My blogging obsession turned in to a (mostly) Love (sometimes) Hate Relationship with Facebook

I'm not even sure anyone is out there. I'd understand if you're not. It's certainly been a bit since I've written anything in this space.

I think about it regularly and draft posts in my head often but then never actually make it back here.

 But remembering something I read a few weeks back on the addiction I call Facebook, I knew I needed to try and get back here.  A friend posted that her blog had actually been deleted by Blogger. She said that it had been several years since she'd posted and she was fine with it.   But I was devastated for her. I'd hate to lose all the things I've written. Not that any of these posts are literary gold or anything but as I age I often forget these little nuggets. And I love that I can come back here, remind myself and relive those moments.

Speaking of aging! I now have "tweens" Twin 11 year olds who have given me so much to write about that it's not even funny. I've even surprised myself by not capturing some of it here

But let me get to the point

Facebook!  Much of it goes there.  It's such an easy and instantly gratifying site to use for those of us that need or like that kind of thing.

I remember the days when all I wanted to do was find the time during my work day to write a post and then find more time so I could read everyone else's posts. Not so much anymore.  Now, I  read one or two blogs and even then it's usually when I'm following a link I found on FB.

It's weird though. For as much as I enjoy the old FB, I am also incredibly annoyed by it.  Because? News Feed. Everything is everywhere and every freakin opinion and meal and dump taken is there in my news feed. Sometimes it's just too much. And on days when I see ridiculous memes and declarations from family members who I have diametrically opposing views.  I just can't.  

So there it is. I love it as a mechanism to catch up, check out what my friends and family have been up to , learn about new fascinating books to read, or places to go or whathaveyou.  And there I've been "microblogging" the work drama, the kid stories, the day to day stuff.  And that's likely why I haven't been here.

 But perhaps in tiring of it, i'm led back here.  And I will try and come back another day and then maybe another and another until...who knows ? I may be able to call myself a blogger again!

Now let me end this crazy rambling (clearly I haven't quite gotten my groove back) with this gem from my son's homework assignment a few days ago. He knew the struggle was real!

Note to self: Do not ever call yourself unstopabble again

In my last post I casually mentioned that after completing a challenging yet exhilarating 5k race/obstacle course that I "kinda feel unstoppable now". 

Well, the universe proved me wrong. Yet again.

 Big fat swollen ankles do in fact. Stop me. Believe it or not, although I've injured about every other part of my body in some form or fashion. I've never actually rolled an ankle.  But now I feel I am well versed in sprained ankle-ese. 

 Look they get even bigger and fatter and scary looking after a few days

 So I've been sidelined. First it was crutches, then a spectacular boot that while not pictured here I'm sure you can imagine the depths of it's stylish awesomeness.

Now it's this beauty (note the pink sneaks. I'm kinda in love with these) and Physical Therapy for Godonlyknowshowlong...

So yes,  lesson learned Universe. I must choose my words wisely. 

... Um,  either that or remember that I am almost 40 years old thereby making me too old to play X games with my son and ride on the pegs of  his bike *ahem*.

Who knew a pig and I would have so much in common

I probably should rethink that title because surely I've opened myself up for all sorts of overeating and weight jokes.  But when you don't post for more than 5 months and you come up with something kinda catchy you stick with it out of fear that if you have to come up with something else "catchy" you won't post for another 5 months.

 Aaanyway, all kidding aside I just had to write about this great thing I did. Great in that I pushed the envelope and forced myself to participate in my first (and maybe last) 5K.  But this was no ordinary 5K. This was the WARRIOR DASH.  I needed to prove to myself that although I still haven't met my fitness goals, I had been working out hard and I could do this.

I roped in a few gal pals via cattle call on Facebook then registered well in advance so as to give myself plenty of time to  freak the eff out  prepare .

I was energized , yet petrified.  What if I couldn't run it all?  What if I couldn't make it over the wall?  What if I broke something?  All these things raced through my mind prior to competing.  But when it came down to it,  I made it over not one but two walls, I jumped over hurdles and dove under barbed wire, I lept over fire and ended up in mud. Lots and lots of mud.  It was exhilarating in so many ways. Something I never thought I'd say.  I'm not even a fan of mud but I jumped in with reckless abandon and made that mud my bitch (well it may have made me it's bitch but whatever).  And guess what?  I loved that mud. Something about jumping in was freeing and ridiculous and amazing all at the same time.

This was AFTER being hosed off (note the after race celebratory beer clutched in my dirty hand)

I wore that mud like a badge of honor.  Because it was my mud. And I'd done it. I guess I kinda think I'm unstoppable now. Bucket list item number 576. Check.

So tell me. What have you recently crossed off your bucket list ?

And then I got carpal tunnel

I've had my fair share of illnesses throughout the life of this blog. First it was this and then there was this. Oh and we can't forget this and that. But all in all, they've been relatively minor. I guess in the sense that they were all things I recovered from and aren't chronic illnesses. Annoyances ? Yes. Chronic? No

So I figure my body has treated me right for the most part. I ought to pay it back. You know. Work it out. Stop feeding it crap and run it around a bit. Thin it out.

But here's the thing, I have strained or pulled just about every muscle in pursuit of this quest. Last week it was a calf muscle (And I'm working with a trainer! So while I'd like to say it's my clutziness and lack of technique I can't logically conclude that.)

And this week it's left wrist pain with typing (which hello? I do a ridiculous amount of both in and outside of work)

So here I am, the walking wounded.

I'm almost about to give up.

But then I'm reminded, there are others out there worse off than me. And then I just feel like a big old whiner.

So I'm blogging it out. Because after all isn't this my space to gripe whine moan and cry ? But ow. It hurts to type.

So the only logical thing is to drink heavily grin and bear it and thank you all for listening.

Yeah. That's it.

*cough*bringonthebooze*cough*

I have this problem

I have this problem. I can't stop planning...things.

I don't know what it is about me but I manage to agree to plan a lot of stuff - which frankly doesn't make a lot of sense when I don't have a tremendous amount of spare time.

I guess I've always been a ridiculous organizer/planner type of my kid's birthday parties. They must have a theme and everything must fall in line with that theme. Oh and I plan two parties per year at work. But still that didn't exactly seem overwhelming.

But then somewhere along the line that developed into something more. Last school year, I decided I wouldn't just be a sideline PTA member (read paying for membership but not volunteering). I decided I would actually volunteer. And I didn't just volunteer I chaired two committees.

Just this past summer after our family reunion ended, I agreed to plan the next one. I'm not sure what crazy overtook me at that point- but I'm confident it involved crazy because that involves a whole lot of people in a whole bunch of different states and travel and food and Oy. My head hurts thinking about it.

And if that wasn't enough a few months ago when I heard no one stepped up to plan the school auction -I did it. Some little voice in my head told me it would be fun. In reality it's been 60% fun 40% stress.

So here's where you armchair psychologists get to diagnose me. Why am I a big old nutball that takes on things that inevitably stress me out yet as soon as one is over I jump right into the next with little more than a month to rest ?

I know, I need help, right? I am a mystery to myself.

And on that note, Happy New Year my friends. I'm telling myself I will blog more in 2012

(And there's yet another committment - someone break out the straightjacket. Now)

Teaching about Giving with Help from Radio Disney- Updated**

Ok y'all, you know I don't tend to post press releases and such. However, I'm doing it now.
Why, you may ask. Because right around this time my kids get a horrible case of the "gimme gimmes" and "I wants". All year long we try to emphasize that our kids are very fortunate to have all that they do and teach them that there are some children and families who aren't as fortunate. We teach them that it's important to give back. But this time of year, when every piece of mail and every other television commercial highlights the slickest, shiniest must have Christmas item it's a challenge, for sure.

And that's why I think what Radio Disney is doing this year is particularly cool. They're brilliantly mixing giving with kid infused fun and games. My family and I will be attending the one in our local area at Factoria Mall from 10-4. Please, if they're in your local area and you can make it out consider doing so (basic info below. Check the website for events in your local area).

Happy Turkey Week and start of the holiday season my friends!



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RADIO DISNEY ENCOURAGES KIDS AND FAMILIES TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS FIRST ANNUAL "FESTIVAL OF GIVING," DECEMBER 3 AND 4


--Local Radio Disney Stations in Over 30 Markets bring multiple charities together for a convenient way to give back--

On DECEMBER 3 AND 4, Radio Disney stations in over 30 markets are bringing multiple charities together in their local communities to create a convenient way for kids and families to help others this holiday season.
"Festival of Giving" kicks off Radio Disney’s Project Family initiative, inspiring families to spend time together in an effort to make a lasting, positive change at home, in their community and the world at large.

"We know our audience of kids and families is passionate about giving back," said Sean Cocchia, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Radio Disney. He added, "With the busy holiday season upon us, 'Festival of Giving' will make it easy and fun for families to donate to local philanthropic organizations in their communities."

All 31 "Festival of Giving" events will have a variety of organizations on-site to take donations including Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, The Humane Society, local food banks and animal shelters among others. Each event will be hosted by Radio Disney’s local stations and will feature music, interactive entertainment and prizes.

*disclosure: I was not compensated or provided anything for this post I'm simply passing along information I think is worthy

Top 10 Reasons I shouldn't be allowed out of the house before sunrise

One would think that having been in bootcamp for a little over a year now I'd have this thing down pat. I leave the house wearing my workout clothes with bag packed chock full of all the items I need to shower and get ready at work.

Pack the night before. What's that scouting motto ? Always be prepared. Or whatever. It's easy enough right ?

But it's not. For me.

9 times out of 10 10 times out of 10 I am beyond tired and it's all I can do in the evening to cook dinner, review homework, wash my workout clothes from the day before, walk the dog, pick out clothes for my kids for the next day and blah blah blah... you get it. There is just so much to do. And it makes me think "Hey I need one less thing to do". I can pack in the morning!

So I do it. And it ultimately causes one (or more) of the items on my top 10 list to occur

10) It's way too early for your thoughts to be anything resembling coherent so you will inevitably forget to pack underwear. And one day when this happens you will have packed a dress to wear (True story)

9) You will forget your towel and figure out how annoyingly challenging it is to dry off with paper towels (also a true story.In fact this happened today)

7) The rooster's aren't even up, you will forget your bra. And the shirt you're wearing doesn't work with the braless look. This will later become the day you learned how to fashion a bra from scotch tape (Also true. last Friday)

6)

Well I don't really have a six through one. But c'mon after number 7 do I really need one ?
And that my friends, is why I shouldn't be allowed out of the house before sunrise.