Shh! Momma's Writing!

How Simple is This?

2012-01-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

Bountiful Beer Bread Bowl

By Lisa Ek
Ingredients:

Bountiful Beer Bread Mix®
12 oz. beer
Prepared Spinach & Herb Dip Mix

Preparation:

Combine first 2 ingredients; stir just to blend. Spoon batter into greased medium-sized round-bottomed, deep stainless steel mixing bowl. Bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes. Cool completely. Invert bread on serving platter; cut opening in top of bread. Pull bread from inside loaf to create a bowl; cube. Fill bowl with prepared Spinach & Herb Dip or any of our dips; serve with reserved bread cubes. Makes 8-10 servings.

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Is there really gender discrimination in business? (Guest blogger Lynette Chandler)

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

In a private Facebook group, I noticed a lot of people were looking for a tech person to work with. So, I introduced myself. Upon returning to check on the status, I saw a post at the very top of the wall from a guy who also introduced himself as a coder.

Now, I'm not that naive to think I am the only geek in a group. There are probably many people better at tech than me in any group. What gave me pause was, why this guy's introduction got so many responses when mine hardly went noticed.

A horrifying thought flashed through my mind. It couldn't be true. Did he get more attention because he's… a man? Maybe you have experienced something similar. Something that made you stop to wonder if you didn't win the bid, secure that client or get that exposure because you are a woman. Then, you look around and it looks like all the top dogs are men.

Of course it depends on the industry you are in but I'm here to tell you, even in seemingly male-centric arenas, there are plenty of women quietly making serious coin. Sometimes, we aren't seeing the ladies because women simply aren't vocal about their successes. And, when we toot our own horn, we often express it in an entirely different manner.

For us, being able to support our families and being there when the kids get off the bus mean a whole lot more than 'crushing it' or making a million dollars in 24 hours. I'm not saying women don't strive for that. I'd love to make that kind of money any day. It's just, our goals are often more immediate and realistic.

That is why it's always refreshing to hear stories about real women and how they broke through the barriers. If you need a little inspiration from authentic women just like you, head on over to SoloMasterminds. They are bragging on three ladies who turned their wildest dreams into reality while juggling homework, laundry, whiny children, soccer practices and meal plans.

As for that little incident I told you about earlier, after giving it more thought, I decided it had nothing to do with gender nor discrimination of any kind. There were plenty of logical and probably more accurate explanations like the timing of our posts and how quickly my post got buried under a flurry of activity.

What I learned that week - focus on being awesome instead of speculating about something that may not be true because when working for yourself, there is no glass ceiling. Especially with an Internet business. Don't take my word for it. Check out the three case studies and let those women tell you their story.

--- BIO ---
Lynette Chandler helps small businesses leverage technology in their marketing. She is also the resident tech expert at SoloMasterminds

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The Downpayment...

2011-01-18T21:37:00.001-05:00

Lately I have been dealing with backtalk and arguments with my three oldest children. It's really getting bad folks. Today I had it.

So I gathered the three and told them, "Look, from now on every time one of you backtalk or argue with me, I get a quarter. If you would like to hang onto your money, cut it out!"

Jake immediately walks back to his room and comes back with a dollar.

"Here Mom."

"What is this for?"

"I'm making a downpayment."

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Talking Vs. Texting

2011-01-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Future Texting

I hate texting, I really do. However, everyone I know insists on doing just that. What is so confusing to me is why they would rather text me when they are sitting at home. Obviously they aren't knee deep in something at the moment if they have time to type that whole paragraph. Sometimes it would take less time to just say it.

But, I find myself communicating in this fashion more and more. Of course some of my texts are longer than my blog posts.

Which do you prefer?

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How I Stay Focused? Beats me!

2011-01-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

daydreaming with black tourmaline

It is so difficult for me to stay focused. The only way I can get through anything completely is to not give up until it's done. Otherwise, I turn into the dog on "Up" who's diverted by the squirrel. Squirrel!!

And the Quote of the Day...

2011-01-02T17:20:00.000-05:00

Comes from Jake;

Me: "Do I have the word 'idiot' stamped on my forehead?"

Jake: "No. Actually it's more like a 'why' (Y) when you make that face."

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What I'm Looking Forward to in 2011

2011-01-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

A new cloud, a new beginning

This year is a whole new start for me. Everything is totally different. I have to stand on my own two feet and put everything in it's place. I'm ready, finally. The divorce is through. We get along. The kids are great.

This year I am going to get it all together. Take the kids on a real vacation with my own money. I get a tax refund, which is totally new for me. It was a decade of being married to a self employed man. Tax time sucked. Not anymore. And things are moving along with a new relationship, scary but true. I'm loving it.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T15:14:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

My year of phenomenal is over and I need to find a new word for this one. My divorce has gone through, we have managed to remain friends. It took a little while, but it works. Hope you all have made it through as well.

Had a little scare with an abnormal pap. I could've done without that. It doesn't matter how many times they tell you not to worry, that it's common. It's still scary.

And with my New Year, my eighteen year old daughter has turned nineteen. That's still odd. Of course I'm still having a hard time remembering my own age. I'm still trying to figure out why everyone feels the need to correct me on that one.

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The Muppets: Ringing of the Bells

2010-12-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

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Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T20:00:00.000-04:00

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And it is Done...

2010-10-21T21:07:00.001-04:00

We had to attend Tranparenting classes which are required of our county before the divorce was finalized. To be honest, it probably would have applied more if we hadn't just made it through almost a year separated before attending.

And then I got the letters to sign, one week later...it was done. Just like that. The funny thing is, there is such a plethora of feelings attached to it. Relief, finality, a little sadness and a whole lot of happiness at the idea that it is no longer a weight being held over my head.

We get along so much better now. After all, we don't have to see each other daily. I no longer have to worry about what he's doing with his personal life. We are friends once again and it finally feels right.

Cheers!!

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I Think He Loves Me

2010-10-03T17:28:00.001-04:00

This is my favorite text message EVER!!

I love the way you smile, like a little girl sometimes. Impish and mischievous. I like your eyes, so slight and bright, like stars on a winter night. The sparkle when you look at me as if anticipating my every move. Knowing and intelligent. The way you feel in my arms…small but far from unimportant or weak. Delicate but firm. All true, swear on my soul. But, if these are the things you need to hear instead of feeling in my lips just how nervous you make me when we kiss…then…maybe you need the wrong things that I can’t give?

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I Think I Have A Boyfriend

2010-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:00

After seeing each other for a month and still not wanting to harm each other in any way, it's been decided. I love him. It's odd and exciting at the same time. I'm even starting to miss him during the week.

I think the strangest part is the feeling that we've known each other all of our lives. I know this sounds naive. Don't worry, I'm not. Way to skittish for that.

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Happy Birthday to meeeee!

2010-08-22T15:25:00.002-04:00

After all the struggling with my ex and trying on the dating hat, failing miserably by the way. Guess what I got for my birthday?!

Butterflies!! I'm afraid to say too much, I just may ruin it.

I'll just say this much. After a little prompting by a girlfriend to try internet dating, I did just that. What a fiasco that can really be! However, after being contacted by this guy who just kind of intrigued me with his, "Hey, I just got stood up. Since I have free time, want to go out." It ended quite well. I didn't think he was going to kiss me at the end of it. I was sitting there thinking, "Oh my god! He's going to actually let me get out of his car without any contact whatsoever!"

Instead, I got butterflies. Not a bad way to end a birthday weekend. Huh?

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Our Constant Amusement

2010-08-18T17:32:00.000-04:00

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Toast

2010-07-27T21:53:00.001-04:00

Katie wanted breakfast this morning. She said...

"I want peanut butter and jelly toast. But I don't want jelly, I want butter instead. And I don't want peanut butter on it."

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Organ Donation...

2010-07-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

Jessie says, "When you're an organ donor, does that mean they dig you up when they need something?" I can't stop laughing.

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Clean Your Room!!

2010-07-18T22:01:00.000-04:00

Jake says, "Why do I have to clean up my stuff? It's my stuff."

"I bought it."

"Yeah, but possession is 9/10's of the law."

"Okay, your stuff is in the house I possess, therefore making me the possessor of your stuff. Now go clean your room."

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Happy Independence Day!!!

2010-07-05T15:47:00.001-04:00

After two failed dates and the realization that we are truly not a fit, he agrees. The papers are filed and we spent Independence Day together. I know, wierd. But strangely fun. The best part was the reaction of the surrounding masses as we were clinking glasses and cheering to starting our seperate lives.

I'm relieved to be honest. It's an ending and a beginning at the same time. I start my new job in a few days and moving forward.

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Stars & Stripes FOREVER!

2010-07-02T18:34:00.000-04:00

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Chinese Food...

2010-06-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

Me: Do you ever order chicken from a Chinese restaurant?

Jessie: No, I just order cat.

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And it goes on and on and on and on....

2010-06-18T13:30:00.004-04:00

In March, I was told that he would file. He didn't, couldn't find the time he said. He has the paperwork, just never got around to filing it. Maybe we can work on it and try to see if we can make it work now? It has been six months, maybe it will be different?

Frankly, I don't see it. I've learned all about me and still have some work to do. I haven't missed him, not once. I told him that, it doesn't seem to sway him. I don't understand the idea of wanting someone who doesn't want you. Especially when that has been made clear time and time again. I feel like I'm in limbo, still. At this point it's an irritation that is preventing me from moving forward completely. I need total freedom and I can't have that until he lets go.

I got a job, finally. It was a two month search and very stressful. I have never found it so difficult to find employment in the past. So to those of you in the search, keep on it, it will come.

My job will allow me to move away from total reliance on him. This is a good thing. A very good thing.

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Sheryl Crow " I Can't Cry Anymore " [Stereo Video]

2010-06-18T10:34:00.000-04:00

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Where Have I Been?

2010-06-03T13:52:00.002-04:00

Well folks,

It's been a little bit of a crazy ride lately. Yes, I am still getting divorced. Yes, I have dated. And no, I do not have any idea what I'm doing.

Sonora, thank you so much for your concern. You are such a sweetheart! I'm okay. I'll be posting again soon.

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Friday Follow Blog Hop

2010-02-26T10:33:00.004-05:00

and... don't forget...

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