Confession Time

- The other night, I dropped a pen in the cushion of my favorite chair and went "digging" to find it.  In my search, I uncovered not only the pen but also approximately six pennies, nine Goldfish crackers, and two Legos.  Without hesitation, I took the pen and pushed the other items back into the crevice. #Iwillvacuumsoon

- I am LOVING Zumba; but, I'm slightly concerned about the songs I now find myself humming and singing to myself all the time.  Today's pick? "Talk Dirty to Me" by ________.  (I don't know because I was afraid to type in the song title on my school computer.) ;)

- Poppy is having some trouble with food, so I took him a chocolate milkshake (his favorite) last week at lunch time.  When I got to his room, his roommate informed me that he was in therapy and wouldn't be back for a while.  Since I was just sitting there - and it was melting - I decided to have a sip of the milkshake.  Fifteen minutes later (and 750 calories - can you believe that?!?), when he finally returned, there was approximately 1/4th of the milkshake left for him.  Oops.  #notonmydiet

- I am a giddy school girl over the possibility of a big blizzard here today.  I have done NOTHING all week in anticipation of several days of being snowed-in and doing nothing again.  It's bad.

Got anything to confess today?  I'd love for you to join me and link-up below!

 

Snow Day Confessions

We are out of school for the second day in a row (third if you count MLK Day on Monday) for snow today.  Yes, I have the best job ever.   Confessions today, but first... Nikki Miller and Sarah Hall are the proud new owners of the book Bread and Wine for responding to my reader poll and commenting here last week. Both of these girls are loyal blog readers and friends (Sarah and I actually know each other in real life, and Nikki is one of my very best commenters/ I feel like we know each other in real life), so I'm happy to send a little treat their way! Thank you to ALL of you that answered the questions on my survey and provided such helpful and positive feedback.  You guys are the best!

And now, let's embarrass my mother...

- I'm like a thirteen year old when it snows.  I can't sleep, and I check my phone (and out the window) every ten minutes for an alert that school is cancelled.  I was literally a ball of nerves hoping we would be out for a second day today. It's ridiculous really.  (I like my job, really, I do.  There is just something about the game of it.  And the extra time to put-off grading essays.)

- At any given point, there is a 98% chance that I have a bag of trash (or three) hanging at my back door waiting to go out.

- I have had a weekend, a holiday, and a snow day off from work; and, yet, Jeff and I slept sleeping bag style on two blankets last night because our favorite sheets are still "being washed" after Pukefest 2014 on Sunday.

- I am entirely too emotionally invested in the lives of the Bravermans.  Especially Joel and Julia's relationship right now.  (Side note: Didn't everyone see that Hank had Aspergers?)  I knew it from the first time we met. #seewhatImean)

- I have come to the conclusion that parenthood (the real thing, not the TV show) has made me slow. Physically slower - although probably mentally too.  This is weird since it seems moms are notorious for being able to do TONS in a short amount of time and move a mile a minute.  I don't know what it is, but everything takes me 108978 minutes longer than it used to.  And, usually, I can't even blame Sam.  Anyone else? 


I'd love to hear what you have to confess today!  Let's give this link-up another go, ok?

10 Little Confessions (& 2 "Fist Pumps")

It's been about a month since my last Midweek Confessions post, and I'm a little rusty.  So, I thought I'd get back in the saddle today with ten "little" confessions...

1. I wear too much blush.  I can't even tell you how many times Jeff has politely reminded me to "rub in" my cheeks.  #lovehim

2. I eat peanut butter right out of the jar with a spoon and my weakness is McDonald's french fries.

3. I use Sweet n' Low in my coffee even though I know it's like the worst thing in the world.

4. I leave dishes in the sink overnight A LOT. 

5. I NEVER iron.  (We do have a steamer, so my clothes don't look totally awful; but, they also don't look totally polished.)

6. I take a nap at least four times a week.

7. I have a reputation among my students of taking a REALLY long time to grade and return assignments.

8. I'm late just about everywhere I go.

9. I get overwhelmed and behind on responding to blog comments, and I feel really guilty about it.  (Please don't stop them though! I read every single one and SO appreciate them!)

10. I am so much more laid back and enjoyable to be around than I was four or five years ago; BUT, almost every day a part of me aches for my former "Type A"/ productive self.

And, just to make sure I don't fall into the pit of insecurity after that little exercise (j/k - kinda), here are two things I'm pretty proud of right now:

* I haven't had a Diet Coke in 15 days.

* My Christmas decorations are all put away and my house feels clean and fresh.

What about you?  I'd love to hear 10 little confessions from you... This took me all of ten minutes; so, don't over think it... Just write!  (Linky below.)

Happy Hump Day!

Midweek Confessions

Hi friends.

Is it just me, or is this one of the longest weeks of the year?

Thankfully, today is "hump day" and marks one week until Christmas...  This time next week, if all goes as planned, I'll be sitting in a pile of tissue paper reeling from too many cinnamon buns (if you have not made these, you MUST do it) with all the people I love most in the world... I think I'm going to make it.

In the meantime, let's celebrate this mid-week with some confessions, shall we?

- Sam calls playing with the nativity "playing God," and I don't correct him because it is just too funny.

- Ever since I published my post about not doing the Elf on the Shelf, Jeff has had a grand ole time making a mockery of my feelings about it by moving the darn Elf into the most absurd and obnoxious places.  Currently, our Elf (who is unnamed) is riding on the back of a neon orange pterodactyl and hanging from the ceiling with chicken wire front and center (as in, you can see it from the road when you drive by at night) in the living room.  It has been there for three days and counting.  My husband is so funny.

- Up until about five years ago, I thought "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" was a song about an extramarital affair.  #notthebrightestbulbonthetree

And, a little story/confession for you...

- Last week, Sam fell asleep in the car after several days/nights of bad sleep, so I decided to drive to the post office and seal and stamp my Christmas cards in the parking lot before mailing them off by the 5PM deadline.  I thought this through and decided that IF the post office wasn't crowded, and I could get a parking spot right at the very front, it would be OK if I locked Sam in the car and ran inside to buy stamps reallyquick.  It was the perfect plan. Unfortunately, neither of those two conditions were met, and the post office was PACKED.  (I can't imagine why.)

So... What did I do?

Naturally, I sat in the lot like a total creeper just praying that someone I knew would pull in.  Sure enough, about ten minutes later,  a friend of my grandma's drove up...  Without really thinking about how awkward it would be, I promptly jumped out of my car and basically met the unassuming lady at her door.  After we exchanged pleasantries (and she told me what a hurry she was in because she was meeting friends for dinner in an hour), I asked if she could please sit in my car with my sleeping child while I bought stamps.  She agreed (what choice did she have, really?), and I ran inside.  

As if the fact that I made her asked her to do this wasn't bad enough, when I came out about seven minutes later, the poor lady was just standing outside the car (inthefreezingcold) at Sam's window because genius here had forgotten to unlock it for her when I went running into the post office.

She was very nice about the whole thing, but I feel confident that she will run the other direction the next time she sees me out in public.  And, for the record, Sam woke up as soon as I got back in the car = I didn't actually get to stamp and mail any of my cards after all that.

If you'd like to join in, link up your own confession below!  Have a good Wednesday!

Midweek Confessions: Thanksgiving Edition

- I specifically wore my very favorite, fresh from the laundry, jeans TODAY to stretch them out for TOMORROW.

- It was my turn to "host" Thanksgiving this year, but I totally obliged when my mom offered to do it instead.  I used to love to host things like that; but, lately, just the thought of all the work to prepare and the clean up afterwards makes me exhausted.  This will also be the first year in four that I am not even decorating a table.  I'm basically just showing up tomorrow with my two pies and my broccoli casserole and calling it a day.  #notsorry #lazy #blameitonthetoddler

- My favorite Thanksgiving food is sauerkraut.  That's really weird for some people, but we eat it every year and smelling it cooking in the crock pot all morning is one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

- I'm eating lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant with my sister today and having a "fondue party" with Jeff's family tonight.  So much for eating light to gear up for turkey.

- If it is too cold tomorrow morning (which it is probably going to be), I'm seriously considering calling the registration fee a gift and skipping the 5K family walk we are all signed up for.

Got confessions? Want to join?  Please link up below!

Midweek Confessions 11/20

Good morning friends!  I haven't posted Midweek Confessions in a while, but that doesn't mean I don't have plenty to confess... so I decided today was as good as a day as any to start them back up.  I hope you will join in!

- I get kind of jealous and pout-y when several of the "big" bloggers in my feed all "get together" for some kind of give away, link-up, or series.  It is ridiculous really - I don't know any of them - but there's a little bit of middle school girl in me that feels like I "didn't get invited to the cool kids' party."

- For an English teacher, I'm certain that I overuse quotation marks and italics; but, I don't actually know the "rules" for their use (which is the real confession here), so I can't be sure.

- When Jeff is out of town, I act like some kind of "rebel" and eat fast food, keep Sam out too late at Target, skip his bath, and let him sleep in the bed with me.  I'm sure I'm creating some kind of complex or, at the very least, some bad habits for Sam - but, it's a price I'm willing to pay. Ha!

- Unlike, it seems, every other blogger in the world, I don't listen to Christmas music OR decorate my house before Thanksgiving.  (I might leave my decorations up until February 1st though.)

- Have I mentioned before that I am TERRIBLE at gift wrapping?  I mean, terrible.  Usually, I make Jeff do it (he is actually really good); but, this year I'm considering babysitting for my neighbor so she can do all my wrapping because she claims to love it.  

- I have actually bought some Christmas gifts already; and, I'll be honest, I'm feeling kind-of smug about it. ;)

- I have a new obsession with listening to books on tape. This kind-of makes me feel like a cheater, but also sort-of smart and sophisticated too.  (Which is it?) Also, I mostly listen to them on my cell phone while I'm driving, and I may have intentionally driven out of my way one or two or eight times lately to get to the end of a chapter.

- Sam asks to eat "french fries" just about every day.  He doesn't actually eat them every day, but I think the fact that he asks for them is bad enough.  (See my third confession.)

- My only goal for the last two weekends has been to clean up my guest room.  (We have company coming to stay there over Thanksgiving.)  I have successfully managed to NOT accomplish that goal - or anything else because that was my only goal - for two weeks now.  #pleasecallhoarders

Thanks for reading all this random/ hot-messness.  (You like that?)  Now, won't you link-up your confessions below?!

Midweek Confessions 10/16

We'll continue with the Working Mom posts on Friday; but, for today, it's business as usual... Which, around these parts, means Midweek Confessions.

- I think I enjoyed Sam's sick day this week (poor buddy had a fever of 103 on Sunday night/Monday) more than I should have... I can't help it.  All he wanted to do was just snuggle and be rocked and watch movies; and, well, who am I to stop him.  Those moments (or hours as was this case this time) are too few and far between now that he is such a busy little boy.

- Jeff and I were getting ready to leave to go out of town for the wedding on Saturday (did you see my outfit on Instagram?) after happily sending Sam on his way with his grandparents for the night, when I realized that we had made absolutely NO arrangements for poor Addy girl!  In my defense, she usually stays with Poppy (he likes this company and his social calendar is usually pretty open), but he has had some health issues lately, and I didn't really feel right about asking him.  So, I had thought about her a few days before, but I'd never actually made plans for who would take care of her.  It was an easy fix - because my awesome neighbor across the street came through in a pinch - but still, I am now officially one of those people that forgets about their dog when they have kids. Ugh. #ireallydontlikethosepeople

- I legitimately have a lot of gray hair.  I've never been one to full-out dye my hair, but it looks like I'm heading in that direction.  (Call me vain if you want, but I'm just not ready to be gray.)

- Our neighborhood does the "You've been Boo-ed" game where someone leaves a poem and a little treat on your front porch overnight with special instructions to "pass it on" to another neighbor within TWO nights.  Guess what?  It took me FIVE nights to get my act together enough to buy a treat and walk it down two houses.  I also only put one copy of the poem (you're supposed to put two so they can put one on their door and pass the other on), because I still hadn't managed to remember to take it to work to photocopy.  Sam is SO doomed when he is older and has things like class parties and activities I'm supposed to help with.  #sorryinadvancebud

- I've recently had to buy Sam some clothes for the fall and - against my better judgement - am finding myself buying more and more "big boy" clothes and shirts with things like dinosaurs and race cars on them.  I REALLY want to keep him wearing sweet baby one-piece suits forever; but even I admit he would look pretty ridiculous in one these days, and, he gets SO happy about wearing his "favorite shirts."  Hideous Graphic Tees: 1, Elizabeth: 0.

- Speaking of race cars and favorites, Sam is absolutely obsessed with the movie Cars right now.  I am not exaggerating when I say that he asks to watch it at least 20 times every day.  (Obviously, we don't let him watch it all those times.  Comeonpeople.) A while back one of our little neighbors had an obsession with the same movie and - I must admit - I kind-of felt prideful over the fact that Sam didn't know any Disney characters' names and had too much energy to enjoy watching a movie over and over again.  (WHEN WILL I EVER LEARN?!?)  What goes around comes around and, now, Sam is totally that kid that talks incessantly about "Ice-Cream" (aka Lightning McQueen) and Mater.  There are worse things to be addicted to, right?

- My suitcase from the weekend is, not only unpacked, but sitting at the foot of the steps by the door still.  (I know our babysitter thinks Jeff and I must be the laziest pieces out there.)

- I'm a little bit jealous of all the people that have been posting pregnancy announcements lately.  #nowearenttrying #ivegotbabycold #youknowlikenotquiteafever

Anything you need to get off your chest today?  Please link up and join the fess-fest below!

P.S. Starting today, I'm going to be a "lifestyle contributor" for the Manilla Blog, and my first post is up - "9 Tips for Hosting a Pinterest-Worthy Party When You're Low on Cash & Time."  (It is similar to this post from a while ago, but with some additional ideas more focused on wedding & baby showers.)  Check it out if you want! 

From Amanda's baby shower that I hosted with my mom, MIL, & SIL in August.

Midweek Confessions 10/9

- My regular Bible study was cancelled last night, but Jeff still had his and my parents were still planning to watch Sam, so I took the opportunity to have some much-needed alone time.  The "plan" was to go to Starbucks, get a pumpkin spice latte (duh), and work on blog/school stuff for two hours.  I'm pretty behind on a lot of things, so it was a very good (and very necessary) plan.  HOWEVER, I hadn't had dinner yet, so I made a quick stop at Chipotle first.  It is right across the street from Starbucks, so my intentions were good.  BUT, by the time I was done eating, I was SO full that I couldn't possibly drink a pumpkin spice latte, and (obviously) I could not go to Starbucks and not get a latte, so I had no other choice but to go to the mall and walk around until I'd burned off some calories.  $50.00 at Baby Gap and a pumpkin-orange cardigan from Target (thanks Abby!) later, it was time to go back home.  I never made it to Starbucks.  Oops.

- I was running late this morning (go figure) so I made the executive decision while in the shower that today was a good day to try out the "top knot" hairstyle everyone and their sister seem to be rocking lately - you know, to save me the 1.8 minutes it takes to straighten my hair usually.  While blow drying, I "watched" a quick tutorial on my phone and then got busy teasing my ponytail - apparently a very important part of the process.  But, whatdoyouknow, I could NOT get my hair to go (much less stay) in a trendy-looking bun to save my life.... The clock was ticking, so I did the only logical thing - I went to school with a fro-ed out pony tail and a handful of bobby pins and had my students do my hair before the bell rang.  Naturally.  (And, for the record, they couldn't really get the bun to look good either, so I'm sporting a slightly less teased version of my earlier ponytail now.  You win some you lose some.)  Note to self: Don't attempt new hairstyles are days you are running late/everyday.

- I just agreed to participate in a local bloggers cooking challenge next month sponsored by Food Lion.  The only problem, I literally have NEVER made a single thing in my life without a recipe (I look up instructions online for everything - think broccoli, baked potatoes, and scrambled eggs), and even those aren't good half the time.  #notgoingtobepretty

That's all for today!

Care to join me?

Midweek Confessions 10/2

- I recently switched to chewable/gummy multivitamins because I'm eight years old and, since this change, I haven't missed a single day of taking my vitamins.  In fact, some days I take double (or more) the recommended amount because they are just so delicious good for you.

- My students have a group on Facebook that I am not a part of.  It came up in class yesterday that one of them had posted a quote from the novel we are reading and a lively discussion ensued.  For a split second, this was one of my proudest teacher moments... Then, it came out that the quote was from a scene where one character describes another characters butt. Awesome. #dreamscrushed

-  The fenderliner* on my passenger-side front tire has come lose and is dragging and scrapping against the tire when I drive.  At first, it was only when I made left turns; but now, there is a horrifying sound that travels with me wherever I go.  It is BAD people - like, it sounds like my car is going to blow up at any moment and one of my neighbors texted the other day to make sure it was "safe to drive."  The problem is really minor - probably less than $100 to fix it (or I could just cut the plastic off and call it a day) - but I really only think about it when I am in the car, and so I keep forgetting to get it fixed. As if I needed anything else to draw attention to my driving. #doesthiswarrantanewcar *a word that I looked up online to describe the big piece of plastic hanging from my front tire.

- I have officially become the kind of person that has a room in my house in which no one may enter. Clean clothes, dirty clothes, old toys, materials for "future projects," etc. etc. It ALL goes in my guest room. Currently, I am enforcing a very strict No Trespassing rule in there - even for Jeff and, especially for Sam (He could easily get seriously injured or, worse, lost in there.)

Ok! Enough about me... Your turn! Link up below!!

P.S.S.  I got on a emailing frenzy Monday and fired off a bunch of emails I've been needing to send for a while now.  And, what do you know, now I can't keep up with responding to all of the replies.  If you've emailed or commented lately and haven't heard back from me, please know that I'm SO thankful for your emails, and I PROMISE I won't forget about you!  (Well, I at least promise I won't forget about you on purpose, feel free to send me a reminder if you want to in a few days!)  

P.S.S. I've got two sponsored posts coming up back to back on Thursday and Friday.  I'm giving you fair warning and apologizing in advance.  I really try not to do that and to be sure that sponsored posts are NOT the majority of what you reading here, but the timing just worked out weirdly this time.  I'm sorry!  On a good note, the first one involves me doing some "fashion blogging" which is always a hoot and the next includes some pretty sincere and deep thoughts on education and what I want for my kid.  

You guys are the BEST at showing grace! 

Your link has been submitted.

Your link has been submitted.

Midweek Confessions 9/25

Well, it's almost four hours after the time I said this would be posted (#storyofmylife); but, better late than never, right?

- I live in constant fear of being asked if I am pregnant.  No, this is not the most horrible accusation in the world, but I am NOT pregnant (and I'm well aware of the pooch of fat around my mid-section).  I don't know what it is, but something about my age/ the fact that Sam is two now (and maybe that I sometimes look pregnant), has made me quite paranoid about this.  I feel like people stare directly at my stomach when they talk to me, and I instinctively suck-in my belly with every tiny whisper from my students, etc.  For the first time in my life, I'm actually relieved when there is alcohol at a party because by drinking it, I'm dispelling any rumors that might be floating around (or just being further judged).  It's a bad place; and, the way I see it, I have only two options for escape: 1. Do a lot of crunches, or 2. Actually get pregnant (neither of which seem particularly appealing right this minute).

- Wearing maxi skirts is a little dangerous for me.  Twice in the last week or so, I have worn a maxi skirt and found myself getting my feet all tangled up in it and almost falling down the stairs.  It figures, fashion is always risky for me... I'll just add this to the list next to high heels and false eye-lashes.

- I let food go bad.  Yesterday was my mom's birthday (Happy Birthday girl!), so I invited my parents over for a simple dinner last night.  That afternoon, in preparation, I even ran by the grocery store before heading home to meet the sitter.  I had everything I needed to prepare a delicious spinach lasagna and a birthday cake, Pretty Little Liars on the laptop (duh), and a sleeping baby - I was all set.  Unfortunately, the universe is against my cooking (and wearing high fashion clothes, obviously), and I was disappointed to find that the half bag of spinach in my fridge had gone completely bad (and even more disappointed to find that using it when it has gone bad can lead to e coli poinsoning and a host of other really terrible things I didn't really feel like giving my mom for her birthday).  So... plain lasagna it was.  THEN, I went to get out eggs for the cake and noticed that the expiration date on the carton said APRIL.  (I honestly don't know how this happened, or how many people I have poisoned in the last four months.) Just to be sure, I did a series of tests from the internet on the eggs which included balancing them, shaking them, and floating them in cold water, and decided against using the eggs too.  (Thank goodness for good neighbors.)  Cooking FAIL.

- I am rude and awkward. This is a little hard to put into words and probably not worth the attempt, but whatever... On my way home from the grocery store yesterday, I was waiting to make a left turn out of the parking lot onto the main road.  This required that I cut through two lanes of traffic currently backed up waiting for a stoplight.  When the line started moving, I was happy to see that a kind soul was waving at me - presumably to signal that she was going to let me go.  I gave a quick wave of thanksgiving and began to gas my car.  BUT, at that very moment, the kind soul also gave her car some gas - presumably to go ahead and NOT wait for me.  When she noticed her mistake, she stopped, gave me a look of apology, and attempted to wave me on; but, by this point, it was too late.  Cars were coming in the other lanes from both sides.  I don't usually have road rage, but this really frustrated me; so, I gave her the annoyed shoulder shrug (with both palms in the air, do you know what I'm talking about?) and a scowl.  Obviously she had ruined everything.  Once we had help up traffic long enough, she proceeded on, but not without another friendly wave - and that's when it hit me: I KNEW HER.  She hadn't been waving initially to tell me that I could go ahead of her, she had been waving a pleasant hello because we KNOW EACH OTHER.  So... Not only did I get myself all in a huff and cause I traffic jam, but I also was rude to a friend.  Ugh.

Ok, I think that's enough shame for one day... Care to join the fun?  Please link up below!

Midweek Confessions 9/18

Happy Wednesday!! As promised, it's a confession-fest around here today.  I've got plenty of my own to share, but I'm also including the link-up at the bottom of the post and really hoping you will join me...  A hot mess LOVES company! ;)

- Yesterday, while discussing A Separate Peace with my tenth graders, I made a comment relating the novel to "Pretty Little Liars." (I know, a really deep English teacher I am. The confession really should just end right here.)  Anyway, several of the girls were (obviously) really excited about it and - before I even knew what was happening - one of the boys accidentally blurted out the identity of 'A.'  (Please accept my apologies now if you have no idea what I am talking about... It's probably for the best.)  Anyway, the true confession part comes in the fact that I had a literal fit in front of my students and, then (when I finally pulled myself together) I.COULD.NOT stop thinking about this new information I had received... ABOUT A FICTION TEENY-BOPPER TV SHOW.  I'm not even joking, I had to refocus and find my place on the page I was reading aloud at least three times after this.  Pathetic.

- I almost just typed "pathetic sauce" up above.  Clearly, I've been spending too much time around teenagers (orwatchingthemontv).

- This is the last one about "Pretty Little Liars," promise!   I've been having this internal debate with myself all week about WHY I am so into the show when it really isn't that good.  At one point, I actually had the following thought: "I mean, it isn't nearly as high quality television as 'Scandal' and 'Mistresses.'"  HIGH QUALITY TELEVISION?!?!  This has really gotten bad. Who am I?

- We had someone come to clean our house on Monday for the first time (I know, I'm spoiled), and she did a great job.  BUT, Jeff was out of town until late last night and Addy is shedding something terrible right now.  So... I spent yesterday afternoon re-vacuuming the house like a crazy person so that Jeff would be impressed with the cleaning lady and insist that she come back more frequently.  #hedidntevennotice

 - I HATE cooking! When Jeff is out of town, Sam and I eat out for every meal.  #sometimesimalittlesmugabouthowgoodheisinrestaurants (Did you get that last one?!)

Your turn...

*Remember, I'll be highlighting some of my favorite confessions from your posts later this week!

Midweek Confessions 8/28

Happy Wednesday friends!  You know what that means...

- Sam has two GIANT bumps/bruises/cuts on his head right now (neither of which, for the record, was acquired on my watch).  This is nothing out of the ordinary, really, but it seems like everywhere I go people make comments about how "tough" he looks or "what a boy" he is.  The problem? When you say "Wow, he's a real rough and tumble boy," I know what you are really saying is, "Wow, what a negligent mom you are."  Nothing like motherhood to teach you humility.

- On a similar note... Last night, Sam and I met some friends at a neighborhood park we had never been to before.  We parked across the street and had to cross two lanes of traffic to get to the playground where our friends were waiting and waving.  When we got to the curb, the walk sign was showing a flashing red hand which, to me, means "hurry up," so... I hurried up.  Unfortunately, Sam didn't get the memo.  He was just putting along and, sure enough, the light changed and everyone was waiting for us. Naturally, I walked even faster; and, naturally, Sam decided to quit walking all together and went completely limp.  So... Basically, I drug Sam across the street, almost pulled his arm out of socket, and held up traffic while I did it.  #onemoreforthewin

- I was running a tad bit late on the first day of school (go figure) so I skipped making coffee and opted for a Diet Dr. Pepper from the drink machine in the lounge instead.  Like I have done millions of times before, I put my $1.25 (highway robbery) in the machine and waited; but, the drink never came.  CRISIS!  I pushed several other buttons, attempted to get my money back, inserted an additional dollar, and - eventually - complained to the custodian when she walked by and saw my distress.  Then... just as she came to investigate the stealing machine... I actually got down and looked inside and... there it was... my drink.  It had been sitting there all along.  I'm a moron.

- I just wrote an entire paragraph about getting a Diet Dr. Pepper from a drink machine.

- I have physically written the dates for the Parenthood (Sept. 26th) and Scandal (Oct. 3rd) season premieres on my calendar.  It's going to be a wild fall around here people.

- Last week I noticed a small pile of Sam's fingernails in his little trashcan.  This made me realize that I have not cut his nails in, like, EVER.  Apparently, the grandparents and sitter have been quietly taking care of this task and I've been living in a fantasy world where fingernails cut themselves.  #ittakesavillage

I think that's enough dirt for one day!  Can't wait to read what humiliating things you've been doing... You have been doing humiliating things, haven't you?

Midweek Confessions 8/14

You know what time it is... Here goes!

- My "swag" is still in the middle of my bedroom floor in my suitcase from Blogher, and I have not unpacked or washed the first thing from last week's beach vacation.  #naptimetoday #forrealthistime

- I took Sam to the movies yesterday for the first time (We saw Planes - very cute, but I hardly paid attention).  Although I normally have a strict rule about NOT going to the movies without popcorn, I had already decided that we would not get any this time since a.) I'm trying to eat healthy and b.) popcorn is dangerous for toddlers.  BUT, how could I resist when the man in front of us gave us a coupon for a free small?!?  So... Sam ate popcorn.  He did fine, but I was a nervous wreck and may or may not have spent the first 20 minutes of the movie Googling "dangers of popcorn" on my iphone.  

- I want to train for a half marathon in November.  Yesterday, I ran ONE mile and almost died.

- I buy Luna protein bars with the best of intentions - "these will fill me up AND satisfy my sweet tooth without being terrible for me" - then, I eat four... In one sitting.

- Our dishwasher is broken, so... I feed Sam on the same plate at every meal and absolutely CANNOT cook.  Some things are just non-negotiable in my life, like the fact that I can't wash dishes when there are things like blogging, playing, and browsing Pinterest to be done. ;)

Join me in airing your dirty laundry (in my case, literally) today?

Grab the button & link up below!

Midweek Confessions 7/31

HOW in the world is it already the last day of July?!  Seriously, is it just me, or was it the last day of school like, yesterday?!?  Ridiculous!  Anyway, let's do some confessing...

- I'm NOT dreading going back to work in a few weeks.  (I guess this isn't necessarily a confession, since it is generally considered a positive thing when one enjoys his/her job; however, as a mom who gets to spend the whole summer home with her kiddo, there is always a tiny bit of mom guilt that comes with my excitement for a new school year and the routine, adult/teenager interaction, and excuses for why my house is such a mess it brings.)*

- Like a flipping sixteen year old, I put off a major project that I've known about all summer and is due tomorrow.  As a result, I have had some seriously late nights AND A LOT of caffeine and stress-eating this week.  #whenwillilearn?

- I'm pretty sure I worried WAY too much and over-planned WAY too much for Blogher last week.  No one really cared what I was wearing. :)

- I bought a two-piece bathing suit at the beginning of the summer for our beach trip next week; because, at the time, the trip felt far enough away that surely I would have lost some weight by then.  I have not.

- Naturally, I bought two very cute swimsuit cover-ups to remedy the above problem.

- Sam calls himself "Ham," and I LOVE it.  He also says "beach" in a slightly inappropriate way, and I also love (and encourage) that.

- I stepped on my Kindle and completely crushed it.

- I am O-VER the Bachelorette.  (And, I kind-of liked Brooks a million times more when he was breaking up with Dez. What kind of person does that make me?!?!)

What about you? What confession-worthy things have you done lately?  Please link up and share below!!

*I think it goes without saying, but the fact that I love my job and look forward to going back is absolutely NO indication of how much I love and enjoy being home with Sam too.  I'm just really thankful that I get the opportunity to really enjoy BOTH things so so much! #disclaimersonconfessionsarelame

Midweek Confessions

- I might have cried a little bit while watching The Bachelorette this week. (Can you guess when?)

-  I told myself I was going to get rid of Sam's pacifier after his second birthday.  I totally lied to myself.  Maybe two and a half?!? (Also, I fully intend to lie to his doctor today when we go for his well visit.)

- This week we ran out of Diaper Genie refills so, like any normal person, I have simply placed all of Sam's dirty diapers in a small pile in the corner. #atleastonelyoneroomstinksalittle

- Addy and I are in a desperate need of a diet.  We both have been "about to start" for approximately two years.

- I have a million things to do right now (like take out the dirty diapers) but, instead, I've spent an insane amount of time online shopping for clothes I can't afford and making color-coded schedules and packing lists for Blogher.

- Sam's feet STINK; but, I cannot bring myself to allow him to wear socks with crocs.  I'm sorry, but I have to draw the line somewhere. #crocsalonearebadenough

Now it's your turn! Grab my little button and link below (if you'd like).

Midweek Confessions 7/3

Whew! So glad to be back on track and confessing again... I hope you will join the fun!

- Sam pooped in the shower when we were camping.  It was AWFUL.  And, to make matters worse, he kept pointing at it and saying "ewwww" like he wasn't the one responsible for it!  #ilovecleaninguppoop  (If you happened to be camping at Claytor Lake campground B last weekend, rest assured that the issue was taken care of promptly.)

- Guess which mom didn't even consider bringing any outdoor/riding toys for a two day camping trip with her very active toddler.  Yep, this one. All the kids around us had bikes and other little toys while poor Sam pulled a rolling cooler (yes, a cooler) all around the campground.   #thereweredinosaursinsideit

- I babysat a friend's two month old yesterday and took my own Wubby with me (to be fair, it was brand new).  He wasn't a fan; and, I am embarrassed to say how much I forced it on him when he was crying.  Seriously, I don't know how to manage babies that don't take a paci.  It's a problem.

- On my solo road trip Monday, I stopped to get gas and saw a kid walk out of the store with a big cherry Icee.  It looked SO good, and I absolutely had to have one.  Needless to say, I showed up at my girlfriend's house an hour later with a bright red mouth like an eight year old and a belly ache.

- I haven't really stuck to my "big girl" make-up routine at all this summer. (Sorry Kat.)

- The only "lipstick" I ever wear is made my Lip Smackers and tastes like Dr. Pepper.  :)

So... Will you join me?  Please link up your confessions post below!

Feel free to put this on your blog if you want!

Confessions

- I don't love summer.  I know a teacher saying this is basically blasphemous, but it's true.  I DESPISE sweating, and I sweat if I so much as look out the window on a sunny day.  Need I say more?

- I might be addicted to spray tans. #thereareworseaddictions

- I bought swim SHORTS to wear this year.  People of the pool, you can thank me later.

- Monday, due to a slight childcare/work issue, Sam spent the morning watching cartoons, eating potato chips, and feeding Addy (excessively, for at least twenty minutes #sheateitall).  Please don't call social services... 

Sorry this is short and sweet today!!  I'd love to hear some of your confessions in the comments (preferably ones that make me feel better about that last one. Ha!)

If Pacifiers Are Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right

I think this counts as a confession...

Not long ago, Jeff and I kept a neighbor's little boy for a very short amount of time so he could deal with a car issue.  Let's just say Little Man wasn't having it, and he spent the entirety of that short amount of time absolutely wailing.  I held, I coddled, I distracted with silly faces and our most favorite toys, but nothing could calm him down.  And, as ashamed as I might be to admit this, I couldn't help thinking "if only he had a pacifier..."

See, in our house, pacis rule.  (As if you didn't know that.)  Really, Sam is a pretty good kid these days, but even the occasional meltdown is pretty easily managed with a pacifier.  Dude LOVES them. In fact, he has chewed through all three of his Wubbanubs now, and we are struggling to manage with just regular old pacifiers... Sure, we try to limit its use to crib/car/crisis; but, sometimes we splurge a little bit.  Seriously, I've become a FIRM believer that we might just find world peace if adults used a pacifiers.  (Think about it.)

And now, as we approach Sam's second birthday (howintheworld?), I'm all kinds of conflicted about the pacifier:

On the one hand, two seems like a reasonable time to give it up with no real stigmas attached to the "big kid" that still has a paci in his mouth. (Look, I've judged it before too.)  It also seems early enough that no real damage will have been done to his teeth yet (let's hope), and he'll probably grow up to be a functioning member of society.  Not to mention, I'm home in the summer, so it is the prime opportunity to go through the dreaded "three days" of misery it might (read: WILL) take to wean.

BUT... On the other hand, Sam still really likes the pacifier.  He's a good napper, a good night-time sleeper, and he doesn't cry all that much.  Why rock the boat?  Plus, letsjustbehonestforaminute, Mama likes the pacifier.  It has become my #1 parenting tool since the early throes of colic and, well, let's just say it is probably just as much my crutch as his.

What will I do when we are in the car he won't stop crying?

How will I soothe him back to sleep in the middle of the night?

How will I ever get through another phone call or grocery trip again in my life?

Last night, after we did our nightly walk through the house gathering up random pacifiers to take to bed, it occurred to me that whether Sam is ready to give up the paci or not (I'm voting not), I don't think I am ready.  Maybe my attitude will change soon (hopefully before he starts Kindegarten at least), but for now, I'm not in a hurry to break the addiction.  I'm just not.

Does this make me the worst mom ever?  Maybe. (Probably not.) But, we choose our battles as moms all the time.  And, well, if pacifiers are wrong, I don't want to be right. :)

P.S. In unrelated confessions, I only put eyeshadow on one of my eyes today.  #Whathashappenedtome?

Confessions

This is going to be a quick one day today... But still, plenty to confess:

- After lunch on Sunday, Sam was running wildly through the restaurant with the balloon our waitress had given him tied to his Wubbanub (my idea).  I literally could not get to him fast enough, so my gut reaction won over, and I simply reached out and grabbed the string of the balloon.  This, not surprisingly, caused him to abruptly stop and fall flat on his face right in front of two tables full of women.  You should have seen their faces and heard their gasps.  I was totally judged, and I didn't even care. I scooped him right up and took him back to the table.  Mission accomplished.  #momoftheyear

- On a related note, yesterday I found myself saying (loudly) "DO YOU WANT A SPANKING?" to Sam (who, for the record, was literally tearing up food displays) in the grocery store aisle. What?!  I don't spank Sam; and, even if I did, I think it is trashy to say that kind of thing out in public.*  It literally just slipped out.  I, clearly, have spent too much time in Walmart in my life.  *Let's not get into a debate about this stuff, k?

- I'm still unabashedly obsessed with Taylor Swift.  Like, the only station I ever listen to on Pandora is Taylor Swift.  #notgrowingoutofit #andmaybejustinbeibertoo

- We have had workers at our house the last two days, and I've totally used it as an excuse not to do a single bit of cleaning (why bother?) or anything else productive.  I have, however, become much more active on Twitter.

- Sam has taken to kissing me on the lips recently.  I totally judged moms that did this in the past; but, now? I think it is adorable.  I simply can't resist that little face coming at me.  I'm justifying with myself that it is fine as long as I don't let him do it out in public, but we all know how that goes...

- I'm entirely too excited about the premier of The Bachelor on Monday.  As in, I've been counting down all week.  

That's it for me... What are you confessing today?  Please link up below!!!

Midweek Confessions

Disclaimer: I actually started this post two weeks ago and never published it.  So, this is a mix of old and new confessions for ya. 

Now, let's do this...

- I legitimately cannot parallel park.  I'm not saying that I'm not good at parallel parking; I am saying that it is a physical impossibility.  As in, if there is only one parking space on an entire street and it requires parallel parking, I will continue driving around for the next thirty minutes until a pull-in spot becomes available.  It's bad.

Case in point: I recently I had to volunteer at an event for the Junior League.  When I pulled up to our meeting spot, there were several women already waiting on the street for our shuttle.  (And, just in case you aren't familiar with the Junior League - they are just as beautiful, sophisticated, and "together" as its reputation suggests... In other words, I'm totally the BLACK SHEEP.)  Anyway, I cruised up in my 2003 Toyota, rolled down the window to ask the group where to park, and - I'm honestly not exaggerating one bit - I had a mini panic attack right there when they casually suggested that I park on the street where they were standing... RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM... BETWEEN TWO CARS.  #notgonnahappen. I played it cool (although I know I was white as a ghost) and continued driving up the hill to "turn around" - yes, a normal driver would have reversed into the parallel spot - until (thank the good Lord!) I noticed another spot a little further away that only required me to maneuver around one car.  Easy, right?  One would think. Even that "giant" spot proved quite difficult for me and required the assistance of a lady standing on the curb coaching me with "No honey, you are still way too far out in the road to stop there.... Keep going, keep going, you've got a mile."  I survived it, but I'm taking a sabbatical from Junior League next year.*

- The other night, after taking Sam with me on a quick trip back to my classroom to pick up a binder I had left there and visiting with several friends there working the evening Adult Ed classes, I got in the car and discovered that the very bad smell I was blaming on Sam was actually coming from my arm.  Yep, apparently carrying him in and out of the building had left my right arm wet and poop stained.  (Yes, I just said poop.)  On a related note: Both my car and my classroom also smelled a bit poopy the next morning.  #momtruth #keepinitclassy

- I've been a little "click-happy" when it comes to paying for things like TV shows on Amazon (I'm ashamed to admit that I've now watched the entire first season of Scandal on Amazon paying $1.99 per episode... robbery) and apps for my phone (two words... Beautiful Mess).  When all I have to do is click "buy," it can't be really using my hard earned money, right?

- I despise putting groceries away.  As a result, refrigerated things sit out far too long in my house. 

- I didn't shower the last two days because I thought it would "motivate me" to exercise later in the evening.  It didn't work. I still didn't shower.  :)

- I went ONE day with no soda.  Now, I am allowing myself one caffeine free Diet Coke a day instead of completely cutting out my soda.  One.step.at.a.time.

What are you confessing today?  Please share!