A new year of potential

It’s a new year!  It’s a time for new beginnings, releasing old habits and generally, shaking off the dust.  And if you live in my house, there is plenty of that because the way my schedule is set up, there is very little time for “frivolous” chores like dusting.  Something like cleaning a toilet, well, that needs to get done but dust, well, I know that is pretty gross too.  I could make a bunch of excuses as to why I can’t get everything done but just envision yourself working and parenting without 2 people.  As in, all on your own.  I love when friends or people in general complain about how hard it is to be a parent and I see their husband at the ball field, at the grocery store and let’s say, lending 2 additional hands to the parenting role.  I am like a human octopus….truly, all hands on deck.

Now that I think of it, since dust is made up of sloughed-off skin cells (among other vile things like mites and other dead insect parts), I should dust and I could create an assistant to help me multi-task.  My dust assistant could go grocery shopping, while I assist with homework.  That would be a cost-effective way to secure some help.

And I am not complaining.  I am generally happy and I make time every day, no matter what the weather is, to get out for a walk in nature.  The things l don’t like to do – cooking, laundry and scrubbing floors, I would have to do with or without children.  To me, the parenting stuff is easy – challenging, at times, and time consuming for sure but immensely enjoyable.  The daily chore stuff…not so much.

Truth be told, when I looked out my slider today while drinking a coffee, I realized the 5 pumpkins I bought for the fall were rotting beside the “Welcome to the pumpkin patch” placard.  It should say, “Welcome to my world – procrastination sprinkled with exhaustion”.

No dust here. Nothing but blue skies.

Give the valuable gift of reading

Hello to all you happy holiday shoppers and those reading blogs to avoid shopping!

I want to take a moment to tell you about the amazing company I work for that has been in business for over 25 years, Reading with TLC.  Reading with TLC is a wonderful company dedicated to teaching children the indispensable skills of phonics and reading.  We have an amazing program called ‘Lively Letters’ and if you are a teacher, speech language pathologist or a concerned parent with a child and/or children struggling to read, you will want to click HERE.  This program is vital for anyone with the need to teach a struggling reader of any age!

I have read all the testimonials that we receive and I have witnessed firsthand how fun and successful the program is.  It is fantabulous!  Now sound that out phonetically!  Lol.  Yes, I know it is not a word! I make up words all the time, but that is a story for another day.  I am now a proud affiliate of Lively Letters so if you want to learn all about the program click my affiliate link and let’s get acquainted!  🙂 Happy Shopping!  Happy Holidays!  Happy Reading!

 

The land of neutrality

Ah, Switzerland, the land of neutrality.  The country doesn’t get involved.  Their citizens don’t take sides.  Peaceful place. No conflict.  Image of ski slopes.  No drama.  My diplomatic nature (I hear my daughter laughing or groaning) has, on more than one occasion, been compared to the neutral environment of Switzerland.  I have opinions on lots of things – almost everything but I keep most of them to myself.  Because opinions are like, what is it, oh, that’s right, I don’t use foul language so I can’t say that.  Let’s just say, opinions are like rump roasters, everyone has one!   Here are a few opinions I have that maybe need to be expressed for a change.  See if you agree with any or you can add to the list.

No one should ever wear shorts in the winter in New England.  Even if you are going to the gym, newsflash – that is what gym bags are made for.  Please wear pants and put your shorts in the gym bag.  White, hairy legs are, well……downright scary!

I really dislike Croc sandals, mules, clogs, whatever they are.  They can be cute on very young children but they should be off limits for everyone else.

Bald men should not be allowed to buy convertibles.

The silent treatment is an insidious form of abuse.

All toddlers are, at some level, annoying.

I agree with Eminem, the musician, that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Small talk makes me tired – really tired.  I particularly despise weather chit chat.

I think love is the best thing in the world.  Chanel clothing is next (although I only have a handbag) so what would I know?

I think people with bad attitudes should check them at the door.  No one wants that energy around them.  We all have issues.  Get over it.  Grow up.  It’s not my fault you are miserable.

I think unfriending a friend on Facebook for no reason or no explanation is utterly lame.  This is not junior high, people.  I know it’s not called junior high anymore and I am showing my age, but I don’t care.

In that same arena, I think bashing people and airing your grievances on Facebook is never a good idea.  Call a friend, a counselor, a hotline.  I physically cringe at some of the ranting I read on Facebook.

Do not give unsolicited advice to anyone.  If he/she doesn’t ask for your opinion, then don’t give one.  Clearly, they know what they are doing.

Al Einstein was a genius.  And yes, sometimes the smartest person in the room is overlooked.

And someone once said “Confidence is a consolation prize for those who are less talented.”  Ah, let the truth be spoken!  So think about that the next time you meet someone who is overly confident – is there really anything behind that façade?  Chances are, no.  But let them ramble on anyway; it’s all they have.

And if you are still not convinced that I have an opinion, just ask my son what the word buffoon means?

Oh, and back to footwear for a moment.  I despise flip flops of any kind and yes, despise is a harsh word but it doesn’t even come close to expressing my hatred of the look and sound of these ridiculous foot coverings.   I particularly loathe the cheap plastic ones they sell at drug stores.  I don’t think anyone should wear these except in public showers to prevent a fungal infection which is another thing that totally grosses me out but that is perhaps another blog?  Anyway, I hate the sound, I don’t like seeing so much foot and I don’t like the look of being flat footed.  I actually make audible groans when I see or hear a flip flopper coming my way.  And remember if you are a flip flopper, you might not have a solid opinion on anything?  Get it?  Perhaps all the flip floppers should move to Switzerland!!  Peace, love and opinions…..Ciao for now…

crazy photo

Yes, this is the metamorphosis I make when I see or hear things I must give an opinion on. Trust me, I try to control it.