiting patiently to go swimming

ready!

I ran a 5K!!!

Lyla watched

We had a wonderful birthday party for Lyla.

i'm 2!

We did potty training...

big girl panties!

Uncle Mikey slept over and Lyla put on his clothes all on her own...

We taught Lyla to sing "Georgie":

We also went to the beach, had some fantastic dinners out, some amazing dinners in, and had some relaxation time as well.  It was great to see the family and spend so much time with Lyla.

Now back to the real world...

My Guilty Pleasure

One thing I cannot live without?  Swiss Miss!  I LOVE hot cocoa and have it almost every day during the winter.  No matter what diet I'm on hot cocoa is always allowed!  For some reason it always puts a smile on my face. I just drank my last packet today and now I have to go to the store for more!  Thanks Swiss Miss!

Today

Today is a special day for me and my love.  I can't really go into detail in public but in any event we are celebrating our special day by being away for the weekend sans Lyla.  I'm loving this time together but missing my child all the same.  Photos and stories to come!

Here is what I made for Jared today - be sure to listen to the lyrics of this beautiful song.  Happy Saturday!

Reminiscing

This post just came up on my blog. It made me cry.

As amazing as it seems, my love has only grown more.  I still need a new word.  And to stop squeezing my child so tight because I am so in love.

CD Case Calendars for Sale!

I've made my annual CD Case calendar and they are for sale on Etsy.  My readers get 15% off!

Use TRD2011 for the discount!  Check out my shop and get your calendar in time for Christmas.  Might I add it makes a great gift!!


A few teaser photos...

In Case You Wanted My Opinion...?

Heard on the news today that NASA confirmed a new planet that could sustain life.  Then read this article.

My first reaction:  LOL!  Those "aliens" are probably sophisticated people who have been watching us for light years and making fun of how far behind we are in science.  The call us the aliens and would prefer to stay 600 light years away.

My second reaction:  Hmm, when are they going to offer rides between here and this new planet?  Earth is getting pretty dirty, it's full of bad people, wars, and destructive human behavior.  It's only a matter of time before we need to go there and ruin another planet.  Maybe I can get there first so I can see it before that happens.

Way to go, NASA - it quite amazing how we can find these things.  Let's hope mankind does not destroy this new planet!

Highlight of My Day!

Last night I looked in our chest freezer and found a six pack of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs I had saved from Easter.  SCORE!

I happily left one on the counter to defrost and this is my lunch today.  I am SO freaking happy right now.  Like OVER THE MOON to be having this special treat.

Thank you dear God for giving us Reese's.  Amen.

To Pixie or not to Pixie

I need a new hair cut.  My look is just drab, really.  I've been growing my bangs out all year and every day I just pin them back and put a pony tail in.  I would love to cut my hair short, short, like pixie style but I don't think I could pull it off. I can picture it now:  All the hair is cut, stylist says it looks great, I'm in shock and agree, then cry all the way home.  I keep saying I'm going to grow my hair back out to it's long state but I just don't have the stamina anymore.  Plus when it's long all I do is put it up anyways.  

I seriously have the worst hair ever!  It's super thin and wicked flat.  I. Hate. It.  I was thinking maybe to get a new styled bob or something.  Ugh I can't decide!  Thoughts?!

I read Lyndsay Johnson's blog and her pixie is the bomb!  Rebecca over a the Daily Muse also posted a nice photo of a bob the other day that I salivated over.

I had Jared actually take my photo this morning and put a pixie do on my head.  It was so bad  I could not share it!  So I guess it's a no for pixie.  But I still need a new style!  Thoughts anyone?