First Book Of The Year: True To Your Selfie By Megan McCafferty

The 411:

A quick read featuring middle schoolers in a world of social media. Twelve year old students Ella and Morgan are Influencers on a fictional Instagram type platform called Fotobooth account. Morgan is running the show as the rich girl who even has a personal chauffeur and an obvious credit card thanks to Daddy. Ella is the grounded, talented buffoon being raised by a single mom who is losing herself as the passenger on the road to famous. 

I love the very real dialogue and quick paced story. Many readers will be able to see themselves in one of the many characters in this book. Whether looking from the outside as your "old" best friend moves forward without you or as someone trying to be "famous" and have as many likes as possible on your socials. 

This is honestly a great book for kids to read to see just how "fake" some of the Influencers they follow are. How everything is very calculated and staged in the "perfect" photos and lives they admire really are. 

I highly recommend!

I Never Left By McGarvey Black Was By Far My Favorite Book of 2019

An outstanding psychological thriller based on true events...

The 411:

OMG this book was incredible. McGarvey Black's debut novel was the perfect read. At 317 pages and 103 chapters this book was probably my favorite of the year.

The author does a wonderful job of sharing the perspectives of everyone involved in the murder of Quinn. Her family, friends, estranged husband, detectives and even Quinn. I loved the chapters featuring Quinn the most. It felt very Lovely Bones like. Quinn being an outside observer and filling in some of the details of her life creates a fast paced, thrilling mystery. While we all know who did it. Come on you know that in most cases it is the estranged spouse but the ending tied it all together making me want to re-read and see where I missed the clues. 

Definitely an author I will keep my eyes on.

Billie Eilish Set To Do Theme Song For The Newest James Bond And We Are Beyond Excited #NoTimeToDie #BillieEllish

As a parent you hope and pray that your kids get into your kind of music. I was one of the lucky ones. My daughter loves all my Alternative and Rock favorites. When she started asking for Linkin' Park, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Chili Peppers, Green Day, My Chemical Romance and Imagine Dragons I was so excited.  Eventually she played something on her own that made me ask "who is that?" She shared some Billie songs with me and I think I got even more obsessed with her and her brother Finneas' than she was.

We played Billie all day and all night. We watched a million interviews over the past two years and every music video we could find. You can come into this house anytime and Billie will be playing. We knew every sound, every word to every song and today when Billie shared a bunch of Bond Girl photos on her Instagram I knew something big was up.

While my daughter has no idea who James Bond is or the Bond Girls we are both super excited that she will be the youngest artist ever to record a theme song for a Bond Movie.

No Time To Die starring Daniel Craig is due out April 2nd and I have never been happier to see what the theme song will be.

If you are not into Billie I think you should check out Lovely, Everything I Wanted, I Love You then move from there. There isn't a single one I don't like well honestly I usually skip Ocean Eyes which was the one that put her on the young people's radar. Not a favorite as it doesn't have the depth in most of her other songs. She is the bomb and I am proud as if I birthed her myself.

Dialogues With Goddess – The Interview

GODDESS IN TRAINING/GODDESS

Dialogues With Goddess – The Interview

Posted on March 2, 2008

Today I asked Goddess what she wants to be when she grows up. I ask her this from time to time. The first time was last October that day she said she wanted to be a teacher. One other time she said artist. Today she just said, “Me.” Well, guess  that is really profound for a 2 almost 3 year old. Whatever she is going to be, she is going to be herself. I love that.

 Me: Are you pretty?

Goddess: No, I’m beautiful! (This is not the first time she has said this either).

Me: What is your favorite color?

Goddess: Pink. (She quickly changed that to purple). The last time I asked her her favorite color she did say purple so I am not sure if she forgot her favorite color or if she remembers the question from a couple months ago.

Me: What is your favorite animal?

Goddess: An elephant!

Me: What is your favorite food?

Goddess: Popcorn (she happened to be eating popcorn at the time of this interview)

Me: What is your favorite TV Show?

Goddess: Blue’s Clue’s with Steve. (I find it interesting that she added Steve to that answer, does she really think this is the name of the show? Or, does she really dislike Joe? Ummm….

I love this interview thingy with my kids…I am going to be very interested to see how their answers change and I can’t wait until I can add other questions. 

Just Some Questions

I went Friday Meme Happy!!!!

Posted on September 13, 2008

Do you focus more on the past, present, or future? I focus on the present. One thing my husband has taught me is to focus on what you can change now. Many years ago, I spent most of my time worrying about the future, it isn’t necessary to waste time and energy on something that might or might not happen.

This week I wonder: Where is Biden? The news has makes me crazy. Sarah Palin isn’t running for the presidency yet she has more coverage than anyone else right now. I just want to know where Biden is? The presidential coverage has focused on Obama, Palin and McCain so where is Biden????

1. You are in an adventurous mood. Do you go deep sea diving or sky diving?Any idea where you would like to do it? Well, if I had a moment to train I would probably go deep sea diving with my camera encased in a high tech water casing so that I could get some pictures of natures colors below the surface. I would go to Bali.

2. You just won an all expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world. Do you go to Japan or to France? Why? Ummm…I am not a traveler especially outside the united states. Mostly because I am petrified of flying. If I had to chose one I would chose France. No reason!

3. You meet a stingy genie that will only grant one wish. Do you wish for more money or a better body? Why? Oh more money, more money, more money. Especially these days!!! Money is extremely tight all over but we have struggled for 3 years now. Being self employed isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

4. You have $50 burning a hole in your pocket. Do you head to the book store or to a spa? What would you get? Oh hell, I would head to a book store. I don’t have the patience to sit for a spa treatment.

5. It is time for a caffeine jolt. Do you go for the coffee pot or for the soda? Any favorites? I don’t drink soda so Coffee is the way for me.

A Boy And His Scooter

I love taking walks after dinner with my children. Most people are indoors and the block is quiet. My son takes his scooter and gets practice with his balance and hopefully is building up his core strength. I love his concentration when he is riding and enjoy the quiet of just being. If you were on a walk with us you would know that it was anything but quiet. The bugs, birds, dogs barking and my kids talking a mile a minute makes me need a Tylenol before we leave but it is one of my favorite parts of the day.

My Memories Through Photography was around in 2008. I am re-sharing here so I have everything in one spot.

An Old Post Where I Answer Some Questions

Posted on August 10, 2008

Working in the Coalmines

1. What is your job and do you like it? My job is so broad, I do freelance work, billing for my husband’s company, my 3 blogs and most importantly take care of my 2 babies which is the hardest but most rewarding job I have ever had. I love my work!

2. What to you do to unwind after work? Unwind? What’s that? I usually blog, talk to a friend, or read a book.

3. Who have you known the longest of your friends? That would be Peggy. We met in the 2nd grade and talk 2 times a year. After her would be Teresa who I met in 1987 or 1988 we don’t remember. Before the summer we spoke at least once a day but this summer it has only been weekly. We both have busy lives and live 1.5 hours away from each other.

4. Who do you go to for advice? It sounds like a crock but I go to my husband depending on the advice. Actually I go to different people for different things.

5. Not counting your current relationship, how many times have you been in love? In love? That is very different from loving someone. I have been In Love one time.

6. What is you favorite snack food? Before this week I would say, that I don’t have a favorite snack food really. I love salty so it would possibly be chips of some kind.

7. What is the best meal you ate this week? That would be on Wednesday when my husband and I had grilled chicken and steamed broccoli and brussel sprouts.

8. What to you is the most important factor in romantic attraction? Attraction? I think butterflies. If you get butterflies in your belly than it is worth pursuing.

9. What do you think is your worst habit? Biting my nails.

Just Some Old Posts About My Kids

MEME, MY NAME IS MOMMY, PHOTOS

Wordless Wednesday – Daddy Time

Posted on August 13, 2008

POSTED IN

 Tutu Much

Posted on August 12, 2008

Have some pictures with a lot or a little red?

I adore this picture of my daughter and my girlfriends daughter posing after watching a video on ballet.

IF I DIED!

Some More Questions I Answered In 2008 On My Old Blog!

1. If you were to die today, what would your last words be? Please, remember me

2. What would you want your epitaph to say? She was an awesome mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, grand-daughter. She saw the good in everyone and noticed the little things. We will miss her.

3. What song would you want played at your funeral? She’s The Spirit In Me by Mother Station. Or Angel by Stevie Nicks

4. In lieu of flowers, what should loved ones do in your honor? Oh hell no, I want flowers. I didn’t get many while alive so bring on the blooms!

5. What unfinished business would you wrap up? I would make sure that my kids, husband, family and friends knew how much I needed them in my life and what they have meant to me. I have no unfinished business.

Reliving My Goddess' 1st Day of Preschool 2008

The Goddess’s 2nd Day Of Pre-School

Posted on September 14, 2008

Tuesday was the Goddess’ very first day at pre-school and she did fab!

Mom on the other hand was a bit of a mess.

I can’t say I was worried, just a little melancholy that my baby was going to leave me for 2.5 hours, two days a week.

Her dad and I were sure that she would have fun, we also were sure that she wouldn’t miss us, her brother is in the same place so they would have each other.

From the moment she woke up at 7:00 she was ready for school. She wanted to get dressed right away and we had to keep reminder her that school wasn’t open yet.

She asked about 15 times before 9:00 “can we please go to school now.”

Unfortunately it rained so I was unable to get any good pictures of her going in. I took some but I am not happy with any. My husband was with us and I always feel silly whipping out the camera every second.

Bad Mommy moment – I had promised her that she would be getting a balloon. We had brought one on Monday for her brother’s first day and she asked for one the whole day. I promised her that I would get her one on HER first day. Since it was her first day, I refused to leave town. Honestly, I doubt I will be leaving for the next 2 months).

I walked into the class and both my kids ran over to hug my legs and say hello. My son was first, followed by the Goddess. Her first words….”Hi mommy, where’s my balloon?”

We did go out to get one right after but how awesome would it have been if I had walked in with it???!!!

Here are the few I did manage to get.

Heading to school in the pouring 8

Dropped off, took pictures and she sat right down to play

Finally, getting a balloon.

Here Piggy Piggy

I took my daughter to a near by farm to see the animals and watch the farmers getting ready for their busy season. We always love going to the pig pens because there are always baby pigs. We love baby pigs. They are so cute and my daughter squeals as soon as she gets close and sees any bit of pink movement. This little pig was so cute. I wanted to take him home with me. But looking at the size of mom, I would definitely need a bigger house.

re-sharing a post from my old blog so it is in one place. 

Working In A Preschool Is The Very Best Job For Me But It Is Not For Everyone

I never wanted to work in an office. My mother always worked in an office and I remember as a kid thinking OMG she is tied to a desk everyday. That is not for me! Well wouldn't you know that my very first job was in an office for the same Uncle that hired my mom back in the day when she eventually met my dad through said Uncle! I didn't hate it. I was a young girl and his office was next to an office with a lot of young guys. They were wonderful to me and I learned a lot working for my Uncle that I was able to use in my future office jobs.

When my husband and I started a family we decided I would be a stay-at-home mom. It was nothing I ever thought I would be able to do. My mom worked but his mom hadn't when they were little and that was what we decided we wanted for our children.

Being a mom was and is my absolute favorite job. I was good at it. I had the right balance of patience, love, structure and discipline. I was rational and never let my emotions get to me. If you discipline with love in your heart you can't go wrong and I loved every moment I was home with my kids even on the most challenging days.

When I decided to start working again, I worked in the my children's elementary school and eventually in their middle school. I loved it! I could see them every day. Our schedules were the same and I got the spend my day with many children. It is amazing how much you can care about children when you are with them every day. I was called Ms. G and loved it!

Eventually my job was abolished. The school found me some temp positions and I found a part-time job in a preschool. Working with 1-3 year olds! Oh how I missed this age. It is crazy, busy, insane, exhausting, challenging and some days very hard but I love it!

As a preschool assistant teacher I work with 10-12 2 year olds depending on the day and in the AM 5-15 1-3 year olds. Some days I get to play head teacher which I love!!! Running a classroom is exciting. In preschool I am Ms. Maria or Ms. Ria depending on how they say my name. Not all toddlers can do it. 3 syllables is hard. 

Over the course of 4 years I have seen kids come and go. I have loved so many children deeper than I ever knew possible. These kids are not my kids, they are not family but during the day they ARE my kids. I love each and every one of them. Some more than others.

At 2 they need a day time mommy. They need to feel loved, cared for, protected. They need to be held, they need hugs, they need someone to wipe their tears, make them laugh, be excited when they use the potty, or try the potty, wash their hands, eat all their lunch and listen to directions. I am their cheerleader, their daytime mommy, their friend, their sister. I am whatever they need at that moment.

This year there is a little boy who reminds me of my son when he was a toddler. I never had this before and I love him as if I birthed him myself. I miss him on the weekends and fortunately like his parents as well. I have sent them photos of my son and they agree they look alike. It is crazy how much I see my son in his face. They are not carbon copies of course but there is something about him I adore. I have never loved a child that wasn't mine like I do him! 

It took a month for him to finally say my name. It killed me that he asked for everyone else. Eventually he did and now he looks for me, calls for me and runs to me when I come in. It's obvious that he knows how much I love him and I love it. 

This is the absolute best job for me because:

1. I am not tied to a desk
2. I get to talk to toddlers all day and honestly they are way more fun than talking to adults.
3. They are funny. I laugh all day.
4. At 4'11 I have never felt so tall before
5. I get to play every day. I get to act like a big kid and it is keeping me young.
6. Hugs! Hugs! Hugs! There are so many hugs and who doesn't love being hugged without conditions.
7. I get to feel smart. Hey come on I know way more than these kids right!? Right?
8. I am reliving all the fun things I did with my own kids. I miss them this young.
9. I get to bring my daughter to work with me. I love watching her work with the kids. It has been great for her confidence too.
10. Depending on the weather I get to spend time outside.
11. They think I am cool.
12. My boss rocks!

The reasons it isn't for everyone:

1. My back hurts all the time. Lifting kids, holding kids and sitting on the floor has killed my back.  I have been at a chiropractor a lot!
2. Potty training. It is hard enough to potty train your own kids but now I am doing 10 kids at a time. Yeah that can be hard. Really hard.
3. They are not yours. You have to remind yourself often!
4. Kids are loud. If you don't like yelling, crying, screaming, whining this IS NOT FOR YOU.

The Splinter

Sharing from my Memories Through Photography blog in 2008

We headed to Heaven Farms this past week. We have gone there every year for 3 years. I love taking the kids picture in front of the sign with the tape measure so I can see how big they have gotten. It's the best! They have a sign with the farms name on it, the year and a measuring stick. How cool is that?

This year we were there about 5 minutes when my son acquired an injury that made me want to scoop him up and run not walk to the nearest pediatrician. If he was younger and wouldn't protest I probably would have.

Ok, it was only a splinter it's not like he was cut by some old farm equipment or something but you haven't seen this splinter.

We were in the dried corn boxes (like a sand box but with corn). There were some buckets and pails and my kids were enjoying filling the pails with corn and dumping them. I took a photo of Goddess and noticed my son looking at his finger. When I look at the picture now I see that I actually captured the moment it happened but it is so fuzzy that I won't post it.

I asked him what happened and he said, I hurt my finger. I asked if I could see it. He gave me his hand and I was shocked. There was a huge piece of emerald green painted wood from the corn box under his nail. It was so big! It went right under the nail almost to his cuticle.

I asked if it hurt and he said yes. I told him we should go right to the doctor but he said he wanted to stay. We did. He was fine. I spent the entire time worried about the nail. Would we be able to get it out? Was the wood once an animal pen? Did he need to get a shot for infection? Would we be heading to the hospital?

After about an hour and a half I told them it was time to go. On my way I called the pediatrician and told them I was bringing him in and why.

The doctor did try but nothing. Due to the size he suggested I rush to the ER and have them give him a general, cut the nail and remove it. He also said that my son's shots were up to date and to not let them give him a tentnous shot.

The doc was awesome. Since I don't have medical insurance he didn't charge me, savings of $90.00.

I headed home and called a nurse friend who lives on my street. Her suggestion, it if is not bothering him, leave it alone. Keep it clean and covered and let it work it's way out. The moment there is any sign of infection bring him to the hospital.

The first night he woke up crying. He said his finger hurt and it was hard to console him. He cried silently with his arm over his eyes. He didn't want to be held and kept telling us to leave him alone. My thought was to rush him to the ER right then. The Teach and I were concerned and looked at each other over my son's head. We told each other that we would wait to see how he is in the morning.

The morning came and all was well. It will be a week tomorrow that he got the splinter. There is no redness, puffyness and he hasn't complained at all about pain. We keep it covered, cleaning it every day and re-bandaging the finger. Hopefully in another week we have enough nail growth to see some of the tip of this Emerald Tree. Until then, we wait.