Created with the most BESTEST, AWESOMEST, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER not to mention, ABSOLUTELY FRIGALICIOUS Christmas gift…EVUH (thank you, Garth – not your real name – you TOTALLY rock my socks!) deep freeze courtesy of Snowmaggedon 2010.
Edited with Picasa 3.0 to Bruce Springsteen's 10th Avenue Freeze Out (DITTO!)
Check out the Official Wordless Wednesday HQ
Tag, you're it: Wordless Wednesday
See you next year, everyone!!!
© 2003 – 2011 This FULL House Blog / This FULL House (Re)Views
Just the BESTEST, AWESOMEST, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER, not to mention, ABSOLUTELY FRIGALICIOUS camera…EVUH!!!…looky what WE can do:
Is that thing even loaded?
Yep, Mama's packing and ready to zoom!
Christmas has arrived early at This Full House of sticky floors and crunchy socks…
…bearing 10.3 megapixels and 26x zoom!!!
Thank you, Garth (not his real name) for suggesting that we wait, continue couch diving for loose change and then gift each other with the most BESTEST, AWESOMEST, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER not to mention, ABSOLUTELY FRIGALICIOUS camera…EVUH!!!
[takes deep breath]
Although, you'll have to pry it from my stupid manfingers with a 33 1/2 inch crowbar, first.
[hides arms, ever so gently, behind back and puckers up BIG]
Merry Christmas, baby!!!
© 2003 – 2010 This FULL House (Re)Views / This FULL House Blahg'd
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) my friend Shannon is doing it and now Diana's joining in (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Todays' Prompt: Lesson Learned — What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
My first thought? Which one? Seeing as I've made it my business to share stuff I've learned about myself, either through raising my kids, reading your blogs (yes, I REALLY DO READ BLOGS!) or through the bazillion mistakes I've made, over the years.
Too many to recount, really (you're welcome!)
There is, however, one lesson that I find myself revisting on a daily basis (almost) but, I've resisted blogging about, lest I offend anyone, or risk opening an old wound that, for some reason, just refuses to, you know, scab over.
Until now.
Entering into my 8th year of blogging and helping our community of moms (and dads) grow exponentially, I made the mistake of allowing myself to believe my integrity was unquestionable!
Well, it wasn't…isn't…ugh…what I mean to say is this…having lived through that experience (a.k.a. I Survived Twittergate) and then, rethinking my entire blogging platform (for the better, I hope) I've learned that my integrity can indeed remain, intact.
And, so, I continue to share my words (here) find ways to engage and give back to my community (here) read your stories (here) and, hopefully, one of us will feel better, knowing that, even though comments aren't what they used to be (stupid facebook, dumbass twitter) doesn't necessarily mean no one is, you know, listening.
PHEW! I feel better now, thanks!!
Aaand, if you're STILL reading along, know that there is a special place in heaven (or, a facsimile thereof) reserved for prettiful people, like you.
Even if it means humoring a professional dork, like me.
/story
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© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) my friend Shannon is doing it and now Diana's joining in (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Today's prompt: Friendship – How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?
I'm NOT very good at asking for stuff.
Oh, I ask the kids to feed the dog, change the cat litter, pick up the wet towels or take out the garbage, which, admittedly, becomes more of a DEMAND, after asking for the 3rd or 4th time, DAMMIT!
Asking someone, — specifically, another mom — to please do me a favor, not so much.
One of my mom friends, which is code for:
One (or more) of our kids go to school together, we've spent at least one hour (or more) complaining about our kids comparing notes and alcoholic beverages may (or may not) have been involved.
Without getting too personal (about her life, NOT mine!) she's had a REALLY sucky year.
The kind of suckage that leeches its way under your skin, squeezes your heart, melts all the soft squishy parts, rips through your soul and leaves an unidentifiable pile of sludge, in its wake, before the day even begins.
Comparatively speaking, my life is gooder than good.
We don't see each other much, anymore — which is the sad truth with most of my mom friends, once my daughters quit girl scouts, or our kids hit middle school — but, her youngest carpools with my youngest and, well, raising kids is real hard.
Having to raise 4 kids, on her own, sucks hairy donkey balls!
I got a text from her, this morning, asking me if I could drop her kid off at her mother's house, "If it's not too much trouble."
My heart squeezed and…YEP…making sure her kid gets home (or wherever he needs to be on any particular day) is the LEAST I could do AND truth be told, sort of a selfish act on my part, as well.
It. Makes. Me. Feel. Good.
[sound of angels singing]
Then it hit me, right there, in the middle of the elementary school's parking lot, somewhere in between the soft squishy parts, that maybe, juuuuuust maybe, I can learn to ask a friend for a favor AND perhaps make someone ELSE feel good, at the same time, too, right?
Riiiiight.
[sound of incoming text]
"You are the best!! Can't thank you enough….we are very lucky to have you for a friend!!"
Stupid soft squishy parts.
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© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Because, I am a lemming and absolutely adore Jen Singer (seriously, this latest MommaSaid Video is hysterical!) I created a little holiday animation of mine own, This Full House style, enjoy!!!
Check out the Official Wordless Wednesday HQ
Tag, you’re it: Wordless Wednesday
© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) my friend Shannon is doing it and now Diana's joining in (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Today's prompt: Appreciate — what’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?
This year? Yeah, it was a tough one. What…for you, too? I know. Right?
I got a job (for real) then, I lost it (stupid economy!) I know it was only 7 months (seems longer, working nights, while your SigOth works days, really) still, I had a REAL hard time adjusting to civilian life!
Know anyone who's hiring?
[sound of many, many crickets, chirping]
Then again, there is some good to be found in ALL the suckage.
My twin brother DID give cancer another asswhoopin' (it really SHOULD learn to just stay down, stupid cancer!) and my dad added another notch on his belt in the battle against heart disease, the bastard (heart disease, NOT my dad!)
Aaaaand, I have SO MUCH more to be grateful for, I know!
However, losing someone very dear to me recently has made me take inventory of my own life and, most especially, appreciate those who are closest to my heart.
Like, how I could have NEVER gotten through ANY of this, or the previous 20 years, for that matter, if it weren't for my husband, Garth (not his real name) and his way of making even the smallest gesture (like, making the first pot of coffee, or warming up the car and packing the kids lunches, every blessed morning) an act of absolute serenity.
How do I express gratitude for it?
I let the dog out, put up a pot of coffee, fed the cat, woke the kids, let in the dog and fed him, unloaded the dishwasher, fed the kids, drove Heather to the bus stop, packed the lunches and then drove Holly to the high school.
All before 7:30 a.m. this morning.
[one beat, two beats]
Okay, okay, so I gave the kids money to buy their lunches and they can pretty much fend for themselves, at breakfast, too.
Still.
I am ABSOLUTELY sure that Garth (not his real name) appreciated the break.
How do I know?
[grin]
By appreciating the fact that my time management skills are, you know, FAR superior to his!
You're welcome.
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© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what’s next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) my friend Shannon is doing it and now Diana’s joining in (although, the non-conformist in me can’t promise to, you know, write daily) I’ve decided to give it a whirl.
Today’s prompt: Action — when it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step?
Oh wow, great, well this one’s easy (NOT!!!!) because, I’ve got SO MANY ideas rolling around in my head, right now.
Home projects I’ve made happen and have YET to, you know, finish.
Working (REAL HARD) and ridding myself of ALL that unproductive self-doubt I believe keeps writers (like me) from succeeding even further.
Although, taking care of 6 people, living in a 7 room house, will do that to a person (Ty Pennington, WHERE ARE YOU?!?)
No, it’s NOT about the ideas, or necessarily about making them happen, either (been there, done that) for me, the next step(s) in 2011 would be to:
Until then, I remain aspiringly yours,
A. Dork
© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) and my friend Shannon is doing it (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Today's prompt: Wisdom — what was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
Confession. Ready? I'm NOT very good with decisions (I know, act surprised anyway!)
Oh, I can decide on lots of stuff. Dozens of times. Every blessed gosh-darned day, even!
Nonsensical declarations, like:
Decision like that. Every. Blessed. Day. Just, you know, NOT for myself.
Last month, I decided NOT to ignore my health any longer and, without going into too much detail (you're welcome!) turns out it was the WISEST decision I've made in a very, very long time.
For myself!
Now, I can continue dispensing my supreme wisdom, where it is needed most (shuddup!)
"You signed me up for WHAT?!?"
Without having to worry about anything, you know, dropping off, or falling out!
"Oh, alright, as long as I can walk, because running STILL makes me pee, a little."
Sort of!
© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) and my friend Shannon is doing it (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Today's prompt: Party — what social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
[photo credit: FireMom]
These days, my kids have cornered the market on party hopping (don't even get me started on sleepovers, or, more accurately, keep parents awake until 2:00 in the morningovers) unless, showcasing unbreakable cookware and food storage containers are involved.
Then, move over and pass the mojitos, my friend, I am SO there!
Once again, I had the EXTREME pleasure of meeting up with some really AWESOME friends at BlogHer in NYC, this year — fleeting moments of SQUEE! could be heard for miles, I'm sure — perhaps it should really be called MeetHer, HugHer and GoHomeWithHer!
Kicking back on a rooftop with BusyMom, Jenna, Melisa, Sue, Carmen, and picking soot out of each other's hair…now, that's MY idea of a party…YES, really!!!
SaveHer10
However, it is what happens AFTER the party — like, riding in an ambulance with BusyMom — that sometimes proves to be the MOST, you know, memorable.
I can't WAIT to see what happens, next year!
© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping
Reverb 10 is an online initiative created by Gwen Bell to reflect on 2010, consider, you know, what's next and, through daily writing prompts, help folks (like me) share their story.
Since I am ALL about sharing (shuddup Garth, not your real name!) and my friend Shannon is doing it (although, the non-conformist in me can't promise to, you know, write daily) I've decided to give it a whirl.
Today's prompt: Beautifully Different — Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.
I broke out the YouCam and snapped a picture, this morning (since, I showered and everything…you're welcome!!!)
Beautiful? I dunno. Different? Most definitely, from as far back as I can remember (oh, it's not THAT far, shuddup!)
I grew up speaking a different language, living on a street filled with nearly every ethnicity represented in the United Nations (today) and eating stuff that other folks would normally have trouble identifying (why, it's cow stomach soup, want some?)
Being different came, you know, naturally.
Beautiful? Hard for me to say. Different? Well, my right eye IS smaller than my left; my eyebrows are way too thick (imagine what they would look like if I did NOT tweeze them every dang-gone day!) oh, and my lips are a bit crooked (especially, when I smile)
UGH! Don't EVEN get me started on how LOOOOOONG it took me to grow into my nose (matches my crooked smile, perfectly) or, how the years are beginning to, you know, leave skid marks all over my face….DAMMIT!!!
[blows bangs out of left eye, scratches nose]
Then again, it's NOT the years, HONEY — it's the mileage!!!
I've worked REAL hard to earn ALL those pretty little lines up there (i.e. I'm a mom) AND my kids seem to like me, this way (sort of) especially, because my left eye is almost always BIGGER than my right in every picture….which, of course, means that, you know….I am smiling.
Different? Yeah, we're good and did I mention I'm raising REAL pretty kids who ARE proving to be waaaay smarter than me?
Good thing, too, seeing as I've pretty much proved to them that they won't be able to earn a college education on, you know, their mother's good looks, alone.
[snort]
Thank goodness no one's thought to start charging us moms (and dads) for heavy eye baggage…YET!!!
© 2003 – 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping