It's UP!!

It took an extra day to get there, but my short story is up on our local paper's website. I won honorable mention in the 13th annual poetry & short story contest held by Dayton Daily News. If anyone would like to read it, you can find it here: http://bit.ly/GFHzA In case you're thinking you don't want to read it, I will not be offended, but let me tell you my grandmother LOVED it. (She's the one that calls me sugar lump and lets me sit on her lap). If that doesn't convince you that I'm brilliant, well... maybe you're the one who's brilliant.

Thank you all for your fabulous comments from Saturday's post. I'm not a professional, but this contest is a big deal for me. I appreciate everyone's support.

I've been screaming for two days now.

You know that big deal local writing contest I was whining about two weeks ago because I didn't hear anything? Well, the actual winners still haven't been announced and won't be printed publicly in the paper for another month, but.... They did print the finalists' names and story titles in this weeks Sunday newspaper. Guess what? I'm a finalist!!! Out of more than 600 entries, I'm a finalist!!! (if you follow me on twitter you already know this and are probably sick of hearing about it). Now, in all seriousness, I'm guessing the "winners will be notified on June 1st" deal was probably for the actual winning stories, which have probably already been decided, but just making the short list is more than fine with me. Many of the past winners of this annual contest are published authors, so the competition is tough. Although you'd think they would have at least popped an e-mail over to let us know we were finalists - I would never have even known if my grandma didn't read the paper cover-to-cover.

Speaking of awards (kind of), I've also been given two lovelies recently and waited entirely too long to post them. Thank you ever so much to my humorous friend Carma of Carma Sez for the Extraordinary and Awesome blogger award. On the subject of winning, stop by and congratulate her - her son recently won a local silly-photo contest.

Much thanks to the current Bucket Filler, my friend Carissa from Sugar Boogers & Tantrums for the Kreativ Blogger award. On the congratulatory note, her family just finalized papers for their new home. You can stop by her blog and take a look.

On Edge

Well folks, I'm a bit on edge lately, some things going down around here (my world, not my blog).

June 1st is a round-about date for word on something important to me, and while I'm not hopeful, I can't help but feel nervous about the possibility. So... if I haven't heard anything by the end of the week, prepare for some crap-slinging foul-moody blahs. (If I DO hear anything, you will be notified immediately. A celebration will follow... if only in my head).

I'm also planning to start a gluten-free diet for a few weeks, just to see what kind of difference it makes in the way I feel. I'm hoping it won't be painfully difficult, but we're big on whole wheat everything. If anyone has some pointers or what-not, please share. You can comment or e-mail me. Giving up some of the things I've gotten so accustomed to eating will be... well, kind of like breaking an addiction.

I'll also be job hunting. Blech. Thought I had something semi-lined up, but it seems to be falling through. If all else fails, I hear Walmart is booming. Please stab me with scissors now.

On a brighter note, the lovely Michelle "Lady Bug" from Welcome To My World has bestowed One Lovely Blog Award upon my crabby self. Any of you wishing to have your spirits lifted after this dismal attempt at a post, definitely check out Michelle's Daily Quotes. This quote most particularly seems to fit the bill for me today. Thanks Michelle!

**Since I have been honored with this award and passed it along before, and I think anyone who comes here and listens to (okay, reads) my complaints is worthy and lovely, I hereby pass it on to YOU.**

Awesome award

Big thank you to Julia at TAG for this lovely piece of bling! Now to list 7 things that are Awe-summm about me. (cause you all know how I just hate to talk about me)

1. I can bake healthy desserts that taste like sin in chocolate coating.
2. I am a fabulous mother. Really.
3. My eyes change colors from brown to green, depending on my mood.
4. I tell stories that Monsoon loves to hear.
5. I'm really good at planting things (keeping them alive, not so much.)
6. I can - and prefer to - drive a stick shift (so a lot of people can, but it's still pretty cool)
7. I can touch my elbows to my toes. With straight legs.

More than you care to know about me

First of all, before I get all into myself (like normal) I want to send a HUGE Happy Birthday out to my brother, affectionately referred to as Oscar in my posts. I won't say his age, but that's only because I don't remember. Which is because I'm forgetting my own age. I'm sure he's older than me by now...
** I am not even trying to fix the weird thing blogger did to my numbers below**
I've been awarded this cute bling by A Cheap Chick. She has an amazing knack for finding free stuff, so visit her to find out what's up for grabs right now in cyber land. Thanks, A Cheap Chick!
(I can't get the award photo to come up, but I'm not making it up, I promise.)

The rules of "Cute's Blogger Award" are to list 10 things about yourself, so in an effort to not bore you all to pieces with bits of me, I'm going to mash this together with...

And EIGHT tag from Funny in my mind. Read all about the escapades she endures as a restaurant owner, mother and wife at In My Mind It's Always Funny. Here are some things (feel free to skim):

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

1. 
   
   Seeing the beach again... any beach.


2. 
   
   Visiting Oscar again, totally not just for the pizza.


3. 
   
   Being finished with my yoga class. I like it, but there are tests. I don't care for tests.


4. 
   
   Completing an actual story. As in I don't have to rewrite it ever again.


5. 
   
   Tomorrow morning, just like every morning, I get to wake up looking into grass-green eyes and hear, "Is it morning, Mommy?"


6. 
   
   Being a famous movie star. That's right, I said it. It's from my list of "to-do's" when I was 13. I should have 4 academy awards by now, too.


7. 
   
   Watching the giant sunflowers grow with Monsoon... the ones we planted last week.


8. 
   
   A Derby party at my grandma's this weekend. It should be fun.

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. 
   
   A real push-up.


2. 
   
   Give Monsoon a sibling.


3. 
   
   Give tons of money to my favorite charities.


4. 
   
   Move south... and take my family.


5. 
   
   Take great photos.


6. 
   
   Run a marathon.


7. 
   
   Walk up stairs without hearing firecracker sounds coming from my knees.


8. 
   
   Get a boob-lift.

8 Shows I watch (alternately titled: 8 things I Tivo and forget about):

1. 
   
   Housewives


2. 
   
   New Adventures of Old Christine.


3. 
   
   Grey's


4. 
   
   WEEDS (well, back when we had cable)


5. 
   
   Big Bang Theory


6. 
   
   How I Met Your Mother


7. 
   
   Ugly Betty


8. 
   
   Two and a Half Men

And a SUPER award from Jen at Following the Footsteps, a blog designing, Nascar watching, Flip-flop gaming blogger who actually titled one post "Hodgepodge." I love that word. Thanks Jen! Miss Environment, or Carrie as you may know her from Life In the Carpool Lane lavished me with a fabulous Earth Friendly award. Visit Carrie for TONS of ideas (many even from her readers) for being green AND to grab this button for your blog.

Friendship & Scribbles: Awards

Aww, thanks guys!

I received the Friendship award from The Cookie Girl, who not only shares tasty recipes in her Cookie of the Week Club (check out her button on my sidebar) but is such a sweet cookie herself. Thank you, Cookie Girl!

Melissa B. of the Scholastic Scribe has bestowed upon me... the coveted Scribbler award. I've copied and pasted the rules from Mrs. Scribe so as not to break them, since she asked so kindly (and I'm a little afraid):

"Don't Break The Chain, y'all. Follow the rules, if you please, and pass this sucker along.-Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.-Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.-Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor! -Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog."

I decided to award bloggers who had not yet received any award from me. Here are the lovely Scribes I choose:

H F W of The Scoop On Poop And Other Mama Dramas; seriously humorous "mama drama"

Jeannie from Jeannie's Happy World; go here for happiness and fun cards.

Kim at The UnGourmet; she just celebrated her 100th post. "Grub and chit-chat" - what else do you need?

Julia, The Apron Goddess; lovely aprons, beautiful posts and plenty of giveaways.

Alicia and her Yaya Stuff; her journey through infertility is heart wrenching, but inspiring.

Thursday's Things: I'm Golden

... No, not like the shower. Eww.

SITS Spring Fling is over... even though I'm pretty sure I still haven't recovered from that whirlwind of fun. Even more fun was hearing that I WON! Several times, actually... gold all around me! Hope you all got some goods, too.

Thank you to Heather and Tiffany from SITS, along with Carina from Card Nirvana, for a fabulous $40 gift certificate to Card Nirvana. They have beautiful designs for many various occasions, so head over there and take a look if you're in the market. I've got my eye on some unique birthday cards for Monsoon's 4th this summer plus my niece's 2nd and my nephew's 1st. It's a gift that never ends!

Many thanks to Valerie at It's A Wonderful Life for a generous $50 gift certificate to Macy's! Go see her and be instantly charmed by the sugar-sweet little boy grinning in her header.

Another (yes there's more!) thank you going out to Lisa at The Chaos Chronicles for a Pregnancy Goodie Basket. No, I'm not, but I have a couple of friends going through infertility treatments and hope at least one of them will be able to use this as soon as I get it.

Yet another (can you believe it!?) more recent thank you-thank you going out to Barely Domestic Mama for a chocolatey pampering Fiber One Spa Break Basket. My tummy is looking forward to this most of all. Be sure and keep a look-out for Barely Domestic Mama's frequent giveaways and helpful reviews.

Thursday's Things: Worms, Roses and Lemonade

Sour

Sprinkles has round worms, which can apparently be transferred to people... and cause lots of nasty things. Gross, eh? Yay for inspecting poo in our near future.

*

Sweet

Hubby brought home a box of one dozen roses, which was so very nice. Monsoon was confused, though. "Whoa! Thanks Daddy for bringing me flowers!" I'm sure they were for me. Yes. Yes, I'm sure.

*

Two blogging beauties have bestowed upon me a sweet-n-sour award this week. New friend SandySmile at A Groovy Kind of Life and old friend Lesha at The Lost Burp Clothe think I show great attitude and gratitude, so thank you Lesha and SandySmile for The Lemonade Award and the When Life Hands You Lemons award. You are both fantastic.

Instead of passing this on, I really want to encourage everyone to visit Lesha and SandySmile, who both demonstrate great attitude and gratitude (which is why they got the award in the first place, of course) and they deserve some extra special comment love!

SWS: "Big Package...

... Just Arrived Yesterday Afternoon."

Remember to swing by Show My Face for Six Word Saturday, the sixiest way to spend your day!

*
"I Won Snarky's Fabulous Oscar Contest"

Monsoon, modeling a lovely ensemble

Actual screenplays (!) and theater gift card.

"Still crazy busy; will get better."

Pretend Summer and Sisterhood

Yesterday was sunny. Cold, bitterly so, but sunny, and there's no snow here. So I pretended it was Summer. It went like this:

• Blasted the heat in my car and enjoyed the rays coming in from my open sunroof. Never mind the icicles sticking out of my head when I got home.
• Took Monsoon and Sprinkles to the park, wearing enough winter layers to make us sweat like it was 90 degrees.
• Put on my swimsuit...and cried for two hours.
• Made a "tropical fruit bowl" for dessert: Strawberry, pineapple and coconut ice cream. Of course there's fruit in there. Somewhere.
• Had a picnic for lunch on the carpet. Okay, we didn't do this because Sprinkles can't eat people food and Monsoon can't help but drop crumbs (read: throw bits at her and say, "there you go!"). Also, she has pooped on the carpet and I'm not a fan of poop.
• Settled onto the couch with a cool smoothie. Sure, it was a margarita - but it was frozen and has lime. Lime is fruit.

I'm sure there's more we could have done, but it's Summer. And I'm on vacation.

*******************************

Also, I received this wonderful piece of bling from Veggie Mom. The Sisterhood Award, created by Diana Rambles, goes to blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude! I'm supposed to send this on to ten more Sisters who demonstrate these traits. Here's the thing: I think anyone who has been here and commented is well-deserving of this beautiful bling. So I'm changing it up a bit. Anyone who visits and comments on this post today may consider herself awarded! Yay to all of you! And don't forget to visit Veggie Mom, who was so friendly to pass this along to me.

A Simple Hug and Randomness

Megan at Infertile Myrtle has lavished my humble blog with not one, but TWO awards this week. Thank you, Megan! As she is always full of sweetness and inspiration, I highly recommend you all check out her blog. (for one good bloggy friend in particular, this is a c-free zone).

The Hug Award! How cute is this?

The rules are to give this award to ten people who make me feel special. In no particular order, are a few ladies who follow, comment consistently, and whose blogs have made me cry, snort coffee out my nose, pee a little, or even bake:

1. Cate at Show My Face
2. Snarky at Snarky Much?
3. Joanofalltrades at DiverCity, USA
4. Sassy Britches at Well, Okay, Sassy Britches
5. Corinne at The Story of Fynn and Paige
6. Mammatalk
7. Cookie Girl at Cookie Girl Creations
8. Terra at Tales from the Nightstand
9. Yaya and 10. Megan, who aren't really "tagged" here because they already had this (which is how I got it), but I had to at least mention them because they are just that fabulous.
   *****************************

The second is the brutally Honest Scrap Award:

I received this one a little while back and passed it out to several people, so I won't name names this time. But... anyone who wants to participate in this fun award may consider themselves honored. Link back here and let me know! On the off chance any of you want to read more about me and my honest self (as if "The Shot" didn't leave you running for the hills!), please go here for my ten honest pieces of scrap.

***********************

While I'm in the mode of thank yous, I want to send out a big fat Thanks! to Snarky, who held a wonderfully fun Oscar contest on Sunday. It was a three-way tie and she agonized about how to choose a winner, so after a random drawing, I was the lucky winner!

***************

Terra has started a new book club, of sorts, where she introduces and reviews books. There are contests galore, varying types of books, and a wonderful comment/conversation forum. This is the first week, so click the button below to head over and sign up!

Update!!! I just realized that, for some stupid blogger-related reason (because it certainly wasn't my screw-up!) half of the links to these lovely blogs are not matching up with the correct site! It's like they all got scrambled. Weird. I fixed it and hopefully it's right now. Sorry guys.

Honest Scrap Award!

Many thanks to Cookie Girl over at Cookie Girl Creations (home of the Cookie of the Week Club, for those of you cookie lovers out there!) for this lovely award. Now I am to share 10 Honest Scraps of information about me, and tag 7 of you. Here goes...

ME:

1. I'm finding this difficult already - what haven't I already told you all?
2. Contrary to #1, I love to talk about ME.
3. I love myself. I think I'm great.
4. Apparently, I'm kind of self-absorbed.
5. I was a meanie in high school. Not the popular type, but the type that's angry about everything and kicks other people "for no real reason." Whatever, Mr. Mestinko, I had my reasons.
6. Don't worry - I'm nice now. Or at least I don't get caught kicking people... who are prettier than me.
7. If I had to choose one material thing that I absolutely can't live without, it'd be a pen. I have to write - it has helped carry me through more tough times than I can remember, and I thank God for the hands to pick up that pen.
8. If I had a million dollars, I'd start 2 "charity" companies: one for childless people who want, but can't afford, infertility treatments, or need help (it's freaking expensive!); and a real learning/counselling program for children in orphanages/foster care. (lets face it - the government has no idea what they are doing here). Maybe the two companies could hook up and provide happiness for each other.
9. I'm a dreamer, to the point of ridiculousness. See #8.
10. Not a millionaire. Not even close. What am I doing about it? Sitting here typing to you lovelies instead of working like I'm supposed to be doing while the boys are gone. Not so much a doer, I suppose.

I Tag YOU:

1. Joan of All Trades
2. Stephanie at Mama's Online Cafe
3. Jaycee Leigh over at Carpools, Kiddos & Cocktails
4. Morgan at Insert Clever Name Here
5. Tiffany from Eat At Home
6. Lesha at The Lost Burp Clothe
7. Sassy Pants Mommy

***And anyone else who wishes to participate! A. & Cate: I know you both already had this, or else you'd be tagged, too. If anyone on the list has already had it, sorry - I must have missed it when I searched. Have fun!

Very Veggie Valentine and Thanks

Sending out a very special thank you to Veggie Mom over at Eat Your Veggies! I am the lucky grand prize winner of her and uncle Lynn's latest give-away: an entire box of Veggie Pop'rs!

Anyone else interested in these fantastic Pop'rs should head on over to Eat Your Veggies to check them out. Don't miss out on the next give-away from Uncle Lynn, either: The Great New Pop'rs Valentine's Day Giveaway starts next Sunday, February 8.

Stay tuned here for our review of all the Popr's flavors! We'll see who likes what best, post some pictures and let you in on all the (weird?) food we enjoyed them with. Can't wait to get them!

My First Blog Award!

I don't really know where to begin. *sniff* Ehem... Well, I'd like to thank Joan for giving me this award; my dear dysfunctional family for providing so many topics of discussion; my lovely real-life friends who allow me to go on about them at times; and my new, fabulous bloggy friends for posting all the interesting things they think of, and for taking time to read my ramblings!

Thank you again, Joan from Joan of All Trades. This is my very first bloggy award and I am so excited to pass it along. If any of you lovely ladies want to participate, please be my guest. If you just want to admire it from afar, you are welcome to leave it here.

Congratulations to... *Drum Roll Please*....

1. A. over at Snarky Much, who probably could use some extra loveliness this week.
2. Call me Cate over at Show My Face, although I'm not sure her head can handle anymore loveliness this week! ;)
3. Beverly at Motherhood and Other Ramblings, who shares inspirational and funny posts about her daughter, G, and the life around them.
4. Megan over at INfertle Myrtle, who could also use some extra loveliness most days, and who I hope will have to change the name of her blog this year - here's to hoping, Myrtle.

Hop on over to Joan of All Trades and check out her blog while your out! Again, you are all free to leave this lovely award right here if you want, but please feel welcome to take it "home" with you and even re-gift it if you like!