Wednesday Interview: Shannon

Shannon from "Welcome to the nuthouse...

Hello Shannon, how are you? I'm great... how are you?

Would you care for Coffee? Starbucks? I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'd love a Venti Shaken Black Tea, iced & sweetend, please!

Cookie, Cake? Sure! When it comes to cake and cookies, I am not picky (unfortunately, that is why I now need Jillian Michaels to torture me at least three times a week...)

Shannon, you just hosted a wild swap! How did it go? For the most part, the swap was a success. There were a few SNAFUs and it was a lot of work to organize... but I had a lot of fun and I think most of the participants did, as well.

I heard you had an invasion in your house, hows that battle coming? I'm afraid the insects are winning the battle... but I intend to win the war, if it's the last thing I do!

You have two beautiful girls who were born in the same month, how did their bd parties go? Thanks! I do think they are rather gorgeous, myself. My girls were born 2 years and 17 days apart, so luckily they've been interested in the same things at around the same age. So it's been pretty easy to have joint parties, whether it was a "Dora the Explorer" themed one when they were 2 and 4, or a "Hannah Montana" party the year they turned 5 and 7.

Does everything really stay in Vegas? Well, that is what I hear. But I've never been! My trip to Vegas this fall will be my first time there, so we'll see!

I think it is wonderful your are posting your goals on line, are you getting encouragement? Yes! The blogosphere is an amazing place... the support from my bloggy friends has been awesome!

How did you come up with the name for your blog? My family is a bunch of nuts (seriously). I'm always saying, "You are such a nut!" to somebody around here. I once saw a little hand-painted sign in a shop that said "Welcome to the Nut House!" and to this day, I wish I had bought the thing! Anyhoo, when I decided to start my blog, I knew it would be about all the nutty, crazy things that happen to me (I mean, seriously.. who, but me, would have goats and horses show up on their front lawn?!)... and I remembered that little hand-painted sign and thought "Welcome to the Nut House!" would be the perfect name for my blog.

Has your blog made you a millionaire? Not yet. But there's always hope, right? Right?!

Shannon thank you so much for the interview....here is my prize to you, What do you mean what is it? Its a nutcracker, I mean you live in a nuthouse, right? I thought it would be handy...oh you have one, hmm

Almost moving day, sort of

We have been in the process of moving for two weeks, trying to be organized, packing some everyday, but somehow it seems when it comes down to the day, nothing is done.

I am sitting here with boxes everywhere, while Denise is out getting the hitch for her Bravada, so we can get a trailer and start to load, simple ,right?

Well, as you all know simple is relative and this is me I am talking about so, of course we have issues.

Walmart, who has ever since I worked for them carried trailer hitch, is out of stock. So Denise s driving around looking for one we can afford since our budget was based on walmarts price.

Tasha is dancing to Barney, and has decided she is a princess today. Princesses dance, and laugh and sing, right where Nanny is packing glasses.

Well all wells that ends well, We shall see how the saga goes, tomorrow is Shannon from Welcome to the nuthouse's iinterview Shannon is one of my favorite people, and she is sooo funny..

We're going to find out if she really does live in a nut house....and who the Head nut is,

Everyone have a good Tuesday..I hall be off Wednesday until Wednesday night, so have a good humnp day as well...

Not Me! Monday

Well it is that time of the week agian, the time of the week where we all degrade ourselves and tell the world the embarrassing things we did last week..

I did not pack the kitchen including the dry goods a week before we moved. We are digging thru boxes for rice and stuff..

I did not put washing detergent in the dryer and wet clothes in the washer, (don't ask how, it's me, remember?)

I did not get the comb stuck in Tasha's hair while trying to comb out a rats or at least a mouse nest. Your kids get them to, come on. She had been out in the pool.

I did not pour salt into the beans without checking to see if the pour sprout was open instead of the sprinkle.

I did not step in a mud puddle and lose my shoe when Tasha and I were walking to Wendy's for a Frosty. We shouldn't have been, we were sneaking out. God got me!

I did not go to the library and miss the slot in the drop box dropping books all over the parking lot:when I got out of the car to retrieve the one I dropped.

I did not eat rice krispies for breakfast and sing the snap crackle pop song.

I did not sing the Potty song with Elmo and Tasha..

I did not go shopping and forget to bring any money.

I did not pour half a bottle of bubble bath in Tasha's bath, I was talking on the phone and not paying attention to and it splattered out instead of dribbling.

I did not lose Tasha's shoes.

I did not squirt a cat with the hose. It was in my backyard and I didn't see it. But I heard it as it spit and split.

I did not lose Denise's cell phone, but I did not find it in the Clean clothes hamper. Go figure.

I did not start a giveaway, I didn't and please join in!

For more Not Me Mondays see Mycharming kids

Six things Saturday

I am joining the parade of Moms over at MomDot who particpate in Small Things Saturday, it is a great way to do your blog on a Saturday, since it is really quiet out there on weekends.

Any way I was passin by' stopped in to visit a lot of blogs I haven't been to lately, (sorry I am getting back on track! I will be good) and read Mom Dot's this morning.

I thought what fun! soooo..

The idea is to answer in six, six words, six items six sentences, of course I can't for the life of me say anything in less the twenty, but I am going to try.

today's Six things question is:..

If you had Magical Sunglasses, What six things would you like to see?

1. Sharon my baby..... waving to me from heaven

2. Tasha my grand daughter grown up, for just a minute so I can see how she turns out

3. Snow

4. The winning lottery, I don't play but I would if I knew ht numbers! :)

5. (and this should be first)Jesus

6. the future Not to far, just about a year so I can e prepared...

Don't forget the giveaway click on giveaway for information. Have a special Saturday.

Angel

Giveaway...

The Fourth of July is coming in 8 Days and I m hostin my first 4th of july giveaway!

50 dollars in Free AVON, yes free..a basket of wonderful products, hand lotion, shampoo items to pamper yourself.

First:

1st entry Follow my blog

2nd .Post on your blog about the giveaway

3rd, tweet about it..http//.angel-startingover.blogspot.com is giving away Avon:drawing July 4th. or somthing like that.

Then comment here so I will know you did it..

Tasha will draw the winner on the fourth..before we go to Riverfront park for Fireworks.

if you already follow me me just post on your blog about the giveaway and make a comment here that you did!

Thanks!

Have a wonderful 4th....

Thursday Bonaza, and 100 things....

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

I have been talking about a giveaway forever! For July 4th, I am having a AVON, giveaway,

50 dollars or more in Avon, and The winner gets to choose. the winner will go to my avon site and make their Avon Wish list, I will order it and have it sent to them. $50.00 not including shipping. Shipping is on me! I will also be adding a few trinkets not included in your order so

!st. Join My blog

2nd. Post about it on your blog with a link to mine

3rd. in your post mention what you do on July 4th.

That's easy, right?

So, spread the word!

100 things Thursday

next 10 Half way through!

100 things you never knew about me and probably don't care, but I am telling you anyway.

1. I have a horrible memory

2. I am a Aries, and I have an "Aries" personality

3. I love BBQ, I love to BBQ, I love everything to do with BBQ, except cleaning up.

4. My favorite Holiday is the 4th of July. I am very patriotic.

5. I never wore pants or jeans until I was 40. I always wore skirts or dresses. And yes that was recently.

6. I can play the Clarinet

7. I m going back to school. At my age. yes. I am taking Wesite designg, refreshing my english and lit.

8. I love comments.

9. I haven't worn a swimsuit since my youngest daughter was born.

10. I do book reviews for Thomas Nelson.

Bonus. I am addicted to face book, if you are onthere and I don't know..post me a comment I'll follow you, I don'

t care where you are going. I follow Carey(Life in the carpool lane) don't I?

Pleaseplease please sign up for my giveaway! I'll cry!

Wednesday Interview: Barbara Jacobucci

Good Morning! It has been a difficult week for me, but my is computer back and all is well.

I have just found out I am addicted to my computer, because I went through withdrawel last week, I ws at the libary almost every day:but so was everyone else in Charleston.

On with myinterview

Barb Jacabucci is a special friend. She was the first person to post on my blog, so I rushed over to read hers and yes, you guessed it. She was the first blog I posted on. She taught me everything I know about blogging ! If you need shoes, I'll bet she has the best advice.

Visit Barb over @ Nice Shoes and Other observations

Hello Barb, Glad you could join us this Morning! I see you have your Starbucks, being you live in the home of the greatest coffee shop in the world.

Wheres Mine? You came all the way from Seattle and didn't bring me Starbucks?

Wll, Really, I mean...oh. You brought me a complemtry sugar packet. From the original Starbucks store.

Thank you! I will treasure for the rest of my life, oir until my next cup of cofee....

i..What is the funnist post you ever wote?
This is a tough question, as I like to think that I write with humor. My pick would be Bless Me Father, For I Have Sinned. http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/04/bless-me-father-for-i-have-sinned.html
My daughters choice is I Know What My Mom Did.
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-know-what-my-mom-did.html

The saddest?
I know that I haven't really completely let my hair down into sadness. I'm sure that will come, the more comfortable I get with "getting real". I have expressed frustration in All The Signs Were There.
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/05/all-signs-were-there.html

Why do You Blog?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed writing. I dabbled in journalism when I was in high school, and evolved into story-telling as a grown-up. (My kids tell me that it is story-embellishment!) As a member of the search marketing industry, I have been drawn into social media. What a perfect home for me! I get to write, story-tell, and yes...story-embellish!

Is chocolate a Vegetable?
yes! and an appetizer, a main dish, a starch, a beverage, and a dessert!

What Blog changed you in someway. (post a link to it)
it wasn't a single blog, it was a blogger. Her name is Angel from Starting Over. I found her blog last year and the words jumped off the computer screen and landed on my heart. I knew that this was a woman that I wanted to read more about. She spoke with such emotion about life and it joys, trials, tenderness, love, challenges and constant hope. She writes about being a mother and a grandmother and about a recent move to a new city to Start Over. Wow! What courage. Whenever I read her blog posts it reminds me of how precious life is, and I am reminded that my life challenges are simply small blips on the radar. I have been so blessed with the opportunity to get to know Angel (via modern technology called email, Face book and instant messaging!) and now consider Angel my dear friend.

The trouble with women is....

We forget 'us'. We are quick to support and take care of others, but often forget that we should also be on the list of the people that we support and take care of. Why is this so hard?

Your son just graduated from High school, are you ready for empty nesting?

Yay for me (I mean him!) I have been preparing for this for quite some time. Two years ago, I developed my "Two Year Plan", based around the event of his high school graduation. Now that he has graduated, I am putting that plan into action. It has only been one week since graduation, so I am hoping that reality doesn't slap me in the face and I realize that this empty nest business ain't all its cracked up to be! Stay tuned.

Your funniest experience in Online dating?
I think that the "gentlemen" who didn't have any money at the end of the date was pretty funny. I kick myself for letting him off the hook by paying the bill myself. I should have let him sweat it out a little bit. All you can do about this point is laugh!
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/03/didnt-your-mother-teach-you-to-always.html

What relaxes you?
A good book! My favorites are crime novels! I love Grisham, Baldacci, Scotolini, etc.

How many social networks are you on?
Too many to count. I'm sure there are at least 20. The ones that get most of my attention are: Twitter, my blog, Facebook. I also spend some time on twittermoms, blogher...

Tell us something about you we don't know...
I won the coveted title (not!) of Miss Congeniality at the Junior Miss pageant at our high school during my senior year of high school. This cracks me up now! I am soooo not the little princess or pageant type person. I really don't know what possessed me to prance around on stage doing routines in long dresses! Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

i..What is the funniest post you ever wrote?
This is a tough question, as I like to think that I write with humor. My pick would be Bless Me Father, For I Have Sinned. http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/04/bless-me-father-for-i-have-sinned.html

My daughters choice is I Know What My Mom Did.
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-know-what-my-mom-did.html

The saddest?
I know that I haven't really completely let my hair down into sadness. I'm sure that will come, the more comfortable I get with "getting real". I have expressed frustration in All The Signs Were There.
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/05/all-signs-were-there.html

Why do You Blog?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed writing. I dabbled in journalism when I was in high school, and evolved into story-telling as a grown-up. (My kids tell me that it is story-embellishment!) As a member of the search marketing industry, I have been drawn into social media. What a perfect home for me! I get to write, story-tell, and yes...story-embellish!

Is chocolate a Vegetable?
yes! and an appetizer, a main dish, a starch, a beverage, and a dessert!

What Blog changed you in someway. (post a link to it)
it wasn't a single blog, it was a blogger. Her name is Angel from Starting Over. I found her blog last year and the words jumped off the computer screen and landed on my heart. I knew that this was a woman that I wanted to read more about. She spoke with such emotion about life and it joys, trials, tenderness, love, challenges and constant hope. She writes about being a mother and a grandmother and about a recent move to a new city to Start Over. Wow! What courage. Whenever I read her blog posts it reminds me of how precious life is, and I am reminded that my life challenges are simply small blips on the radar. I have been so blessed with the opportunity to get to know Angel (via modern technology called email, Facebook and instant messaging!) and now consider Angel my dear friend.

The trouble with women is....

We forget 'us'. We are quick to support and take care of others, but often forget that we should also be on the list of the people that we support and take care of. Why is this so hard?

Your son just graduated from High school, are you ready for empty nesting?

Yay for me (I mean him!) I have been preparing for this for quite some time. Two years ago, I developed my "Two Year Plan", based around the event of his high school graduation. Now that he has graduated, I am putting that plan into action. It has only been one week since graduation, so I am hoping that reality doesn't slap me in the face and I realize that this empty nest business ain't all its cracked up to be! Stay tuned.

Your funniest experience in Online dating?
I think that the "gentlemen" who didn't have any money at the end of the date was pretty funny. I kick myself for letting him off the hook by paying the bill myself. I should have let him sweat it out a little bit. All you can do about this point is laugh!
http://barbjacobucci.blogspot.com/2009/03/didnt-your-mother-teach-you-to-always.html

What relaxes you?
A good book! My favorites are crime novels! I love Grisham, Baldacci, Scotolini, etc.

How many social networks are you on?
Too many to count. I'm sure there are at least 20. The ones that get most of my attention are: Twitter, my blog, Face book. I also spend some time on twittermoms, blogher...

Tell us something about you we don't know...
I won the coveted title (not!) of Miss Congeniality at the Junior Miss pageant at our high school during my senior year of high school. This cracks me up now! I am soooo not the little princess or pageant type person. I really don't know what possessed me to prance around on stage doing routines in long dresses! Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

Thank you Barb, for stopping by and bringing the uh, sugar. Hmmm.

I hope to see you again soon, Barb? uh those are my shoes. I know you like them, but no, Barb where are you going? Bring back my shoes, Barb?Barb?

You're kidding right? Don't make me tell your daughter!

Of grammer, ten things, and random stuff.

A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.

"Why,?" asks a confuse waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.

"I'm a panda," he says, at the door, "look it up."

The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finda an explanation.

"Panda, Large black and white bear-like mammal, native to China, Eats,shoot and leaves."

I have been recently refreshing myself on my grammar, come to find out the grammar rules have changed quite a bit.

What I thought I knew, is not the norm any more.

Now me, in my younger days when I used to teach English, I was a real stickler for good grammar.

Don't end a sentence with a preposition, I would yell at my kids...but somehow in my old age I mellowed.

So that's what I learned this week.

Computer going dark: 200 dollars

bringing computer home in car costs gas 10 dollars

computer going dark again and having to take it back after only posting on FB twice: priceless

For MasterCard : Pssssstttttttt

10 things:

I missed my not me Monday and I missed the ten things yesterday, so I am posting today:

10 things about me and hope to be back on track..

1. I have a problem with shoes, I love shoes and whoever heard of buying any item of clothes without a new pair of shoes is unheard of.

2. I love classical music. Dvorak's Symphony for the new world is my favorite.

3. I'm Silly. Most of the time.

4. I gained two pounds and had to go to bed for three hours. I have recovered.

5. I can type 75 words a minute: But my brain thinks at 100 WPM, so this is why many times my brain is ahead of my typing and I leave out words. I have to catch up.

6. I have zero tolerance with people who haven't any consideration for others.

7. I love the south but am a California girl at heart.

8. I used to surf, yes I did ! when I was in high school up in Santa Cruz..

9. I love yard sales, antiquing, browsing shops, not stores. I like knick knacks with character.

10. I collect lighthouses, and teddy bears.. My daughter who went home loved bears. I kept all of hers and started a bear collection in her honor. I put a teddy bear on her grave on her birthday and important holidays. I used to when I lived close, now I send money to a friend who does it for me.

Bonus: My first car was a mustang No, I am not telling you the year. ...I had mustangs all the way until I go married. I don't care how old I am, my next car is going to be a mustang.

Angel

It's Wednesday. Time for another interview post.

Today we have Carey from Life in the Carpool Lane.
Carey has two wonderful boys, a gracious sirit and a very funny blog whichs he shares all of this.
Carey
Today we have Carey from "Life in the Carpool lane visiting us, ive her a big hand! Take a bow Carey! Thank you for Visiting, Have a cup of coffee? Oh, no thank you! I’ve never liked the taste of coffee. (My mom, who must drink it daily or she turns into a 3-headed beast from the depths of the blackest swamp, is requesting DNA testing. She’s pretty sure I’m not hers.) Cream or Sugar? Cookie? Suger or Chocolate Chip? I’m horrible at making decisions. Maybe just a half of each? I like the name of your Blog "Life in the Carpool lane" How did you come up with itYour new badge is great to, !Thank you. I kind of decided to start the blog on a whim. The boys were down for a nap and I actually had a whole three minutes to myself. I sat with my computer on my lap and was brainstorming titles. At one point I said “life in the fast lane” and then I snorted and thought, “Ha! More like ‘life in the carpool lane’!” And I knew I had it! You tell wonderful stories about your boys, Logan and Jack, Logan just had a Birthday how does it feel with the two of them growing up?The parenting saying ‘the days are long but the years are short’ runs through my head at every birthday, milestone, holiday, “first,” etc. I can’t believe that my boys are 3 and 4. How did that happen?!?!?!
What does your husband think of your popularity? Does he read your blog?He reads it daily and sometimes pipes up in the comments. He’s been ridiculously supportive. He surprised me by buying me my own domain name and he’s helped so much with the technical coding of my site. Last week, because Mr. Linky wasn’t working and I was starting a new carnival, he built me a widget so readers could leave links on my carnival post. Who knew it would pay to be married to a geek?!?!?! Everyone I am interviewing has taught me something, You taught me about putting my personality into my blog, The first post I read of yours was " Girls in White Satin" The second one was you Not me Monday for that week.I felt like I ws reading a friend, What would you suggest for new bloggers.?First off, I can’t believe you remember the first posts you read of mine. I’m touched…and thinking that you might be a bit crazy. Anyway, as for suggestions to new bloggers, I feel like I’m still pretty new at this (my blog is 6 months old) so I’m not sure I’m qualified to be giving out advice. I guess I can offer up two things: I find it’s easier to “get into” a new blog when their side column(s) have a couple details that make reading their posts easier. For example, if a post mentions that Suzy just graduated and there is a picture of a cute 5 year old girl labeled ‘Suzy’ in the side column then I’m not left wondering if Suzy just graduated from preschool, high school or college. I guess I like it when the details in the side column(s) help put posts in context.
You mentioned that you felt like you were reading a friend when you read some of my posts. Well, I tend to write like I’m talking to a friend. I guess it’s just my style because I used to do it in old journal entries too. I try to be honest and humorous and often use the strikethrough feature and a smaller font, like I’m whispering something to a friend. Hopefully, it makes my readers/blog-friends feel like I’m carrying on a conversation with them. Have you figured out where are the people who are following you are going?Nope…still no idea! What would you like to share with us ?I make my boys share everything so I guess I should lead by example and share with you. But you can’t have my half cookies. Oh, that’s not what you meant by ‘sharing?’ Ummm, I’m feeling a bit bloated. What? Not that either? Well, of course, I’d like to shamelessly plug the weekly summer carnival I started to help keep mamas as sane as possible, Tuesday’s Tips for Summer Survival. What book are you reading Now?How I wish I could read like I used to…uninterrupted by needy children. It takes me forever to finish a book these days. Anyway, I’m reading Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost. It’s listed as a travel book but it’s not exactly going to help you find the best karaoke bar in Beijing. It’s one man’s very humorous and honest take on all things Chinese. I tend to go back and forth between quick girly reads, the same two parenting books (you’d think I’d give up on them because my boys are still wild but no…I keep hoping the magic solution will fall out of the pages and land in my lap), books that take place in China and books about the way we eat and the effects on our health and the environment (which is also ironic because I could a diet and exercise plan). When do you type your blog?Generally at night after the boys have gone to sleep. Sometimes I might start something while they are napping. (Hallelujah for naps!) I have a horrible memory though so I sometimes hand-write stuff down throughout the day.
How do you get your ideasMy boys are great fodder for my blog. It took me awhile before I got the hang of paying close enough attention throughout the day to see that there was great material happening right in front of me. It’s also a great way to get perspective on a situation. When I recently had my terrible Monday and one thing after another went wrong all day long, I was frustrated and overwhelmed but I also realized what a great blog post it would make.


Carey, I want to thank you so much for talking to us today, (aside to Carey) you can untie the boys now, really don't you think that was a bit much? (ducks as water balloon comes flying my way) well maybe not.....

Another Swap!

Ok so here's the deal. I have an addiction. My addiction is to giveaways, swaps and other interactions on the web. So after just finishing Sharon; from Welcome to the nuthouse swap, which is very cool and lots of fun, Angie from Angies Spot is having a Chrismas as in July Swap, tha sounds really fun.

The question asked is: What: What would you love to give as a gift, and what would you love to receive.

Since the limit is 25.00 dollars, I am probaly not going to get my Beamer, but that's OK! It will be fun anyway.

If you are interested in meeting new bloggers,. run do not walk over to Angies because she has a deadline and a limit of 50 people (whichever comes first) and sign up.

I really like to do this kind of thing to get to meet people from other parts if the country, I think that is the real fun in it. I have about 6 people whom I consider close blogger friends,

and I'd like to meet more people.

So I am truly excited! How about you, want to join in?

Scuba girl looking to meet her main dolphin

Denise, as you know is into the online dating scene. For all of you married Moms out there, hold your man closer and just listen to some tales of humor, amazement and downright incredability. Then thank God you have your prince charming.

Headline: The best of both worlds, this young man was a cross dresser.

Headline: Lets explore the net together: porno king

Headline: I'm your teddy bear: 325 pounds of bear.

headline: I am searching the net for my sweetie: Not going into it, but he needs to just keep searching.

Her first initial phone call with I'm all you need went something like:

Hey Denise, if you play your cards right you can be the one or me.

To which she responded and if you play your cards right, you won't get voted off the island.

I used to wonder what the story is about online dating. More and more people are doing it, bu from what Denise is coming across I have having trouble believing the Eharmony Ads.

One gentlemen she met online turned out to be someone she waited on in Denny's all the time.

His profile said he was sophisticated suave and a host of other things she knew not to be true. When she met him in the restaurant the next time she told him she had seen his profile to which he blushed and mumbled something about he didn't really "play that game"

I remember in the old days, the bad pick up lines, The guy sitting in the entryway waiting for you to come down.

The blind date, your surprise when the guy your friend said was perfect for you turns out to be this guy in the picture, so you wonder What on Earth is my Friend thinking. Worse still, shat does she think of me/

Dating is one of those rites of passage. I think it is a barbarian rite of humans. Why do we go through this looking for our prince charming?

I suppose that dating online is not any different from dating anywhere else. We have our on target guys and the nerdy guys, and the beefy good looking guys, just like the real world.

Did you ever wonder why the nerdy guys seem to be in the majority? Maybe we are missing something.

I have a friend who married a nerdy type who started a company in his garage during collage as a joke. She got teased all th time she was dating him. No one is laughing now. The company was brought out by Best Buy, and millions of people around the country call on them to fix their computers. They are called the Geek Squad.

Gives you a different perspective, doesn't it?

100 thingsThursday...

I want to thank everyone who came by and visited yesterday, my grand interview with Denise Swank. It was fun! I am trying to get to all the different blogs and thank eveyone personally. Next week it will be Carey: From Life in the carpool lane. I look forward to that!

Today is Thursday so it is my 100 things you don't know about me day...the next ten things..

Look out for my July 4th Giveaway...

1, although I was born in Chicago, I grew up in Palo Alto California

2. my very first boyfriend(love of my life) was a cop killed in the line of duty.

3. I didn't make cheerleader in high school. I was too tall so they made me the "A" in Palo Alto.

4. I played tennis in high school, still do

5. I am clumsy. Oh so very clumsy.

6. I used to work for IBM, (Big Blue) and Hewlett Packard when I lived in California.

7. I drove an 18 wheeler to help pay for college

8. When I am bored but don't want anything heavy I read the Cat who books.. by Lilian Braun.

9. I was the Drama and Debate coach my first year of teaching.

10. I secretly like to watch backyardians....

Bonus: I was president of the young Republicans club in College Ronald Reagan is my hero.

30 down 70 to go, hope you are not tooooo bored...

Guest Interview today! Denise Grover Swank

I promised a series of interviews and this is my first one.

Denise Swank Grover from Theres always Room for One More," proves to us that there is. Her house is full of children pets and love. Her attitude shows the love of God in her life. She has taught me a lot, and I know you will be pleased to met this very spacial lady.

So here is my first interview:

enise from Theres always room for one more for one more

Applause..

Welcome Denise!

Why thank you. Thank you for inviting me.
um yes, I was going to off er you coffee but I notice you have a Starbucks cup with you I did promise you coffee and cookies you know....well moving along..
You have a unique blog, it is always funny, entertaining and informative.
Why did you decide to do a blog?

I always thought my dream job would be to have a weekly humor column in a newspaper but I had no idea how you would get a job like that. I knew about blogs before but only adoption blogs. But in the summer of 2007 I discovered Dawn Meehan's blog Because I Said So and I realized I could have my own humor blog. Of course, back in the early days I only had about 5 people reading, but I had fun. Even now I try to ignore how many people read my blog and just have fun. I always said when my blog wasn't fun anymore that I would stop.


Are your older boys helpful around the house?

They are. I used to work full time and I was a firm believer in them helping around the house. They used to do their own laundry and had days of the week assigned to do it. They no longer have assigned days but they still do their own laundry, even when I volunteer to do it for them.

They both clean, although not always spontaneously, but Trace is awesome to have around when we have people over for dinner because he always cleans up the kitchen. Ross is the one who can cook and he makes a killer marble cheesecake. They both can change diapers, make bottles and buckle babies/kids into car seats. I think I've trained a couple of great future husbands.

I noticed on your book shelf you like Sophia Kinesila, what other books do you read?

Girly books, for sure. I just read Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs and I've started Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

What do you do to relax?

Read and watch tv. I know, total couch potato.

do you have many friends in the blogsphere?

I do! I love that about blogging. I've got at least 10 people that I consider to be good friends.

Have you met any in person?

Nope, not a one. I'd love to though.

How does your family react to you celebrity?

I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else! LOL It's funny, my kids never really paid much attention to my blog and I think my extended family thought it was "cute." But then I started getting more and more followers and they started paying more attention. It works for me and against me. At family events I'm asked if "this will make the blog" -- sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. My kids tend to think they can just pitch an idea and I'll throw it on the blog. I do have my standards, although sometimes the evidence is to the contrary.


Since you print pics of your kids in your blog, do you have many problems with the paprizzai?

Yeah, they're a major problem but you learn to deal, ya know? It's just all part of the price of fame and fortune. The key is to give some really embarrassing shots to keep them coming back. I even use some for my blog.


Since your interview with food network,. have you met ohh I forget his name yet?

Tyler, Tyler Florence!!! No, Tyler seems to be evading me at this time. I think he's just toying with me. Dont' worry, I'll hunt him down.


BTW how are you dealing with your fame?

You know, I'm just like everyone else. I have a personal servant put my pants on one leg at at time.

Do you have anything you want to share with us?

Hmm, that's a loaded question. You want my French Silk Pie recipe? I'm making one this afternoon.


What is the single most memorable event that occurred dealing with your blog?

That's such a hard question! I think perhaps it was when I did the Six Days of Christmas Giveaway last December. That was so much fun and everyone seemed to really get into commenting about how they followed me. It was a total blast. I LOVE giving stuff away, you have no idea how much! I hope to be able to do it again this Christmas.


As I said almost everyone I have interviewed has taught me something about blogging You taught me how to have fun with any situation even poop in a grocery store....
How do you keep your sense of humor?

I learned a long time ago that you have a choice to be positive or negative. I'm definitely not positive all the time, but I've found that if you face a difficult situation with a negative attitude it will be much more difficult then if you try to face it with a positive attitude. Plus poopy situations make great blog material.
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Are you ready for The Amazing Race?

Yep, I'm running 15 miles a day, biking 10 miles and swimming one. Oh, wait, no that's for my triathlon I'm doing the day that Hell freezes over. Let's just say that if Phil calls me tomorrow, I'll be on the first plane. Whether it's for The Race or just to hang. Just sayin'.

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Well Denise, I want to thank you for taking the time to talk to us, uh Denise? I see Emma over there, uh hmmm is that what I think it is or is it French Silk Pie? No I uh think its...

Well Folks thanks for stopping by Film at 11.

Not Me! Monday

It is Monday yet again, what happened to friday or saturday? I don't know it lies buy..

here we go yet again:

I did not step on a hanger and go sliding across the floor into my bedroom door.

I did not sit on Eric's scooter with Tasha and pretend were motorcycle riders on a adventure. She was on one I was on the other. We went to see Dora.

I did not squirt Tasha with the hose outside then let her squirt me,

I did not play jeopardy on the computer for a hour when I was supposed to be working.

I did not forget to put any seasoning in the beans when I cooked them.

We tasted them they were horrible.

I did not finish the book I have been reading for three weeks, Finally! I usually read a book in a day! It was long but I got through it.

I did not lock myself out of my bathroom.

I did step in a hole while we were looking at a house.

I did not watch a movie 4 times in one day. I didn't and it was a great movie.

I did not let Tasha say in her Pj's all day

for more not me Mondays go to Mcmama site

Girls just want to have fun

Little Girl and Tasha

Tasha has an imaginary friend. She has had her for about a year, but recently her little friend now has a mom who calls me all the time, and a sister. Her Name is Little Girl.

Little Girl is a very misbehaved young lady, and sometimes we have to send Little Girl home, but she always come right back.

Conversation Overheard between Little Girl and Natasha last night when they thought Nanny couldn't hear:

Little Girl: Bubble Bath! put more in the tub

Natasha : No that's not mine, its my moms

Little Girl: come on in the bath

Natasha: No, it's mommy's Mommy's at work.

Little girl I'm going to put some in.

Natasha: Nanny is here! No

Little Girl: Nanny, not your mom?

Natasha: Little Girl, I TOLD you my Mommy's at work. Nanny's here.

Little Girl: Oh. Nanny will make me go home she's mean. Lets play with the princesses

I guess Nanny already has a rep, and since Little girl sounds just like Natasha I don't know which one I have the rep with. I just know that that I have one. Is that good or bad?

A little while later I heard a minor crash in the bedroom, I was in my room Tasha in heir's and she came in bringing me her phone.

Nanny call Little Girls mom, it's time for her to go home.

"I thought she was spending the night"

"No", replied Tasha "She needs to go home."

So I called little girls mom and just like that (snapping fingers) she went home.

I forgot to ask Tasha, I always do, Where does little Girl live and has Tasha been to her house?

2nd installment of 10 things.....

Happy Wednesday

We are heading into a Charleston Summer, hot and because we are totally surrounded by water humid. Bugs love us here. Did I ever tell you about the alligator that lives in the pond at the park?

This is part two of the 100 things you never knew about me, the next 10.

1. I graduated from De Paul University in Chicago. I was also born in Chicago, I only lived there for a minute.

2. I can't Swim. Not one little bit. But my favorite place to be is the Beach. 

3. I love Classical music, and going to the Ballet. I took Ballet for years and wanted to b a dancer. I gave it up in College and decided to be a teacher instead.

4.  I am an Ice Cream Addict. I can eat Ice Cream all day long  and do. Strawberry Cheesecake, has to be Breyers I practically lived on it for a year when I was living alone. Ice cream and yogurt. 

5. I am 5'7" and used to weigh 260.00 pounds. I now weight 169.00. long time a lot of work. No ice cream :(

6. It is my lifelong dream to go to Israel. And I'm going. 

7. I read all the time. I forget to change the books on my blog, but I have read 9 sets of books since I posted that. I should update it.

8. I am a Amazing Race Fan. Big Time. Also used to like the Apprentice, but this time  it was boring. 

9. See me on the computer at 2 and 3 am? I am an insomniac, 

10. my favorite way to relax is to take a really hot bath, with a glass of champagne and Hersey Bar. I read it in a book, it works! no stress. So on really stressful days or night  I do it. you just chill the champagne, (or sparkling wine) until it is really cold and nibble on a couple of squares of chocolate. The combination of the two release something that relaxes y ou or maybe not. Maybe it is just a good combination of relaxer agents. Don't forget the book, or just mediate. 

Bonus: I think Chocolate is a Vegetable. Isn' it? Come on you think so too.  On any given night you will find me and a Wendy's Chocolate  frosty on the computer or reading a book.  Takes care of two cravings at once. 

Happy Tuesday..I'm not here

I am actually guest blogging on Barb's blog Nice Shoes and other observations..

Now I shout Barb out a lot because her blog is great, please look around and visit..and leave her comments. Her blog is great!

Thank you all for your support..

Now go there

My not me Monday is late, but I had one of those mornings where, if it could go wrong it did. I didn't do a Not Me! post last week because of Memorial Day, so that give me two weeks of not doing anything and boy did I not.

Don't forget the giveaways...Got several wonderful interviews lined up, the first one Barb J. from Nice shoes and other observations. I don't know the day because I haven't told her yet, but she is still waiting for a guest blog from me..I think she understands me. Good thing.

Lets get on with it, shall we:

I did not fall off a chair when Tasha was hugging me.

I did not let Tasha play in her wading pool in her Easter dress. It was an accident, all I know is I heard water and there she was soaked and having a ball. I reprimanded her as soon as I caught her, anyway thats my story and I am sticking to it.

I did not walk out of walmart with a 24 pack of water not paid for. I loaded Tasha in the car, we both thought the other had told the clerk about it. When we got home it wasn't onthereciept. Do you think we went back and paid for it? lets see how well you know me, post your thoughts on the comment section pls.

I did not lose a DVD from Netflix. It has to be here somewhere.

I did not stay up until 1 am Iming on FB. I didn't and its all Barb's fault.

Have a wonderful Monday remember the giveaway..

for more Not me Monday see Mcmama's