Who am I?

Like the old joke... but different.

2011-05-06T09:35:00.002-04:00

JJ: Mom, it hurts when I do this.

Me: So, don't do that.

JJ: Why?

Me: Because it hurts.

JJ: Oh... Okay.

Lately...

2011-01-09T12:53:00.004-05:00

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you have known and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or you will be taught how to fly.”

- Patrick Overton

You learn something new every day...

2010-11-18T18:50:00.003-05:00

A little dinner history lesson from JJ:

"The pilgrims sailed to America on the Mayflower. They had to pee off of the boat because there were no potties... And they ate a lot of biscuits because that was all there was to eat."

Sometimes I Just Feel Alone

2010-11-18T09:02:00.007-05:00

There is a difference
Between being by yourself
And being alone

Sometimes I Don't Think At All

2010-10-05T11:37:00.007-04:00

When I run away
You can probably catch me
If you just give chase

My Favorite Time Of the Year

2010-09-26T18:49:00.002-04:00

Days are getting short.
There's a slight chill in the air.
It's time for sweatshirts!

Sometimes I feel like...

2010-09-23T20:15:00.006-04:00

Marilyn Monroe:

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

"If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything."

"This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about."

Audrey Hepburn:

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."

"I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it."

"Your heart just breaks, that's all. But you can't judge or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you."

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows."

Mae West:

"A woman in love can't be reasonable - or she probably wouldn't be in love."

"I like restraint, if it doesn't go too far."

"Love isn't an emotion or an instinct - it's an art."

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it."

"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better."

"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure."

"An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises."

Now Where Do I Go From Here?

2010-08-13T14:40:00.002-04:00

A tangled mess of
Hopes, fears, yearnings and feelings
Makes it hard to breathe

Not For Sail

2010-06-30T12:42:00.003-04:00

During a recent trip to the water, JJ was amazed at a number of sailboats in a local marina. "Hey Mom," he shouted, "Look at all those Titanics!"

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-06-09T16:16:00.002-04:00

It's my mom's birthday today. She's celebrating with her granddaughter. I'm pretty sure that was one of her wishes...

Happiness is...

2010-06-08T20:35:00.004-04:00

Finding out that the three huge bushes in the back yard that you meant to - but just didn't make time to - hack earlier this spring are overflowing with big, juicy blueberries!

Marly is a crazy person.

2010-06-07T11:58:00.002-04:00

I had salad today.

Actually, I didn't... but somebody out there knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Home, Sweet Home

2010-06-04T20:34:00.003-04:00

Life's good!

I think he's on the right track...

2010-06-03T21:17:00.003-04:00

The bedtime prayer I used to say when I was growing up, and have been saying with JJ for quite some time now:

Father in Heaven, hear my prayer.
Keep me in thy loving care.
Be my guide in all I do.
Bless all those who love me, too.
Amen

A recent interpretation from JJ, when I let him lead:

Dear God, thank you for this day.
Be my guide in all I do.
Give me special stuff.
And take care of my friends.
Amen

He's a good boy, my son.

2010-06-02T15:31:00.008-04:00

About a month ago, I took JJ to a doctor's appointment first thing in the morning. Because I didn't pack him a lunch, JJ and I stopped by the grocery store after the appointment to grab something before I dropped him off at playschool. As soon as we entered the store, a clearance rack of Easter stuff caught JJ's eye. He immediately fell in love with a plush blue bunny, and had to have it. Even on my strict budget, it was easy to come up with the 60 cents to make it his.

So, with bunny in cart, JJ and I headed to the back of the store to see what we could find for his lunch that day. After settling on a pre-packaged lunch, we then proceeded to the checkout counter. And that's when JJ saw it... a ginormous tub of Utz's pretzel rods.

"Oh," exclaimed JJ, "My friends would love these!"

"I bet you're right, but you already have snacks at playschool, buddy," I reminded him, noting the slightly more than $6 price tag that definitely did not fit in my budget.

"I know Mom, but they would really, really love these! Can we get them? Please?"

"I tell you what," I tried, figuring that I could find a cheaper option, "Why don't we go to the next aisle and see if we can find a bag of pretzels for you to take in and share with your friends?"

"No, Mom. My friends would really love these, and I really want to get them for them," he calmly pleaded.

In a dash of desperation, I picked up the blue bunny that JJ had been coddling. "Which would you rather have: the blue bunny for you, or the pretzel rods for your friends?"

JJ looked at that bunny. He looked at the tub of pretzels. And then he slowly handed me the bunny. "Mom, I want to get the pretzels to share with my friends."

In that instant, I would have paid $100 for that tub of pretzels.

And you know that bunny was waiting in the car for him when playschool was over.

Happy Birthday to My Friend

2010-06-01T11:54:00.004-04:00

Only true friendship
Transcends both time and distance
We are living proof

A Word From the Lost

2010-03-18T22:50:00.005-04:00

Bang! And one of the major rock formations that helped shape the swirling, winding river that is my life... is gone. In time, the ever-flowing waters will smooth over the jagged edges that are left behind, but the bend in the course will remain. And I will always remember. Always.

**********

My parents bought their house right before I was born. Nearly forty years later, they still live there. When I was three, the Merrill family moved in three houses up and across the street. Although the children are grown, their parents still live there as well. Cole Merrill is three weeks older than I am, and we were raised as practically siblings. His family was my family, and vice-versa. We've all always been close - our moms, both teachers, are best friends, and we even used to all vacation together. Cole has a younger brother, but I was always the girl they never had. Of course, that all changed a month ago, when Cole and his wife Natalie welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Vivian Grace, into the world...

Bang! Cole's mom, Mary Jane Merrill, was killed in a car wreck Monday.

I got the news on Tuesday, and I'm still in shock. This isn't the way things are supposed to happen. She wasn't sick, or doing anything detrimental to her health or well-being. She wasn't a bad person. So far from it, in fact, that the most common thing said about Mary Jane is, "She is the nicest person I've ever known." A special education teacher for over 30 years, and active in her church and a number of service organizations, Mary Jane was constantly working to make the world a better place. So... why?

I don't know. And I don't suspect I ever will. But I do know that I thank God for getting me back to Kansas City over the New Year's holiday, and giving me a short while to visit with Mary Jane while I was there. I can still see her face and hear her voice. No longer just a memory, it is now a memory I cherish.

And I know that the next time I do something great - be it a simple random act of kindness, or something that truly changes the world - Mary Jane will be there. In my head, and in my heart... with me, always.

Pain, With Instructions

2010-03-01T15:34:00.008-05:00

This is a post I've been putting off for a long time, though I'm not really sure why. Perhaps it's because I feel like it's an admission of a huge failure - although, if you read back through my blog, you'll find that I'm not terribly shy about admitting my shortcomings. Perhaps it's because I don't feel comfortable explaining everything - which is why I won't, even though the lack of explanation on my part has proven to lead to occasional ridicule. Or, perhaps it is simply because there is just no easy or funny way to say it...

John and I are splitting up. More accurately, John and I split up in October, when I chose to remove JJ and myself from our home. We are pursuing a legal divorce, and maintaining joint custody of JJ.

That being said...

Please do not offer apologies. I chose to do what I feel is right for my son and I. It was not a decision I made lightly, but it was my decision.

Please do not make accusations. You do not know what happened. Very, very few people know even part of both sides of the story. I doubt anyone knows all of both sides.

Please do be considerate of our privacy in this matter. A telephone call is very different than a public forum.

Please do keep us in your prayers. Knowing that it is the right decision does not make it easy.

Look what I did today!

2010-02-25T20:07:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T18:07:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T19:44:00.000-05:00

When "sad" just doesn't cut it.

2010-02-02T22:13:00.004-05:00

JJ and I pulled out an ocean-themed book about opposites last night. JJ is pretty good at 'reading' it.

On one page was an open oyster with a little pearl inside. JJ immediately said "Open". On the following page was a closed oyster shell. JJ proclaimed, "Closed".

The next page had a fish with a big smile on his face. JJ correctly called it "Happy". And the following page had a fish with a sad frown on his face. What did JJ say?

"Miserable."

Overheard

2009-12-03T15:31:00.002-05:00

Thing 1: My trash service company is very picky. They will only pick up what is in their can, and maybe one more can or box.

Thing 2: Really? Mine is pretty liberal. If you meet them at the curb with ten bucks, they'll take your kids.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T11:19:00.002-05:00

Publication Gets the Scoop

2009-10-22T13:28:00.003-04:00

Waiting patiently
Want to post a picture, but
Have to wait my turn

Happy World Habitat Day!

2009-10-05T05:41:00.002-04:00

Myths (and facts) about Habitat for Humanity

Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area's median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Myth: Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood’s property values.
Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.

Myth: Only African Americans get Habitat for Humanity homes.
Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat. Statistically, 33 percent of Habitat homeowners are Anglo and 67 percent are people of color.

Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare.
Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.

Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner.
Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat's abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.
Fact: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funds.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization's house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

You can find more information about Habitat for Humanity here.

Potty Humor

2009-10-03T20:28:00.002-04:00

Please know that if you ever call me, you run the risk of overhearing what one of my co-workers heard this morning:

"Mom, I'm a tooty-monster. I tooted. Whoa... it stinks!"

Also know that if, while you are emerging from the ladies room in a public place, you happen to pass me escorting JJ, who has already declared that he has to poop, you may also be treated to a cheery:

"Hello, poopy-man!"

I know, because both of these things happened today. I have no idea who is raising this child.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T19:10:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T22:16:00.001-04:00

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

2009-09-13T15:03:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, John!

2009-09-09T20:34:00.004-04:00

We went out to dinner tonight to celebrate John's birthday. In the car on the way home, the following conversation occurred:

John: Did you have a good dinner?

JJ: Yeah, Dad. Now I want to go to the store.

John: No, buddy. I don't think so.

JJ: Yes, Dad. Let's go to Dollar Tree.

Marly: JJ, Daddy doesn't like shopping like you and I do.

JJ: I know... Daddy can wait in the car!

A Perfect Example

2009-09-03T20:33:00.007-04:00

I think I've mentioned a few times before that I am lazy. What I may not have told you is that, in addition to being lazy, I am also a wicked procrastinator. And lately, I have had a lot of stuff going on. Allow me to explain how these issues, when combined, can lead to embarrassment... for a family obviously more easy to embarrass than ours:

JJ's teacher asked him on Monday to bring in a picture of his family by today. I knew we would have to have one taken quickly, as we've had lots of pictures taken, but none of us together as a family smiling at the camera since he was a year old. (John was out of work for a long time, and portraits are expensive!)

As with practically anything that I don't write down lately, I immediately forgot about it... until last night at about 10:30. JJ was fast asleep by that time, and I'm not stupid enough to believe that a two-year-old would even give a smile a second thought if roused from sleep at that hour. So, I wrote "Picture" on a few sticky notes and posted them all over the house to remind me to snap a picture of all three of us together this morning. Fast-forward to this morning...

As per usual, I got up a little later than I should have. After a quick shower, I got JJ up and threw him in the tub. As JJ was splashing around, John got himself ready to go to work a lot faster than I expected. Suddenly, John had to leave, and JJ wasn't ready to get out of the tub. I still needed a picture, so I grabbed my laptop (MacBook... built-in camera) and this is what I sent my son to daycare with:

'Cause yeah, a sepia tint will pretty that right up!

Yes, I am leaning on the toilet, JJ is naked (and looking rather emaciated - I swear, we feed that kid all the time!), and again, I'm just waiting for CPS to knock on our door...

I'm concerned about his self-esteem.

2009-09-02T21:34:00.002-04:00

After a long day of playing, JJ ran to me and asked me to take his shoes off...

Marly: You can do it, buddy.

JJ: Mom, I can't do it.

Marly: You didn't even try. Give it a shot. I think you can do it.

He then sat down on the floor in front of me and took his shoes off...

JJ: Mom, I did it!

Marly: See, if you try, you'll find out you can do lots of things. Good job!

JJ: I'm super, Mom! I'm super JJ! I'm super, super, super JJ! Super, super, super JJ!

He must have been mistaken.

2009-08-27T21:46:00.003-04:00

As we were talking this afternoon, John took one finger and rubbed my face just outside my eye. Thinking he was removing an eyelash, I asked him, "Did you get it?"

"No," he replied.

Wondering why he stopped trying, I followed, "Why not?"

"It's a crow's foot."

Egads!

2009-08-21T21:50:00.003-04:00

Kelly, go here! Go now!

Others, you may like to go as well. Feel free to take your time, however.

I Can Barely Count Right Now

2009-08-17T21:52:00.003-04:00

Momma's exhausted
Last two nights spent comforting
A sick little boy

More Cake!

2009-08-16T11:05:00.005-04:00

Kelly, I stole this from a Sunday Sweets post on Cake Wrecks. I figured if we're going to go, we may as well go all out!

What the heck is Marly talking about?

It's all in the offer.

2009-08-15T19:48:00.004-04:00

After washing my car (for the second time today, but that's another story), JJ and I were standing in the driveway when he announced that he had to pee. Thinking that this may be an opportunity to teach him to pee standing up by way of killing a bush, I asked, "Do you want to pee outside?"

"Yes!" he declared excitedly... and promptly turned his socks yellow.

More Stuff to Remember

2009-08-12T22:02:00.004-04:00

Note: JJ has two wonderful teachers in playschool: Angie and Amanda.
__________________________________________________

The other day, as we were grocery shopping, JJ said to me, "Mom, I love Amanda."

"What about Angie?" I asked.

"Angie's cute!" my little flirt replied.
__________________________________________________

When I picked JJ up from playschool recently, Angie told me that JJ was a real treat to have in class. He was being so good that, at one point, she said to him, "JJ, I just love you."

"I know," he replied, "I love me, too."
__________________________________________________

At playschool, JJ's class is working on the months of the year. In practice at home, I will often look at JJ and say "January". He will follow with "February", and we will continue alternating months... until I get to "November".

JJ then pauses for a moment, and then says, "November 6!" For those unaware, November 6th is JJ's birthday. The month of December is completely worthless to him.

What's going on...

2009-08-06T22:48:00.004-04:00

I've been rather non-existent around here lately. Life has been coming at me more quickly than I have been prepared to handle. Nothing has gotten really out of control. I've just been too busy to write. The highlights:

* JJ and I are both finally finished with the antibiotics we were given for probable cases of strep throat. Strangely enough, neither of us was actually tested. I guess it's just going around to the point where everybody gets medicated.

* John has a job, but he still hasn't really started working. There are apparently a bazillion hoops to jump through for state contracts, and it just takes a ridiculous amount of time to get started. He's getting paid, but he really hasn't left the house yet.

* My company is purchasing a new building. It's a good thing, as we are really cramped in our current space, however the economy is forcing a dramatic downturn in giving, making it difficult to secure additional funding to support this change. My job is to find the money anyway, which is a rather challenging task to say the least.

* Add to the previous, the fact that we're hosting our first signature event in less than two months, and it's going to be a whopper. I have am amazing committee working on the project (thank God!), but the stress is still there... and looming.

* John's brother is getting married in VA on Saturday. Much of the family is coming down from NY tomorrow. They will be staying with us. Our house is a nightmare.

* JJ is completely potty trained. It took about 5 days. I still have no idea how we managed that.

The Words

2009-07-29T17:35:00.002-04:00

PREMIER CULINARY CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WICOMICO CO.

Signature Event to Feature Competition Between Teams of Chefs

The Chefs for Habitat 2009 Culinary Challenge, a premier event for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, will be held at the Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery in Eden, MD, starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19th.

This one-of-a-kind event, sponsored by the M&T Foundation, First Shore Federal, and the UMES Foundation, will feature seven teams representing each of the local culinary schools in a competition to prepare the most highly rated meal. A panel of judges, led by Chef Jim Hughes, recognized by the James Beard Foundation, will determine the winning team.

The competing entries will be created from a basket of mystery ingredients. To add to the fun and frivolity, team coaches will take part in a skills challenge and local celebrities will compete in a Bastille Day type waiter’s race.

Tickets are $60 per person, or $100 per couple, and include the thrill of competition, drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres from Local Owners Restaurant Association (L.O.R.A.) and live music by Smokin’ Section, The Zen Monkeys, and Tear the Roof Off. The Eastern Shore Runners’ Club will also be hosting a 5K run/walk on-site the following Saturday, September 26.

A Christian housing ministry, Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people of all faiths to make ownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Since its beginning in 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County has built and sold 51 homes to deserving, qualifying families in Wicomico County.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T17:34:00.000-04:00

Guess Who Passed This On To Me

2009-07-25T21:04:00.003-04:00

Sore throat, dripping nose
Pounding head, eyes are burning
I hate being sick!

I Did Not Sleep Well Last Night

2009-07-25T12:15:00.003-04:00

Little hands and feet
Everywhere... it's like sleeping
With an octopus

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T19:47:00.001-04:00

Waaaaay Overdue

2009-07-17T21:21:00.007-04:00

Several months ago, through my Pay It Forward post, I 'met' Shauna of Trying to Stay Calm!. Shortly thereafter, she also started the amazing Book Giveaways, which I highly recommend all readers visit. She has something there for everyone.

Last month, I won the audio book No Matter What! (Nine Steps to Living the Life You Love) by Lisa Nichols. It is an excellent 'listen', with some very sound advice and direction for developing your 'bounce-back muscles' to help you better cope with whatever life may throw at you. I think this may become a frequent flier in my loan library, as it has already made it to the CD player of a good friend of mine.

Shauna, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to win this book. It was shipped quickly, and enjoyed immensely. I look forward to participating in another giveaway soon!

To Kelly, With My Apologies

2009-07-16T20:07:00.011-04:00

I missed Wordless Wednesday... again. And, I promised to post pictures of my tiny little garden. So Kelly, this one's for you!

It's a happy little garden:

Long, skinny green beans:

Cucumbers - some big, some small:

More summer squash trying to grow:

Baby green tomatoes:

Growing pot... I mean, in pots:

Up-and-coming eggplant:

Parsley, basil, and cilantro:

I'm hungry!

He's Feeling Much Better Now

2009-07-12T22:37:00.004-04:00

Alas, daycare struck
Weekend wasted by fever
Kid stays home Monday

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T19:28:00.001-04:00

Points for Honesty

2009-07-07T16:48:00.003-04:00

JJ just peeked around the side of the chair in which I was sitting and sadly proclaimed:

"Mommy, I stink... bad."

Just in the nick of time...

2009-07-05T20:07:00.003-04:00

JJ starts daycare tomorrow morning. Today, out of nowhere, he started saying three new words: Crap, Dammit, and Sh*t

My thoughts exactly.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T23:25:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T09:44:00.002-04:00

Hey, It Gets My Point Across

2009-06-22T21:53:00.003-04:00

Twenty-one months was
A long unemployment stint
Thank God it's over

With Love, From Marly

2009-06-21T14:03:00.003-04:00

For my dad, my father-in-law, my (for lack of a better term) step-father-in-law, John, and all of the other great dads I know:

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T15:32:00.004-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T22:36:00.002-04:00

Green Isn't Just a Color

2009-06-03T18:42:00.003-04:00

Taped a show today
About a house that is green
In a lovely beige

Dinner Conversation

2009-06-01T21:30:00.004-04:00

Marly: Is your macaroni and cheese yummy?

JJ: No.

Marly: Is it yucky?

JJ: No.

Marly: Is it so-so?

JJ: No.

Marly: Well, then what is your macaroni and cheese?

JJ: It's yellow!

The Grass is Always Greener

2009-05-31T09:21:00.002-04:00

First one up today
Uninterrupted screen time
All done - now I'm bored

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T16:20:00.002-04:00

It took me a minute to figure it out.

2009-05-26T19:59:00.004-04:00

This morning, I was doing double-duty, trying to get ready for work while trying to get JJ ready for playschool. So, while I had JJ in the tub, I was putting on a little makeup. JJ watched me very intently for a minute before he asked, "Mommy gonna be a tiger?"

Sometimes I Go Back in Time

2009-05-25T16:40:00.003-04:00

In the right column
Is a link to the Fail Blog
It maketh me laugh

Tiny Tiger

2009-05-23T22:40:00.002-04:00

My friend Tracey's son Brandon turned three yesterday, and JJ and I went to his birthday party today. It was quite an extravagant circus-themed adventure, complete with Sunshine the Clown, a magic show, balloon animals, face painting, and games. Now, JJ is very clown-shy, won't let anybody get anywhere near him with face paint, and just isn't quite of the age for group games yet. So, I was a little concerned about how today was going to play out.

Imagine my surprise when JJ marched right up to Sunshine for a balloon, and, after seeing a little girl get her face painted as a cat, declared that he wanted to be a tiger! My surprise continued as JJ sat still as a statue while his face was completely painted. He was an angel... right up until the time Sunshine brought out the mirror. Upon seeing his face, JJ immediately freaked out and planted his little tiger face right into my shoulder, sobbing, "No more tiger, Mommy! No more tiger!" In order to pacify him, I told him that I would wipe off the tiger. With a baby wipe, I removed the paint around his mouth - which he had already smeared mercilessly on my shoulder anyway. I then told him that he wasn't a tiger anymore, and he was perfectly content to wander around as you see him (devouring a chip) above. Luckily, nobody showed him another mirror.

As for the games, JJ really had no interest. But I got a huge kick out of Tracey directing children in playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey without a blindfold. "Close your eyes," she said, "Now don't peek... Santa's watching you."

Obviously, we had a great day:

It Only Took Me Two Days

2009-05-22T22:21:00.003-04:00

I just noticed that
I forgot Wordless Wednesday
Just a little stressed

Oh, the Issues of the Vain

2009-05-19T10:57:00.002-04:00

It is a problem
When my fat jeans are starting
To get kinda snug

I So Wish I Was Kidding

2009-05-16T20:27:00.003-04:00

Spring is in the air
Every year here on the shore
Smells like chicken sh*t

The Pounding Goes On and On

2009-05-15T21:22:00.001-04:00

Another headache
Dang barometric pressure
Just is not my friend

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T09:17:00.003-04:00

I don't get it.

2009-05-12T21:29:00.002-04:00

If Pepsi Throwback is made with natural sugars, does that mean that regular, everyday Pepsi is made with unnatural sugars?

Thank you, Kelly!

2009-05-12T15:30:00.004-04:00

As part of the Pay It Forward project, Kelly sent me this beautiful bookmark that she made! It's girly and fun, and I am thrilled to not only have such a sweet and useful keepsake, but also to have such a thoughtful friend. Thanks, Kelly!

This May Be An Addiction

2009-05-11T21:20:00.005-04:00

Comcast disappeared
For several hours today
What do we do now

With Love, From Marly

2009-05-10T21:26:00.003-04:00

For my mom, my mother-in-law, my (for lack of a better term) step-mother-in-law, and all of the other great moms I know:

Overdeveloped Right Arm

2009-05-09T21:38:00.003-04:00

Every single day
German Shepherd in my face
Please, Mom, throw a ball

The Story

2009-05-08T21:12:00.002-04:00

For the past few months, John has been working as a bouncer at a local restaurant and bar. The night of April 10, an extremely drunk man punch a woman, so John told the man it was time for him to leave. John followed the guy to the bar where the guy paid his bill and threw his change at the bartender's face. Then, John walked the guy outside. The guy turned around and head-butted John. John punched the guy in the neck. (It's tough to aim in a reactionary situation.) The guy then called the cops and pressed charges against John. He was served with papers on April 21 for two felony counts of assault and reckless endangerment, which carry up to a $7,500 fine and/or a 15-year prison sentence.

He took the papers to the General Manager of the bar, who said (something to the effect of), "Wow, that sucks, dude." and refused to back John up legally. He then sent John a text suggesting he also file charges against the guy to see if it will go away. Needless to say, John doesn't work there anymore.

On April 22, John went and filed charges against the guy, and we waited... and waited... and waited. After a couple of conversations with the State's Attorney, we received word Wednesday that the charges had been dropped. Today, we received the paperwork. That chapter is now over. Thank God!

Can we get John a real job? Please?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T16:40:00.002-04:00

Coloring My World One Shade

2009-05-05T20:03:00.003-04:00

It's raining again
The grass is beautiful green
The pool... not so much

Things That Bum Me Out Right Now

2009-05-05T14:26:00.001-04:00

Stupid barking dog
No more leftover pizza
I am very cold

Thievery

2009-05-05T14:15:00.003-04:00

Somebody, somewhere came up with a cool idea of posting a Haiku a day on Facebook. A friend of mine stole that idea. And now, I have stolen it from her... and transfered it here. I can offer no guarantee that you'll get one every day, but you'll get one... often. Fair enough?

Foreign Perspective

2009-05-03T12:44:00.004-04:00

Dear Heidi had this to say yesterday. I think she did a pretty good job of it.

By the way, Nikki, it's a must-read for you!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T21:18:00.002-04:00

Stuff I learned today:

2009-04-28T21:19:00.007-04:00

1. JJ absolutely LOVES playschool (Mom's Morning Out program that he started this morning).

2. He also has a strange affinity for K-Mart.

3. Adding the weight of a two-and-a-half year old toddler to the front of a bicycle via a WeeRide makes a two-mile ride feel like twenty.

4. A gentle hand on the mechanism of an industrial-grade air compressor can blow bubbles long after the lungs of a 36-year-old woman fail - especially one who just biked the equivalent of 20 miles!

Irritant

2009-04-27T21:35:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the latest Toyota commercial? You know, the one with cars driving on an elevated road, passing billboards with model names on them... things like Camry's and Hybrid's.

That's a freakin' national campaign, Toyota! Where the heck were your proofers on that?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T15:52:00.002-04:00

Thanks, Penny!

2009-04-17T19:58:00.003-04:00

Remember this? Those are pictures of JJ creating his very first finger painting at my friend Penny's house. In addition to being daring enough to let my two-year-old play with paint in her dining room, she is also incredibly talented with her imagination and a sewing machine. She proved herself once again when, for my birthday, she gave me this:

Yep, she put JJ's very first finger painting on a pillow! Now, long after the paint chips off of that piece of paper, I will still have a memento to mark this creative milestone for the cutest kid on the planet. How cool is that?

To see more of the creative talents of my very good friend, check out her Etsy store: The Giving Tree

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T21:44:00.002-04:00

He makes stuff up.

2009-04-14T21:55:00.005-04:00

As we were driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge a few Tuesdays ago, I commented to John that there were many boats out on the water. "Of course," he replied, "It's the middle of the week."

"It's Tuesday," I reminded him, "And it's no closer to the middle of the week than Thursday, which was the last day we crossed this bridge... and saw far less boat traffic."

He quickly recovered, "It's the middle of the shipping week. Obviously, you know nothing about nautics."

For Fun

2009-04-13T21:08:00.001-04:00

I've been playing over at Wordle. To see it larger, click here.

I used the words from Charles C. Finn's "Please Hear What I Am Not Saying". You can find the full essay by clicking on the mask at the top right of my blog.

It's Easter...

2009-04-12T13:40:00.002-04:00

This is how cool my job is...

2009-04-10T23:17:00.004-04:00

At 4:30 this afternoon, our Executive Director (the boss) suddenly shouts, "Well, I'll be... we were supposed to have today off! Oops!" All four of us laughed hysterically, completed our work, and left at 5:00.

It was an awesome work day. I'm glad I went.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T10:44:00.001-04:00

My Hero

2009-04-06T22:02:00.004-04:00

Alas, I got to create everything but the cheesy name. Although I must admit, I'm not surprised. Really... are you?

Wanna be a hero, too? Start here.

And we still had a good time!

2009-04-05T20:26:00.003-04:00

JJ and I went with some friends to an "Easter Eggstravaganza" today. The company was excellent, but the event could use some help. Just a few suggestions for next year:

1. Children ages four, five, and six did not need their parents' assistance in finding plastic eggs dribbled throughout a field of grass.

2. The event probably should have been touted for ages four to twelve, as there was only one event that allowed participants under three.

3. For the one event that allowed participants under three, please note that gum and jawbreakers were not appropriate candy prizes.

4. Given that the nature of the event had children and adults running all over a park for two hours, drinks (even if sold) should have been available.

5. It would have been a good idea to announce, display, or in some way tell the crowd who sponsored the event. That way I could have directed these comments specifically.

Sudden Realization

2009-04-02T22:21:00.002-04:00

I was puttering around on Facebook yesterday, and saw that a friend had posted some updates. I went to her profile, and noticed that she had a new album for pictures of her 37th birthday. My first thought was that I didn't realize she was that much older than me. If I recalled correctly, she graduated a year ahead of me... but according to this, she's pushing 40. That would put several years between us.

Or would it?

Holy crap! I turned 36 last Friday! How did that happen?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-01T19:53:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T16:26:00.005-04:00

Oops!

2009-03-19T19:55:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday was yesterday. Apparently, I accidentally went for the absolutely and completely wordless wednesday, as I posted exactly zero words the entire day.

I can't wait to regain my sanity...

Cheers!

2009-03-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

I look and sound sick, too.

2009-03-13T22:22:00.002-04:00

I walked into work on Thursday with a box of Puffs Plus ('cause my tender nose is a-hurtin') tissues and a declaration: "There are 72 tissues in this box. When I run out, I'm going home."

There were no arguments.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T13:07:00.002-04:00