The Grass Is Always Greener...

Since I have been on both sides of this fence, I think I have enough experience to talk about it! I recently read in RedBook magazine some very interesting lists:: "10 Things Never to say to a Stay-At-Home-Mom", and "10 Things Never to say to a Working Mom".
Well I have done both. I worked for the first 3 years or so, of Emma's life, and it was NOT easy! I still don't know how all the single parents, or working parents of multiple children do it! Hats of to THEM...seriously! And for so many different reasons, we decided that I should not continue my J.O.B. Dental, to be exact...So I can thoroughly appreciate, and relate to, every word on both of these lists!
(*You would find it surprising how many people will actually tell you these things to your face*)

10 Things Never to Say to a Working Mom:

1. It must be hard missing all those special moments every day.
2. I suppose it's smart that you're working. You know, in case your husband leaves you some day.
3. I'm surprised you went back to work. Your husband seems so successful.
4. It's cute when they call your nanny "Mama."
5. I just love my kids too much to leave them during the day.
6. Did you see Dateline? The one with the hidden camera in the day care?
7. I could never let someone else raise my children. But that's just me!
8. I hated my mom because she was never home after school like everyone else's mom.
9. You must feel so guilty.
10. I wish I were as laid-back as you and could just let the housework go.

And now for the Whammy!

10 Things Never To Say to a Stay-at-Home Mom:

1. When the kids are older, do you think you'll get a real job?
2. How June Cleaver of you!
3. Oh, so you don't work?
4. Since you have extra time on your hands, could you whip up a few dozen brownies for the bake sale tomorrow?
5. All day with your kids? I can't even imagine.
6. I'm jealous. I wish my husband were rich so I wouldn't have to work either.
7. What do you do all day, anyway?
8. I'm sure you're not the only one who's ever wasted money on a college degree.
9. That explains why your son is so clingy!
10. Weird. I assumed your house would be super clean

For those of you fellow Mommies out there, I am sure that you can appreciate one, or both, of these lists as well! Regardless of your current situation, or status, you no doubt have had that moment where you think to yourself "Have I lost my own identity?"
Also, don't you find it strange how most people who say these things either A) have NO idea what they are talking about, since they have never been in your situation, or B) are completely ignorant and judgmental? Which I have already ranted about in a previous post, so I won't go there again!

I thought that I would share these findings with you, so that you would hopefully get a laugh (or a little frustration) out of them like I did!

The One with the Gorgeous Photos

I realize that most of you have seen these beautiful Fourth Year photos, but I also know that some have not - ENJOY!

 

 

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ::
MANDY CHIAPPINI PHOTOGRAPHY

Re-Design

CIAO!

As you can see, I had to re-design my blog today. Which has it's moments of fun! However, I truly loved the design I had before, but apparently the code had "expired" or something...oh well! It is quite a bit simpler, so I hope it is easier to read and more user-friendly. Until next time...GRAZIE!

Power to the People

I just finished watching "The U.S. vs. John Lennon". WOW, I couldn't agree more with everything that man had to say! More than just a musician, singer and songwriter, he was a very influential political activist. His causes were great, and his actions spoke much louder than his words!

This movie not only delves into his life transition as an anti-war protester, but also about the Nixon Administration. I myself, will not dive fully into politics, but let's just say that this movie describes a lot of my views. But let me say this:: I find it down right funny, actually, how the U.S. Government found one man so incredibly intimidating! And not just him, but his message! So much so, that they choose to send him and his wife out of the country by taking away their green cards! Granted, they WON that case and became legal, permanent, U.S. citizens. But only after 4 1/2 - 5 years of fighting for it, only be gunned down in front of his home a few years later...what a SAD day in American History.

Regardless of your thoughts, feelings, or beliefs, there is no way that you could NOT want Peace (well at least I hope this to be true)! Thirty one years later, John Lennon and his message still resonate throughout the world (talk about an impression!)::

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!

Thinking Happy Thoughts!

First of all, I want to Thank everyone who commented and gave me their thoughts and opinions (it's mean a lot)! I have decided:: not to change a thing, and to continue to do what I've been doing - blogging for ME, MYSELF & I!

As I sit here drinking my cup of Half-Caf coffee, watching the snow fall down around me, and listening to music, I cannot help but to smile! My life is pretty damn good right now! My new beautiful home, my gorgeous daughter, my loving husband, family & friends, and finally finding my "niche" in life, has all added up to a great new year, with great new beginnings!

While I should totally be cleaning my house right now, I am choosing to sit here and type out my HAPPY thoughts instead! I am choosing (right now) to not dwell on the negativity surrounding me, and focus on the GOOD! After all, there is so much more of that going around anyways!

We have been adding small details around our home, such as:: new light fixtures outside, and we have started purchasing the fixtures for indoors as well. Two at a time is how we roll! I found the chandelier for the dinning room I want, finally! Now just to purchase...

Em's room got painted today, pretty in pink! Needless to say, things continue to piece together slowly, and we're loving it more and more!

We couldn't be happier with our home, and our decision to live out here! Although, we have had quite a few people mention that it's "too far" to drive to visit...Really?!! Well, it's a good thing we do things for ourselves and not for others!

As I am typing this, our backyard bunnies came hopping out from under our shed! They are the biggest, fluffiest rabbits I have ever seen! A beautiful caramel colored one, and his buddy who is black and white. We just went out to give them carrots, and they came right up to us!! Once I get some pictures I will post them...

We have also befriended the local neighborhood kitty. I believe it is a she. Emma has named her Mittens (as in Mittens from the movie 'Bolt'). We have fed her and she lets us pet her...so cute! Howard has also seen a herd of Elk about a mile or so down the road from us! Oh how we LOVE nature! I can't wait to start snapping pictures!!

The Pursuit

In my quest to become a photographer and a more interesting blogger, I find the need to ask myself this:: What can I talk about, write about (or should I say type about) that will make people want to read what I have to say? Because frankly, most topics that ramble through my brain are not all that interesting. And it seems as though most people feel the same way! 

I surf other blogs to see what is being mentioned. I check out websites for ideas. And so far, what I have found, does not seem to be very different from what I choose to mention. So...I am trying to figure out what will make other people want to read my thoughts. If you have any ideas, questions, or topics that YOU would like to read about, please comment below! At this point, I am open for suggestions!

Once I have my camera up and running, I'm sure this will turn into more of a "photo blog". But until then, I am drawing a blank. Lately I have been thinking about switching over to more of a "discussion blog" (picking one topic per week to talk about, chosen by the readers). But I would first need a popular blog, and lots of people to comment to make that happen. Because honestly, I have a ton of things I could write about! But would you honestly be interested? Would you really read them, or care about what I have to say?

That's where this post comes into play:: PLEASE help a fellow blogger out! I am trying my best to keep us all coming back for more! Thanks!

Dear Prudence

My" Adult Time" this weekend consisted of going to my mom and her roommates place to watch a movie and drink some wine. The movie that we watched is one of my all time favorites:: 'Across The Universe'. I had not watched it in awhile, and forgot how truly amazing it is! So artistic and musical! Granted, it IS a musical (based off of all Beatles songs), but I had begun to forget how incredible the songs were composed and sung (and I can't forget to mention some of the choreography is amazing)! So this morning, I popped in the soundtrack!

If you have not seen this movie, you really should! There are scenes that still get me all teary-eyed, and others that give me goose bumps. Yes, it is that good. Not to mention, you cannot help but to SING ALONG!

 "Across The Universe is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, the story moves from high schools and universities in Massachusetts, Princeton and Ohio to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Detroit riots, Vietnam and the dockyards of Liverpool. A combination of live action and animation, the film is paired with many songs by The Beatles that defined the time."

In my humble opinion, it totally went under the radar the year it came out (2007). It was nominated for an Oscar, but did not win! However, in a way I am glad that it has remained under the radar, because the hype could have possibly ruined it for me...

Even if you don't like musicals, you will love the soundtrack (if you like/love The Beatles)!

SO CHECK IT OUT!

The Civil Wars

I recently heard a fantastic duo, named The Civil Wars. They are now one of my favorites!Their voices are beautiful together, and their music is slightly haunting. I love how they do not have a back up band, or put on a huge production. They are all about their music and their art.
Their song "Poison and Wine" was featured on one of my favorite shows, 'Grey's Anatomy', and after that they basically took off! This song is gorgeous and I can't seem to get enough of it:

'Poison and Wine'



Another song that I absolutely LOVE is "Barton Hollow". It takes me back to the 1920's, down in the dirty south...

                                 'Barton Hollow'

Anywho, I just though I'd share my new, recent favorite! Hope you enjoy!

The Learning Curve

As I await our tax return to be deposited so that I may purchase my camera, I am diving head-first into learning all that I can. Of course there is always a learning curve, but hopefully I will be slightly ahead by the time I make my purchase! I have been researching and reading, and found this book that was written specifically for my camera. It is very informative, and is helping me to learn about the camera itself (and it's features), before I open the box::

If you have yet to check out Etsy, do so now! It is an incredibly addictive website, committed to selling all things homemade and handmade. Through a blog that I read entitled Little Miss Momma, I found a Shop on Etsy that sells camera accessories. This one in particular I fell in love with:: A custom camera strap! After owning my camera for awhile, I plan on purchasing this as well!

Also, I recently bought a Groupon to a photography workshop for the end of this May (by this time, I will have had my camera for a few months, and will have gotten myself acclimated to it). The value for this workshop is $450.00, but I purchased my Groupon for only $49.00! How could I resist a savings of 89%?!! I am so excited for this, and I know that I will learn a lot of information, and have a ton of fun!

If you, or anyone you know may be interested in it, check out the link for the workshop and all it's details here. There is also a Special offer for my friends and family: You will receive the Friends and Family discount when you register for any workshop. Use this code during checkout to receive the $450.00 workshop and safari for only $125.00!

CODE: photo friend
Click here to register.

The Hallmark Holiday

Ah, the day of LOVE!  Happy Valentines Day!

When I was younger, I used to H.A.T.E. Valentines Day. And for the usual reason:: I was always the single one. The one by myself, watching everyone else give and receive love letters, cards, chocolates and stuffed animals.

Well, I still don't care for it all that much. The only reason I enjoy it today, is because of Emma! The way we celebrate this day, is with a card every once and awhile, and I recall one or two times when I may have received flowers, but that's about it.

I realize that the holiday is supposed to be about telling the people you love how much, and show them. But I ask you this:: why only ONE day per year? Why can't we do this everyday, every week, or at the very least, once a month?!

Perhaps I think this because my hubby and I have never actually celebrated the holiday. Or maybe I am just jealous of the people who do celebrate it...all I know, is that I like to call this day The Hallmark Holiday! Which to me, means that the card, flower and chocolate industries make a whole lotta profit!

I'm just thinking, why can't we tell people we love them everyday, and have that be enough? Granted, presents and cards are fabulous and I wouldn't turn them down if I received them! However, the basic principle of LOVE is defined in about 28 different ways, all of which never mention material items (check it out here). I'm just saying... 

I don't want to go all "Hum Bug" on those who love this day, GO FOR IT! 
It doesn't matter how you say it:: ti amo, je t'aime, I love you, just SPREAD THE LOVE one day or another!

X Fingers Crossed! X

I hope soon, to become a::

 

Today is our Tax Day, and we are hoping for the best, money wise. If all goes well, and we end up getting the return we are HOPING for, I will be getting my new camera, with all of the fancy gadgets and accessories, SOON!

This is something that I have been wanting, and waiting for, for years. And yes, I literally mean YEARS! I have been putting this on the back burner forever...but it is now finally MY time to shine! Once I possess this fabulous piece of technology, I know that it will become an appendage. It will be attached to my at all times, and I will become obsessed. I will dive into it completely, and most importantly:: discover my talent and have FUN with it!

Now, don't get me wrong - I am not pursuing this to become a professional or make a business out of it. I just want to discover a talent that I have always felt I possess. Some people I know probably do not understand my enthusiasm or excitement for this, for most people have been doing this for quite a while now. But not me. I feel like it is my time to show everyone else what I can do! Finally!

So, my hope is that by the end of this month, I will have at least ordered my new addiction/obsession! So if you could, please just keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thanks a bunch! XoXo

DIY

While we were house hunting, I got hooked onto HGTV. Watching all these people house hunt themselves, decorate and re-decorate, remodel, move, paint, etc...It is all so inspiring to me. In fact, I have two amazingly talented friends who have gotten into making their own stuff lately, and it is quite impressive! They even made me some homemade shelves and frames as a housewarming gift (Thanks Jodi & Malia)!

Oh how I wish I was more a of DIY Diva! But the reality is, it is just not for me. Not only do I not possess the patience this would require, but nor do I possess the talent! I guess more than anything, it all comes down to the drive to want to it. And that, I suppose, is what I'm lacking...

I have been told that it is a much cheaper alternative and a great outlet...but I am unfortunately the kind of girl who just wants it done. That is where my impatience kicks in! I'm know my hubby wouldn't mind if I were a little more like Rosie the Riveter::

But then again, neither would I!