CursingMama

Seriously?!? Gotta love it when people get inpatient and just pull out in front of you and block the whole damn intersection.

2013-05-17T16:26:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ZbVJLiyUY-/

My new bestest friend

2013-05-17T12:52:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ZbAJHCyUbO/

I sound like I've rented my sinus cavity to an elephant & they have taken up residency. I'm fairly certain that I have blown at least 10 pounds out of my nose, but the scale does not reflect this. My garbage cans are all filled with tissues.... might want to buy stock in my preferred brand if you can (it's the common name for tissue by the way). I had to stop using the lotion tissues for fear that all that lotion was building up.

BUT! I'm not taking any medicine today because it is Friday and I will be damned if stupid allergies are going to ruin my happy hour!

Just don't let me leave without my box of tissues. And, no, one of those convenient travel packs is not enough.

Take That Minnesota!

2013-05-10T11:26:00.001-05:00

Even though it is only 57 degrees outside I am wearing sandals & have bubble gum pink toes to show off. This is a form of cold weather protest.

Minnesota may have gotten the message because I heard them mention that we could see 90 degrees next week.... might have to go bare foot for that!

Sounds of summer

2013-05-06T18:27:00.001-05:00

The familiar song of the neighborhood ice cream truck. My husband yelling "ice cream man" and running out of the house with his wallet. Leaving his faithful companion whining at the door because he didnt get to choose a treat too.

Coincidence?

2013-05-02T17:35:00.001-05:00

Someone must have been playing Lambchop today, since he had both of them out laying side by side on his bed in the office. What is wondrous is that this well loved furry family member didn't know what to do with toys when he first arrived on the scene in our house nearly 2 years old - almost 2 years ago to the date.

He's learned a lot. Now if I could just teach him to fetch me a beer we'd be good.

Wrong

2013-05-01T15:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I wore sandals, today I need rain boots, tomorrow I'll probably have to get my snow boots back out. I should not be saying this on May day.

Legendary

2013-04-29T05:30:00.000-05:00

Friday morning a good friend sent me and email to let me know that a favorite legend of ours had passed away. For a long time I pondered addressing death on a Friday, a day I usually dedicate to Happy Hour (but ironically did not last Friday in lieu of my thoughts on parenting through a national media circus of horror).

Instead I chose to post about spring, a nod to hope, rebirth, a cleansing....

It's been a tough month, filled with sickness, doctors visits, tests, surgery, bad news, funerals, discord at work, and reminders of betrayal. Every life has it's challenges and it seems as though this is a time when I am supposed to face some serious challenges....

But, I have had good news, I have a fantastic husband, wonderful children, a supportive group of friends I know I can count on in times of need and in the grand scheme of things I am blessed. I also occasionally go out and find a good time... almost every week.

Which brings me full circle here... George Jones passed away last Friday at the age of 81.

George lived a life of challenges too.....

There have been many weekends where George Jones was a "featured artist" in our self managed juke boxes; and, although we didn't know him personally and certainly aren't going to stop playing his music, we're going to miss dreaming of seeing him perform.

I love this brief vlog post from Keith Urban to the Legend

Spring Really Needs To Be Sprung

2013-04-26T13:51:00.001-05:00

Finally, God willing, it appears that spring is finally in sight. Feeling optimistic about the potential the weekend forecast brings I went so far as to ditch my puffy down winter jacket in favor of a single warm sweater and left my cowgirl boots behind and am instead rocking a cute healed sandal.

In retrospect the sandal may not have been the best idea... my feet are freezing and I completely ignored the fact that I am in need of a pedicure so there will be no foot-fetish photography.

I've been waiting for what seems like an unreasonably long time for this glimpse of warm sun, the promise of tulips, a chance to demand food prepared by Mr. M on the grill.....

For anyone who hasn't ever lived through a full 4 seasons it's hard to put into words the joy that comes when spring really and truly begins.. it's a lot like watching television in black and white and it suddenly becoming color. The dirt and grime of salt and sand and discarded garbage (the ugly truth under those piles of snow) get washed away and things become new and clean... in a word it is SPECTACULAR.

I'm toying with ideas about things to do in the yard again, patios, fire pits, pergolas, tables with coolers built in and carts for grilling. I'm planning parties with cocktails that remind me of days spent by the lake or on the beach....I can hardly wait for that first S'more and bonfire dog.

I'm trying to pretend that the entire family is not going to begin a full on puffing and draining marathon which is usually resistant to all pharmaceutical supplies, leaves people crabby and miserable and requires at least 2 trips to Costco for tissues. It happens every year, and yet it isn't ever as bad as the worst winter cold season.

I really just CAN NOT WAIT!

How about you say nothing

2013-04-19T14:27:00.001-05:00

I've read several blog posts all with the same theme in response to the bombing during the Boston Marathon this week...

"What do we say to our children?"

It's interesting and ironic to me that this question is the same question that is asked every time something horrible becomes a national media circus.

And, by using the term media circus I don't mean to imply that this isn't a tragedy that needs media attention - I am just calling it like I see it. Because all the while the focus has been on Boston, rescuers have been searching for possible survivors of a horrific Texas tragedy, Chicagoans are building Arks, and murderers, child molesters, and rapists are on the run all over the world. Boston just happens to be getting all the focus (even though they keep repeating the same information and even went so far as to report that an uncle of the suspect was apologizing to his neighbors for the circus in their neighborhood)

I'm surprised that that a standard answer to this question hasn't been found and a whole classification of books written by "experts" hasn't been created. But, in truth, I'm mostly saddened that another generation of parents with young children is faced with figuring out what to say.

I have to wonder if maybe they shouldn't say anything.

I'm from the school of thought that requires a parent to shield their children from this kind of thing until they reach an age where they are mature enough to handle the information; even if it means the parent doesn't get to watch CNN continuously. I believe in turning off the tv, internet, and radio and spending quality time with your children instead of letting the monsters in.

Minimize the nightmares, maximize the memories.

What the hell?

2013-04-18T16:00:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/YQqnZKSUVP/

Snow, Thunder and Lightning. Awesome commute! She says sarcastically.

2013-04-11T08:07:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/X9yva7yURv/

Toto, we're not in Nashville anymore.

2013-04-08T11:06:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/X2ZCb3SUZm/

Yep, still in Nashville!

2013-04-07T01:12:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/XywKhRyUaI/

Honky Tonk Central #cursingmamaendorsed

2013-04-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/XyZQs7SUd6/

Grand Old Opry

2013-04-06T13:44:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/Xxhf0fSUQs/

Going to church. #nashville

2013-04-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/Xvx17syUZl/

Nashville, I am in you

2013-04-05T18:26:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/XvclV3yUaV/

Traditional

2013-03-29T13:48:00.001-05:00

Sorry it has been a week since my last post; I have been very busy Surviving and looking for safe transportation off this island. And pinning stuff. (I am not ashamed of this addiction nobody is harmed by my lusting after kitchen sinks) (except potentially my checkbook)

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that today is Friday and there is a Happy Hour in my future. I have worked hard all week, in the office, at the gym, and at home... I have earned a nice dinner and drinks out with Mr. Motorcycle and time with friends.

Don't kid yourself I'll settle for a tall beer at my local establishment. It's becoming a tradition.

Several years ago I wiped out my blog in a fit of cleaning and an attempt to ensure that my identity hadn't inadvertently been discovered on the island. It turns out that I was apparently a little paranoid for no good reason at the time, but that didn't stop me from leaving the past hidden away.

Fortunately I did have the good sense to back the whole shenanigan up somewhere in case I needed something, like I do today.

Anyone remember this gem of a headline from March of 2005?

Woman Eats Everything In Sight, Explodes

It was followed by this shocking story of overindulgence.....

Paramedics were called to Semi-Swanky Golf Club yesterday afternoon after a local woman exploded. Reports indicate that CursingMama took one look at the 2 rooms of banquet tables filled with exquisitely prepared foods and began eating with unbridled urgency. Witnesses say the woman could be heard commenting about the wonderful tomato leek frittata and cinnamon scones as she headed for the next room, where she exploded while feasting on fresh black berries and thick cut bacon.

It's become a tradition that we have Easter Brunch at the Semi-Swanky Golf Club because nobody has to clean and nobody has too cook. I also like wearing open toed shoes even if there is snow on the ground - so I will be showing off a very sparkly hot pink pedicure too.

Even though I'm not doing any cooking, cleaning or decorating for Easter I still made a Pinterest board for the occasion. There may be a cocktail or two that I attempt though... for the good of the holiday.

Source: smartschoolhouse.com via Cursing on Pinterest

Champagne Limoncello Cocktails

Source: cookinglight.com via Cursing on Pinterest

From The State Of Hockey to Music City USA

2013-03-22T11:44:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling a little envious of quite a few people in my life who have just been to or are getting ready to leave for warm places. I could use a dose of vitamin D, on a beach, where its 75 in the shade....

I'm dissapointed in myself for not figuring out a way to take a spring break vacation to somewhere warm and beachy this year. Every person in my house could have used 3 or 4 days in the warm sun, with no responsibilities and no list of things to do.

I am, however, going to get a non-beach weekend getaway in the coming month and will take recommendations for things to do, places to see, and places to dine in the city I'm headed to.

Source: flickr.com via Cursing on Pinterest

We don't have an enormous amount of time to devote to our own pursuits (some of my time is already filled with work requirements) so if anyone has been....or lives there.....we'll take your advice!

I know I want to see the Ryman and Grand Old Opry - but I don't know if I need to see a show or tour either venue...

Source: Uploaded by user via Cursing on Pinterest

I know I need to see a Painted Guitar and maybe buy a pair of boots....

Source: via Cursing on Pinterest

Because I watch Nashville... I am hoping to make it to the Bluebird Cafe.

Source: imdb.com via Cursing on Pinterest

I know I won't get to hear Scarlet sing, but if I happen to bump into a star or two.. that wouldn't be awful either.

Source: google.com via Cursing on Pinterest

I hear the thrift shopping in Nashville is awesome, and I wish I could spend a day thrift shopping alone.... but I'm traveling by airplane and the baggage rules are horrible and costly when you can't carry on a dresser. Bugger!

I've started a Pinterest board for vacations....and I'm finding it to be a great tool for organizing and sharing what I've learned and found so far for this trip and I plan on using it for more trips I'm hoping to take.

I really don't like game shows when they become your life

2013-03-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

I am stuck on a game show and it isn't a dream.. because this game show is nothing like Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy where my superior skills and knowledge give me an edge. Instead it's a a lot like a nightmare because I'm stuck on Survivor Island, there is no million dollar prize, and I can't leave until I find safe transportation off the island and a new island to land on.

Source: google.com via Cursing on Pinterest

The teams are divided, there is nobody you can trust, and the leaders get more ruthless every day in their quest to own all the things. And not a single one of the male participants should take their shirt off - EVER! (I am not wearing that bikini either - I brought a mu-mu as my luxury item)

I thought for a time that I had an alliance with a teammate and that alliance helped me get through the most grueling of times. I learned that I was played a fool when I was called into a meeting with the Chief and things that I had talked about with my so called confidant were thrown in my face (word-for-word I might add); rules were made to benefit the turncoat and penalize me.

Now, the person who I thought I could trust is openly hostile to me. The Chief is refusing me my allowed rations and other teammates are taking advantage of my lowered status in the group.

I spend a lot of time making sure that I don't end up on a hastily constructed raft of rotten palm trees with no fresh water; even though I have really earned extra rations and a higher status in the group.

Sucks when others take credit for starting the fire and cutting all the firewood when they really spent their day playing with the tic-tac-toe board I made. You know what else sucks.. getting yelled at for not catching enough fish when the team refuses to share the fishing poles.

Don't even get me started on the reward challenges .. the other teams are HUGE and although I hear there is a lot of infighting in those teams, they somehow always come together to win all of the challenges.

I've been trying for months to get off Survivor Island, to find an island where I'll be appreciated, valued and rewarded. Unfortunately coming from this island, where the teams are vengeful and untrustworthy, I can't even ask anyone for help or feel confident that they will tell other islands the truth about how hard I work, how much I bring to a team, how my skills really are something worth rewarding.

Strangely this fight on survivor island has renewed something in me, given me a different perspective, caused me to reevaluate where I thought I wanted to head and how much I thought I wanted to accumulate. I'll get off this island for sure...I know that I can live up to the Survivor Tagline and "Outwit....Outplay...Outlast" them all......and I'm making darn sure that my next destination isn't just another season of survivor.

Source: spirituallythinking.blogspot.com via Cursing on Pinterest

Celebrate, Good Times.... Great hockey day in Minnesota for Wild and Gopher Fans!

2013-03-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagr.am/p/W8X39IyUUj/

Sacrifice A bizarre catnip mouse offering to the dogs teddy bear....I think everyone should probably sleep with one eye open tonight.

2013-03-15T17:21:00.001-05:00

via Instagram http://instagr.am/p/W5Qn5IyUcV/

I was waiting for the white smoke....

2013-03-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

So, post a whole bunch of stuff every day for 3 or 4 days and then dissapear with no explanation...awesome job following through with the commitment to the blog.

I would LOVE to blame an impromtu spring break trip to the beach, but the closest thing I'm getting to the sun on my skin is the heater under my desk.

Source: designer.inktastic.com via INKtastic on Pinterest

I could blame my anxiety over the lack of a pope to lead the Catholic church but you know what, I'm not that devote. What I do know about Pope Francis is that I like his choice of name inspiration and I hope that his reported humility and humanitarianism is his true character. It has been my experience that power often reveals peoples true colors or changes them into people I don't like.... fingers crossed (whooo - boy I wonder what the church thinks about my using superstition in relation to the pope's character!)

SO! There are THINGS and the are GOING ON and I am not talking about them here today because I am instead going to discuss the holiday which I technically have no reason to celebrate other than the fact that I like to celebrate!

I have created a nice little (for me) Pinboard devoted to the Holiday starting off with this gem!

Source: sisterssuitcaseblog.com viaCursing on Pinterest

I love Corned Beef. I never make it, and rarely order it because it is usually accompanied by Sauerkraut and I am not a fan of that. If you decide to make some corned beef..... maybe you could skip the sauerkraut and add some cheese.....

Source: closetcooking.com via Cursing on Pinterest

or have it on the breakfast menu...

Source: keyingredient.com via Cursing on Pinterest

I also like holidays that feature desserts which are really specialty shakes from fast food restaurants.... I will admit to having one "REAL" specialty shake. I'm going to try these home versions because I would like them year round & am intrigued with the idea of making it with less calories than my weekly allowance for "fun food"... made with frozen yogurt..

Source: mothertimemarketplace.com via Cursing on Pinterest

or with ice cream....

Source: carriessweetlife.com via Cursing on Pinterest

Of course my love of lime is welcome on this fun holiday too!
Key Lime Cake....

Source: heidibakes.blogspot.com via Cursing on Pinterest

Okay, You know what I REALLY mean...

Source: somedrinkrecipes.com via Cursing on Pinterest

There are a lot of other ideas on my Pinboard if you are looking for St. Patricks Day inspiration; even some healthy suggestions and things for the kids... I don't spend all my time thinking about fattening food and alcoholic drinks.

I'll be celebrating on Saturday night, and hope that regardless of when or where you celebrate you'll remember the sober driver or the cab.

Source: Uploaded by user via Cursing on Pinterest

My Labels Are Out And My Grudges Last

2013-03-08T15:05:00.002-06:00

This morning I heard a sound bite on the radio that made me laugh out loud

"I'm drinking until I forget the 1999 NFC Championship..... "

It hit home for me since I couldn't cheer for the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl last month based on my belief that Brian Billick is responsible for the knee Randall Cunningham took during the 1999 NFC Championship game so he (Brian Billick) could interview for the head coaching position with the Baltimore Ravens who won the 2000-2001 AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl 35. Therefore the Baltimore Ravens are also responsible for the Vikings loss in 1999.

And that, my friends, is the level of grudge I am willing to hold (in sports).

I'm also superstitious about sports which the marketing people at Budweiser must have heard about because they designed an entire campaign whose purpose was to gain a significant increase in beer sales simply by swaying me away from my regular adult beverage of choice to their low calorie offering by showing me new ways in which to sway the outcome of football games.

It all started with this ad at the beginning of the season.....

I may (fine.. DO) develop superstitions during the season, they need to evolve based on their success rate and change entirely if they fail. I found this commercial inspirational..in that I KNOW a chair can have special powers, I had just never considered changing it's abilities....

Unfortunately for the marketers at Bud, all of their commercial efforts to get me to change my favored label of beer fell on deaf ears. I've had enough beer over the years and I know exactly what I do and don't like; clever commercials won't sway me. (and I wonder if they sway anyone - those Black Crown commercials they aired were AWFUL!) But, I sure did enjoy them and I do have a few more tricks up my sleeve to help get my Vikings to the Super Bowl.

An SUV with all the appropriate appointments

2013-03-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share this yesterday but I got a little winded with the complaining so I saved it for today.

Source: lolsnaps.com via Cursing on Pinterest