The Glamorous Life

One more click and you are THERE!

2008-09-08T12:26:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! What are you doing here???

Have you not subscribed or switched your favorites to my NEW site? http://www.marcywrites.com/ Come on over. We are having a big party. And it isn't the same with YOU!

2008-08-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Okay- for SOME reason, SOME of you have yet to visit and subscribe to my new and improved site....I am not naming names or anything...but I am looking at YOU.

Okay enough of going the tough angle....how about pretty, pretty please?

Lots of new posts....

www.marcywrites.com

What the crtiques are saying:

"Marcywrites is a way better site than the old one"

Jack Massura

"Finally I can leave comments without all the hassle"

Marcy's Mom

"You moved your site? Why?"

Tucker Massura

"What is this new site costing us?"

Marcy's Husband

Make the switch today! Don't miss another exciting post!

Looking for me?

2008-08-11T18:06:00.001-07:00

SO glad you came by The Glamorous Life Association today! And guess what? I moved to new fancy digs....so just click here and come on by. I will make some coffee and we can sit down and chat for a bit okay???

www.marcywrites.com

Its moving day....come on over!

2008-08-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am moving.

To a new home.

But I don't have it fixed up yet....ya know pictures to hang and things to organize. It is in the fancy Wordpress sub-division in Bloggyville so it is going to take some time learning my way around. I am already frustrated with design things. Looks like I am going to have to pick up a copy of HTML for Dummies to survive. Actually I had an insane amount of help moving from Racheal from Cafinated Elf. She is a good sport and can really carry more boxes than you would think!

But I am worried. And I have been since I decided to move. I am so afraid I will lose those of you who subscribe to my blog! I know it is going to require you to re-subscribe...and well, I am afraid you will reconsider or something! So please. Take a moment and subscribe (or bookmark me) to my new address- and make my day!

www.marcywrites.com

Easy to say. Easy to Write. And Easy to remember.

All part of my world domination plan.

Yes, I have a plan.

So come on over to the new place.

How can I have a proper blog warming without you?

After all- YOU are the party!

How Blogging found me...

2008-08-05T07:38:00.001-07:00

Over at We are THAT family...one of my favorite reads. The discussion of 'How did you start blogging' came up...and so I wanted to tell you HOW I got here.

My father, who has passed away, was adopted with his twin sister at the age of 2 in 1947. A few years before he died, I became obsessed with finding out who his real birth parents were. My whole life he always maintained the same mantra of 'why would I want to know anybody who gave me up?'...but it was different for me. I am a history buff and I had a lifelong yearning to know my true race and family history on BOTH sides of my family. Including medical history. Something you don't realize how important that is- until say...my dad who was struggling with a cough for months before his cancer was diagnosed, who could only answer the 'is there any family history of cancer in your family?' with a "I don't KNOW. I am adopted". Perhaps if he had known....he would have been diagnosed earlier....and be here today to read my blog and laugh with me. Who knows.*

Anyways...one night while doing my numerous searches for anything relating to his adoption and birth date (3/01/1945) I clicked on a site called 'OCthen'...which as it turned out was a site with memories about Orange County from various authors...one of which was Suzanne Broughton of Emphasis Mine. I linked over to her blog and was...enthralled. I had never visited a personal blog before. Photos of her lunch? Comedy tales about her family? Links to other blogs?....I was in heaven! And so there I stayed. I commented and commented. I followed her over to the OC Register. I commented and commented. Sometimes my comments were longer than the post. Once Suzanne showcased my photography work on her blog. WOW. And eventually Suzanne e-mailed me and said 'You really should have your own blog'....The next night while up at 4 in the morning....I went to Blogger and signed up. And by 7am I had my own blog with my custom header and all.

Here is my first post. And look who was my first commenter. Yup, Suz of course! Blogging was one of the best decisions I have ever made. These are my PEOPLE. My TRIBE. Had this been going on right under my nose? People were being funny and witty and clever all around me? Were there this many people out there with the same sense of humor as me? I thought I was all alone! And now I found my home. My happy place. A place to be heard. To be validated. A place to be accepted and loved. And it gives me such peace of mind that if my glamorous world falls apart around me- I know I will always have a place to call home. A place where anything is possible. Thank you Internet. Thanks for giving me a place to be.....well, ME.

*still searching for my dad's birth family. I won't give up.

Saturday: what a day!

2008-08-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

So much to catch you all up on. It has been a busy weekend...lets just take a look at Saturday.

We drove to Hollywood and toured around the city. Showed the kids the house in Larchmont I bought and remodeled before I even knew their dad. This boggled their mind- they have a hard time imagining their mom not being, well...their mom. We went by Grumman's Chinese Theater on Sunset and let the kid put their hands and feet in the cement imprints of the movie stars. It went a little something like this:

Tucker: Mom who is Jackie Cooper? and why are his feet so small?

Me: He was a famous child star a long time ago. His feet are small because he was only 8 when he did this imprint.

Tucker: Oh so he had an agent like me and Jack?

Me: You do not have an agent yet Tucker. We go see the manager guy in a few hours about all that. Now let mommy get a picture of you.

and there was a lot of this:

Me: Oh wow, there is Eddie Murphy's....

Boys: Who is that?

Me: Nevermind.

We then went across the street to the historical and gorgeous Roosevelt Hotel for breakfast. They say it is haunted. I have no beautiful photos for you, since the lobby interior was sporting candle light only which was a photographic nightmare for me since I only had my 'purse' camera. This is a photo of a trickling fountain in the center of the lobby. The last time i was there-I saw Lyle Lovett in a small concert in the ballroom and partied till the wee morning hours with the band afterwards. This time I was chasing my boys around the lobby and repeating the mommy mantra of 'don't touch anything' over and over until we left. Boy things have changed. It really was just as beautiful as I remembered.

And then finally- off to meet with the talent manager (Mr. Manager) that had requested a meeting with the boys. I was (am) beyond sceptical. But we met him and he seemed nice and sincere. He and his team really took a liking to the boys right away. He gave the boys scripts and they did little 'commercials' for him. He seemed impressed. It is strange to have a room full of people talking about your kids like a commodity. "They are so marketable"..or.."yeah, they are an easy sell to any agency"......so at the end of it he said that we would be able to meet with several different Talent Agencies (some I have already researched and was surprised to find they are extremely reputable in LA) and chances are we would be in a position to pick the agent we liked best. He felt that all the agents he would send the boys too would be interested. It was all very very flattering for my boys. And of course flattering for their mom as well. But I am taking it one day at a time. We go back up on Thursday for all the meetings with Agents. And then we will see where this goes.

We then went to Philippe's for French Dips, chili and potato salad (this historical LA eatery-is 100 years old this year and doesn't look a day over....well, 100). Philips is a place I went to with my own dad on the lucky days that I was able to go to work with him in downtown LA over my summer vacation. On the way home we all gave lots of thought to this whole new crazy world of auditions, headshots and all the other ingredients for possible stardom. I was giving lots of thought to something Mr. Manager said about confidence being a key ingredient in getting booked for work. And if the conversation I heard from the back seat on the way home is any indication of my children's confidence level- then we should be on our way to stardom.

Tucker: Jack after our first movie we could get a secret science lab at the house maybe.

Jack: They don't pay you THAT much Tuck.

Tucker: Oh- well, how much do they pay you?

Jack: I don't know. But I think Mom gets most of it anyway. She might give us enough for new skateboards I bet.

Tucker: oh........what kind are you gonna get?

Jack: Tucker, we have to become stars FIRST...then we can spend the money.

Hey, you think I could buy them new skateboards now-and they would forget the whole thing?......I know, I know....bad mommy. bad mommy.

Later that night we went out to diner for our omni-friends 11th anniversary. And lucky us, Dan surprised us with a limo for the night. We had a great dinner followed by Improv Comedy club. (fyi: Mitch Fatel's whole routine is about sex. The whole 90 minutes. Funny-yes. But I wonder if he can talk about ANYthing else). Mmmm. Applemartinis, Margaritas and really great friends. It was a perfect night.

We are off to the Circus!

2008-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today we off to a family tradition...the circus. Not that my life isn't aleady LIKE a circus...this is the real deal. We go an hour early and get to interact with all the clowns...it is wonderful. And our favorite: Bello the clown. In 2003 when Tucker was 3, he was actually pulled out of the stands and brought down to center ring with Bella himself. That's him in the photo...looking tiny and scared! We have gone nearly every year- and I have managed to sneak in my profesh camera a few times to get some pretty good shots. We love the circus....makes me feel normal I guess. All the way home we talk about the dog tricks, the lion tamer and the dancing ponies. Hours of entertainment without one gun fight, car chase or battery needed. They say it is the greatest show on earth...and we would have to agree.

My favorite photos.....and MORE tips!

2008-08-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

At the request of my friend Candid Carrie- I have decided to post a few of my favorite photos. Not so much for content (although I did pull all photos of my boys!)...but more for photo technique. So read on- I will talk a little bit about what I did to achieve each. You know I am on the constant quest to help others take great photos! I am passionate about photography and want everyone to feel the success of the perfect shot!

FORCE the FLASH:

You push the button on your camera to focus, and it indicates you do not need a flash. Hey it is a sunny day out hiking, why on earth would I use a flash? If I had not forced my flash to fire, my boys would be dark in the shadow of this cave. And I would have gotten home and been disappointed with the shot. Instead I got this shot and it is one of my favorites.

Get down to their level:Hot over-cast day. Kids doing slip-n-slide (nakie I might add!).No flash needed. But I did bend down to make better eye contact and to able to capture the popsicles undistorted.

Tilt it!

Now this tip (or 'trick) is a real secret of commercial photographers. Take portraits at a slight angle. Now in this particular case...I didn't- I took a regular ol'boring straight up and down photo...but when I cropped it, I also turned it a little to give it this effect. So you can go play around with photos on your computer right now! It is obvious in this shot if you look that the palm tree in background. Something about angles makes the subject feel more engaged with the viewer. And this tip can turn a boring photo into a winner.

Get off Center:

Get out of the habit of having your subject dead center of each photograph. Move them to the right or left. Put them down at the bottom of an image and capture a beautiful sky behind them. Mix it up. Take the same photo as many ways as possible. This photo won me a little award on Photo.net years ago. And can you tell I had just said to my then 2 year old Tucker "Do NOT pick the poppies!".....and yes, I clicked...and he picked!

So those are a few photos I really love. And some tips I like to teach to others (some you have heard in my other posts- but I wanted to really nag you about them!) These photos are my favorites because they capture such happy memories of times with my boys. And that is the real purpose of great photography. It is not just about making something 'frameable' but it is about capturing what you FELT and not only what was SEEN. Now go on...get off this blog and go shoot something! Hey, let me know how it goes will ya?

The Universe gives me a do-over.

2008-08-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

(I try hard to shorten my posts. but this one is long...I think it is worth the read!)

About a year and a half ago, while walking thru a store in the Irvine Spectrum a woman approached me and said ‘are these boys yours?’. I panicked. What did they do? “Actually,I am a scout for an agency and I would love to give you some information”. So before I could get the words “no chance in hell my kids are gonna be kid stars and end up in rehab at age 12” (see how I just assume they WILL be stars?)…Jack and Tucker were saying “Yes! I want to be an actor! Where do we go? What do we have to do?”…So the lady gave us some info. The following Saturday there I was someplace in Huntington Beach, a library I think. With about 100 other kids. My boys were totally thrilled to be there. Not scared. No nerves. Just thrilled. They were given scripts. Then they went into a room one by one and auditioned. The next day- a person called and told us the agency is ‘very interested’ in representing both Jack and Tucker and could we please come to Los Angeles for a meeting with the agent. Reluctantly I agreed. I told the kids over and over- most of these things are scams. They just want money from you. But we can go- just for the experience of it. So the NEXT Saturday we drove the hour to downtown Los Angeles. When we walked into the agent’s office we noticed about 6 other kids there as well. I told the receptionist we had an appointment. She said “well, we are running late…like an hour late”. So you know what we did? We left. Well we waited like a half an hour and then left. I explained to the boys that it didn't seem all that legitimate- since they should make people they are ‘very interested in' wait that long. The truth was- I didn't want to be the mom to drive to LA every time the phone rings for an audition. I didn't want to do it- even if they did. Bad Mom moment for sure.

Jack and Tucker never really let the whole thing go like I hoped. For a year and a half they have said ‘we would totally be TV stars by now if you had let us stay at that agents’…..at first I thought they were just being silly. But as time as gone one- and my boys have become MORE interested in performing and definitely more dramatic. I have had pangs of regret for not sitting there like some desperate stage mom until they called us in. But did I do anything about it? Nope. I lost the agents number. So that was that. Or so I thought… Tonight as I was driving to my husband’s softball game the agent’s assistant called. She asked if Jack and Tucker already had representation (um, yeah …I mean I represent. I am their MOM), and if they had been ‘working’ (if she meant working my last nerve-then yes)….and she wanted to know if I would reconsider and come see the agent this week. She said they saved their photos and audition tapes and the agent is really hung up on seeing them again. And is looking for boys their age (sounds creepy as I type that last sentence) for new Disney and Nickelodeon shows. And she asked…’are they still so adorable and charming?’….clearly she is not a mother….because of course my answer was a resounding ‘YES. Why yes they are. Actually they are the cutest and most talented kids in the universe’.

So am I thrilled about the possibility of having to drop everything when the phone rings to rush in traffic to auditions and go-sees? To have to deal with rejection and disappointment for both my boys and me?

No.

No I don’t want to do it AT ALL.

But will I?

You bet.

The universe is giving me a do-over. A second chance. So this time I am gonna see it thru. Appointment is Saturday. I will let you know how it goes….stay tuned. That pun was so intended...

Held Hostage by Uplinkearth

2008-07-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

Uplinkearth is my server/site provider or whatever. I don't really understand any of it...but I pay my money every year to keep my Marcyphotos.com site up and working. That is all I know. A few weeks ago I decided to wanted to move this little blog to my own domain (will be Marcywrites.com) and to the Wordpress platform to have more control over layout and photo size. So I contact a person who does this sort of thing, and give her every single username and password I have for my domain, the server, my blog etc. She e-mails me to tell me she cannot get Uplinkearth to add my new domain to my profile. So I agree to contact them. That is when the hell began. Here is the sequence.

1. Use the Live Chat feature they promote-and I am told 'you can not make that change on-line, you need to call support number' (now this is an INTERNET company. Why on earth CAN'T I do this simple change on line?)

2. Call Support number. Wait 35 minutes. I am disconnected

3. Call Support number again. Wait an HOUR and half. I give up...

4. I go back on line and e-mail the company.

5. Call Tech number and beg to be transferred over to Support. They refuse and tell me to call direct.

6. Call Support number again. On hold for close to 2 hours. I carry the phone with me around the house on speaker....Tucker accidentally hangs it up. I cry. I actually CRY.

7. Back on line. E-mail every e-mail address I can find online. Every department.

8. Find an obscure fax number from press release online. I fax them the following:

" I am desperate. Whoever receives this fax...please help me"

I am a hostage. This was note to the outside. Still no one calls. No one e-mails.

9. Find a contact number for an executive for their parent company Luxmovera. I call his extension. I leave a message. I then call and use about 20 random extensions until someone answers. I explain my frustration. The guy is nice. But HE can't help me. He actually suggests I call SUPPORT number. I cry. He then gives me a 'special' direct number and tells me to call in the morning.

10. Stay up till midnight to try and call their 24/7 support line. On hold. Falling asleep. Give up.

11. 7:00am come downstairs and dial 'special number'. Man answers. He wants to know HOW I got his number. I explain whole story. He is MAD. But not at me. At his company. I think this may have been the darn CEO for all I know. He hangs up. Takes care of everything. Calls me back 10 minutes later and says it is all taken care of. I tell him thank you of course and hang up. He calls back again to tell me he just doubled checked my profile himself and he wanted me to know it was all really fixed. I say thanks again.

So it is over. My hostage ordeal is over. I made it out alive. But I am worse for the ordeal. I am stunned a company can treat its customers like this- and yet in big bold letters have "24/7 Support!!!" on their home page. LIES. all LIES. And I can not switch providers since I just paid my annual fee.....I would lose it.(unless uplink will refund me...are you reading this Uplink?) But I can ASSURE you I will switch when this year is up. Oh yes I will......until then..... Upyours-Uplink.....

When the lens was turned on me....

2008-07-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

I was living across the bay from San Francisco. I enrolled in a summer class at Cal State Hayward to hone some of my digital photography skills. As I was waiting in the assigned classroom, because of course I was early, a young college boy walked in and asked if I was the instructor. That was the first time I realized- I might be the only 'old' person in this class. The young college boy was then followed by even younger college girls. Until the room filled up completely. I eyed the door. I considered bolting. But I paid for the class already- and my husband had agreed to babysit so I reconsidered and waited for the instructor. Eventually he came in- also young, disheveled and because I judge and asses people immediately...I decided he was unorganized and unprepared. I was right.

I attended those Saturday classes for 6 weeks. I learned very little. And second to the last week we were put on teams (the very concept of a creative team makes me cringe) to.....get this.....photograph each OTHER. This put me in a tail spin of panic. I am really only comfortable BEHIND the camera. And I was sporting about 40 extra lbs at the time. So my self image was pretty darn low. SO the following week arrives and all the little young co-eds arrived in the skimpiest, tiniest and sexiest outfits they owned. You know- to be in their own fabulous 'photo shoot'. Obviously they were hoping to parlay the photos of themselves to use on their MySpace profile. I however, arrived with a coat. A huge coat. and A scarf. A hat. And a big ol flower. Time for my close up? I decide to block the majority of my face with the flower. I got an A+ in the class. But certainly not for my modeling choices....those need a lot of work.

Want more photo humiliation with the back story? Visit We are That Family for a linky like no other....

I finally figured it out!

2008-07-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

As you have always suspected.

CAKE is the answer.

It really doesn't matter what the question is does it?

Rock'n and Roll'n in OC. Not in a good way.

2008-07-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

If you live in my world (the OC) you have heard nothing but coverage about the 5.8 earthquake(epicenter 10 miles from my house) we all experienced this morning. It is STILL on the news and the radio. We get very excited about our earthquakes. If you are from some other part of the country (or world- hello to my Aussie readers!) you probably don't even know about it. Because I have a feeling that when a report of an earthquake hits the news wire in say Oklahoma-the news editor says 'earthquake. California...like that is NEWS?'....so unless people die (and thankfully no one has that we know of)...it hardly gets mentioned. So for all my out of OC folks-let me break it down for you:

Sitting at my mom's house drinking a cup of coffee and discussing home improvement, my late father and my plans for Saturday night when a huge BANG is heard and felt. It is like a giant has picked up the edge of the house-but lost his grip and let go. But he is mad about that so he wraps his arms around the house and starts to shake it...HARD. The windows rattle and things start falling off shelves. We ran to the hallway. For as many years as I can remember we Californians have been told to 'get to a doorway' in the event of an earthquake. something about them being the 'strongest' place in the house. Yeah right...cuz I see SO MANY doorways standing amongst the rubble of other earthquakes...but I digress with my sarcasm.

We ran to the hall and by the time we go there the shaking started to slow....and then.....stop. We gingerly walked thru the house assessing the damage. As the chandeliers swung back and forth and the pool was still making waves we made note of paintings on the floor and nick-nacs awry. But happily her china cabinet had tiny little nails in the doors to secure them from swinging open and dumping the contents on the floor (the genius of my late father). Everything in them had shifted and was pressed against the doors- but nothing was broken. So I said "oh Amen"....and she said "what about your house?".........yeah seems I didn't inherit my late dad's sense of genius because I never secured my china cupboards at all. First I had to find my family.

Phones were not working and cell service was shut off. I e-mailed my husband. he was going to run to day camp to check on Jack and I was going to Tucker who was on a field trip at a bowling alley. Kids were fine. Kids were actually more than fine- they were HAPPY and HYPED up. When Tucker saw me coming in the bowling alley he said "Mom are you here to do the next earthquake with me? They said we will probably have another one!"........then he told me how he was bowling at the time and part of the ceiling came down very close to him. he was thrilled. He thought the whole thing was great. It is nice to be a kid and not think of the worst happening to people I suppose. Next I went to the Assisted Living home to check on my great uncle and great aunt. They were fine as well. So finally I went home.

It wasn't as bad as it could have been. I lost a few vases. And a glass blender was shattered on the floor of my pantry- along with a glass bottle of vinegar. My medicine cabinet had opened and there were pills and medicines all over my bathroom. Pictures down all over the house....but all in all. Not bad. Of course I woke Google and Pixel (hammies) up to be sure they were still alive. They were alive, I was alive and my kids, husband and everyone else was alive too.

I went to the grocery store to get something for diner after cleaning the house up. Closed. All the grocery stores were closed. Yippee -take out night for dinner. The only upside to the earthquake so far.

So that my friends is the story of the earthquake today. Thanks to all my bloggy buds who contacted me to be sure I was okay. SO nice to know that people care. Now does anyone have any advice how to get the smell of vinegar out of a stone floor in my kitchen? It smells like Easter egg dying party in here.....cuz that is the only reason I even own vinegar folks.

Check out Thankful Thursday here....

My Oxy Moron moment

2008-07-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

The actual conversations I have with my kids- are funnier than anything I could make up. Take this jewel:

(I am applying sunscreen to his face before the beach)

Tucker: Geez mom, why can't you just use the Oxymoron?

Me: The what? (thinking Jumbo Shrimp? Marital Bliss?....whaaaa?)

Tucker: The Oxymoron stuff...the sunscreen that stays white on my nose.

Me: um, I think you mean Zinc Oxide.

Tucker: Yeah- whatever...the other stuff.

I did not want to laugh...but I did. And later I reflected on my 7 year olds growing vocabulary. No, he clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word Oxymoron.....but at least he knows the WORD. I think that is awfully good. Wait...now that phrase IS an oxymoron.

ox·y·mo·ron /ˌɒksɪˈmɔrɒn, -ˈmoʊr-/ ok-si-mawr-on, -mohr-] –noun, plural -mo·ra Rhetoric. A figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.

Will I ever stop giving advice????

2008-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hello to all the Camp Carrie travelers who may have clicked over here to see 'what this girl is all about!'. And to the regular Glamorous Life Association members....go ahead and click over to Camp Candid Carrie today....I give out a little camera and photo advice. Including the most asked question..."I need a new family camera, what do you suggest?".......while you are there- look around. You will go on field trips like you never imagined!

A talented man....

2008-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of these men is a finalist in HGTV's Design Star. And one of these men starred on a sitcom called "Just Shoot Me". I am no detective, but I am thinking they might be the same person. Which if it is true means this guy is pretty talented what with the acting AND the decorating skills he has. Wonder where he will show up next?

(Update: My mom tells me this post sounds like I ACTUALLY think they are the same person. I am stupid people...but not THAT stupid. Well, not usually. Things have gotten bad when I have to explain my comedy and sarcasm...)

Dinner at the beach & my big mouth....

2008-07-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to dinner with Suz, Laurie and Chris in San Clemente. And true to form I talked way too much, which is something I do on first 'dates'. As I am talking my mind is coaching me thru my anxiety and nerves and I hear this from command central in my brain....'okay you want them to like you right? Then just keep talking! Go on that is it...now make them laugh...good keep going...use your hands more when you talk....tell another funny story...don't stop. KEEP TALKING.Just keep TALKING'. So there I am talking about my childhood in the OC, whether or not my husband reads my blog (he does), renaming Chris's insanely successful Tech placement company 'Geeks-R-Us' (sorry for that) and all the while I am using my hands to gesture wildly like some kind of interpretive dancer on crack. I wish I could say this was worse than 'normal; for me...no it is pretty standard stuff. That is the magic of me. Nuff said. On the way back up the 241 to the land of gracious living I was saying a prayer of thank you to the universe, for giving me the opportunity to meet these people. These are no ordinary people. I meet all of them thru blogging. That is our common thread. And I am simply amazed at all blogging has given to me in 6 months. AMAZED. Answered prayers people.

Laurie was just as funny and articulate in real life as she is on her blog. I was fascinated to learn she is a long time blogger (like YEARS), she grew up on a huge Dairy Farm, is terribly tech challenged (whaaa? no cell phone?) and has been known to herd cows (and children) in heels. Chris was that mega smart, mellow and calm surfer guy you see and think..'that guy is just friggin cool'...and well, he was. And although this was not my first time with Suzanne (we go way back- like months back) I learned a lot about her childhood and motivations for the menagerie of pets in her home. And it touched my heart.

Of course blogging was discussed ad nauseam. Actually I think the table next to us was playing a drinking game- and was doing a shot of tequila every time they heard us say the word 'blog'. They were wasted after about 20 minutes and were asked to leave*. We discussed 'blog direction', topics that are too personal for a personal blog and even how we handle the 'stress' associated with having readers, subscribers and all the rest. I learned, I laughed, I cried...and god knows I TALKED. and TALKED. Forgive me new friends...I promise I get better in time. Okay not necessarily 'better'....but.....well, more tolerable.

(*not really. But could've happened....and no photo yet. I am waiting for Chris or Suz to post the ones they took. Cuz ya know I didn't take one single photo. Yeah I am a hell of a photographer don't you think?)

My first Award! Yippeee!

2008-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

I won an award people! This is the first blog-award I have won and it means a lot to me. Lit and Laundry gave it to me! In case you are new to this whole thing- there are a few awards that sorta float out in the blogosphere...and are awarded by fellow bloggers. Once you receive you are to select new winners (in this case 7). Generally it means someone thinks your blog is pretty neat.....and well, that is just darn flattering. Okay so here are my 7 folks to pass it on too...so hard to pick. Since I think everyone on my blogroll is worth reading and I just sorta promoted some of my favorites here. But here are 7 more!

Yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully the maid, Shamelessley Sassy, From under the Laundry Pile, One Crazy Chick, Blah Blah Blog, Always Home and Uncool, Lisa Mertins Life Illustrated

If you don't know these blogs- take a peek today. All are entertaining and worth the price of admission! Thanks again Lit and Laundry for this award!

Reasons not to clean out your cabinets

2008-07-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today I cleaned out the cabinets above my much loved washer and dryer (click here to read about the love affair) and I found TEN different Swiffer products. Swiffer dusting gloves, Swiffer Wet, Swiffer Dry, Swiffer refills etc.....I am chronic repeat buyer I am learning (as seen in my pantry from Noah's Arc)....but seriously? TEN? And the real comedy is that NONE of them are opened. So now I call it the "cabinet of good intentions"......

Bail for my kids....

2008-07-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Okay ...in a bizzare effort to find something on TV last night that was NOT Pokemon...we landed on...wait for it......DOG the Bounty Hunter. After trying to explain the process of court dates, bail, bondsmen and bounty hunters in an AGE appropriate way (yes, impossible I know) we watched as an ex-surfer turned heroine addict was captured. This was followed by another conversation about drugs, rehab and why people are homeless. And I survived all this and was feeling like 'hey this show is actually a pretty good conversation starter' and thinking "I handled all that pretty darn well"...when Beth (Dog's wife) comes on the screen in a gravity defying top, exposing her Triple F breasts for the world (and my sons) to see. And Jack says...'that looks like a butt in front". And all I could do is agree. I mean what Nasa developed bra is this woman wearing? And more importantly where can I get it?....after a few minutes her breasts became so distracting we all decided to change the channel. Back to Pokemon. Which after all this, I was happy to watch. I didn't have to explain one more thing. Lesson learned. Pokemon it is kiddies. You win.

Letter to High School Marcy

2008-07-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

ONE of my 20 year high school reunions has come and gone. Read about all those HERE. And I did not attend. But it got me thinking. And I thought I would write a little letter to myself. My high-school self......

Dear High School Marcy-

Hi there….First of all you might wanna lose the perm. Well at least for your school photos…I know, I know you are really into Jennifer Beals from Flashdance and think Sigourney Weaver in Ghostbusters looks great with a full head of curly hair….but trust me it is something you will regret. Also, that super jaunty boy-short hair cut you get right before you start cheerleading in your sophomore year will be another of your fashion mistakes. Even though it shows off your insanely large dangling earrings to their fullest- you still are gonna wish you let your hair grow long and fabulous.

* Okay all those girls who you seem to be obsessed with befriending? You know the ones you think have it all together and are so popular for all the wrong reasons? Don’t waste your time. They are all losers. One actually ends up in jail for a while. And the super hot girls with their perfect hair and perfect makeup you envied who fain illness to get out of PE nearly everyday?….well they end up regretting that, when their hate of exercise catches up with them and they balloon to ginormous status about 15 years later.

* Thank your teachers more- they really are influential and shape your approach to problem solving and feed your growing addiction to being prepared. Don’t change that- it is something that will serve you very well in your business career and motherhood. Oh but stay clear of Mr. Baker….yes, he really was sleeping with JoAnne from your Math class. FOR YEARS.

* As for boys… Tony is really a quality friend and turns out to be a neat adult. He is worth getting to know. But the rest? None of them matter…Oh and don’t go to a party with Mike when your mom makes you because she thinks he is ‘sweet’….he turns out to be a cocaine dealer and you have to bum a ride home from the party. But you do get a triumphant moment when you tell your mom. She never, ever butts in to your dating choices again. And remember to spend a little extra time in the morning when your dad drives you to school on the way to work…you will be grateful you did.

* Oh, no matter how many times people tell you ‘this is the happiest time of your life’…let me inform you..IT IS NOT. You have far more happier parts of your life coming. Lots more. Actually it just keeps getting better and better AFTER you graduate.

* Now get to class. Or Cheer practice. Or Drama rehearsal. …Oh I almost forgot..can you please stay out of the sun? The freckles do not go away when you turn 23 like your mom tells you. They stay forever. Thanks. And remember YOU ROCK. You are already something unique and awesome…..in twenty years your kids will adore you. And that is all you will care about anyway.

* Love, Marcy from the Future

(photo note: my hair was still so large by the time I arrived at the photo studio it was necessary to pull my top down around my shoulders to offset its large-ness. Whooaa...how about that make up? Ready for my close-up! Love this kind of humiliating photo thing? you should really visit We are That Family for a linky event like no other...)

I dream big.....

2008-07-22T01:25:00.000-07:00

While doing some internal digging about the whole point of my blog, the point of my career I no longer participate in and the point to my existence in general (beyond being the laundress and chauffeur at Villa Massura) I began to really let myself fantasize about my life- as if I were the one writing it script. Get your mind out of the gutter- not THOSE kind of fantasies! These kind….

* Fantasy #1: I get a book deal for my ADtalk series. This will include a huge signing bonus which will allow me to spend 8 guilt free hours a day to locate vintage ads and write funny copy for them. The book will be a huge success and it will require a re-printing almost immediately. I will be asked to do another. Months later I will be invited to a fabulous cocktail party in Hollywood hills and I will notice MY book on their coffee table. Someone else will notice too- and they will ask me to sign it.

* Fantasy #2: I will be asked to write for a sitcom. This fantasy involves meeting Tina Fey and we have martini’s over lunch and laugh and laugh like old friends. She borrows my sweater, I borrow her red heels- and we hit the town arm in arm that night. The next morning we see each other at the TV studio and we just look at each other and start to giggle…..then we sit down and write the funniest script ever written. We win an Emmy for it.

* Fantasy #3: I am asked interview and photograph Carol Burnett, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. I decide to do all in a single day. I make my way to each of their lovely homes in Beverly Hills, Belaire and Hancock Park. They each greet me with smiles and give the most honest and revealing interviews of their lifetime. Each tells me that I am a very funny person. The photographs are classic and expose their vulnerabilities. Magazines are clamoring for usage rights. Steve sends me a hand written note to express his gratitude and offers an open invitation to his home- because he found me ‘intriguing and bright’.

* Fantasy #4: For no explicable reason I begin to lose weight. The pounds begin falling off of me, although I have not changed my eating habits nor increased my exercise. Weekly I need to purchase clothing in a smaller size just to have something to wear that won’t ‘fall off’ of me. I purchase belts to help hold my pants up. I tuck all my shirts in- because I can. As I am thinning my freckles begin to fade on my porcelain smooth skin, and my hair seems to have a revitalized bounce and shine. As I approach a Size 4 my weight tapers off and I remain this size until the day I die when I am 98 years young. I am buried in a Chanel suit my husband purchased for me prior to our 20th wedding anniversary trip to Paris. It still fits. And of course it still looks great. After all it’s a Chanel silly.

Have you allowed yourself to have a fantasy today? Really? Darling tell me all about it....

If Noah Had a Pantry on the Arc

2008-07-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

* * *

Today over at ASK MARCY! (OC Register Advice Blog) I posted this pic along with tips for snack organization (including what is in those white bins). Upon further review of this photo, I noticed my pantry has a lot of duplicates....it looks like the Noah's Arc of pantries......apparently someone needs to take a look at existing inventory before going grocery shopping. I will have to have a word with the maid and cook.....they are always so forgetful.

My people...my tribe

2008-07-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

A Typical (and ACTUAL) conversation between blogger friends when they meet:

Blogger #1: Do you see what was in Holly's Fruit Bowl this morning?

Blogger #2: Who is Holly?

Blogger #1: You don't follow June Clever Nirvana?

Blogger #2: no. Is she good?

Blogger#1: Okay you HAVE to read her...you MUST. Seriously...I don't even know if I can continue to be friends with you in real life if you don't read her. She is....well, hard to explain..but let's just say she refers to herself in the third person and she DRAWS her posts sometimes.

Blogger #2: Oh I get it. I will add her to my reader ASAP.

This sort of conversation continues....for hours if necessary until we have convinced each other to read the exact same people we read..... So it occured to me (was told to do it by Suz) I should really highlight some* of my favorite reads...and my personal synopsis of their sites. Oh I am sure I will get that part wrong- but hey worth a try:

Candid Carrie: She features a field trip which allows us all to break out of our own bloggy circle! (see button on my side bar) and she has lots of great photos on her site- which ya know I love.

Prose and Converse: Spit take worthy comedy....and a little High School Musical love too.

We are THAT family: You know the ones...the ones you say 'Oh THEM again!'. Seriously- feel like your family is crazy? Read her blog and you will feel right at home!

Emphasis Mine: Great writting, great links, great ideas....and becoming a great friend too. Was also the FIRST blog I ever read. Ever....and I still adore it.

Foolery: Oh the comedy. Very smart writing , be ready to giggle..she tells it like no other.

But I read TONS more. I read them religiously. (via a reader) Check out my new Blog Roll to the right. See all those names? I follow ALL of them! And I love every post.....well, except the ones about poopie diapers and Blogher....those I don't love so much...but I read them anyway....these are my people. MY TRIBE.

*it was too too hard to pick who to highlight here. It is random really.

Happy Birthday 1980 style

2008-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Its 1980 and its your birthday! You are turning 4...and all you ever wanted is on this page. I am not sure who is the birthday girl/boy here..pretty sure it isn't the Harry Potter glasses girl on the right. I bet it is the smug pretty in pink one. Now in 1980 I would have been 10 (there now you know my age- now be nice and don't rub it in...I know I am OLD, just ask the AARP), but I remember alot of the toys on this page- so some of these were around for a while. I really remember the cupie-looking doll in pink towards the bottom of the ad. It used to bug the heck out of me that I couldn't take her hood off her head. And she was filled like a bean-bag. I think I really loved her- even though my mom says I wasn't much for doll playing at all. But my favorite part of this pic...the camera the mom is holding. Remember those flash bulbs?

Football is my part time job...

2008-07-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I can hardly believe it Internet- but Pop Warner Football training season is upon us. And my baby boy is playing this year even though I did everything but pay him not to. Today he is attending a Tackling Camp (yes, you heard me TACKLE). So I am paying like $500 for my kid to be TACKLED weekly. The practices begin officially August 1st and get this...they are EVERY DAY for 2 hours. Here are a few photos from last season as I was the team photographer and will be again this year to I am afraid. It was flag only-thank god, and he is #23.....can you tell HE LOVES IT? Why oh, why couldn't I have had little pink, glittery, wimpy GIRLS??? (oh I know I am totally sexist with that comment. deal)

Here is to another great season. Hope I survive.

Hope my kid survives too...

Go Bulldogs!

I blame Spiderman...

2008-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

. . What does a kid do when he his DYING to go day camp (an hour early) and his mom won't get off the stupid computer to play Legos with him? . . . He climbs the walls. Naturally.

I gave birth to a deadly weapon...

2008-07-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

Jack passed his Taekwondo belt test last night.

Yes, that is him breaking a piece of WOOD. Which is a skill that will come in handy for wood working projects around the house. Or for breaking down doors I suppose. And of course for breaking a bad guys RIBS if needed. I feel safer having him around.

And proud.

Photo Phinish ...on Phridays...visit Candid Carrie for more Phun!

How to be an efficient blog reader...

2008-07-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Recently I was ask by a friend how I can possible have time to read all the different blogs that I follow on a daily basis. I was a little surprise she had not heard of using a 'reader' to follow blogs. And about the same time Krissy did a post about the exact same thing. AND she found what has to be the lowest tech video to explain how it works. And it also explains (very very clearly) how to set it up for yourself. It makes the old way of checking your favorite blogs look as absolute as your raspberry beret you HAD to buy during your Prince phase in 1984 that you may or may not still have in your closet. So run over to her place and scroll down for the video...it is perfect. Oh and take a look at Krissy's place too....I think you will be adding it to your reader as well!

Ask Marcy! .....go on ASK ME!

2008-07-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

At the encouragement of my friend Jenny, I changed my blog over at the OC Register to an advice column. Arrogant? Heck yes...but I do love to gives me some advice ya know. I seem to always be telling people what to do, or offering tips and tricks form everything from travel with kids to tiling a back splash..... So go on over and check it out. Today's Ask Marcy! has to do with creative waiting time in the doctors office...oh, that and how much my purse weighs. Go see...and leave me a question in the comments to answer!

For the love of FABFs and Bloggers

2008-07-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

I recently had a conversation with my mom about my blogging ‘friends’. I tried to explain to her that on some very real level I think people who read my blog will know me as well and in some cases better than those I know in real life. It may surprise you, but when I am hanging out with flesh and blood friends I rarely go on and on in paragraph form about my thoughts on surf camp. I might say-“oh yeah the boys did surf camp last week and they loved it.” But not much more. And I rarely show vintage ads to my flesh and blood friends (FABF’s) and make up funny scripts for them. So really, the people who read my blog get to know me in a totally different method. Of course my bloggy friends don’t get to have the joy of have me coming over to their house and have my kids litter it with Legos nor do they have to hear me complain about my daily mundane tasks as a mom. Nope I save all that stuff for my FABF’s….poor them come to think of it. And my FABF’s see me UNEDITED. And let’s say that I could use a little editing in real life. I have been know to say things I regret. Daily. I think what I am learning (as I type this) that while both the blogger friends and the FABFs get to know me- they are each getting to know me in different ways. Taking different paths to an eventual conclusion that I am positively insane perhaps. Either way my bloggy friends and FABF’s are equally important to me. And my heart sings when the two become one. Some of my FABF’s read my blog, although many don’t (I can tell because when I see them they have no idea about My kids writing on the doors, or Ed traveling or what embarasses me) and I attribute this to the fact that they get enough of me in real life- and well I might be best taken in smaller doses. So when I get to meet a blogger friend in real life- who BECOMES a FABF…well that is heaven to me. I like my friends- all of you. I hope I can keep you around for a long, long time. And I will do my best and promise to make my kids pick up the Legos next time we are over.

The longest post over fries ever written....

2008-07-16T01:00:00.001-07:00

Carl's Jr. is a fast food chain we have here on the west coast- and well, it is my favorite of them all. I know, I know White Castle is great, In-and-Out Burger is legendary and Sonic is memorable....but Carl's Jr and I go way back- let me explain......

My elementary school had a Carl's Jr in the way farthest corner of the school yard facing the side street. You could smell the charbroiled goodness while playing handball too. And you could practically be on school property except for the last 10 steps inside- and WE DID. Unbelievable to me now, but on Thursdays we had "long-lunch" (extra 15 minutes for an unexplained reason- I suppose it was so the teachers could get in one more snack/smoke/martini/ before going back to kids).....and on the long-lunch days we were allowed to go to Carl's Jr by our. self. I went every Thursday. Religiously. "Happy Star, fries and a coke please" ...and it cost $2.15 for all that. One day my 4th grade teacher announced we were going on a 'walking field trip' to the beloved mecca of burgers. We trotted right over to Carl's Jr. and were given hair nets and a tour of the kitchen and equipment. And I remember with bizarre clarity the insanely large bag of frozen fries which were then scorched in gallons of hot oil. It was exciting. It was deep fried. It was the beginning of my love affair.

Well, today folks-I went to Carl's and found that they have changed their fries completely. They are 'Natural Cut' in a poor attempt to mimic In-and-Out Burgers cut-in-front-of-your-face freshness. But these don't taste fresh..they taste mushy and greasy and not at all like the old fries. The good fries. MY FRIES. So if you are listening Carl's Jr.....I want my fries back. Either that or $2.15 for my anguish. You pick.

Post-it-note: My omni-friends Shan and Dan first alerted me to this tragedy and share my love of the old fries. As do my kids. And my husband. And everyone else I talked to before writing this post. Looks like Carl Karcher (founder) has been dead less than a year and they are messing with perfection already. And without doing market research either.

Life Instructions

2008-07-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Did you ever realize it is just this simple?

I think I am going to print this out poster size and hang over my kids beds...basically these are the four things I am trying to teach them as a mom. Seriously, every single story, lesson, activity, moral, ethic comes down to one of these 4 things.

I think they should hand this out to new moms at the hospital soon after giving birth as well. "Here is your brand new baby, and don't forget the instructions.

Good luck with that-and remember no exchanges!"

image stolen from here and while you are there-

read a little it is an excellent blog on advertising and such...

The Rule breaker

2008-07-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sandra refused to use the sofa or chairs when she dined. She loved to sit on the floor-no matter where she was. It allowed her tablecloth skirt to be spread out before her in a jaunty fashion. Her husband, John always tried to convince her to get off the floor at dinner parties- but Sandra just smiled and fed him bites of food off her plate. She was oblivious to his pain. They were not invited back again. But Sandra didn't care- she thought she looked great eating this way, and that was all that mattered to her...she was a rebel. She was a rule breaker. Eventually John and Sandra divorced. She remarried to a man who was wheelchair bound. They could see eye to eye on everything.

"He travels a lot"

2008-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

When recently asked what was the success of my 10 year marriage (that is like 40 years in Southern California years) I replied “Well, he travels a lot”. I first heard my mom use this same line when I was a kid. Only now do I understand the comedy of it.

And tonight my husband leaves for 2 weeks on business trip overseas. He travels overseas about every 6 -8 weeks, and is gone for at least 2 weeks at a time. He has always travelled for business. Actually a week after we met (and decided to marry) he left for Egypt. So this is nothing new. Last night over dinner my girlfriend asked ‘so where is he going?” and I laughed and smiled and said- “I have no idea”. “So when does he leave? Is it LAX?” And again I said “I have no idea-sometime Sunday night’. Bad wife you think? Perhaps. But I think I am just so used to him travelling - it is no longer a big deal anymore. (By the way I found out he is going to Hong Kong, Ningbo China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and some other place I still can’t remember) So yes, it is true we spend a lot of time apart because of his work travel (and even sometimes mine). In addition to that, I am not one to stay home and work around his vacation schedule. This summer alone I went to Chicago twice and Catalina Island on my own with the boys. I know he would have loved to have gone with us- but he has a hectic work schedule and was not able. Close friends of ours have the polar opposite marriage…they do everything together. They wake up on Saturday and run all the family errands together. When they are home from work they are always, always together. Sometimes I envy their ‘togetherness’ and sometimes I think they are a little insane. I mean I actually look forward to going to Costco ALONE. Sad but true. But they are a very happy couple..so it works for them. On weekends Ed and I use the ‘divide and conquer’ method. He will run to the store in the morning before we wake up, and later I will hit the Dry Cleaner or car wash while he watches the kids at home. And when we are home I am either running around cleaning, or wasting life on the computer and he is watching golf or on his laptop in the other room.

But we are still a very close couple. We are.

Strange to say- but we are. We talk several times during the day when he is at work, and since I was once in his industry we discuss his work issues and office politics for just entertainment. And of course there is e-mail. We are nearly famous for the amount of emails we send to each other. Sometimes from different rooms in the house! (Usually forwarding something- so don’t worry I don’t e-mail him ‘what do you want for dinner?’ from the other room- well, not USUALLY). I love being married and think I have a successful marriage. I do yearn for a 2nd honeymoon with JUST him for several days at a time. But I am sure that will come someday. So is my marriage perfect? No way- but it is perfect for US. I wonder how the dynamics of our marriage differ from others…from yours?

AdTalk: Carol joins the team

2008-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Oh the difficulties of creating an ad campaign for such a 'delicate' subject. Even current ads on TV make me cringe a little....especially when my boys are watching too. But this one? This takes the cake....Lets here what our now famous Ad execs Bob and Mike were thinking when they came up with this one.

Bob: Another Tampax ad? These things creep me out.

Mike: Me too- but we got to do it

Bob: Isn't there a girl we could put on it?

Mike: Sure how about Carol from down the hall- she makes a mean cup of coffee.

(Carol is summoned with one of those giant box intercom things on Bob's desk)

Carol: Yes sir?

Bob: Hey Carol I know you have only been interning here after high school for a few months- but um, we have this campaign and we thought you could give it a try. Its for Tampax...any ideas?

Carol: Um, I see white...lots of white and insanely short skirts....perhaps a clown outfit.

Bob: Oh because nothing is more embarrassing that wearing a clown costume....or your period right?

Carol: Except talking about a Tampax ad with your bosses...THAT is more embarassing.

Mike: Thanks Carol- we will get the boys from photo to get right on it... Now can you get me a cup of coffee little darlin?

Question of the day....

2008-07-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Came across this while walking around Avalon on Catalina Island. This sign was found in front of a garden nursery-which made it so much more odd to me. So my answer? About 37. Yes, that is right folks- I feel exactly my actual age. I don't feel younger..I don't feel older. I feel 37 years old....and that is okay with me. and if given a choice-I would pick this age to be as well.

How about you? How old would you be?

Playdates and Me

2008-07-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Playdates and me have had a rocky past. I have always been the fan of having other kids play with mine..when they were toddlers it was to help 'socialize' them (cuz everybody loves a social toddler ya know) and when they were a bit older it helped them to share toys and learn to do team activities. But my biggest challenge was always the fact that along with little Billy or Bobby came their MOTHERS. Don't get me wrong- I love to sit and chat with a lady friend from time to time- but it is really hard to do it WHILE trying to supervise small children. So I was always left at the end of the playdate feeling like I missed out on what my boys were doing- and I felt like I hadn't really completed a sentence in my mommy visit either. This once reached a terrible pinnacle when during a 'playdate' me and the other mommy found ourselves in the middle of a juicy conversation when one of the kiddies who was potty training had to go NOW. Well we ended up all sitting together in the potty room waiting for the little potty-trainer to do his business and we mommies continued our conversation there. Yes, talking and chatting all thru it including the 'now wipe me mommy' part. Lovely right? But now, my boys are older and playdates are so different. For one- we don't call them 'dates' anymore. And best of all- the kids get dropped off. So I no longer have to worry about having the whole house clean and perfect kid AND mommy snacks to serve. Nope- now the invited kid runs from the car to my door- and I wave to the mommy and she drives away. And happily my boys have pretty darn good taste in friends. I really enjoy these boys who visit. They allow me to see my kids through a new set of eyes. Like today I learned from Jack's friend who went to the beach with us, that Jack is known as the super nice kid at school. Really? How wonderful I thought. Um, I also learned Jack is known as the one who does the best arm-farts as well.....oh, this mother is so proud either way.

(Photo note: Jack and his buddy Baylor...a heck of a playdate and a good friend)

This is YOUR Life- Live Version

2008-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Okay here is a little tid-bit of inside information about me; when I am in public and I 'run into' people I know, or might have known I generally run the other way. Not always- I mean not if you are a relative or in my inner posse (um, my inner posse is like 3 people and one lives 400 miles away)...but you get my point don't you? I have always wondered why I do this....I mean sometimes it is because I might not look my best but usually I do it because I am afraid the other person will not REMEMBER ME. I am terrified of the awkward pause...the 'um, so okay well great to see you' thing. So just now (literally JUST now-I ran in to write this post) I was at the grocery store when it happened. (It happened on July 4th too if you can believe it- read here) Only this time I didn't see the other person first. I was ambushed. No place to run. No way to hide my face while pretending to inspect bunches of radishes. I was trapped in the frozen food section when I heard "oh my gosh MARCY! IS that YOU?"....for a split second I considered lying or throwing out a 'no habla English'....but I couldn't. This woman looked so happy to see me. And I stood there with no memory of her at all. Turns out she knew me from college....and all I can recall about her was that she drove a Jeep with no doors on it. And then she said it....'wow you haven't changed at all!'....now there was a time in my 20's, heck even my earlier 30's that hearing that comment would have bummed me out. I would have thought- "Hell yes I have changed- I have changed for the BETTER!"....but today, as I am closer to 40 and fighting gravity with all I can muster...well to hear I haven't changed at all...is a HUGE compliment to me. I wanted to tell her that actually I have changed. After college I was really HOT and SEXY and now I have just changed BACK to my old self..but that might have been strange. Okay note to self: wear bra, make up and contacts next time I leave the house....

Special to the Register! Whaaaa?

2008-07-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

I came home from Catalina today to see a photo spread of ME and my first article for the OC Register spread out on the kitchen table. It was a great welcome home. My favorite part? Under my name (in the print version) it said "Special to the Register".....like magical words for me!

Take a look online and please, please (pretty please) click reccomend. I would love all your comments over there as well. I am trying to get a shot at more articles!!!

Thanks!!! Click here....

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/flash-shoot-photos-2087975-one-force

Still here...but thinking of you!

2008-07-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Still on Catalina Island today.....

enjoying the perfection of it all ......

I will be back soon...but meanwhile I wanted to share this lovely vintage ad with you!

Wish you were all here with me!

Been here- Seen that....

2008-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago I watched CBS's new hope: "Swingtown".

I imagine the concept meeting sounded like this...

Carl: Hey Fred, any ideas for a show this season to help us get out of this slump? Fred: Yeah I was thinking- how about we do the ol' 3-5 women who have very different lives but they are stuck together for some reason thing.... Carl: You mean like Golden Girls? Fred: Yeah- only lets give them their own houses-I am dating the set director and she could use the work... Carl: Sounds good. Any objection to setting it in the 1970's? Fred: Sure..then we can reference drugs, smoking and alcohol like crazy....people like that. Carl: Yeah, THAT and I am dating the costume designer and she would love the work too.... Soooo, there are 4 women who all live in the same nieghborhood. One is conservative, one is a free spirt, one is confused and one is a wacky single mom. Sound familiar? It should.... First there was Knots Landing.....

Then there was Desperate Housewives....

Then there was Army Wives...

I am sure there are plenty other shows out there with the same format...

can you think of any?

Catalina here I come!

2008-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am lucky enough to be going to Catalina Island for a few days with my mom, my boys and my two nieces. Mom has rented a small house there near the beach. For those of you who do not know what/where Catalina is...let me give you a little back ground. Catalina is a small island right off the coast of Orange County, California. It was once owned by the Wrigley family (jeez what didn't those people own?), and the a Wrigley mansion still stands (now a hotel). Catalina is virtually the same as it was when it was populated in the 1920's. No cars and absolutely no new buildings at all. More than half the island is a Buffalo reserve. The only real town is Avalon...with its picture perfect pavilion, bike rentals and wave less cove- Catalina is a dream come true.

This photo is from 1948.....

And this is current. As you can see not much has changed....

The ONLY bad part? No WiFi.....so this will have to be a REAL vacation- even from blogging! I will be back in about 4 days- expect lots of photos then!

I talked to my childhood yesterday...

2008-07-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

I was standing there- just having been pushed into the kiddie pool by my best friends husband (don't worry there will be revenge) when he walked up to me and said 'I know you'. Well, loads of things ran thru my mind 'ee-gads- did I once work with this guy?', 'did I once hire this guy?' to the random 'do I owe this guy money?'.....He must have sensed I was clueless (although it didn't help he wore his dark sunglasses the whole time rendering his eyes covered) so he followed up his opening line with "I am Jarrod Hurst". Well, folks- you know how you have a few names from your past just BURNED into your memory? Names you have always known-and will never forget? As soon as I heard him say it I almost fainted-I swear. I smiled and said something stupid like "oh my GAWD- are you serious?"....now this is a pretty dumb thing to say, since most people know at least their own name I would think.

So there I was staring at this man and wondering what to say next. "WOW, this is so weird...so um, how in the world did you recognize me?" I said. "Oh as soon as I heard someone call you Marcy I knew immediately"...He did? He knew immediately? The last time we saw each other- and I remember it vividly was the last day of 6th grade. My mom picked me up in her white Z28 Camaro and his dad was picking him up in his Datsun mini-truck (with a shell on it). We separated in the parking lot as we walked to the separate cars. "Hey have a cool summer" he said..... "Yeah, you too". And that was it. That was the end of the not-really-but-practically romance of my 6th grade year. Jarrod was my assigned square dancing partner in February, my handball partner at recess and my first sorta-kinda date (Roller rink with his parents) in May. I thought he was just dreamy with his thick brown hair, raspy voice and smirky grin. He was a charmer as I remember- and all the girls, teachers and parents thought Jarrod was adorable. I felt pretty lucky to be his not-really-but-sorta-girlfriend for those few months of my 10th year on this planet. Pretty darn lucky indeed. And I never, ever forgot about him. And apparently- he had not forgotten me either. More shockingly he could even recognize me too...

We chatted a bit. It was strange. He was married and has 3 girls. He was an electrician. He was bald. He looked nothing like the little boy of my past. But he still had the same raspy voice and smirky smile- because those things never change I guess. He seemed like a pretty happy person- and I was glad about that. After a while he had to run off to chase down his little toddler....and we ended our conversation. It was a large block party thrown by mutual friends so people were kinda divided into different 'camps' all day. When I left the block party he saw me walking to my car and yelled "Have a great summer!" and I smiled and said "yeah you too". Talk about full circle folks...I couldn't make this stuff up.

I am a big fan of Independence....

2008-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Love and Peace

Happy 4th Internet!

(photo note: an impromptu 4th of July 'centerpiece' made from camp crafts done by da' boyz)

"You can't draw on the walls- but the window is okay"

2008-07-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Kids found the Window Art markers I used for my KDOC segment- and they went to town on the doors....they looked cute; Jack in his Taekwondo outfit and Tucker reaching as high as possible and nearly falling. Let't take a look at what they were working so hard on...

Tucker did his name in pretty darn good block letters....

"Everyday is Trashday somewhere"....why yes it is Jack you funny boy.

And my favorite....

Travel with kids? Pack it…

2008-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

For those visitors who are here for the travel tips I presented on KDOC DayBreak news program this morning...here is a complete list! Thanks for coming...and I hope you return soon...

Keep em’ Busy: Gameboy, PSP, Leapster (but don’t forget batteries, charger and/or car adapter) Mad libs, crosswords…and good ol’fashioned BOOKS Wipe board pens (yes they work on windows!) Pipecleaners, stickers…doo dads MagnaDoodle or Etch a Sketch Magnetic checkers/chess Dollar store toys (wrap and give out as needed) Good ol’ paper and pencil! Tic tack toe

Desperate Measures: Bubbles PlayDough Silly Putty Small lego sets Small water color set Let them take photos with the camera or phone..let them interview you or you them! Candy…

Be Prepared and don’t be optimistic! (prepare for the worst...): Wipes- no matter how old your children are they come in handy Snacks (NOT applesauce or anything potentially spillable) Bandaides, Neosporin, tummy med, allergy med etc. The doctors numbers and a photocopy of your med cards- use a USB to keep with you! Trash bags and zip-locs….you just seem to always need these. Change of clothes for baby/toddler and even YOU Lovies, blankies and pillow Marcy’s Tips Remember: Be the keeper of the stuff! Dole out items as needed. Limit drinks on a car ride…or time them just before potty stops! Photograph your children before you leave for the airport- god forbid they are get lost… Photograph the parking space at the airport! Scroll back thru to find it when you return Photo outfit combinations for children travelling with grandma or grandpa…then include in suitcase as a little guide to dressing themselves each day… Relax! Try to enjoy the excitement your children have for your ‘adventure’! Kids sense anxiety- and often act out accordingly…so calm down and TRY to have fun.

Interiors by JackTucker

2008-07-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

While cleaning my living room today (aka the room hardly anyone ever goes in) I found evidence that my boys had been there. A little alien tucked in some branches I have in a vase (ya know cuz it is all decorator-ish around here)......

Either it was my boys who did this- or I have been invaded by mini-aliens wearing leis. They freeze when you see them so you just THINK they are a vending machine prize. Clever. Clever little alien.

A photo story: Edwina's solution

2008-07-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

(Edwina) (Erma)

Edwina and Erma were sisters.

Edwina was the oldest- and she was the responsible one.

Erma was the baby and she was the favorite....she was the pampered one.

They have 9 brothers. 9 brothers Edwina helped care for.

9 brothers who doted on Erma all her life.

Edwina didn't want her photo taken, but Erma insisted she go with her. Actually Erma told her "you had better have your photo captured before you get older and more wrinkled."

Erma was not the nice sister. Erma was the difficult one.

They arrived early, and Erma went into the back room to use the mirror to 'fuss'. Edwina waited patiently for her younger sister- for an hour. By then the photographer was irritated, and called for Erma. She came out and said 'Well, if Edwina hadn't fixed my hair so poorly this morning I wouldn't have had to re-do it!'. Edwina just smiled shyly.

When the photographer delivered the finished portrait, Erma complained that Edwina ruined the photo because she looked 'unpleasant'. Erma refused to allow anyone to hang the portrait.

It was put away in the root cellar.

Later that month, Erma fell down the well in an unexplained accident on the farm.

The next day, Edwina hung the portrait over the fireplace....and smiled.

(author note: I know, I know this is creepy and probably not in good taste and all that other stuff you are thinking.

But sometimes I can't help myself. Actually I very rarely can help myself!)

Adtalk: The before the Ad conversation...

2008-06-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Conversation at the Ad firm months earlier....

Mike: Hey Bob any ideas for the new Kindness Hair Oil campaign? Bob: Yeah I was thinking of bringing in one of the girls from the new Broadway show 'Cats' to be the 'Before' Mike: Hey that sounds groovy- but be sure she looses the whiskars...whiskars don't help sell beauty products ya know. You remember what happened on the Vo5 campaign don't you? Bob: Yeah that was bad....and oily.... Mike: ..and hot. Okay so you got the Cat girl and what else? Bob: Uh I don't know- I guess another hair girl- only we will tame her hair a little...but still really really big Mike: ...and wrap a little around her neck for effect okay? What about the copy Bob? what do you have for that? Bob: I thought the Cat girl could complain that she doesn't like the product because it does really great things and the other girl will just be all calm and be all 'whats wrong with that?' Mike: Hmmm....interesting.Okay fine, but no smiling. They can't look happy about using this product...actually they should look a little depressed and uncomfortable. Bob: Got it. Depressed and serious. Mike: and uncomfortable...don't forget that. Bob: Oh they will be uncomfortable. Trust me on that.

Blogger-mmercial? Pay Per Post

2008-06-29T19:52:00.001-07:00

Well, since I need to find away to legitimize this writting thing- I thought I would take a look at websites that pay for you to post about things. I came across Pay Per Post and was intrigued. Basically they list like a hundred different companies/concepts in categories you have pre-selected who will PAY you to post about them (looks like $5.00 is the average rate- but some as high as $20). Okay don't start panicking...I am not gonna get all Infomercial (I guess that would be Blogger-mercial right?) on you.....BUT if I happen to see something posted there that I find interesting or worth mentioning I just might do it. Ethically I will always tell you if it is Pay Per Post topic okay? Sound fair? ....and for those of you who think this is the worst thing a blogger can do...then you can just start sending me say $5.00 a day-or whenever you read... Then I won't have to pimp out my blog like this!!! Totally kidding....its pathetic that I have to say 'totally kidding'...besides the fact that it makes me sound MORE like a valley girl who is 13?.....FYI I read thru the current 100 they had listed and haven't found anything I think you need to know about yet......

blog reviews

Jesus People: Episode 1

2008-06-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Holy Sunday internet....

Now I love me some God and Jesus ya' all know...but you HAVE to see this video and laugh along with me. If you like it and aren't offended (please don't be offended) there are seven other episodes of this- and they are EVEN FUNNIER!

All can be found at the glorious Funny or Die site. Enjoy! And wait for my favorite quote: "I go to church at Christmas-so I TOTALLY know who Jesus is..." Oh yeah- people this is great parody... now hurry and watch it- then get your butt to church will ya? Since Blogger hates me and will not upload video here- you need to click away...but come back when you are done and we can have a cup of coffee and laugh about it together k?

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/5c63ddfc1d

Surf Camp....lessons learned for all of us.

2008-06-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well it sounded like a great idea when I signed the boys up in the middle of winter (ya know when it is like freezing here at 60 degrees), but this week turned out to be more of an emotional challenge for me than a physical one for the boys. And I wasn't the only one who learned things...

Let me explain:

The week started great with both boys running to the beach to sign in before I had to call them back to the car to sunscreen all the parts of them that were peaking out of their wetsuits. They met their instructor (a girl-which I thought was even cooler) and they picked out giant surfboards (apparently the larger the board the easier it is to get up) and They carried those huge things to the water then learned a bunch of stuff about rip tides, jelly fish, sting rays, protecting their head from the board (panic for ME was starting to set in at this point) and how to get up on the board. The boys were having a great time. And then they went into the water....and the goal is to walk/swim your way out past the point where the waves 'break' (meaning CRASH with insane strength to the shore of this great continent)....and getting past this point is much harder than you would think when you are all of 50 lbs and 7 or 9 years old......the boys were thrown back to shore hundreds of times (the giant surfboard flying in the air and often landing on their HEAD) with such force that I was certain they were going to come to me after each time and say 'I don't wanna do this' to which I would of said 'me niether-lets get out of here'. But you know what? The never gave up. NEVER. While I was on the shore bitting my nails and worried sick they just kept fighting the ocean with all they had. Tuck managed to get out and stand up coming in on a wave on day one and Jack was able to as well. Day two came and I decided to take the camp's advice and DROP THEM OFF. Sounds horrible- but they had superior supervision from tons of adults and lifegaurds. I went to Starbucks (Hot Spot) for both Day 2 and 3 for the majority of the day. When I picked them up they were so tired and still HAPPY. Oh and still ALIVE, which is really what I was worried about.

Yesterday (Day 4), I stuck aorund a little to watch get photos...and as I watched it happened.... Jack was fighting his way out to the break point and he was devoured by an angry wave which shot his board sky high, that then landed on his head. His instruction and saftey guy on the beach rushed to him...no blood...but what can sometimes be as bad...TEARS. We got ice, and sat down. He cried and cried and said he didn't ever want to surf again. He was never gonna do it again. NEVER. Then he said "man why to I quit everything?" (we tried baseball, football,clarinet and nothing stuck)....so I said back to him-and this took a lot of mom strength to say "Then DON'T". I said 'Don't quit. Keep trying. Don't give up'....I wanted to say- "Of course! Please quit. PLEASE. Lets go for ice cream okay?".....sometimes it is hard to be a good mom. This was one of those times for me. Secretly I wanted him to quit because it would make it better for me, less worry, less fear. So Today was Day 5, and when I asked Tucker to go put on his wetsuit to go- Jack did too. I was really surprised....but I didn't say anything. We went to surf camp like everything was normal. Jack went out today and was able to stand up and surf on nearly every wave he tried. Seriously- he looked like a real surfer to me-and my heart filled with joy to know my boy had learned life's best lesson: NEVER GIVE UP....and he learned it on his own. He pushed himself- and he succeeded. And I learned sometimes it is okay not to 'rescue' my babies from difficult situations...Oh- and I learned surfers have more facial fractures than any other sport (from one of the instructors)...yeah they didn't mention THAT in the brochure!

(Photo: Jack with victory arms raised!)

Photo note: These lifeguard stations are being 'retired' from Huntington Beach, and being replaced with snazzy no-splinter all metal ones....bummer really...since this are still so charming. Perhaps I can buy one and use as a guest house?

Now that would be totally OC of me!

Before and After

2008-06-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Don't have actual footage of the segment from TV today. I gotta figure that out. Of course you are all invited over to my place to watch on my Tivo thingy if you want. I will provide wine and popcorn! Go ahead and bring the kiddies too- we will make a day of it! (Oh how I wish!) Meanwhile, this is a little movie of preparing before- and my thoughts after. Again- I learned a lot from this experience- and I listed all I learned at the end of the video.

She's so Crafty!

2008-06-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Whew! It is OVER. I survived my KDOC TV segment....got there way to early (I have to be JUST like Suzanne in EVERYTHING), and threatened my kids to be quiet like 9 million times while we waited in a conference room about 20 feet from the actual set where the news was being filmed. We had to set up the display table about 3 FEET from the news desk while they were taping...and in SILENCE in about 5 minutes. This was so so nerve wracking. Next week I am gonna ask them to wheel the table out to set it up I think. Finally the segment began. I did not get to talk about ANY of the actual crafts (upload coming soon)...nope I sorta just chatted with the news person about crafts in general. After watching I think I look about as fat as I expected- which is actually good, since I was afraid I was gonna fall into a deep depression after seeing myself on TV. Before I knew it-Voila! it was over.....Oh, and they put up the wrong web address for my blog on the screen. So that majorly sucks....but I go back next week.....I should be MUCH better at all this by then! If nothing else it was a great field trip for my boys....ya know when they have to write 'What I did over Summer Vacation' in the Fall - they can add 'I was on TV'....that should impress the ladies I think.

Check your Tivos people!

2008-06-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Whaaaa? Tomorrow is the big day folks...I am going to be on TV! And the producer thought it would be 'charming' to have my kids with me...great so now I have to figure out what they are gonna wear too. AND I will have to worry about what THEY say!!! So it is a program called Daybreak OC on Channel 6 in my land. I have to be there mega early since I will be on during the 7:00 hour. Yeah be there at like 6:30 WITH the kids...this is going to be intersting. Oh gosh I just had a vision of my kids fighting over scissors during the segment! (note to self: bring more scissors) I will figure out a way to post for all the rest of my fans (all 3 of you!...and I appreciate you all!)...

Meanwhile I am scheduled to do another segment next week on Travel Tips with Kids. So if you have any clever ideas- let me know.....I can use all the help I can get!!!!

Pedi for 3 please!

2008-06-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is super short- so go ahead and click.....I HAD to get my signature french manicure before my TV debut on KDOC tomorrow. And it being summer the kids are with me 24/7. So off we all went...and when I realized they forgot their gameboys I thought getting them pedicures would keep them busy.....boy they seemed to really like it! Hope I am not creating 'high maintenance' men!

I'm embarassed...and lucky.

2008-06-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am embarrassed of a few things in my life. I am embarrassed to buy beef jerky since I consider it total man-food. I am embarrassed if my kids fight in the middle of the grocery store over who gets to push the grocery cart. And very often-although not in all circles-I find that am embarrassed to admit I am a stay at home mom. I say something like ‘ well, right now I am in between consulting jobs so yes, I am staying home with the kids’, or often I inflate my photography commitments to lead people to believe I work 8 hour days as a photographer. But very very rarely do I tell people- I am a full fledged, totally lucky and privileged woman who gets to stay home with her kids. It is true after my kids became school age I was taking consulting positions in product development (Apparel and Fashion industry) which for sometimes more then 6 months out of the year. But because I was a consultant- I had flexibility which other full time working moms do not have. I think secretly I yearned to be ‘back in the game’ and fighting my way up the corporate ladder. Oh how I loved the race to the top. Then late last year my husband suggested it was time for me to return to work full-time in a regular position. I accepted a Senior Developer position (apparel) in management at a large corporation. I coordinated with my mom for school pick ups. I pulled out my arsenal of crock pot dinner recipes and calculated my attack over each weekend to be able to survive the work week. As long as I was organized and scheduled I managed to stay ahead of it all. But then came the travel. Off to Peru and Honduras and I was expected to go to Russia, China and Vietnam in the following months. The work responsibilities were growing- and while my ego swelled, my heart was breaking. My boys asked- ‘when are you gonna be done with this work thing mom?’…..My husband continued his busy executive work schedule and of course he was travelling as well. It was over a conversation with him about coordinating my over-seas trip with his Asia departure that I began to wonder what in the world was I doing? It was all a blur. My boys were having a few problems in school, I had no idea what had been going on in their lives either. I felt pulled when I was with them, to check work e-mails and my mind was distant as I mulled over the next days meetings and agendas. My husband knew how I was feeling without me saying a word- he called me one day at work and said. “Just Quit”. He made it seem so simple. So easy. And gave me the confidence to follow my heart. He never once lectured me about how it was going to affect our finances. He never once asked me to keep giving it a shot….he just gave me the total and complete encouragement to be what I really always wanted to be…A STAY AT HOME MOM. Do I miss it? Sure, a little. I miss the constant validation that I have something to offer to the world. I miss feeling valuable- and I miss getting paid for my efforts. I miss lunches with colleagues. I miss meetings and corporate struggles. I miss playing the game. I miss being in the race.…..But at the same time I am so eternally grateful for a husband who is willing to take on the financial responsibility of our family all on his own- and only asks that I do my best with the kids. He indulges my photography business, my new blogging obsession, my endless crafts and projects. How lucky am I? Pretty damn lucky folks…..I guess I am so lucky-that it is cause to be embarrassed.

2008-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by my buddy Nik at Prose and Converse to answer an insane amount of questions about myself. This feels a bit like an e-harmony questionnaire....but forget it all you hot male models out there...I am a happily married woman! But I digress...here it is folks...

Five things in my purse:

1. Gum ( I may need Gum rehab for my addiction)

2. Lipstick (in a silly lipstick holder with a mirror too)

3. Two bouncy balls (emergency entertainment for the boys)

4. Sunscreen stick (for da boys AND me. I have been know to cover whole bodies using the stick!)

5. Camera (always, always, always have a camera charged and ready to shoot)

Five favorite things in my bedroom:

1. My temper-pedic bed (it is as good as the commercials say)

2. My husband (seriously- this is the only time we get to talk alone!)

3. My treadmill (It is a love/hate relationship)

4. My aqua blue satiny bed spread (SO glamorous)

5. A framed copy of my wedding invitation (the happiest day of my life I think)

Five things I’ve always wanted to do:

1. Work as a photog for National Geographic (not the nature stuff..the people stuff)

2. Drive cross country. Preferably Route 66....

3. Own a Cuban bar/restaurant called 'The Mango Room' and serve Mango Mojitos. This will require Tito Puente performing opening night. Oh, I am also skinny and wearing a fabulous 1940's dress and hair-do in this fantasy.

4. Be a stand up comedian. Actually I think I AM a stand up comedian- I just have no audience. Is that really necessary?

5. Renew my vows with hubbby.....OR go to a surprise party for ME! (I am starved for attention I think- so pathetic!)

Five things I’m currently into:

1. Sunscreen...because at my age I must learn to deflect the sun.

2. Trying to be AUTHENTIC and honest at all times. I am trying to LOVE myself more...

3. Lipton Diet Papaya Ice Tea

4. Splenda everything (I am their biggest fan I swear)

5.Social risk taking...risk taking in general...just putting myself out there... and embracing ALL that is ME.

Five impressions on Nik at Proverse and Converse (who tagged me):

1. Her blog is one of the very first I read when I log into my reader each day. And I follow about 50 blogs....I look forward to her posts!

2. Her kids are as beautiful and her (and she is VERY beautiful)

3. She is a very talented writer...

4. She inspires me to do better as a blogger

5. We could be great real life friends if we lived closer and she could accept how old I am! But I fear I would 'mother' her to death....it is all I know!

Next is Six Quirks. Here (some) of mine:

1. I have a hard time writing or being creative at all if my house is a mess. I clean first.

2. I LOVE to organize. Sometimes I organize a closet just for FUN...

3. I put salt on my watermelon

4. I never eat left-overs.

5. I sing A LOT. I sing all day to my kids -it is like a mommy opera around here. "Time to go to BED! La La La"....and they sing back to me. I love it. Oh and in case you are wondering- I don't even think I am a very good singer....I just feel happy and sing!

So there you have it folks. WAY more than you wanted to know about me....if you are still reading it is my turn to 'tag' someone else. But I am not gonna- because I sense we are all suffering from blogger fatigue these days (lots of my bloggy friends are worried they are not keeping up as well as they should)....SO I encourage ANY of you to do this little questionnaire...and let me know so I can read all about YOU!!!!

2008-06-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

'feel free to move about the cabin'...how?

Doodle from the plane to Chicago this week.

Don't worry I did not actually wear green socks people....

and my blush was not nearly that bright...or round.

SOS from my children!

2008-06-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

I ran out to do some errands and came home to an empty house this afternoon. Husband took the boys to HIS softball practice. Well it is very hot here today (pushing 100 degrees) so I got this e-mail on my Blackberry, from Jack who had obviously taken my husband's Blackberry to send an SOS message. The desperation just cracks me up. I mean these are BOYS at a PARK...not someone stranded in some foreign prison...

Mom its me jack and me and tucker really need you to pick us up at the field because its hot and humid and were bored by the way its a different field so you need to park at the schools lot and cut through the gate and keep walking till you here or see us. Please please please come and pick me up. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

When I arrived they ran to me like i was FEMA coming to their aid. On the way to the car we had a chat.

Me: Ya, know boys some people do not even have air conditioning at all.

Tucker: I know that mom- but we DO. And I like it!

Oh boy...I think the glamorous life is having an effect on my boys too!

Photo challenge: From above

2008-06-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well be cause I love me a linky thing...I am posting this picture of Tucker. It is part of a lovely photo challenge from Classy Chaos in which she has challenged us to show candid photos taken from above of our children. I have long used the trick of photo-ing from above in my professional work. Nothing makes a kids eyes bigger.... This photo is very special to me. Tuck was 2, and he is wearing a football jersey that he wore for THREE years. (I have kept it for his eventual museum when he is famous, oh yes he will be famous) He is holding in his hands (you can't see-but I remember all too well) a full size football. He slept with that football every night for almost year. I thought this was all too darn adorable at the time...and now? Well, now that Tucker starts tackle football with Pop Warner in August I am thinking I should have been giving that kid a Barbie to play with back then. MY BABY playing FOOTBALL? It goes against everything I have every known about motherhood.....except that it makes him happy. So I have little choice...after-all look at those blue eyes? Who could say no?

Come visit the Kid Bar...

2008-06-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Movie was made with cousins in my sister-in-law's basement. Because I can not just do nothing on vacation! I am thinking this is probably pretty inappropriate to have kids be mocking a BAR...but we thought it was pretty darn funny...let me know what you think!

Smile while you sip...

2008-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Road trip back to Chicago from..cheesy, lovely, silly and YES glamorous Wisconsin....we stopped at the World's Largest (big trend around these parts folks) Culvers. I had never been to a Culvers (none in Calif.) It is a fast food kinda place but with a bigger menu. Totally fresh (In and Out-ish)..but the best part? The cups have these funny sayings...so naturally I photo'd (not the best photo)for all of you to share. I just love a business that makes an effort to be funny. I love places that embrace the comedy of life. Yeah- that's right people I AM the comedy hunter......it says "It takes 22 muscles to smile. And 36 to sip a soda. So smile while you drink this-you'll get one heck of a workout." For the record- I smiled while I sipped and I still have my blogger butt...hey maybe I should have had the DIET coke instead of the Rootbeer.

Say Cheese! You are in Wisconsin!

2008-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

A typical day being a tourist in Wisconsin Dells.

Saw an Amish farmer with his horse and plough working the farm.
Tried to talk Jack out of Moccasin purchase- it didn't work....
Learned how cheese was made after travelling thru gorgeous farm country.
Drank a wonderful grape soda I have never heard of...bottle said made in Mine-SODA....get it? Jack thought it was hysterical....
Counted 11 roadkill on the country road.
Visited a historical group of log cabins. Explained the Out-House concept to kids...
Toured the bizarre tourist trap "The upside down White House"
Took kids to a haunted house- and they walked back out after first room.
Took kids to a place called the "Looney Bin" for a tour. Considered checking myself in...
Went to a Deer petting farm- and saw rabbits feet, rabbit pelts and more stuffed dead animals (including deer!) for sale.
Took photos of some amazing old-school motels
Bought gas for under $4!
Had lunch at a Caribbean themed restaurant- which was confusing for my brain. Until I used the ladies room where I saw a dead animal mounted over the door- and I was immediately reminded I was IN WISCONSIN and NOT the Caribbean.
Swam again in the world's largest waterpark- only lost kids 6 times-less than yesterday.
Went to a dinner theater production of Footloose, where during intermission a family came up to us and asked if my Jack was THE Jack from the magic show the night before. After they walked away- Jack says "Seems I have quite the fan base in the Dells!".
Got laughter induced asthma from Jack's comment....
Sang all the songs from Footloose in the car home with the kids- and totally relived my college Musical Theater days....is this regret I feel?
Told Tucker he should not sleep in his bathing suit (wants to be prepared for tomorrow)....I am pretty sure he got in his bed with it on- and I am too tired to check.

Another.... Great day for me. Wish you were all here to share...meanwhile here are a million photos. You can match them up to the list above! Tomorrow we road trip it back to Chicago....and we are back home to California on the 21st. Yeah- I am a jet setter people....I TOLD you my life was glamorous didn't I?

2008-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

This confuses me.

The year: 1971.

The plan: slumber party

Apparently the kids were sent to sleep in some sort of bizarre storage pantry with crates for shelves full of fruit and bags of coffee (I hope it is coffee). Most disturbing? The body-less Ragady Ann head on the top crate. After layering the floor with a sea of patterns, a popcorn machine with insanely large popcorn kernels was placed on the floor for nurishment. Thirsty? Take a sip of mystery beverage out of the flower pot we provided kids! Do I even need to mention the egg on the wall? Do I? Sleep well kiddies.....sleep well.

Day 2: Wisconsin Dells...vacation?

2008-06-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Day two- Wisconsin Dells...pseudo vacation. Today I experienced the most bizarre and wonderful thing Wisconsin Dells has to offer; The Duck boats. The Duck boats were created for WWII and used as land AND sea vehicles (um, yeah a BOAT). Then some smart guy in the 50's bought up all the left over ones and opened up shop here in the Dells....the car/boat driver/captain was hysterical and is sure to move on to bigger and better jobs (think Jungle Cruise comedy)...and the river was gorgeous. Sadly, the man-made lake that used to be is now gone due to bad rains last week. (the entire lake emptied back into the river when a man-made dam of sorts gave way). Four homes were lost as well. And tons more went from lakefront property to mud-crater front property over night. I took video of our amphibious decent into the water....I can not explain how darn fun this was. These are real cars too- I mean this BOAT picked us up at our hotel! Do you know the comedy of driving down the road in a BOAT? I was giddy with photo possibilities!

Oh lots more happened today- including the Rick Wilcox magic show in which Jack was asked to go on stage. He did so much and was so funny...people asked to take pictures with Jack after the show! Oh he was loving it big time! And we ate at a place called 'Moosejaw" where I was greated by MORE dead animals all over the place...but a killer chicken soup. Oh and paper antlers for all of us to wear....but I am having fun...especially since the idea of 'dressed up' seems to be 'puttin on my good flip flops'....this place takes casual to a whole new level folks!

Are you freaking kidding me?

2008-06-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

What are you looking at? This is a piece of an wrist-band given to all the students at a private OC Lutheran High School before a school dance. As it was explained to me...everyone gets one and if a teacher sees you 'freaking' they cut it off your wrist. If a teacher sees you dancing inappropriately again-and you have no band to cut off...you must leave the dance. Effective I suppose...but is pretty freaking funny to me.

See what I learned at the end of the interview....

2008-06-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Please ignore my appearance in the video. I had just completed a road trip from Chicago to Wisconson and then spent the rest of the day in the "world's largest" waterpark- all while being watched by dead animals. It is all explained in the video...I think....

Are you funnier than a 4th grader?

2008-06-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

During my vacation of sorts- and since Internet access is limited for me here- I thought I would post the script from my son's 4th grade Talent Show. He has done a stand-up comedy routine since Kindergarten (yes Kindergarten! That is him then in the photo)...but this year he got spooked and just didn't want to go thru with it- which I totally understood......But I was just re-reading his joke script and thought you guys would get a kick out of it....

Good evening, my name is Jack and I am in the 4th grade…and I have been giving some thought to what I want to be when I grow up…. I think I might have a promising career in stand up comedy since my teachers keep telling me "that’s enough funny boy- now sit down!"

Actually adults say all kinds of funny things like that…my mom will even ask things- that I am pretty sure she doesn’t even want me to answer..like she says: "How many times do I have to tell you???" ……“ah- lets see..about…37 times mom’ yeah that would go over well! Or the classic-

"DO you want to be punished?"... ..OK what kid in their right mind is going to answer that? And then there’s "Who do you think is going to clean that up?" …….ONCE….. just ONCE I said "um, you? Isn’t that your job?"……………………………………yeah-I am STILL grounded and that was over a year ago! But in general being a kid is great. Pretty straight forward job....all I have to do is-

Go to school, go to bed, clean my room, clean my hamster cage, brush my hair, brush my teeth, ………Ah-DON’T brush the hamster (learned that the hard way!) Let’s see what else is there…..
Don’t do drugs, Don’t talk to strangers, …………DON’T see if eggs, marshmallows or moms cell phone will explode in the microwave.
Wear a jacket, wear a helmet,………….Oh-don’t wear a t-shirt that says 'old people suck' while visiting your grandparents in the retirement home.
I have to remember to Say please, Say thank you, say 'you don’t need to go to gym mom- you look great!' at least once a week.
I can’t HIT my brother, can’t BUG my brother, can’t even LOOK at my brother, …..but somehow I have to still LOVE my brother. And the one I struggle with the most: be smart…… but don’t be a smart alec!

Thank you, thank you I will be here all week.....until summer that is!

Chicago-Day Four

2008-06-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

So because I opened my big mouth and mentioned I was taking the kids to downtown Chicago during our visit here. I had to make good on that-even though I wanted to just sit by the pool all day while sipping strawberry daiquiris and judging my boy's cannon ball dives off the high dive. So today we took the train to downtown and arrived in Union Station. The boys were impressed- and Jack mentioned it reminded him of Harry Potter (#2 I think)....next a cab ride and the Chicago Institute of Art. Now this is a pretty 'serious' art museum....but I thought my boys could handle it. So we saw the sculpture gallery that looked like this...

And then instinctively- my boys did this (with no prompting from me, since we were all being as quiet as a mouse- using our best 'Museum Manners')....needless to say we had a great time!

We laughed a lot (Tucker really could not get over all the 'butts everywhere- oh 7 yr old humor!).....but I was thrilled to hear things like "now this is the kinda art I like'...and 'mom can we Google this guy Edward Hopper?'. We saw lots of famous works that the kids recognized instantly...and were generally excited about it. They both agreed that seeing these works in person was so totally different than in a book.

"Sunday in the Park" was a big favorite of Tucker. He stood in front of it a long time- and pointed things out to all of us. "Mom! It is made up of DOTS mom! Just Dots!" (those clever impressionists ya know). We then walked Michigan Ave. Watched part of a parade, sat in Millennium park and managed to get back to the train station without any drama. On the train ride home the boys were fighting over the little souvenir book of 19th and 20th century art....fighting over it like it was a Gameboy or something! This was a good day folks....really. good.

2008-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

This ad has unbelievable copy...

"How soon is too soon? Not soon enough. Laboratory tests over the last few years have proven that babies who start drinking soda during that early formative period have a much higher chance of gaining acceptance and 'fitting in' during those awkward pre-teen and teen years. So do yourself a favor. Do your child a favor. Start them on a strict regimen of sodas and other carbonated beverages right now, for a lifetime of guaranteed happiness"

For the record, drinking soda as a toddler did not help Little Billy in anyway help as a teen. He was the teen with the rotting teeth, weight problem and sallow skin-which didn't really help his 'fitting in'....and how about the 'strict regimen'..."Billy you get in here this minute and drink your coke!!!".....the fine print says "Boosts personality!", um yeah if bouncing off the walls is a 'personality'.

Lycra waves the white flag!

2008-06-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Six Flags Great America here in Chicago (in case you aren't following my every move and keeping track I am visiting family this week in the Windy City).....and well, I am really not sure what it is about every single amusement park I visit- but people really have a tendency to push their Lycra to the limit at these places. Hence exhibit A to the right. I am thinking there should be a BMI requirement before allowing people to purchase clothing 3 sizes too small for them. Oh- and this was not even close to the worst offender...there were whole families that looked like they were about to bust out of their clothes. Throw in a ride that gets you all wet and it made for killer people watching. I am no super model- and should lose about 20 lbs (but I can't for some reason!)...but I would rather die than have a ROLL of FAT showing even thru my shirt.....hey, maybe these folks are more confident with their bodies than me? Maybe I am the one with the problem???

Check out silly Jack....is this not hysterical ???? They had these funny "Starbuck enjoyment pose" signs all over the park. LOTS of cross marketing there...SO not Disney.....in case you want more...don't worry there is video coming folks!

And bloggy buddies...I am trying to find time to read all your fabulous posts...promise!

2008-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Friendship is not a skill I posses naturally. I have had to work to understand the concept and purpose of friendship. Here is a little bit about that journey….

As a young child I would study those ‘best friends’ on the playground to see how they interacted and why they chose each other. How is it that Sally and Lorie are BFF's? Why? It was a great mystery to me. Nevertheless-I drudged on thru my adolescence working at making and more importantly KEEPING friends. I had to learn the importance of being honest and loyal the hard way. And I discovered early on- people like to be friends with someone who is upbeat and can make them laugh. So I collected friends like a ferocious hunter. I wasn't picky in the least- I was looking for a good audience and someone to hang out with at lunch and the occasional weekend party. For all intensive purposes- I was well liked and just on the fringes of being called ‘popular’ (so hard to determine your true status in these matters). I wanted to be liked by everyone. I was a cross-pollinator; being involved in drama, dance, art, college prep classes and cheerleading. I had friends in the goth group, the punk group, the Asian honors kids, the jocks and the band geeks. I seemed to have friends everywhere I turned. Or at least I KNEW tons of people- whether they earned the bonefied friend status is not certain. Not until my adulthood did I realize the value in QUALITY over quantity. And it was a welcome relief. To finally be able to let go of the ever present anxiety of ‘not being liked’. Who cares if someone I met didn't like me?…who cares! I would say with reckless abandon....and now I can say that I have just a few really good friends. Friends who totally ‘get me’, and still like me. I take none of them for granted- because now I do understand the point of having friends. They take this journey with me..validating that my life experiences are actually happening. They share in my frustrations, my joys and my triumphs. They share my life and I share in theirs. Recently- for reasons I can not explain I have had the opportunity to meet several new people with real ‘friend potential’ (you know who you are!)…..and I am simply thrilled about this. I will never get over the fact that someone WANTS to spend time with me…I am honored everytime. So I may not be an expert at this friend thing, but I think I might be getting better.

Photo note: Digital Photo-Composition "Friends" 2007 by Marcy Massura. Go ahead and use- as long as you give me a little credit! Thanks....

2008-06-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Okay so day one down of my Chicago trip...Before swimming at the C.C. pool, we walked to the Ty Warner park (yes, that Ty Warner of the Beanie Baby craze). It is an amazing park- open to the public with a water splash area for little ones and wonderful flowers and trails. And this clock- which says "time for fun!"...When we lived here years ago- Jack was hit in the head with a golf club by a playmate when he was only 2. When we arrived at the ER Jack was given a large, soft vintage style teddy bear. Jack named him Charlie and he is never far apart form him even 7 years later. I called to thank the hospital the next day and I learned this teddy was donated by the Ty Warner company. Turns out they donate hundreds of thousands of stuffed animals to hospitals and charities all over the world every year. Now isn't that wonderful?.....Okay back to my vacation- because it is my 'Time for Fun'!

2008-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

I have arrived in Chicago!

This ad talks about how travelling by plane is the 'easiest way to travel with children!'....um, yeah right. Asking rambunctious excited boys to sit in a chair for 5 hours, after waiting at the airport for 2 hours to clear security....yeah, that is SO darn easy! I think the easiest way to travel with children is...um...well, I can't think of any. But we are here- safe and sound...now I have to start thinking about the flight home in 10 days!

Is it me or do those kids look a little 'puffy' from the flight? Maybe they should cut down on their sodium...

Lights! Camera! Action!

2008-06-10T08:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had a 'playdate' with Suz from Emphasis Mine. And naturally after crafts and swimming we decided to make a movie....isn't that how all your playdates go? Wanna see it? click here .....and be kind in your comments. If I had better lighting I would have looked thinner/younger/cuter....but the darn lighting union wouldn't work on a kid film without combat pay.

2008-06-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, folks....today I am leaving to go to Chicago to spend a a little over a week with family. We lived in Chicago (Hinsdale) for 3 years when my kids were young- and I miss it dearly. I really love to return....PLUS I will be spending almost every day lounging at the pool (Butterfield Country Club-oooo fancy!)....so it is always a wonderful time! And yes they serve frozen daiquiris poolside....can you feel me smiling already???

I will do my very best to keep posting over the week......and my gracious mother-in-law GOT wireless internet for us! Ya, I married into a good family folks! More to come later....

And now over to Marcy....

2008-06-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Wanted you all to know that I will soon becoming to a TV near you! That's right ladies and gentlemen- soon you will be able to look up from your morning coffee, bagel, mimosa or whatever and see ME on your TV screen. I have been asked to be a guest on Channel 6 KDOC's Daybreak news program on June 26th and on July 2nd. I will be chatting about summer crafts and activities for kids and also travel with children. For those of you that know me in real life (this Internet thing is not real life- it is like an alter reality I believe) you can attest I have subjected your children to a craft during your visits (oh how I love new victims, er students) and you then also know I have done A LOT of travel with kids. I am feeling fairly qualified....and totally unprepared all at once. I need to bring a few 'show and tell' items....but I am leaving for vacation tomorrow-so it will have to all wait until I return. The program is from 6am to 8am so either fire up your Tivo or get ready to wake up early if you want to catch me and my VitaMeataVegamin moment (hope it goes better than THAT!)....Well, friends now I have to go run 10 miles on the treadmill.......... I have to lose 25lbs by June 26th. I wish I was kidding.

Do you have any ideas for me to use in my segments? Or maybe any tips to remember while on camera? Leave me a comment and let me know!!!

Watch out world-here she comes!

2008-06-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend my insanely fabulous and naturally glamorous niece Manda, graduated from Orange Lutheran High School. It is difficult to write this post without sounding lame and beyond biased...but I am going to try. Manda is by far the most grounded, loving and joyful soul I have ever known. She is one of the 'good kids'. She is empathetic and patient, sarcastic (my influence I hope) and sincere. She is smart, clever and darn cute too. I am always so flattered when we are together and people comment on how we have similar mannerisms- I know we have the same sense of humor for certain! I could go on and on...but let me just say that she is truly one of my most favorite people on the planet. She will be beginning college in the Fall and lucky for the world- she is planning on becoming a teacher. So if you are very very lucky- in about 4 years, your son or daughter might come home from school one day singing the praises of their new teacher, Ms. Manda.

My taste of a Jubilee...

2008-06-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

As you all know by now (because I can't shut up about it) my boys 'graduated' from school and are out for the summer. The school scheduled their 'promotions' (sounds like they get a raise as well-but alas they do not) at different times on the same day. 9:00 Jack, and 12:00 Tucker....so each boy chose a place to 'celebrate' afterwards. Jack chose Bagel Me which is across the street from his school and is kinda like Happy Day's Arnold's for his classmates. Tucker wanted to go to Polly's Pies (a chain coffee shop place). Boy was he thrilled when we saw 'mocktails' on a new menu. Although there is always a voice in my head saying 'aren't mocktails kinda like candy cigarettes? Is this the best parenting move to encourage?'.......naturally I ignored the voice in my head and told Tucker to order what ever he wanted from the waitress. "A Berry Brazzle Jubilee and a corndog please!" After all - he is officially a 2nd grader now...time to get the party started don't ya think?

FYI: Tuck insisted it was the best tasting drink ever. I tried it- and had to work really hard to muster a 'mmm ya that IS good'......it was no Jubilee folks. It wasn't even Berry Brazzle- county fair. But HE loved it and that was all that matters.

Introducing: Inky-Me

2008-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well folks here it is. My first Illustration for my blog done around midnight one evening... and yet.....it is a total waste because I can not upload the image any larger on Blogger! I suppose there is way to do it....but I can't figure it out yet. (hey if you know leave me a comment and let me in on the secret!) So I will have re-create the text besides the lovely sketch of "Inky-Me"......(FYI- I would NEVER wear a pink shirt with green shorts in real life. But Inky-Me loves it)

I'm A Blogger....R You?

Dry, Blurry Eyes from too much screen time.
Need a root touch up/haircut
spaced out look...planning next blog post while listening to others
Tense shoulders from lack of comments
Pathetic self promoting tee
Extra lbs from avoiding the gym
sore back from HOURS hunched over keyboard
Notebook in pocket for all those ideas...
phone in hand to Twitter night and day
possible 'Blogger Butt"
Nail polish chipped at tips from constant typing
Carpal Tunnel developing...going to buy gel wrist pad next week
legs: white from not seeing daylight in months
Comfort shoes (slippers, Ughs, whatever....)

Happy to e-mail image to any fellow bloggers out there!

My happy breaking heart....

2008-06-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

With every transition and change of season- my heart leaps with joy and breaks in pain....this is a mother's burden. They grow up, and grow away....and part of me cries for the little boys they were....and part of me smiles for the men they will too soon become. Here are a few fave photos to share....do you know I have 37,000 photos on my hard drive? Most of them are of my boys...ya' I think I love them.....oh BOY! do I ever. I love them till it hurts..........all you moms out there know exactly what I mean...................

No more teachers! No more books!

2008-06-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of School! (for my kids anyway...)

When I was a kid (a long, long time ago) on the last day of school, some kids (not this kid-but OTHER kids- those risky ones) would take their old gym shoes and tie the laces together and throw them over the telephone wires on the way home from school (yes, back then we were allowed to walk to school-shocking I know).....and there the shoes would dangle for all the world to see - forever. Seemed like they never came down. I remember gazing out the back of our wood panelled station wagon on the way to the Alpha Beta grocery store and see the same pairs of shoes, on the same wires - for years. Now most of the phone wires in the OC are buried underground, and most public schools don't even offer gym class (P.E. I mean)...so this whole bizarre tradition is disappearing. I was surprised to read online, that people have attributed this tradition to have other meanings...but I remember very clearly why we did it. We did it because it was funny. We did it because we knew would make the 'grown-ups' mad. And mainly we did it because - well, because-we could.

Married, Merger....same diff.

2008-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Don't do it for love. Don't do it for companionship. Don't do it for passion.....do it FOR THE MONEY.

Huh? Apparently I have been married for all the wrong reasons.....I never realized it was actually a business merger I was in and not a marriage. Marriage, Merger same diff. I guess.

Not that I am against promoting marriage. After all I want everyone to come over the dark side. Cuz you know how us married folks can't stand to know ANYONE who is not married. So all we do is talk about how great it is to be married. Could be because we are jealous ya know....anyway this Ad was created by Campaign for Children. Whaaa? Whoooo? Some obscure group working off $5.5 million in funding out of the state of Maryland. They have other slogan ads too; including the jewel "Marriage Works" along side another painfully happy couple. Oh they look so naive....'trust me honey one day you will be fighting over who gets this crappy wagon wheel coffee table' (equally obscure Harry met Sally quote for ya). Folks there is a lot I can say on this whole slogan thing....a whole lot....but others have already done it for me so perfectly, I say why bother? Click here for a well written and researched article on this organization and their goal to get our kids all married or sterile by the time they hit puberty. Did I mention this is STATE FUNDED? Can you feel my teeth clinching?

Bloggers Note: I love being married. Really, I am huge huge fan of the whole 'till death' thing....after all my til death is with Ed-my really tolerate of my blogging husbster.

Hey kid wanna beer?

2008-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

New post over at the OC Register...."Wanna Beer? Bring a gift!"...please leave your comment, thoughts and insults over there...that way I look popular...and what girl doesn't want to at least LOOK popular?

UPDATE: Jack and his hair

2008-06-03T01:00:00.001-07:00

Okay I have received lots of personal e-mails and even a little Twitter wanting to get an update on the Jack-Hair controversy. After sending my scathing (but truthfully acurate) e-mail I received one from the owner and principal from the school.

"Have Jack come see me first thing tomorrow. I want to review his hair"

So we woke early and slicked his hair until he looked like a cross between Max Headroom and Dracula. It was really an art form...I had to sorta sculpt his hair into position. Then I lacquered it down with hairspray. She took one look at him and all she said was "Oh my don't you look handsome! This is just fine for the rest of the year!"......so basically she totally and completely CAVED. The thing is- SHE is the one who said he needed the second cut in the first place! Couldn't she have just ignored it for one more week???? Oh the drama of elementary school......Today Jack went to school with his black high top converse shoes with his new PINK shoe laces (all the rage for 9 yr old boys right now-seriously) and he was stopped by a teacher who said they didn't comply with the dress code. I am thinking of dying his white dress shirt pink for the promotion/graduation ceremony on Thursday....ya know, and just claim 'laundry accident'. They should know not to mess with Mama Bear.....oh no they shouldn't....

VOTE for ME!

2008-06-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Can you all go vote for my baby photo of Tucker at the OC Register? It is some kind of cutest baby contest...and well, if they won't hire me to be a photog for them- then I am gonna just keep entering ever photo contest they have! Mucho thanks....click HERE. Look also for one called "Hannah"...that is my photo too of my beautiful niece....

2008-06-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Oh lookie here- ANOTHER mom website...but wait hold on- this one is kinda interesting...it asks all kinds of questions (gay marriage? biggest secret? what do you think of your in-laws?) and you can comment totally ANONOMOUSLY. Yup- here you can be really really honest.....not that I hold back on this blog! Fun to read answers too....makes you feel kinda...well, NORMAL! Check it out HERE.

Tag- I'm IT!!!!

2008-06-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

I was tagged (by my friend at I love Retro Things) to do the following wacky thing. And I have to say the results made me smile...

Instructions: Take the book you are reading and turn to page 123. Post the 5th-8th sentences on the page....

The audience might have thought what I am thinking now: "Was that terrible or was that good?"Laughter in these poorly designed places rose a few feet into the air and then dissipated like steam, always giving me the feeling I was bombing. One night, from my dressing room, I saw a vision in white gliding down the hall- a tall, striking woman, moving like an apparition along the backstage corridor. When she turned the corner , she revealed an even indelible presence behind her.

This is from Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. Steve is my life-long love. I adore him. I could recite 'Steve Martin Live" performance word for word since I was about 12. I played that cassette (taken from my parents collection of course) over and over until finally it gave out. I now have a down loaded version on my ipod. I could go on an on....but I mean it when I say I LOVE this guy. He is the perfect embodiment of cerebral comedian with an absurd execution. And while this book was more gaurded than I would have liked (it says nothing about his personal life for the last 20 years at all)...it was still in intriguing read. So hey look at that- this little tag turned into a book review AND a love letter to Mr. Martin. Oh, yes I am a multitasker...

I am not gonna tag anyone special (don't want to stress you out) ...but if any of my fellow bloggers wanna try this- go for it!!!!

2008-06-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine encouraged us to visit the Costco in Yorba Linda today to try a sample of a new product called "Fun Quenchers". My friend's company, OC Flavors, supplies flavors to them for their products and she asked us to help show our support. One sip and my kids were sold! These are low sugar, no artificial colors, non-staining flavored waters in 8 oz juice pouches. But the real glory of these guys? NO STRAW. They have this innovative pop top thingy.....which means my kids will never be sent to school again with a juice pouch and no straw attached! (yes, I know good mommies check these things before sending them off to school- but hey some mornings I am lucky to remember to pack lunch at all!). They were VERY affordable. We got home and the kids have had two each already! I will have to go back for more soon! Check out their website for more info and where to get....

We miss you Big Mac

2008-06-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

On this day 4 years ago- I lost my dad, (well, I know where he IS...except he is dead...that is what I mean). People are often afraid to say the word DEAD when someone dies. They say 'passed on', 'has left us', 'is no longer with us' and of course 'we lost him'. I however, used the phrase 'he is dead' or 'my dad died' from the moment it happened. It has helped to force the reality of what had happened to stick with me. This was important since I would often be going thru my day afterwards and it would hit me like a ton of bricks. Like all of a sudden I was hearing the news for the first time. I mean, my brain knew...but my heart hadn't heard the news. So I would say it. 'My dad is dead, My dad is dead'....

My dad was far too great a man to even begin to describe here. Actually I could have a novel worth of words and it would not totally convey what an awesome kind of a guy he was. He was the guy you call at 4:00 in the morning when your car breaks down and he says 'sure I will be right there', He was the guy who answered a resounding 'phenomenal!' when asked how he was doing, he was the guy who was OC to the core and loved antiquing as much as he did working on cars in the garage. He was my first love, my first laugh, and eventually his death was the first time I thought I would not be able to go on in life. But I went on...and here I am. From the moment it happened- I knew my life would forever be the 'before' and then the 'after'. It is like a big black dividing line in my life.

Because people always wanna know- he died of Esophageal cancer after an 8 month fight...and I was honored to be with him till the end. I so totally wish he was here. But deep grief is the price we pay for true love. So I will always have a deep, hollow grief in my heart- because we had true love. I miss you dad. Man o man....do I miss you.

The Comedy Hunter

2008-05-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

When flying I actually look forward to looking thru my personal copy of SkyMall magazine. Not for all the GREAT products inside- but for the comedy. I am the comedy hunter...like Indiana Jones- without the cool hat. Lets take a look at what I found on page 183...and later pulled a clear picture from the website...

"With his characteristically big feet, our over two-foot- tall Garden Yeti will have guests doing a double-take as they admire your creative gardening style! .............finely hand-painted for startling realism."

If you can get past the kind of person who would WANT a Big Foot replica in their yard...take a look at the ad copy. Okay folks- so this big foot is all of 2 FEET tall. So he is more like a Big Foot Dwarf....but that is okay because it is painted with 'startling realism'. Realisim? It is a mythical character people! And about as tall as a garden troll! Yeah- guests will be doing a double take alright- they will be looking for a way out of your yard. There is part of me that wants to get this- for the comedy sake. But I am afraid my nieghbors won't get the joke. He'd be fun to dress up for the holidays though- can't you see him with a pair of bunny ears?

Chicago Chicago....my kinda town!

2008-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all- Well I made a whirlwind trip to Chicago over the last few days to photograph an amazing 8th grade graduation and banquet for 400 people! This may have been the largest event I have ever done (closest is a wedding for 300).....it was simply exhausting...I am still sore from lugging my 10lb camera with auxiliary flash back up around....but, I must confess I loved every minute of it. The kids were dressed to the nines, rivaling any prom attire I have seen recently. Of course a few of these 13 year old girls looked like they could walk into any bar and get served without being even carded...but it made for some great photos! The boys were harder to capture...they sorta moved away like a school of fish when I approached. They were all very polite and fun to be with...If you really have nothing to do...you can take a look at the photos here.

2008-05-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Shannon!

Nope she is not a cover girl...I got all silly and made this magazine cover for her. Then I glued it to the front of a real magazine. I am a nut, I know.

Shannon is a real life great friend, physical therapist, wife and mother. She is busy- but always seems to make time for me. She knows how to make me laugh...and she really is one of the most positive thinking people I know. No one is more supportive...

So Happy Birthday my friend! (yes, I will buy coffee next Friday for posting a photo of you on the internet!) But I think you look great!

I am no Moses....

2008-05-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

New to Mommy Blogging? Here is the unwritten (until now) set of commandments followed by nearly all bloggers of the genre. Thou shall be brutally honest- even at the risk of having to look like a bad mom. This is our purpose to help others feel like it is totally and completely normal to eat a Cheerio off the ground because it was easier than going to throw it away. Thou shall not post photos of girlfriends without their prior approval or veto-or at least total Photoshop rights. Thou shall not expect the husband to actually read the blog. And if he does stumble upon it occasionally-do not be surprised if he is not amused by the rant post discussing his snoring problem. Thou shall post often. Or make an attempt to post regularly least the readers move on to some other Mommy blogger who is funnier and perhaps more insightful (we are an insecure group) Thou shall link to other Mommy Bloggers to help further the camaraderie of the Momfia. Thou shall respect the tagging/challenge/photo dare by a fellow blogger. Least you lose your credibility and standing in said Momfia and/or M.O.B. Thou shall not write anything, about anybody if they would not say it to their face. Even if you are talking about someone famous- trust me on this you really have no idea who reads your blog, and no idea who you will meet later in life. Thou shall not embarrass our children- well not really really embarrass them. After all their teachers/friends/neighbors might be reading, and the way we bloggers advertise our sites constantly- they probably are. Thou shall not depend on comments to make or break your day. Lots of people read- and will never, ever post a comment. These are the same people who are afraid to use their credit card on line I believe. The Internet is scary-even I am afraid sometimes. Thou shall be brief. Try to fit posts into a paragraph…nobody wants to read a novel every time they get to a blog site. Of course this post is a perfect example of TOO LONG. Provided for you as an visual sample. No need to thank me. I am a giver. I am sure I have missed some- perhaps you can let me know what other commandments you follow…..

A Prom Story....

2008-05-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of prom season- I bring you this tale of a prom night from 1970....

Julie was pretty surprised when Lounge asked her to prom. She knew had seen him at a few parties- and once in the parking lot after a football game he said 'hey what's up cheerleader chicks' as she walked by with her friends. She knew he was pretty popular with all the non-jock types at school. Could have been his killer Trans-Am with the T-tops or maybe his dreamy hair- but whatever it was...Julie liked Lounge. She was nervous on Prom night. Her mom made the dress and insisted on the little jacket so it wasn't too revealing. It took her forever to iron her hair straight that night. He was supposed to be there at 6:00- he came at 7:00. He kept his sunglasses on the whole time, and Julie's mother thought Lounge smelled funny. Not the smell of a cigarette...but something else. She asked him if he was wearing cologne. He wasn't. Lounge was a man of very few words. His real name was Greg- but no one ever called him that. They made it to prom that night- but didn't stay long. Lounge refused to dance, and said the whole thing was 'lame'. Julie ended up sitting with her friends from the yearbook committee, and Lounge went out front and drank Budweiser with his band friends. Julie saw Lounge at the reunion not long ago, he was divorced and mentioned something about 'being really into reptiles' as a hobby. He still smelled funny. And he was bald. But he still had the Trans Am....it wasn't as cool as it used to be....

Oh how things have changed...my fabulous

(and naturally glamorous) niece from prom 2008...

Rant of the Week: Stripper looking weather girls….

2008-05-28T04:23:00.000-07:00

In case any of you out there are actually strippers I apologize;

You should never have to be compared to a weather girl.

On any number of channels here in the OC you will find the evening news weather girls that look –how to say this delicately…well, they look trashy. Oh- they are well groomed and clean enough…but good lord what is with the outfits? One in particular (I know you want me to name names- but I just can’t-but you can click here for curiosity) has the body of Barbie if Barbie had a boob-job to a DDD. She really looks top heavy and I fear she is going to fall into the green screen at any minute. And then to accentuate her upper figure she wears shiny satin tops almost everyday. Those boobs become sorta glowing orbs as she balances on her hooker pumps. Oh I wish I was making this up. I can see the interview process now, must have been like something out of Anchorman (Love Will Ferrell). “I see here you have no experience and are not a meteorologist, um…okay you are hired.” I know, I know- I can just change the channel. And I do. But the weather girl on the next channel is just as bad. Oh maybe she is brunette instead of blond, and she has a raspier voice….but basically she is the same. My other options are wait to get the weather from the insanely overweight and out of breath weatherman on the morning news. I can’t win. I have no idea what the weather will be today-so don’t ask.

Me and Wii....in the paper today!

2008-05-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well- terribly embarassing photos of me made it into the online version of a story done for a Wii Fit review in the OC Register today. Click here to read and see my review (as well as fellow bloggers Suzanne and Jenny). If you want to read it old school- then check out the Life section of today's paper.....or you could use it to cut watermelon on...either way, up to you.

2008-05-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am participating in a linky-blog party over at The Rose Room and was asked to show you all where the 'magic' happens...in other words my home office. This is one the first floor of my house and doubles as a guest room. That is not a headless, naked woman in the corner- it is my prized mannequin from many years past working in apparel. She has vintage pins and gloves resting on her. As well as hats I wear when I work out. I was also asked to share a few things about myself...

Relationship: Married for 10 years- and loving it

Children: 2 boys

Pets: 2 hamsters (named Pixel and Google)

Age: 37 *sigh* not happy about it either!

Star Sign: Sagittarius

Fave Food: oooo anything I don't have to cook! Okay Mexican or Italian

Fave Drink: Mojito....OR Absolute Currant and Cranberry....OR Stewart's Diet Orange soda

House Decor Style: Um, well transitional with vintage touches....and a slight influence of Pokemon cards and early Buzz Lightyear. ;)

Collections: Nothing firm. I love collecting the letter M for obvious reasons. And of course vintage ephemera....Oh- how I would collect it all if I could!

How Did You Get Into Blogging: I began leaving lots of comments on blogs like Emphasis Mine when it was suggested I do my own blog by a few people. One night at 4 in the morning when I couldn't sleep I created my blog. I have posted everyday since then (often more than once a day). My blog is my confessional, my soapbox and my joy. The fact that others enjoy peaking into my life and my distorted mind is simply thrilling to me!

One more...this is the left of my desk. Handmade 'cup' by my son for Mothers Day, a photo of my husband and a bulletin board full of tid-bits that probably tell alot about me!