Eeeeeek!

What? You said trick, right?

And the Beat Goes On

When I started putting together this blogroll, I really had no idea it would take this long. I apologize for the lack of substantive posts lately, but I seem to be using up my words in other places and I do want to make sure I don't miss anyone on this blogroll. So if you'll hang in there with me for another day or two.

So where were we? Oh, yes. The Ses (S's?) Tonight we have So-T

Southern Mom Another blogger who allows me to fulfill my New Orleans-y cravings. I have so much respect for the folks who stayed on to make sure the area would be revived.

Steel Magnolia Some people have real reasons to mope around and feel sorry for themselves. It always seems that the very people who do are the last that ever will. Terri always seems to see the bright side of life and is the best for leaving happy and supportive comments.

Sticking to the Point You know how you just meet someone and you know they're good? I can still envision her there at the cocktail party with her camera in her hands.

Suburban Oblivion Here's the second member of the Gulf Coast Momfia. She's young, she's beautiful, she's talented. Crap. Why am I telling you to go read her? I should hate her, but I can't. She rocks.

Sue Doe-Nim Sue and I agree on almost nothing, but I love her fiercely. She is a loyal friend and honest to the tips of her soccer-coaching toes.

Table for Five I first learned about having cards made for BlogHer from EE. A short while later she was sharing sex tips. She's a giver that woman.

The Avery Lane Experience Paige is terrific writer. It's as simple as that. On top of it, she's friends with the Queen of Mayhem.

The Centurion Diaries I love the concept my UK friend developed. All posts must come in under 100 words. He took a break for a while, but he's back, and I'm so happy.

The Hygiene Chronicles Steve is a fellow DC area parent blogger. He's been a bit busy pursuing an advanced degree, but I'll take all the great posts I can get.

The Jay Spot The man who started it all for me. Jay and I worked together. He shared with me his first blog and I was hooked. Way back then I never imagined getting a comment from someone I didn't know. The ironic thing is that I don't think he's ever left a comment. Jerk.

The Queen of Shake-Shake Here's the third member of the Gulf Coast Momfia. She's also the author-i-tay of many other things. While one minute she's making me snort Diet Coke, the next I find myself in awe of the powerful love she has for her kiddos.

Julie Pippert: Using My Words Okay, so it seems a bit odd we're back in the J's, but at one point Julie's blog must have been called The Ravin' Picture Maven because that's how it's listed in my reader. Anyhoo, check out Julie. You'll be happy you did.

The Underpaid Kept Woman I think it Ms. Sunshine's title that first got me, it was the fun that kept me.

The View from Here Another fellow VA blogger--one I've met in real life and who is still willing to be my friend. GF doesn't hold back, but it's all driven by a writer with a huge heart.

Toddler Planet You've joined Team WhyMommy right? You haven't? Click on the button to the left and do it now. WhyMommy is teaching us all so much as she chronicles her fight with inflammatory breast cancer.

Twas Brillig Plain and simple--I go there for the writing.

Look Where I Am Today!

Bet You Didn't Think Mamma Did Reviews

I love to read.

If you're a reader and a parent, you know how much less time you have to devote to your precious books since Junior's arrival. So when a book grabbed me from the first page and took no time to read, I felt I had to share it.

Check out The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose.

I'll admit, I was skeptical when I first read about it. Most of this suspense story takes place in Rome (can you say DaVinci Code?) and it involves the intertwining lives of people who may or may not be experiencing flashes of past lives.

I know. Sounds weird, huh? But it wasn't. I really was sucked in from the first page and read the entire last half of the book in one sitting. Rose did a terrific job of using reincarnation as a hook to unfold the mystery that never felt forced. And while I won't ruin the ending, you must send me a note once you're finished with it because I want to discuss it.

So many authors feel like they have to give you the whole story of what happens after the couple rides off in the sunset. Not here. While the mystery is solved there is still so much left that's unknown. This alone has had me thinking about the book for a few days now.

The Reincarnationist isn't going to make you any smarter, but it is going to entertain the heck out of you. Check it out. Put it on your list for your holiday reads, because admit it--as much as you love your family, they do get annoying after a while. What better excuse not to have to talk to Aunt Rose about her shingles than a good, fast read you can bury your nose in? Just sayin'.

Mamma Continues to Share the Love and...

an important message to readers.

The problem with a blogroll is that inevitably some fantabulous blog will get left off (or I'm just not cool enough to know about it), and then another blogging heart will be broken. I know I've already missed a few and I'm only at O. Heh. O. *snicker snicker*

Anyway, where was I?

Oh, the blogroll, beautiful blogs missing, tears, snot, mayhem.

This list is a work in progress. Once I get to Z (and I don't have an Z blogs yet so if you know of good one please leave it in the comments), I'll be posting an addendum. Give me a heads up if I'm missing the greatest blog of all time (or yours).

Now without further ado, I bring you Mamma's Blogroll P-Some of the Ses.

Parentopia Written by Devra and Aviva. I can only attest to meeting Devra and let me just say the woman has enough energy and sense of humor for three people. They're all about parenting without guilt. They're my kind of girls!!! Sorry. Women!!
Peggy, as she is I can't remember how I found Peggy, but I'm so glad I did. Her musings are right on.
Petroville One of the lovely sponsors of the monthly Perfect Post awards. Kimberly also knows how to throw a fun party--toga scooter races anyone?
Plain Jane Mom Erika is the hub of the parent blogging universe to me. I'm missing her GRIT posts, but she's been a busy, busy woman. And, she's raising "My Three Sons."
Playgroups are No Place for Children The first up on the list representin' the Gulf Coast Momfia. They have no idea how much I want them to invite me to hang with them.
Poot and Cubby There are just some people whose names you love to see in your comments. Andi is one of them. Doesn't hurt that she's a terrific blogger too.
Procrastamom I fell in love at this post.
PunditMom Joanne was recently described to me as being so tiny you could put her in your pocket--and you could. But she's another powerhouse behind the keyboard. I don't know how the woman finds the time to blog everywhere she does. Her hyper-productivity is really starting to get annoying (j/k J).
Queen of Spain She and her family are safe--the fires. I love the QoS. She tells it like it is and doesn't apologize for her words.
Queen of Mayhem She was my first blogging Queen, and you never get over your first.
Red Stapler This is one of those cases of Mamma getting to the party a little late. I've not been reading long, and I'm pretty embarrassed about that.
Redsy I'm hoping real soon to call myself her partner in crime. Stay tuned. It'll be schteeeeamy.
Rude Cactus Hey look! A boy. A fellow DC blogger who just plain ole cracks me up.
Ruthless in the Suburbs I just love me those CT bloggers. And this one? I look forward to every post.
Sarah and the Goon Squad Believe it or not she used to live next door to someone I went to college with. Weird huh? That cosmic connection aside, Sarah's just one cool chica.
Schmutzie's Milk Money or Not Here I Come Schmutzie's had a horrific year, and yet she continues to write, and write well.
Schnozzfest This woman is just damned hysterical.
Serving the Queens Sometimes you read a blog just once and you're hooked. Jenn is a perfect example.
Shoo Fly... Melodyann is raw and honest and funny as hell.
Slacker-Moms-R-Us Sexy, smart and oh what a sense of humor! My blogging BFF.
Slouching Past 40 What more can you say? Great writing!

Mamma Loves These Blogs K-O

By now you must be getting that there is no way I can visit each of these blogs every day, but there are just so many terrific blogs out there. I'd love to have a career that let me play on blogs all day. If you know of anything...

So, continuing on, I bring to you K-O.

Kellyology She lives in Oklahoma. She's a warm-blooded liberal.
Kerflop I sat in front of two gorgeous women at my first panel at BlogHer. And, it wasn't until later that I realized I had been in the presence of blogging royalty--not that they'd admit it. She also has an incredible design sense.
Kevin Charnas Stop reading now. Click over and read whatever he's written last. NOW!! This man is a comedy genius posessing one of the biggest hearts in all the world. I'll scream it from the rooftops. I LOVE KEVIN CHARNAS! And he better attend BlogHer next year--just sayin'.
Kim's Notebook When your first date with a blogger is drag BINGO, how can you not fall in love?
Lawyer Mama Don't let her short stature fool you. This woman is an intellectual powerhouse and always up for a roadtrip.
Life Goes On, I Think To all you publishers out there, offer this woman a book deal now! You'll be kicking yourself later if you don't. To everyone else, read her now while her words are still free. Her writing is amazing!! Oh, and she's not so bad to hang out with either.
Mama Mia No Sabia Another Mama. You know how I feel about Mamas.
Meanwhile... There are just some blogs you shouldn't miss. This is one.
Midwestern Mommy She has beauty. She has grace. She's real and she's fun. I dare you not to like her. Plus, you'd miss those bunny ears next to her comments.
Mitch McDad's World I think we started blogging about the same time. I have the boys. He has the girls. And then there are the vibrator talks.
Mom-o-matic The world would be a sad place without Lotta around. This mamma regularly makes me snort Diet Coke through my nose.
Mom Voyage One Weird Mother is back!! Can I get an amen?
Mommy Need Coffee I have no idea how this woman does it all.
Moosh in Indy Another one who makes me snort regularly.
Mr. Big Dubya He might love the Sox, but I just can't seem to hold it against him.
Tales from My Tiny Kingdom Give yourself the blog last name Glamore, and I'm yours forever.
NOLA Notes I know what it's like to miss New Orleans, and here's one place I can get my fix.
Notes From The Trenches It's really not fair that one person can be blessed in so many ways. Okay, I guess it is.
Oh My Stinkin Heck So this was the other royal beauty I sat near at that BlogHer panel.
Oh, The Joys I'm sure you've never heard of her.

Mamma Loves These Sites A-J

I tried to go without a blogroll for a while, but I felt too guilty. There are so many terrific bloggers out there. This is by no means a complete list, but my attempt to offer up some love to the folks who have shared something of themselves on their sites.

For now I bring you A-J. This will eventually become a permanent page on this here blog.

Enjoy.

Absolutely Bananas Jen is one of my favorite bloggers and a down right terrific person.

Always Aroused Girl With her talented and steamy writing AAG proves you can be a mom and sexy.

Arkie Mama Mamma Loves other Mamas--even if they spell it wrong.

Attack of the Redneck Mommy Darn if she isn't so popular I just want to hate her, but I can't.

Dorky Dad Dorky is the new black.

Been There Emily and Cooper, the founders of the Motherhood, BlogHers Act and so much more.

BlogRhet A number of fabulous writers writing about blogging.

Blog Are Stupid I think Blog Antagonist was one of my first commenters. Her writing is incredible.

BooksEtc. Beth is like a cool older sister who always has sage advice.

Cheaper Than Therapy Attila hurls a mean bunny slipper.

Cheeky's Hideaway How can you not love a guy who refers to himself as Crouton Boy?

Chicky Chicky Baby Morning sickness may have her down, but don't count her out.

Citizen of the Month His penis talks. Need I say more?

DadCentric Representin' the Pops.

Design Mom Gabrielle is one of the founders is Sk*rt and always shares lovely finds.

Don't Take the Repeats Canape was my rockin' roommate at BlogHer. Next year she's going to have a different roomie (like a baby will be half as fun!)

Dribbblingwitt???? Pendulum hasn't written that frequently of late, but every word is worth the read.

Finery in Life I met Jazz at BlogHer and I was immediately hooked. What a cool woman.

FlutterCrafts-Dark and Divine Christine often writes my very thoughts.

Full Plate Mama Lee and I would be enjoying many margaritas if only we lived closer.

Gaining Balance I WILL meet JJ some day! *shaking fist in the air*

Get in the Car! How many times have you said that?

Grits With Cheese Southern Fried Mom in a Southern fried world.

Here In Idaho The woman has a fabulous sense of humor.

Honea Experess Read Whit for a while on DadCentric. Had to get a more regular fix.

Hot and Bothered Let's talk about sex baby.

i am bossy It's BOSSY's world, we just live in it.

i obsess. Deb tells it like it is.

I Wasn't Always Like This One of my first reads. Seriously, this woman's family gives her so much blog fodder. I'm constantly envious.

I'm Just Drunk in Someone's Garage Get to know JJ Dufresne. You won't be sorry.

I'm not a girl, not yet a wino If you don't know Kris, you don't know blogs.

Informed Voters Politics is important.

It's All Fun and Games... I knew her when it was Eva Las Vegas...but I still love her.

Izzy Mom The one, the only...

Jen Lemen It's impossible not to feel peaceful when you read her blog.

Joy Unexpected Funny, honest, raw, real.

Jurgen Nation Stacy and Kris befriended me at BlogHer and I will forever be grateful.

Writing, Music and Me

Once upon a time, I wrote when my brain swirled with thoughts. As a teenager, that usually involved a broken heart or anger at my parents, but it always helped to sit down and just write and write and write until I was exhausted. I would say everything that I felt like I couldn't say out loud or didn't have the opportunity to say. Writing rarely changed the outcome of the situation, but it was cathartic.

I never was a journal keeper. I tried many times. I love a blank book like nobody else, but I could never keep up a journal. I wanted to. It just never worked--unless I was sad or mad.

Two years ago a friend started a blog and I was intrigued by the concept. My brain never stops. Many nights falling asleep is a challenge because I just can't seem to turn it off. A blog seemed like a perfect place to put those thoughts--and honestly, I was tired of watching my husband shake his head in amused disbelief as I shared yet another of my thoughts. And for the past year, writing regularly has been fairly easy. Like I said. Many thoughts.

Lately, I've been struck by an ironic shift. I don't seem to be able to write when I have serious emotions I need to get out.

There are some thoughts I've been stewing over lately, thoughts I need to get out, but for once writing (at least here) doesn't seem like the best way to exorcise them from my head. Hence, the infrequent posts of late. Luckily, the wonderful Christine (you have no idea how tempting it was to call you Christina on purpose *grin*), who parenthetically may be my soul sister, sent me a few interview questions a while back and it has provided me with some fodder for a post.

So without further ado...


1) Who is your ideal candidate for president?

Elizabeth Edwards.

Unfortunately, she's not running. Honestly, I don't know that my ideal exists. That's the problem. I've invited all of the major candidates to come by my house. I really don't live that far from DC. I have just one question that I'd like each to answer. All of their big "plans" and "policies" aside, how would their Presidency make the world a safer and more prosperous place for my children?

Name three songs that define important events in your life, what are they and what memories do they bring?

At first this was a difficult question to answer. Many songs have strong associations for me--some reminding me of a person or a particular place. Many ellicit strong emotional reactions, and yet none of them defined the important events of my life. It seems too easy to say, "oh this is the song we danced to at our wedding" but that felt cliche. Instead, I've selected three that are by no means my favorites or the three most important songs to me, but rather three that define major steps in my life.

Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas
As silly as it is, this is the first 45 I owned. I received it as a present for my fifth or sixth birthday. I think from my "cousin" Matthew. I included it because it marks the point in my life when I remember having my own "tastes" (for whatever that says about them--give me a break it was the 70's).

Fly Me To the Moon by Frank Sinatra
I have warm memory tied to this song. The details aren't important. The significance is difficult to describe. What it boils down to is that I've lead my life not always believing I was truly lovable. This song reminds me that it is possible.

Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Okay, this may be confusing, because anyone who has read my blog knows that I don't have any girls. It's a penis-filled house here in VA (well except for me of course). Oddly enough, this song makes me think of my three boys though. It's such a beautiful song about becoming a parent and the overwhelming amount of love that enters your life with the arrival of your child. When I hear this song, I think about rocking those little babe-o-lahs in my arms and dancing around singing to them. There is nothing like the big, toothless smile of baby to melt your heart.

3) Without thinking, write the first sentence that comes to mind. Now, explain it.

I'm hungry.

Boy you have no idea how loaded this sentence is! I really am hungry right now. The cheese and crackers I had earlier didn't really cut it as dinner. And they shouldn't have. I have an unfortunately complicated relationship with food. I love it and I hate it all at the same time. I've written about my challenges with my weight in the past. I love food. I love tasting it and sharing it with others. But, I don't eat for health, and that's a problem. I hate that I battle my weight. I hate what I think it says about me. In my head it tells the world I'm a glutton and lazy and disgusting and every other awful description you can come up with, and yet I can't seem to stop doing it.

4) If you could leave today, and land anywhere and with whomever you wanted, and start a new life, where would you be and with who?

The where is easy. It would definitely be a warm sunny beach--turquoise blue water, white sand and a light warm breeze. The who is much harder. Is this the only person I will ever see for the rest of my life? That's too hard. I could never narrow it down. If it's for a weekend of hot, steamy sex well then...

5) What is the one famous quote that most closely mirrors your own personal beliefs?

Take away love and our earth is a tomb. Robert Browning

I see this as love for each other as individuals and for each other as human beings. What would our world be like if we led with love?

The Man is Obviously Worried About Retirement

Dad's at it again.

Hi there Son,

I am forwarding to you an Email with an article from the NY Times on MADONNA, who is reported to be leaving Warner Brothers for Live Nation, the concert promoter--if it goes through she gets $100 mil, with the first $50 mil to be paid up front. Now this is not as good as the $500 mil that comes with Rachel, but it'll be OK, it'll keep the corporate jet manned and in fuel, and you probably will be able to quit your day job.

You have to admit Madonna is a whole different scene from properly prepared pasta, and you may not have enough energy to accompany her on ALL concert tours, but the benefits would seem enough to grit your teeth and bear it. She is, admittedly, a little old (turns 50 next year), but I would suspect you wouldn't notice it with those intense lights and loud music all the time.

Now, as your father, I would far prefer Rachel, because I can hardly muster the energy to get through a whole Madonna set, whereas my appreciation for Italian food has no discernible limits. I would however stifle myself and my reservations if you and Madonna were hitting it off and having fun--fathers often have to make such major concessions for their children.

It does seem that your status as a rocket scientist would make you very attractive to Madonna, since she and her group may be fairly high much of the time. So ask her out--if she accuses you of only being after her money say no, that's my father--then she will respect you as a hottie and my interest as something she intuitively and favorably relates to, part of a business deal (she needn't know how expensive Jean and I can be....). OK, so this is to show again that we have always your best interests at heart,

Lotsa love, Dad

Of course I had to be the one to break it to Dad that she's married and totally into the whole healthy living thing. Poor man. He just wants one ridiculously wealthy child--even if he needs to pimp his one and only son out to get one.

Dinner & Drinks

How many mommybloggers does it take to change a lightbulb?

Who cares? Last night, we had a girls' night out.

I was the lucky recipient of a dinner invitation from one of the coolest of coolio moms around, Sarah.

Dinner here at 7:00 with a few other mom bloggers, and sometime around midnight I climbed into bed.

So who was there?

Well there was Becky from Deep Muck Big Rake. And she brought Florida goodness for the kiddos. Thanks Becky!! This blog of Becky's is on the newer side. You definitely have to go check her out. She's definitely uncovering some stories that deserve your attention.

Then there was Mommy At Work. Like Sarah, MAW knows football. I also got to see her teensy weensy pedometer (oh yeah, she showed me her pedometer--jealous much?) which is very clearly not counting all of her steps.

Hitching a ride with MAW was Lumpyhead's Mom. She loves beer, poker and corndogs, so how could I not love her?! She also shared a secret with us--a secret that tested the laws of physics and frankly was very funny. And, it shall remain safe with me.

As if these women weren't enough fun, our group was joined by Devra of Parentopia and DC Metro Mom fame. Let's just say that once again I was blown away by how much energy and determination are packed into her tiny little frame--and she was wearing heels.

You might think that putting six mommybloggers together at the same table would lead to many words spoken and none heard, but that wasn't the case at all. Conversation flowed easily, we talked sports and parenting and blogging and politics and kiddos and geography, and five hours flew by.

Thanks ladies for a terrific evening. I hope to be invited again.

Lighten Up Francis!

I know. I know. It's been kind of serious and dreary here lately.

I've done nothing to embarrass myself (that much) lately, so there's nothing there.

None of the boys have named any more body parts, so that's a dry well.

I was pretty psyched that I got a mention on Daily Kos the other day, but not a referral from it. Harumph!

Oh! And I did get to sign my son's not so stellar Social Studies test today. When did I become responsible enough to sign a test??!

I felt like I was forging my mom's signature.




PS--The blog is pink for the month of October because it's Breast Cancer Awareness month, duh!! Check your boobs. And learn more.

They're All Our Sons and Daughters

I have my own feelings about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those feelings aside, there are brave men and women who are risking and often sacrificing their lives in the name of our country. I might not know each one personally, but it doesn't matter because those brave souls are someone's children.

And as a mother, that's all I need to know.

There is a set of parents who recently lost their son Matt who was serving in Afghanistan. Please visit Jenn's site where she has created an online sympathy card for them.

I look at the faces of my three young boys, and I pray I will never have to see them off to war. I can't imagine the strength of the parents who must.

Perfectly Flawed

To me, the most precious reward of blogging is the sense of community it provides. I can interact with witty, funny, caring people thousands of miles away and share the commonalities of experience or learn about lives I might never come to understand if it weren't for the blogosphere. Through blogging I've discovered fellow political geeks, lovers of books and partners in crime. While reading blogs, I've laughed, I've cried (it's better than Cats), and I've learned that no matter how different or ridiculous we might feel at times there are others out there who are brave enough to let you know that you aren't alone.

"Overall, I thought I’d left alot of that fear-driven, decision making behind me. But as I look at my life, I realize I’ve deluded myself. The painful, ugly truth is that I’ve been too scared of rejection and failure to seize opportunities."

These are the words written by Lisa.

I was lucky enough to get to spend time with Lisa this summer at BlogHer after months of reading her blog Midwestern Mommy. Lisa is the kind of person you like immediately. She has a warm smile and such a comfortable sense about her. She didn't have to expose her inner self-doubt, but because she was brave enough to do so I feel a deeper connection to her and a little less alone in the world.

And my community grows.

As a way to thank Lisa, I nominated her post "Just Call Me Chicken" for a September Perfect Post Award.

For the list of all of this month's nominees, head on over to Petroville or Suburban Turmoil.

PS--I'd like to also thank the kick-ass J. over at Absolutely Bananas for nominating me this month. She'll probably never know how much I really appreciated the nod.