1st Reconciliation

Father, I am sorry for my sins ...

mainly because it has been 25 years since my last confession.

In English, anyway.

I tend to attend confession in foreign countries.

Specifically, NON-ENGLISH speaking countries.

It is simpler that way.

1.  "I am sorry, I do not obey ... anybody."

2.  "I am sorry, I do not listen or pay attention very well.  Honestly, at all!?  I know it is probably because I was misdiagnosed as a child. I must have ADD. It is a self-diagnosis."

3.  "I am sorry, I use HIS name in vain. Like EVERY sentence spoken silently or verbally.  Unfortunately HIS name is always accompanied with an Expletive!"

Penance is given.

"No speak English, try better."

So I self-prescribe my Penance:  10 Hail Marys.

And perhaps, see a medical professional about this possible ADD.

Oh, and maybe visit my home parish for confession ... it is on my list of Lenten Promises.

things

Things are of no moment in themselves.  Only their influence upon our lives is important.  They are means to an end, and that end is richness of life.  -- Gustav Stickley, 1907

the dislike button

There are a few random things that I dislike.  Greatly not care for.  Don't like.  Or despise.  And even hate.  To put it strongly.

For example, I dislike hotdogs.  Or perhaps, I don't care for hotdogs.  Is it fair to place such a definitive opinion on a "flesh popcicle"??  I never have liked their "looks".  Never have had a "taste" for them.  And if you do like hotdogs, I am sorry for my opinion ... however, you most likely did not grow up with my brothers at the dinner table discussing the hotdog innards. 

Another dislike, root beer.  However, I do like its name.  Especially the beer part.  Root -- tolerable.

Fart.  Hate this word.  Who still uses this word over the age of 40?  UGH.

Gossip.  Is gossip really necessary coming from people well above the age that it began in their life?  I mean, really, why is it so important to continue gossiping after college graduation?  Perhaps, your resume interests include:  "Gossip artist from the age of 10.  40 years later and still participating.  Master of skill."

The southern belt "I'm a Christian" speech.  We all know at least one soap box orator?!

Messes.  Well, I believe I am getting over this trauma ... I have to ... especially with the majority of residents under the age of 10 living in the same space. 

Call-waiting.  Do you really need to see who is calling?  Or is this just a polite way to "cut the conversation" shorter than usual.  Hearing the "beep" on my phone just gives me great anxiety.  But I let it go and I really try to concentrate on the rest of our conversation.  Even if I am still wondering who could be possibly calling me at this exact moment??

Neon colors.  They're baaaaaaaaaaaack!  The neon was not attractive in the 80s trends so why do the trendsetters think the 21st century adorned in neon is going to be any more appealing?

Saggy pants.  Need I say more??  Well, yes ... why is the USA the only country with this hideous trend? 

"TWITTER MAKES YOU LOVE PEOPLE YOU HAVE NEVER MET
AND
Facebook makes you HATE people you actually know."

Enough said...

spring break or bust!

No bar too far ... (exactly 15 feet to the refrigerator door)
We drink to sink ... (44 ounces should do it)
What happens in _____, stays in _____ (the residence of choice)
We got beer, it's time to cheer!

Well my spring break has sprung.  Time to begin.  Time to relish.  Wahoo!
I am on my own.
The children have returned to their classrooms for the remaining nine weeks of school. 
The husband has returned to his office and/or the friendly skies.
The pets have returned to their outdoor play yard.

The mommy has returned to the sofa, feet up, diet coke in left hand, remote in right hand, cell phone off, computer on sleep mode, and home phone off the hook. 

It's Spring Break.
My Personal Spring Break.  (Not to be confused with a "personal summer")

The reason for my temporary hiatus:  the family was on spring break and then the vacation was extended due to illnesses.  So now that the home has returned to normal (not to be confused with the normally strewed shit spewing from every crevice) peace and quiet. 

Ahhhhh....

Just for a moment....

I can meditate with both eyes shut.

Hello Kitty coming right up!

Another birthday is rounding the corner and sneaking up on me. 

My daughter has chosen a "Hello Kitty" theme.

I am in the process of gathering ideas.  colors.  favors.  outfits.  games.  fun.

Check out some of the ideas above that I have gathered, so far. 

Stay tuned for an upcoming sneak peak.

Mission Impossible

One wrong turn.

Turned into a very right turn.

And, luckily, there was not another car behind me waiting to slam into my car-bum.  Because that would have been a bad day! 

Although, please don't ask if I can find this street again... because I know I cannot even attempt it. 

I am thankful for always (or almost always) carrying a camera with me!

However, now my "little middle one" is trying to find a street with her name on it.  I suppose we will have to have one of those custom made for us.  Creatively, she doesn't care too much about the street sign bearing all of her name letters.  Just the First Letter!   

So far we have stopped and photographed:  Pine St., Pebble Ridge, Pebble Ct., Park St., Partridge Way, Park Ct., Park Canyon, Park Way, and Pembleton. 

Happy Ash Wednesday!

Don't forget to give up all the things that make you sane for the next forty days!

Sanity Savers not listed in any particular order.

Each Sanity Saver is a necessity.

How will I survive until Easter Morning?

so many celebrations,

so little time...

2 March -- Dr. Seuss's Birthday

8 March -- Mardi Gras

9 March -- Ash Wednesday

11 March -- Ellis Island Day (in our house)

13 March -- Day Light Savings

17 March -- Saint Patrick's Day

20 March -- First Day of Spring

26 March -- Last Quarter Moon

30 March -- First Reconciliation

I totally overdid the whole Dr. Seuss day...  a fun, surprise lunch packed for school:

Green Eggs and Ham  (green hardboiled eggs and ham slices)

Pink Ink  (strawberry yogurt drink)

Blue Goo (blue jello)

Red Fish, Blue Fish (goldfish crackers)

The Cat in the Hat's Hat (strawberry/dip layered to resemble a hat)

So... now what am I going to do for all the other "fun" days this month?

I learned my lesson.  Start out with NOTHING... and then there are ZERO expectations. 

That's Right, Readers!  ZERO expectations! 

I found it!

 A NEW SOFA PILLOW:

Get one for your home today!

Call 1-800-mt-seats

Would you know your child?

If your child's face was distortly displayed on an xray screen, would you know your child?

I SPY ... a baby, a hospital, and a doctor

Pinkeriffic!

Cheers for Pinkalicious!  Pinkeriffic!  Pinktastic!  Pinkerbell-ish!

What a great book! 

And the play is very cute... check it out if it arrives in your city!

After the performance, there was a "PINKALICIOUS" PINK PARTY!

A great totally Pink Party!

Too cute!

And "PINKALICIOUS", herself!

Hmmmm!  I am thinking of a "pinkalicious" theme birthday party in our future?

Just maybe...

Small photos due to poor lighting and my purse point-and-shoot camera for this event.

Stars on the Water

If you could be anywhere in the world, right now, where would you be?

I would definitely be with my family.

I would be some place with history.

I would have my camera in one hand.

And an espresso in the other hand.

I would be wearing sneakers.

I would be covering some ground.

I would be inhaling the air of happiness.