See Mom Work

Celebrating Year One!

2011-12-15T00:26:00.000-08:00

It is unbelievable to me that it has been a year since my L'il Chicken Hawk entered into this world. His was the fastest, most scariest birth for me and took me completely by surprise. It has taken me this entire year to recover from the shock of it.

My period actually finally just returned for the first cycle after his birth - how timely. The big blood clots and cramps reminded me of my postpartum experience. It has all been such a blur - time went by fast, but dragged on at the same time.

Not to minimize the fact that he is handsome, healthy, happy and an excellent sleeper and that we have had an awesome year together, but here are some of the not-so-pleasant things that occurred during and after his birth (in no particular order.)

Immediate immense painful contractions that didn't let up
Lightening fast delivery with excruciating pain
Big blood clots
Neonatal ICU doc had to deliver the baby since he was the only one available
No epidural since it was too quick
Bells Palsy struck soon after
Following Bells Palsy, took series of steroids and antivirals
Got a breast abscess following the steroids
Leaking orifices and wastebaskets full of soaked pads: Tucks, nursing and big cotton saddles
Taking it easy for #2
Weak abs that strained to get in and out of bed
Flimsy bladder that leaked upon every strain
The fear and uncertainty of his initial heart murmur, healing circumcision and his peeing all over at diaper changes
High blood pressure following delivery
Psychotic dreams from hormones and sleep deprivation
Depression and anxiety and insecurities
Limping around from hip joint pain
Battle of mammary gland engorgement and round the clock nursing
Learning the ropes of cloth diapering and laundering them
Losing the job that I hated and feeling sweet relief to be free of it
Reaching my goal of nursing for a full year! Yay!

Leading up to his first birthday, I was feeling melancholy that this chapter of our lives is over. He is our third and final baby and I'm going to miss the newborn phase. As stressful as it may have been.

We celebrated his birthday by baking him a Funfetti cake, decorating it super cute, making him birthday cards and going to the Santa Ana Zoo. It was such a fun time - train rides, cute monkeys and the playground were the highlight. When we finally gave him his first piece of cake, he was in heaven - squeezing it in his hands, cramming fistfuls into his mouth and reach for more. That boy can eat!

The next stage to tackle is weaning. I'm a little sad to say goodbye to that special time between us, but it'll be nice not to wear nursing bras and pads anymore. To be able to just pour some regular milk in a sippy cup and go about my business.

I'm even considering a job opportunity, so that's a big step in going back to my 'normal' life. Not just any job, though. A family-friendly, flexible, dynamic place to work where I wouldn't be surrounded by buffoons (hopefully). Of course I'm a little torn about it, and I would be fine without a job...for a while.

Stay tuned for more updates on this adventure!

Tobacco - Just Say No

2011-12-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Source: http://frugaldad.com

Confession Friday

2011-12-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

Desiree Eaglin from the blog Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest has offered me the chance to write the first guest post for her new series, "Confession Friday". Go on over and read about my shameful secret in my post: "Member of the Inhumane Society."

Be sure to leave a comment while you're there.

If you have a confession (anonymous if you so choose), let Desiree know and she'll put you on her editorial calendar!

Conversation Starter: A Good Wife

2011-12-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

A few years ago when I was in downtown Orange, I found some really cute conversation starting cards at an adorable nursery. It was a bunch of cards that you pulled one when you are in a social setting to talk about the questions on the card.

I think it is a great concept... except when you don't want to tell people your honest answer.

Today I decided to pull a card at random for fun. No joke - this is the question I picked: what do you think makes a good wife and why?

Now dear reader, you tell me - what do you think makes a good wife and why? To be honest, I have no idea what makes a good wife. But I do know that I am not the stereotypical 'good wife'. Unfortunately I do not cater to my husband's every need. I always told him from the beginning that I was not marrying type, but he must not have believed me. Now he's probably regretting it; each time he comes home from work I can see the frustration on his face when he sees how messy the house is. Not only that - everyone's been fed but there is nothing left for him to eat. *Exaggerated sigh*.

For me, being a good wife is being true to myself and our friendship. Having open communication, honesty and trust. I also think it's important to have fun together and share common interests and goals. However, marriage is not fun and games when you have three children, so I'm probably the wrong person to ask about being a good wife. I do not keep house or clean or cook or dote on him. His mom was the complete opposite of me in her handling of men in her life. Then again, she was married three times. Maybe you need to play a little hard to get to be a good wife?

Let me know your thoughts. Also, now that we're talking about it, what makes a good husband?

Guest Post: Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest

2011-12-02T00:20:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report that I have successfully convinced someone to write a guest post for SMW! Okay, I really didn't have to twist her arm too much... I'm so glad she wrote something up for me because she provided me with some priceless comic relief from the cloth diapering doldrum of my day.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to a friend of mine (that I actually know IRL), Desiree Eaglin. Desiree blogs at: Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest.

By the way, she forgot to mention that when we were first introduced to each other, the reason we hit it off so well is because she said, "Who invited their dad here?" pointing out a Super Sized gentleman in Angels attire. You really had to have been there to enjoy the humor, but it made me laugh out loud. I told her I had thought the same thing but was too afraid to say anything (because I'm "mousy" and ever-so-polite). I liked that Desiree could not only make fun of others, but of herself too - which is a fun sport of mine too.

“All Mommy and No Work Makes Mommy a Dull Chick”

I met Elle in October at the OC Blogger Bash in Anaheim. We immediately clicked because she has the same dry, sarcastic sense of humor that I do. She has since asked me to do a guest post here at SMW.

I’m a writer that needs some parameters and direction and when I asked her for some, I basically got the word “balance”. WTF? is the first phrase that came in mind; me…talk about balance? I’m just a “lazy, overweight, plain, over-involved, crafty, domesticated, apron-wearing, judgmental, potluck maven” (Elle’s words) - AKA stay-at-home-mom. What do I know about “balance”?

Let me introduce myself to you first. My name is Desiree Eaglin, I blog at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. I started blogging in 2007 after my son was born. It was fun, but I put a lot of pressure on myself to always be funny. I took a long hiatus because of the lack of inspiration and time.

I started blogging again in March of 2011 for DayTrippingMom which set me on a course of several contributorships (that’s not even a word I know). Now I contribute to MomsLA, CBS-Los Angeles, Best of Family and I just signed on with IE Family; like yesterday.

I am a stay at home mom of two with another one on the way. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSUF. We live on the surface of the sun in Corona, California because that’s where we could afford to buy so I could stay home with the kids.

So, how do I find “balance”? I’ve thought about this a lot and I guess for me it wasn’t a matter of “all work and no play makes mommy a dull chick” it was “all mommy and no work makes mommy a dull chick”. For me, it was a matter of finding personal fulfillment balance within my stay at home mom jeans. It’s easy to lose yourself when you’re a stay at home mom, so much of your day surrounds someone else’s life, someone else’s needs.

The day I stumbled upon an ad from Aracely Worley to contribute to her blog, DayTrippingMom, set me on a different course that has changed my life; that opportunity opened doors and gave me that sense of self I was missing. Now I can write just for myself with no sense of someone else’s needs. It’s just me and my words.

I get paid to blog; not too much, but enough to make a small difference. I do my work while the baby naps in the morning and while both kids nap in the afternoon. Oh and on Monday nights while the hubs is watching football. Thankfully, my work load is manageable for the time being and I figure I’ll roll with it if it gets bigger and make it work as time goes on.

I am hoping that all of this will lead to some sort of a full time profession I can do once all the kids are in school. But that’s the dream for all us bloggers right - that golden social media job that pays millions because we’re witty and funny?

To read more about me and my journey to become a good mom, read me here at: Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest.

Review: Ella's Kitchen Organic Baby Food

2011-11-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting the reps from Ella's Kitchen at BlogHer 2011. They are such a vibrant company with a fun story. Ella is a real life little girl with an inspired father, Paul, who collaborated to create 100% organic and kids food with a variety of unique blends of fruits, vegetables and grains.


"Healthy eating can be fun, tasty, and cool for kids!"

If you've been in Target lately (and what good woman hasn't?), you will see that they're on the shelves there in a happy rainbow of colors in convenient little squeeze pouches.

Here are some informational tid-bits you should know about Ella's Kitchen products:

No added sugar, salt or water
No perservatives or thickeners
No egg, wheat or gluten
BPA free packaging
100% organic
Orthodox Union Kosher (I am sorry to admit I don't know what this means but hopefully you do)

They are good for when you're on the go and to add to recipes so your child gets their fruits and veggie servings (sneaky sneaky). It is resealable for use within 48 hours, but honestly, my 11 month old can eat one entire pouch in seconds.

Personally, for my l'il chicken hawk, since he's been born, I've only made my own baby food based on food I already had on hand, or specifically bought to make my own. Since I've found myself 'in between jobs', making my own baby food saves me money on baby food and the hassle of trips to the store, and it also introduces a variety of texture to his palate.

To be honest, buying Ella's Kitchen baby food would be cost-prohibitive for me since I'm watching my $ (watching it flow down the drain). But I think having a some on hand is good for outings or when you're in a hurry. When I offered Ella's Kitchen pouches to my son, he devoured them quickly and wanted more. (He's got a BIG appetite.) You can say they were a hit with him! My chickadees begged me to give them some too.

Another concern I have are the packaging waste, which is a concern for many Eco-concious folks.

Some of the unique food combinations are extensive for all levels of eaters - take a peek!
For the kids, I prefer anything that's got vegetables in it, since it's so difficult to get them to eat it off their plate.

You can find Ella's Kitchen in your favorite stores like Target, Kroger, buybuyBaby and online at Diapers.com and Amazon.com - and they're expanding their reach all the time.

Interact with Ella's Kitchen online at:

Ellaskitchen.com - be sure to sign up to become a friend to receive a coupon. Also, 50 lucky winners a month will get a cool upcycled bag.
Facebook.com/ellaskitchenusa - 'Like' them to be alerted to fun events, news, contests and more.
Twitter.com/ellaskitchenusa

Disclaimer: I was provided with a sample box of Ella's Kitchen baby food for this review.

I've Got a Friend to Unfriend

2011-11-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

To help with Jimmy Kimmel's cause for National Unfriend Day, I've got a friend...

She posted this on her Facebook today (while driving apparently):

Dear Lime green SMART car, Next time you speed up to cut me off...I won't come to a screeching HALT and instead you will become an pretty hood ornament on my SUV:)! Happy Holidays!!

Texting and driving combined with road rage? Lethal combo. And I told her so - I was the only one in her stream of 'Atta Girl' comments to be contrary.

She is so full of herself and her materialism. Her entire Facebook feed is one big, exaggerated brag after another. Just to let you know, she has 496 friends and is truly clinging to her party girl reputation. Hell yeah, we used to rage when we were younger and I was a little more single, but now she's roaming into cougar territory with no sign of slowing down.

I don't like the way she sounds in this post - as if she's scoffing at someone who would drive a SMART car while she drives her top of the line Range Rover. Just her - no husband, boyfriend or kids or dog. Just her AND her big fake boobs. Did we not grow up in the same small town with humble beginnings?

Truth be told, I may be just a little jealous. She has a great job with tons of perks, owns her own home in a gorgeous city, is single and living the high life, traveling around the world and partying with fun and interesting people. And she has a nice rack and 496 friends. Possibly 495 if I unfriend her.

Should I? Do you have any friends you want to remove from your Facebook?

Thanksgiving Joy

2011-11-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

We've survived the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! I bet you probably forgot about it already, didn't you? We're moving onto Christmas without a second thought about Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for again? Do you remember?

I am a little 'Bah Humbug' and get a little irritated with the sappy posts about what people are thankful for. I know I need to be a little more appreciative for the blessings in my life - that's for sure! Just to be clear, I AM thankful for so many things: health, home, car, food, conveniences, children, friends, education, etc.
But grant me a moment of venting about what I'm not thankful about.

My mom who doesn't bother to call me and wish me a Happy Thanksgiving or to check on her grandchildren. I find that rude and selfish. And no, I still haven't called her because I'm being stubborn and want to see how long it takes her to reach out. It could be weeks or months...
Looking down her nose at me.
© Photographer: | Agency: Dreamstime.com

SMIL who asks the same probing, personal family questions: "How is so and so doing?" "Have you talked to so and so?" and she'll go through the list of family members I'm embarrassed about. I don't have any new information on these family members and don't feel like sharing anyway. When I try to change the subject to talk about my other aspects of my life or what I'm working on, she never really listens or hears me. Either that or she acts like she's scoffing at whatever I find funny or enjoyable. She just doesn't get me. At. All. It seems I can't talk to her about any subject without it becoming awkward. Case in point: me telling my FIL about a cool app called Stitcher, which compiles all podcasts in one place for great listening. "I don't need any more media to listen to; I've got all the news I need with my NPR." me: "Oh, as a matter of fact, they have NPR podcasts on Stitcher." Crickets.
NaNoWriMo. I'm new to it and refuse to lose. I am writing at least 1600 words a day between the hours of 9 to midnight. Or later. The sleep deprivation is making me depressed and delirious. I'm not able to keep up with my blog or other chores very well. Craziness. I can't believe my SMIL kept asking me to show her what I've written - she said she really wanted to read it. I said no, it's really not a story yet, it's just a regurgitated splattering of words so I could get to the 50,000 word goal. Plus, it's semi-autobiographical, therefore personal, and I am shy about sharing that with anyone. It's not that it contains anything super juicy or torrid, it's just that she doesn't understand me, so why would she want to read my story? She would just try to compare it to a piece of classic literature, which it is definitely not, and judge me. She then went on to tell me of people she knew that were novelists and English professors at some name brand university. (Wasn't really listening.) Me: "Oh, one of my cousins is an author of erotic fiction." Ha - gotcha there! Conversation stopper.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday or any holiday shopping. I only have $50 in my checking account to last me until my unemployment check comes in. Which it will come later than planned because last week I forgot to send in my claim form in a timely manner (I blame NaNoWriMo). I don't think my children or husband need any more material things. My FIL just took my husband out on a big shopping spree and bought him (us) an iPad and a bunch of toys for the children, so it seems we are covered there. I feel as though buying an iPad is a little expensive and possibly not necessary as we both have smart phones and laptops and a PC. How much technology does one family need? At one point does it become too much? "It has great games on it." We have a Wii and a DS that we don't play with; do we need games on an iPad? Just another 'THING' in our lives.
Holiday decorations. Another thing to manage. We've inherited a ton from my deceased MIL and it's just too much. They're not my style and I resent the explosion of Dickens mayhem that has taken over our house.

That is all for now. That's enough Debbie Downer for one day. The Big Chicken Hawk does not like it when I'm this disgruntled. I start attacking everything and I'm no fun to be around. But one last vent - I am not thankful how he acts like a tough guy in front of his parents and responds to my statements with a condescending facial expression. I can't weigh in on our activity agenda and schedule? Whatever!

In addition, I am very thankful that November and NaNoWriMo is coming to an end in a few more days. I am going to win the challenge, so there! Proof that I don't quit everything that gets too hard!

UPDATE: My mom called me this evening. Hooray! She said she spent Thanksgiving alone because she was sick with bronchitis (remember she has COPD) and my sister didn't invite her over until it was too late. (Awww...now I feel bad.) She said it was the first time in forever she didn't host a dinner at her house.

Well, if she wasn't so damn anti-social and angry all the time, she wouldn't have to be so alone. Is this what my future looks like if I continue to be so disgruntled?

Tis the Season for Giving

2011-11-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Since September, when school started, we've been inundated with fundraising and school fees. It's becoming overwhelming. Of course they aren't 'mandatory', but we certainly don't want to stand out as the stingy family. We've had:

PTA membership
PTA birthday book club
Jog-a-thon
Spirit wear
Class pictures x 2
Pumpkin carving with Daddy
Harvest Festival
Spooky Bingo night
Book orders
Yearbook orders

© Photographer: | Agency: Dreamstime.com

It's $25 here, $10 there, but it's becoming a drag. I feel anxious being unemployed and not having my disposable income. And now that we're heading into the Christmas season, we're bombarded with messages of helping the needy and everyone is fundraising. Don't get me wrong, I totally want to give and help in any way I can, but at some point I feel like I'm a charity case. No, we're not in dire straights and need any help paying our mortgage or buying food/clothes/toys, but allow me the opportunity to vent for a second.

We sponsor a World Vision child in Armenia, I volunteer my time with a few local charities and I give to our church. I don't feel like giving any more to be honest. I'm fretting about my finances, joblessness, upcoming expenditures and juggling all the responsibilities of having three small children. I don't feel like buying toys for underprivileged children when I don't even buy toys for my own kids. I don't feel like buying clothes for underprivileged children when I have been shopping at the consignment shop or taking hand me downs from friends.

I do not want to take an extra trip to the grocery store to fill up a shoebox for Operation Christmas child when I don't even go to the store for my own family unless I absolutely have to. Going to the store with this many children is a nightmare - like yesterday when we just popped into Ralph's to buy cat food, litter, toothpaste and vitamins and they chickadees were running around crazy and knocked down a glass bottle of medicine and it shattered.

My children are my ministry and charity and it takes up all my resources. If there ever was a non-profit geared for people like me, they would have people volunteering to help stressed out moms out. They would offer to play with them or take them to the park so we can job search or get some work done around the house. Or even to volunteer at their child's school. Or even, God forbid, to go out on dates with their husbands to maintain a relationship. Moms like me need mental health breaks and don't want to pay a babysitter $12 an hour to get it. That's a stress in itself. I can't even volunteer my time in the community for most causes if I don't have someone to watch my kids. Most people who never left their hometowns, have the luxury of family in town to help out.

Another thing about charities - I feel that we have so many people in our own communities and nation that desperately need our attention. I am concerned about impoverished people around the world too, but I think we definitely need to take care of our own first.

That is my two cents and what is weighing on my heart right now.

Working 9 to 5

2011-11-18T00:40:00.000-08:00

Here's an oldie but a goody. It's one of my favorite songs to get motivated to take on the day.

It really doesn't motivate me to want to pursue another job at the moment. But then again, maybe if I worked at Dolly-Wood, I would love it as much as these folks seem to.

Miss Hiss

2011-11-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

My oldest chickadee is learning to read. This book is from one of her easy reader books at school. For some reason it really makes me laugh. I am nicknaming my youngest chickadee Miss Hiss from now on. Is really suits her abrasive personality.

What Cancer Can't Do

2011-11-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

My old friend from middle school has been diagnosed with cancer and starts chemo this week. I am sad for her and for those in her life. She recently got divorced last year, but has a new boyfriend, and has 3 little girls at home. She is only 35.

It is so frightening to see people my age (or even younger) having to fight cancer. I guess at any age really. I have a family history as well, so it forces me to face the fact that I might have to battle it at some point too.

I sent her a care package of a cute knit stocking cap, my good luck Tigger socks, old pictures of us from when we were wild and free, and a book, "What Cancer Can't Do." Just reading the title of the book brought tears to my eyes. And I'm not a super sappy person - most days.

I read through the book before packaging it up and it was so endearing. I knew if I was in her shoes, I would feel comforted by the words and the spiritual insight the book provided. Still - it is a scary spot to be in. My other close friend just finished her last round of chemo and watching her go through that was terrible.

My friend who is just starting her chemo treatment is mostly a Facebook friend now, as we no longer live in the same town and we lost touch over 20 years ago! Doesn't even seem possible that I could be that old, but it's true. Who knows what happens in high school to make you lose touch with certain people. Boyfriends, interests, trouble with school, problems at home...??

I know this particular friend was into her boyfriend so much, they rarely left the bedroom I think. Some of my other friends thought she was a 'slut' and didn't really want to hang out with her. I enjoyed having wild friends like that because I could relate to their rebelliousness. But, I had also been persecuted for my wayward tendencies and I was trying to 're-brand' myself about the time I was a junior in high school. So I started distancing myself somewhat from my bad girl friends. Or was it because I was super into my loser boyfriend? The one who wore black leather driving gloves driving his powder-yellow Datsun pickup truck? I can hardly remember...

Either way, this friend and I lost touch. If it wasn't for Facebook, I wouldn't even know where she was. Or that she was battling this. She grew up, became even more beautiful, had three beautiful daughters and still has a blast with her girlfriends. I'm jealous. I miss those fun friendships. I wish I had girlfriends rallying around me when I'm at my worst.

Living two states away from everyone is sad. Being a mom can be isolating enough, not to mention being relatively new somewhere without all the connections of your home base. Facebook makes me heartsick for the people in my life that I've known since I was a young, clueless girl. The girl who just wanted to get the hell out of her home town and start over.

Funny to look back now and wonder what the hell I was thinking. But at least there is a way to keep in touch with technology these days. And I am able to be a friend from afar and hopefully bring her, and other friends, a moment of joy in their sad and scary times.

Drowning Nightmare

2011-10-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago I had a terrible nightmare. The final seconds of the dream have stuck with me and left me feel sick to my stomach.

The dream started out that my oldest chickadee and I were Sea Doo-ing out in the open ocean. Just me and her and no other boats around. She was behind the Sea Doo tubing or swimming and was very comfortable in the water. (Which isn't really the case in real life - she isn't a proficient swimmer yet.) I was driving the Sea Doo and kept looking behind me to check on her.

Then, the next time I looked behind me, she was really far away and was waving her hands to come back and get her. Her eyes were staring right through me pleading with me to hurry and save her. Just when I got near enough to get her, she started sinking under the water. So I dove into the water to grab her, but my hands couldn't reach her.

I opened my eyes under the water and saw that she was sinking faster and faster and was beyond my reach. My arms were trying to grab her but kept missing. Her pink bathing suit and blonde hair started to become a grey blur in the deep water below with her hands outstretched above her head.

I felt helpless and sick with dread and despair. She was just GONE and there was nothing I could do. In that moment in time, a window of realization opened of how fragile a life is and how it can be over just like that. In my dream thoughts, I wondered, "What am I supposed to do now?! How do I handle this?!" Like, do I call the Coast Guard, 911? Who can help me? How can I live with myself?

For a whole day I didn't tell anyone about my nightmare. I just sat with the fear and dread in the pit of my stomach all day. Then that evening when we took our dog for a walk, I told the oldest chickadee and husband about the dream. Even retelling it to them brought tears to my eyes. They just brushed it off and reassured me it was just a dream, but I still felt that it left an ominous warning to me about my mothering duties - keep them safe from harm!! (Which I try, but often feel like I have no control over them or their safety. Then guilt over not doing more.)

Time to get off the computer now and be more attentive to the little flock.

New, Healthier McDonald's Happy Meals & Arch Card Giveaway

2011-10-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

McDonald's restaurants are now offering a healthier Happy Meal for kids. Which is great news for busy parents who require stopping for fast food on occasion. Here are some details about the new healthy initiative from McDonald's:

"In September, California was one of the first states to unveil the new Happy Meal which automatically includes Apple Slices (¼ cup or ½ serving) and new smaller size French Fries (approximately 1.1 ounces) as a side to the choice of Chicken McNuggets®, a Hamburger, or Cheeseburger. The meal also includes a choice of beverage in which 1% white milk or fat-free chocolate milk are options. The new Happy Meal is now available at all Southern California McDonald’s and nationwide by the first quarter of 2012."

McDonald's New, Healthier Happy Meal

Personally, I always thought I'd be the gung-ho organic, healthy meal mom, but lately it's just not feasible. Three small children, often on the go and always hungry! It turns out I don't like being a short order cook after all.

We've been making stops at McDonald's a lot lately. I enjoy the Grilled Chicken Club, french fries with tartar sauce (yummy guilty pleasure) and the mango pineapple smoothie. The chickadees love their Happy Meals. On our last drive-thru adventure, pinched between school and music class, we stopped for Happy Meals and then ate them picnic-style at the church. The toys were a hit!

I am well aware that there are a group of concerned citizens who want to rid the world of Happy Meals and the 'evil toys'. I am not one of those moms. My children are thin, fit, healthy and active and there is such little joy in this life, (which they will learn soon enough) that Happy Meals and toys are a non-issue to me.

On Halloween day this Monday, participating Southern California McDonald’s restaurants will give costumed kids under 12 years old a bag of apple slices. Stop by a participating McDonald’s restaurant in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties from 4 to 7 p.m. on October 31st.

Which leads me to the topic of Halloween. Last year, when I was in my 3rd trimester of my pregnancy, I dressed up as Juno (from the indie film about the high schooler who got knocked up.)

This year I'm thinking of what my costume should be. I am toying with the idea of being a working mom - with all the appropriate props and accessories. It would give me a reason to wear some of my old work clothes and 'get into character'. Then again, dressing up as a frumpy stay-at-home mom might be funny too. I could poke of stay-at-home moms, but that might offend some of my neighbors and friends, so I think I should stay clear of that. Or not?

As a mom, do you still dress up for Halloween and get involved in the festivities?

Giveaway: $20 McDonald's Arch Card

Please leave a comment below on your thoughts on the new McDonald's Happy Meal and/or your mom-Halloween plans. I'm giving away a $20 McDonald's Arch Card to one random winner who leaves a comment. Make me laugh if you can - I need comic relief!

Deadline to enter the drawing is midnight on Saturday, November 5th. Limited to U.S. residents.

I will notify the winner by email after the drawing has ended.

Disclaimer: I was asked by McDonald's PR firm to host a giveaway, but I have not been compensated for this post.

Vintage Beauty

2011-10-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Stephen King's Dream Car.

This little beauty of a classic car is parked in Lake Forest near a few preschools. Hard to believe it runs, but I know it does because I've seen it driving around the 'hood. You can't help notice it!

On the day this photo was taken, it was filled with indescript junk (dead bodies?). Reminds me of my dad's old cars; barely running, unsightly and filled with 'treasures'. I especially love the spray painted number 8 on the back.

Stephen King, I think we have an idea for your next book!

'Mad Moms' at OC Blogger Bash

2011-10-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

OC Blogger Bash was a gas! Brigitta at Brighter Schemata was so kind to invite me on behalf of Moms LA, and I'm so glad I did!

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Moms LA, and Purry Communications worked together to put on a well-polished, superb evening 'Mad ~~Men~~ Mom' style circa 1960.

Satellite Bar greeting us at the entrance.

After overcoming my initial fear of going solo, decked out in a hodge-podge of 1960s garb, I was ecstatic to see Megan from Sunshine Wonderland, who I'd met at BlogHer. Brigitta introduced me to some nice bloggers: Alma from Field Trip Mom, Sarah Auerswald of Moms LA, Desiree at Day Tripping Mom, and Amy at The Mom Bot. There were many beautiful, spiffy, funny bloggers there – but don’t forget the few, the proud - The Dude Bloggers!

I can't say enough how incredible the sponsors of OC Blogger Bash were! Knott's Berry Farm was one of them. Snoopy is a great dancer; they should totally keep him on staff!

Snoopy blushing.

Some of my personal faves of the evening were the 60s-inspired food and entertainment! I tasted a little of everything: soda shop sliders, gourmet pizza, PB&J milkshake, lemon bundt cake, orange martinis, not to mention candy cigarettes from the Daily Hot Guy.

PB&J milkshake and a hot rod.

Great music was performed by Doc Rock-It who plays vintage rock, soul, rhythm and blues. Talented, friendly and available for hire! One of the musicians even whispered a sweet nothing in my ear boosting my ego - "You really stood out tonight". (Better than an orange martini.)

The photo booth with 1960s accessories was a huge hit with the Mad Moms. (This local company, Photo Booth Pro, rents out their photo booth for events and parties.) They printed out our Anaheim-backdropped photo montage right then and there - so fun! This area of the convention center was hoppin' all night!

Mad Moms in Anaheim

The best part was the PRIZES! All attendees received a vintage Anaheim lunchbox filled with sponsor goodies - 2 Knotts Berry Farm tickets, adorable retro sunglasses, McDonald’s Arch Card and more.

Then I won two Disneyland Parkhopper tickets ($$!) for having a number on my badge. In the raffle, I also won a one night stay in the Anaheim Marriott suites, breakfast and two tickets to an Anaheim Ducks or Angels game ($$$!!). I was euphoric!

Lunch boxes are always en vogue.

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau would like to spread the word about Anaheim as a premium destination in Orange County, California. I actually used to live in Anaheim in my cute little starter townhome. It has world-class restaurants, sports, entertainment, Disneyland, culture, and it’s clean, modern with a rich history.

Anaheim's resort area has grown so much in the past few years - it's unbelievable! Anaheim Convention Center's Grand Plaza is the newest on the horizon. It is an outdoor special event space projected to be created by the end of 2012. The design plans were absolutely stunning!


Anaheim Convention Center's Grand Plaza

I can't wait for OC Blogger Bash 2012!

Trapped

2011-10-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Poor Polly! ~~All dressed up~~ Half dressed and nowhere to go! I'm sure we can all relate.

"What happened to my well-planned life? Trapped here with all that laundry to do. I'm too pretty for laundry!"

Too Pretty for Laundry

Message From Above?

2011-10-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

I've been unemployed for about 8 months now. I often pray for an answer on what is the right path to follow in the next chapter of my life. Usually, I don't get a response from above - just the instinct to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep on keeping on.

This morning, however, I heard both on the radio and from a cashier at Trader Joes, the message that being a stay at home mom is a tremendous value for your family. On the Christian radio station I stumbled upon, the pastor related statistics about how much healthier children are with one parent staying home when children are young. He said that moms have no greater mission than to take care of their children. And if they have to work, it should be in a job that doesn't interfere at all with their kids or family roles.

Then the cashier at Trader Joes asked me out of the blue if I was a stay at home mom. I said I was "in between jobs". She told me that staying at home with your kids is the best thing you can do for them and it was very rewarding. How fast the time flies...

This is not normally a message I like to hear. I don't see myself as the 'stay at home mom' type. But I feel as though God is speaking directly to me through these people. As I mentioned, I have been praying about it for almost a year or maybe ever since I've been a mom.

The problem is my negative connotation of the term stay at home mom. It sounds like such a loser title. That sounds mean of me to say, but I grew up in a working mom household and I've worked since I was old enough. The stay at home moms I picture in my mind are lazy, overweight, plain, uneducated, unemployable, impoverished, over-religious, over-involved, crafty, domesticated, apron-wearing, husband-worshipping, minivan-driving, subservient, judgmental, weak, potluck mavens. But - I have MANY close friends who are NONE of these.

Plus, I feel families need a duel income to survive. It's definitely not cheap to live in Southern California or anywhere for that matter. The thing is, I can still be a working mom and be here for my family. I just need a job that I can do from home. I have that - I just need consistent clients and projects. Ideally, I would also love to have a mother's helper and cleaner. How much would that cost me?

Well, this morning at church, the message was about Learning Contentment. Being happy with what you have, not striving for wealth and material possessions, prestige. Also, investing in what's most important - people. Family. The legacy you leave your children - your time, attention, love and dedication. (Everything you've got is my interpretation - they are never satisfied.)

Everywhere I go lately, older people stop to admire my children and talk to them. Then they tell me to enjoy them now because they grow up so fast. They must sense or see my frazzled expression when they see me. I've only been a mom for 6 years now, and it is so exhausting and unrewarding at times. I had no idea it was going to be like this - but I AM truly happy to be home with them right now. It is helping to grow me as a person and as a mom.

But - I will still never call myself a stay at home mom.

Persuasive Communication

2011-10-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

There are some people that are naturally persuasive. They command attention and a following. They can sell ice to Eskimos. You get the idea.

I am not persuasive or commanding. I'm a more passive aggressive whiner and shirker. I would not be good at sales or marketing. Yet - I am a communications professional - go figure. Unemployed communications professional, mind you.

I have never been one for direct sales or MLMs or whatever new-fangled catalog selling parties were popular. I don't like feeling the pressure and strain you feel when your friends try to sell you crap. However, I love a particular line of little girl clothes that is sold at trunk shows/parties/open houses (Matilda Jane). I've been to one before and spent a pretty penny.

Now I'm hosting my own trunk show this weekend at my house. This is very ambitious of me since I hate cleaning and entertaining. I try to avoid large crowds of women. I don't like selling - even though I won't be. So, I invited over 20 friends/acquaintances and used various communication tools to reach them: email, text, Facebook event invite and USPS mail. Not to mention the old fashioned method of face to face.

Matilda Jane You & Me Collection

Out of all that effort, maybe four people said they would stop by. So aggravating. Most just ignored my invites and the rest just said no or maybe. I think the clothes might be too expensive? Or they just don't like these types of selling parties? Or they don't like me?

Either way, I'm not very persuasive I've decided. I even promised delicious mimosas, coffee and pastries. What else does a girl need to dangle, a creepy balloon blowing clown or a male stripper?!

I'm over it. I'm not too bitter though - I have jilted other people when they have these types of parties. But now that I'm committed, I just want to get it over with. There are probably some clothes that I will want to buy anyway - I was just hoping for a discount. Matilda Jane has super cute clothes for women as well as girls.

There is my shameless plug for the brand. Did I persuade you? Didn't think so!

UPDATE: The trunk show went well! I LOVE the clothes. I bought over $400 worth of clothes for my chickadees and myself. (OUCH!) Sadly, only 3 of my friends actually showed up, and only 2 of them bought something, so it was ultimately a bust - as I was anticipating. I will probably NOT do that again as I am now in the hole for food/drink purchased and all the clothes bought, not to mention how much time I spent cleaning. *sigh* Lesson learned...

Overachiever vs. Underachiever Moms

2011-10-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had a visit from a family member recently who lives up in Northern California - we'll call her Betty the Brains. Betty has a daughter the same age as ours and an older son. She comes from a long time of achievers and brainiacs. (Me - not so much. Brain dead more like it.)

Betty came over around dinner time and began showing the l'il Chicken Hawk baby sign language. "Have you taught him signs yet?" Well, yes, I've shown him some basics and I also make some up as I go along. But Betty started to teach him full-on sign language sentences. Okay, cool - overkill for a 9 month old.

Then the youngest chickadee told Betty casually that she likes to speak Spanish. So, Betty proceeded to teach rapid-fire Spanish sentences to my daughter and expecting her to repeat them. By then, my daughter had lost interest and had moved on to something else.

During dinner we also learned that her 6 year old daughter had had a Harry Potter themed birthday party. As a frequent guest to little girls' birthday parties, I can honestly say this is not the typical girl themed birthday party. None of the little girls we know have even heard of Harry Potter. But Betty's daughter could read Harry Potter books when she was in kindergarten. Wow! Our oldest daughter just learned to read See Dick Run books - Level 1. We haven't evolved from the Disney-themed, G Rated birthday parties yet.

Betty's son is now in the debate club in 4th grade. Interesting - wouldn't have been my kids' or anyone in my family's choice of activity. I don't think I've ever even known anyone who has been in debate. We choose to debate for fun at home!

In addition to attending a nice private school and being tutored by their extremely smart, domestically-inclined, crafty mom who also works full time as a lawyer, they have a wide range of activities they participate in that will mold them to be super-humans with sharp minds and bodies - including martial arts. My children will likely be more socially adept and will know how to entertain the crowds with their parlor tricks and gross humor. I have to leave a legacy folks!

Play Time with the Underachievers!

I prefer not to over-schedule and overstimulate my chickadees with too many activities. I also don't want to spend a lot of my time and money on 'frivolous' things. They are still too young to be dumping money into things until they've expressed an interest in seriously pursuing something. I also think that allowing them to develop a love of learning and the process of exploring through play is best at this age. Which means a lot of dabbling in creative and intellectual subjects and sports classes.

I could learn a lot from Betty and some of her mom skills. But I am pretty sure I have my own skills to be proud of. For example, my chickadees fold their own laundry and put it away. Booyah! That's way better than reading Harry Potter books!

Woe Is Me

2011-09-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling the familiar unsettled irritation of not having a job to go to. Yes, it's true, I have a job taking care of three children. There is the required clothing, feeding, cleaning, chauffeuring, teaching, coaching, disciplining and more. But can't someone else just do it while I pursue my career goals and bring in some cash? Well, there is that daycare cost issue too, so I really wouldn't be bringing in so much extra...but I might be a bit happier!

Or not. I'm starting to see how I carry my pity parties with me wherever I go, no matter what situation I'm in. Just be happy damn it! I'm listening to a lot of audio books lately with a 'DREAM BIG and ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!' theme. I have always had goals to achieve and I feel that I've met all of them. Then I had kids.

With three young kids, I feel I am limited in my abilities to pursue much. I am held back by schedules to keep and lives to manage. I'm happy if I get to the gym regularly. Raising a family isn't really a life goal is it? It's not really tangible and measurable. I'm not sure if my being there for them more the past year has made much of an impact on them either. It's a grueling and ungratifying position most days. But at least I'm my own boss. (Sort of).

I told myself I would find a part time job this fall or winter and/or get my writing business going more. I have gotten two regular writing gigs which I'm super psyched about. Now I struggle with maintaining a regular writing schedule and maintaining professional responsiveness. I feel unorganized, scatterbrained, unprofessional and full of excuses. I really miss going to an office setting and socializing with coworkers. And my gorgeous office with the beautiful, serene view of the nature preserve!!! Oh well... I hated my boss.

I'm taking two business classes this upcoming week to learn more about making money from my own ideas and from home. They promise to be legitimate business concepts and not 'Get Rich Quick' schemes. I bet you anything though that they will both emphasize the importance of finding your passion and finetuning your goals first and foremost. Which is my dilemma.

What am I passionate about? Myself? ha ha. Reading, listening to music, daydreaming, exercising. I like to write - or so I tell myself. I'm starting to even doubt my abilities at that. I like ideas. Accumulating information to share with others in a barrage of unwelcome advice and opinions. I like coming up with ideas and I don't like following them through to fruition.

I don't need to be rich. But I don't want to feel pinched. I want to be respected for my skills and abilities professionally instead of just being known as so-and-so's mom. I don't want to surround myself with other moms and their offspring just because that's what mom's are supposed to do and it's good for kids' socialization. I want to work on something interesting and fun and fulfilling. AND MAKE MONEY!

What though??? And with what free time???

Sigh... better get back to reality and work on my client's project before the little chicken hawk wakes up and I need to pick up the little chickadee from preschool.

Keep your comments and feedback coming - I love hearing your advice and pep talks.

Business Cat

2011-09-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Homesick

2011-09-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am feeling my homesickness settling in again. The melancholy of it.

I miss my hometown, my longtime friends, the familiarity, the fresh air and nature - even my family.

I miss my mom, even her negativity and grouchiness. Her napping on the couch watching her VHS tapes of Young and the Restless. My sister and my ease with each other and like-mindedness. I miss my friends' sense of humor and shared history with each other.

I miss my brother - even his lost-ness. I never know when I might get a call saying he's died and I don't want to have a chance to say goodbye to him. I often picture him as he was as a young boy - sweet, innocent, bright blue eyes, big smile and laugh. It's too hard to think of him as he is now - a train wreck, a man child. But I have to realize that if he's okay with his life, I should be too. I can't mold him into the person I think he should be.

I am not going to travel home for the holidays. The last time I was back home was Easter 2011. I usually fly home at least for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Now that I have 3 kids and no job, and the flights are ridiculous, it's just not a reality. Plus - I think it's time for us to make memories as a family in our own house and quit lugging everyone around to go somewhere else. It's time for my mom to visit me for once. It's time to let go of my clingy-ness to home and my fear of being away.

I don't want to be a Californian, but here I am. Time to embrace it. The big guy isn't changing jobs, much less states anytime soon, so it's time to come to terms with it. Make new friends, create new family, raise my own and stick to my guns.

My uncle was going to see if he could fly my mom down for Thanksgiving, but I'm not getting my hopes up. She is a stubborn woman who is stuck in her ways. She doesn't like traffic, she doesn't like heat (75 is too hot), and she doesn't like to be out of her comfort zone. I don't know how long she's going to live for either now that she has COPD, and I miss her too. I wish she could be a better mom and grandma. I wish she wasn't such a stranger and so distant to me. It hurts. I act tough and composed, but it really does hurt me deeply. Always has. Everyone wants to have a loving parent, a cheerleader, a warm inviting home, hugs, a listening ear, an interested, involved mom. Sad sad sad I don't have that sort of mom in my life.

Hello Kitty Fanatic Sighting

2011-09-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Kitty fanatic spotted in South Orange County!

I literally had to chase this beauty down a residential street to capture the glory of it.

This mobile work of art includes:

Pastel pink rims

Massive Hello Kitty pillow display in the rear window

Dangling Hello Kitty charm on the bumper

Hello Kitty license plate frame

This work of art needs to be submitted to the Hello Kitty Hell website.

Hello Kitty Rims, rear window pillows, license plate frame and charm.

CRAPTACULAR!

The Little Baby Vlogger

2011-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but I can't help myself playing with my new laptop's video program. Here's my intro to vlogging. Nothing to it - even a baby can do it!