Owner: Almost Somewhat Positive URL:http://almostsomewhatpositive.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:12:22 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Although we were told we couldn't have children, we are so blessed, and have had two beautifully made surprises! I am a SAHM mom of 2, an obsessive-compulsive chocoholic, and I am about to join the work force again... I'm just keeping it real wi Site statistics:Click here
Money for Nothing: a book review 2007-09-12 08:31:00 ***Wordless Wednesday post below***I was offered a chance to review
a few books, but just from reading the title of this book I was hooked. I will admit that I am one of millions who plays the lottery, and though I do not play on a regular basis I still get a thrill; so the idea of reading about the dark side to business was intriguing.Throughout the book Ugel struggles with the morality of the Lottery Buyout Business, but he also gets into the more technical underbelly of what he assures the reader is the full fledged business- the lottery. He describes where the money made from the lottery is actually used and the way in which it divided in most states, and he describes the fact that in most states the money that is supposed to go towards a state's education is actually divided differently. Yes, the lottery does give the state their yearly cut, but it is the state who chooses to take the money, cut back and reallocate state funds to compensate. Where is this money going? Good questi Read more:book review
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And there you have it. (MIL caa-caa) 2007-09-10 23:33:00 OK y'all... I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY appreciate all your kind words about the monster-in-law. ;D Now on to the news...This last Sunday I told John that the fact that She saw fit to talk about this to John on Wednesday AT WORK, and the fact that I had yet to confront her on this whole slapping issue... well, I felt that by me saying nothing in my defense was probably to her most likely an admission of guilt. I also told John that we needed to find a baby sitter ASAP then call the MIL to let her know that we wanted to talk to her.After talking about it again tonight I realized that I needed to take the bull by the horns. So I called her:This is Mary, I need to know when it would be a good time so I can hire a sitter for us to come over so we can talk.Well, we will be working 10 hour days for the next two weeks...Well, we need to sit down and talk- me , you and John. We also need to talk because you accused me of slapping you and I DID NOT.Yes you DID.No, I may have pu
There's a first time for everything! 2007-09-10 07:44:00 This last Friday Anna lost her first tooth! When I picked up from school that day I actually heard her before I saw her. I was looking down for just a moment to see what Emma was doing, when I heard her yelling over the din, "Mommy! I lost my tooth today at lunch!" She went on to tell me that she took a bite of her roll and felt something hard... and spit it out in revulsion on her tray. Which we both got a good laugh out of. She went to the school nurse and she got a cute little container to put her tooth in, which also happened to be a ring with a picture of a tooth on it. Very cute! She wore it very proudly.I would love to say that I have cute pictures of my less-toothed (but not toothless) girl, but being the over achiever that she is her new teeth had already grown in behind her baby teeth. Though I am a natural worrier, I tried to ease her discomfort by telling her that she was a bit like a shark. We just had to wait for the other row to fall out. My worries were about how the ne
This is cool! 2007-09-07 09:34:00 Get great free widgets at Widgetbox!As I told my good bud Maggie: My stomach is upset and hurting (which used to happen when I was fighting with my own mother)... I need to talk to the MIL and get it over with so I can stop feeling like this, but until then I'm thinking I wont have anything good to say on my blog.I'm going to make my rounds in the blogosphere though... it will be a good opportunity to blog surf instead of wracking the brain to figure what to write..... in the meantime, check this site out for lots of cool widgets and gadgets for your blog. :D
I'm so tired. 2007-09-06 07:57:00 ***This is not a positive post, but I am positively beside myself. More drama with the MIL... proceed with caution***My MIL decided yesterday that it's completely appropriate to talk to John about family matters in the work place, since she and John work at the same hospital. Oh the joy.1.First she asked John if he, me and Anna were done being mad at her so she could come over and see the kids.Great way to start off... placing the blame on us once again. She hasn't made any attempt to see or call the kids for 4 weeks now. 4 WEEKS. But it's our fault she didn't come over.2. She has completely eclipsed the "she's not as nuts as my mother but still is pretty nuts" thing by telling John that I slapped her that day. Even though I wanted to slap her, I assure you I did not. I pushed her hand away while putting myself between her and Anna and yelling, "Yeah, she's fine!" because she had grabbed Anna by the arm and wouldn't let her go, while repeating "You're OK, you're fine" to Anna Read more:tired
Hide the credit cards! 2007-09-05 09:00:00 *** Scroll down for Wordless Wednesday!***Emma when she got up yesterday morning: I think you gonna hafta buy me a pwesent.Me: Oh really... I'm gonna hafta buy you a present, huh?Emma *smiles sweetly*: Ummmhmmm, on da compooter.My kid, online clearance shopper in the making... heaven help us.
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I'm feeling a little discombobulated this morning, but I had fun Stumbling around last night! 2007-09-04 07:21:00 One odd fact about me (there are many more, trust me...but we'll just discuss this one for now)? When I'm very tired I cannot keep my right eye open, so this is an accurate self portrait. ;)I found this site, Mr. Picassohead last night while using StumbleUpon.*Here is a really cool tutorial on how to stencil with bleach...*Beautiful photos...Trippy optical illusion...*Stippling...How to create a block poster...Time lapse of a city (move your mouse around)...Tips on how to deal with negative people...*Beautiful 3D designs for pools...The difference between men and women... (heehee)*Cut paper art.The links marked with an * are my favorites... it's amazing how they all involve art of some kind. ;) When was the last time you Stumbled?
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Thank you, thank you! 2007-09-03 02:15:00 On August 15th my sweet friend Holly warmed my heart by adding me to the list of Outstanding Women Bloggers. :)I'm not quite sure how outstanding I have been lately, but one thing is for sure when you read my blog... I am consistently inconsistent. Ya never know exactly WHAT you are going to find when you load my page.I think I'm kind of like playing the lottery. With me, sometimes you get back what you put in- and maybe sometimes, just sometimes a little extra; and other times you may walk away, shaking your head in disappointment.One positive thing I can say about myself is that at least I always real. Sometimes a little too real. :P But then again, that's why some of you guys love me... and then you go and give me an award.So Holly, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for adding me to this list of Outstanding Women Bloggers. I will be writing a separate post with the list so stay tuned. ;)Also, I was quite flabbergasted to find that another very lovely lady even still
When spazz things happen to good people- OR- Third time's a charm 2007-08-31 00:00:00 Anna started a new school year off in a new school due to rezoning, and though this school is only 2 years old and is very nice (WITH air conditioning, I might add) I had my doubts. You see, not to sound like a snob but this school is on "the wrong side of the tracks". This means a rougher 'hood and rougher kids. I was a bit worried that Anna might not know how to interact with kids that have to fend for themselves a lot, and I was worried that the tougher kids might take advantage of Anna's lack of "street smarts".It's been a week and so far she loves it. She loves her teacher and the kids in her class, and come to find out that this school gets the best of the best as far as teachers in the district due to the need for teachers with the abilities to deal with the type of situations that might arise in this type of neighborhood.Anna was already doing really well in kindergarten with her reading, and though I had some slight worries that she would forget what she had learned over t Read more:people
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How to survive life in a cubicle: A book review 2007-08-30 12:08:00 I often wonder what my life would be like if I worked in an office... I am a stay-at-home-mom but I actually don't think my life would be all that different. I mean I do have deadlines, demanding bosses, all vacation time must be approved months in advance, and despite many, many promises I have yet to receive a raise. Oh yeah, and the benefits package is complete pooh- pun intended.I am always amazed at the people who can manage to work so hard in an office environment yet find the time to blog, and if it were me... this is what my day would be like:Anyway, I was recently presented with the opportunity to receive books for free (Collins, an Imprint of HaperCollins Publishers), no strings attached except for review
s on the books that I enjoyed reading. Since school started a week ago I decided that since I have only one ankle biter at home, I might have a little extra time on my hands. Besides pondering what I want to be when my kids grow up, I thought I would use this time to catch u Read more:book review
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WOW 2007-08-28 07:47:00 I was really surprised about the range of emotion that I received yesterday in comments... and I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to comment about the crisis my family is going through.This is s difficult situation to be in. Yesterday I mentioned that I can hold a grudge, and honestly... I can be a little hard hearted at times. Having grown up the way I did I realize that my own reactions and emotions can be a little extreme, and this is why I tend to look for examples around me as to what a NORMAL reaction might be.My first instinct (as I said in the original post) was to basically crush the MIL- body and spirit- after what she did to Anna. I wanted to hurt her so bad. I was so angry and protective of Anna when the MIL threw the water in Anna's face that I wouldn't even let the MIL touch her. The MIL kept saying over and over"You're OK" to Anna and I yelled as I shoved her aside, "Yeah, she's FINE!". I wanted to pummel her with my fists
Oh, the hypocrisy! 2007-08-27 08:17:00 ***This post has religious undertones... reader beware***Yesterday we were out and about getting a few things and a thought occurred to me: How do I help my child forgive? I don't know if you have noticed this or not but I can hold a grudge. Shocking, I know!It's no secret that we have been slacking in the church going department. I know my kids are missing out on something important and I am partially to blame. I'd like to think that I am teaching my kids the fundamentals of life.But am I?Regardless of faith and denomination, there are some things that I think parents should teach their children. But this is all my opinion, so cut me a little slack... m'kay? ;)IMHO, one of the things that parents should teach their children is the concept forgiveness. This is where things get a little sticky for me. I have been burned so many times in my life that I am slow to forgive. It takes me a while. SOMETIMES years. So what exactly should I tell my kids?*** From a Biblical standpoint, thou
My visit with my sister (picture intense) 2007-08-24 08:43:00 Eeek! It's been almost a week since my tattoo... it's really itchy but I love it. The colors are really popping now! Thanks Rafael!Thursday night I arrived to find my brother and sister
waiting for me... all smiles! That was so nice! We took The Beast (my suitcase) up to the hotel room, then came back down for a bite to eat. Besides being ogled by a couple dudes in the snack bar, we had a nice time chatting (and teasing each other) over fries. When back to the room my bro and I were sharing and talked some more, until about 1 am Reno time- which was about 3 am Iowa time.ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz... we got up bright and early and had breakfast before going to get our tattoos.Afterwards we refueled with lunch then went over to Marci's house for margaritas and dinner. I told Marci I hadn't been this relaxed in years, but I soon realized some of it was because I wasn't chasing around my ankle biters to tell them to stop poking each other with sharp and pointy objects. You know what they say ab Read more:visit
A word on tattoos 2007-08-22 10:19:00 Much like giving birth, the pain that you experience during is inexplicable. Just like childbirth, there is a lot of "breathing", groaning, cursing, and clenching. Trust me, ANYTHING that can be clenched WILL BE clenched. ;)But once you see your new beautiful baby, all the pain is forgotten. OK, not really- IT HURT LIKE HECK. My new baby isn't perfect, and I freaked out that it is slightly crooked. My tattoo artist added two vines at the top to make it look more even... My brother and sister assured me that it's barely noticeable and John said the same thing when he saw it Monday night. Me... I'm still obsessing about it, but I am hoping that I can have some vines added to it later if it really bothers me.I now have a beautiful piece of artwork on my body. At times I am still shocked to see it there on my lower back, it actually looks like it is painted on.... it's almost 8 inches in width. That's a lot bigger than I had originally planned!As far as the place we went to , the name
Six degress of bacon 2007-08-16 00:01:00 Err, I meant to say Kevin Bacon. Man I could go for a BLT right now. :)Flaky and preoccupied as I am lately with my trip just in reach, I started thinking last night about my trip to Reno. Reno is just a plane hop away from Vegas... and the last time I was in Vegas I saw Drew Carey waiting for a limo outside the MGM Grand.Like the complete and utter dork that I am, I just stood there with my jaw open looking like a total mouth breather. At that time, the Drew Carey Show was one of the big shows on TV and I just stood there missing my big opportunity to tell him how much I loved his show and how funny he is. But no, it didn't occur to me to even speak to him until I noticed the gleam of limo tail lights shining off of my nervously glistening nose and cheeks.This may seem like a series of unfortunate tangents, but I assure you that I DO have a point.I was thinking that while I am gone for the 4 1/2 days, I don't want to leave my readers with nothing to ponder... so how's about we pla
Do the Frisk thing! 2007-08-15 00:38:00 ***Scroll down for Wordless Wednesday.***This is just a PSA from Mert to do your monthly breast exams. I've picked the 15th because, well... Frisk
the 15th sounded kind of catchy. ;)If you would like to post one on your blog to remind the women bloggers you care about to "frisk" themselves monthly, please feel free to get yourself a graphic here.Yup, it's that time again gals! I made up a little ditty to the tune of the old Army Cadence Call.I don't know what you been toldBut breast exams are for young AND old!Sound off!1-2Sound off!3-41 - 2 - 3 - 4,1 - 2 --- 3 - 4!Women across the blogging land,Give your breasts a helping hand!Sound off!1-2Sound off!3-41 - 2 - 3 - 4,1 - 2 --- 3 - 4!Breast exams by me and you...Could help save a boob or two!Sound off!1-2Sound off!3-4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4,1 - 2 --- 3 - 4!Make the time for a monthly Frisk!Frisk yourself, reduce the risk! 1 - 2 - 3 - 4,1 - 2 --- 3 - 4!Seriously though, make time for yourself because YOU are important. Happy Frisking!
Mess... the final frontier... to boldly go where no blogger has gone before! 2007-08-14 00:00:00 My sis is cleaning her house for my (and my brother's) visit... just to show that I don't expect her house to be spotless in order for me to see it, I decided to show her my house in it's original format. There are no special effects or editing... and you even get a glimpse of me in form of rough copy- before the benefit of shower and makeup.Also, you get a glimpse into the my version of the Wild Animal Kingdom, served with a dollop of sarcasm. ;)So, put you TMI glasses on and buckle up, you are in for a bumpy ride. :)I've seen "show me your purse" stuff floating around the blogosphere, so who dares to scare, share and bare their lair?
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Manic Monday- Drop 2007-08-13 10:36:00 Today's manic Monday
is brought to you by the word DROP. For more MM's visit Mo's site and join in the fun!I'm going to Reno in 4 days ( to see my sister- all by myself, sans kids and hubs! My brother is going too!)... are my bags packed yet? Why, yes they are. Thanks for asking. Obsess much? You are correct, sir! I packed my suit case Friday night. Yup that's right, almost a week before my trip, my stuff is all packed with the exception of make up and my blow dryer. ;)But I digress, we are supposed to be discussing the word DROP. What was my point? Oh yes... since I tend to make regular drop offs in the boob zone (bombing my chest and the outlying regions, missing my mouth completely at times), I have had to rethink the whole "I'm only bringing a carry on bag so I can avoid the whole luggage pick up thing... I'm only going to be gone for 4 days, so I shouldn't need much ..." thingy.I had originally thought that I could bring this cute, adorable and completely inadequate carry Read more:Manic
, Manic Monday
TGIF- more cool stuff 2007-09-28 00:00:00 Happy TGIF everyone! Here are some more fun and interesting sites to kill time while you wait for quitting time. ;) I hope you all have a nice weekend. :D***Denotes favorite sites of the week***Here are some amazing photographers I found I Stumble Upon:Nick BrandtKenneth ParkerYou guys know I'm all for friskin' and monthly breast exams, I found this site online- Feel Your Boobies- and also found out that National Feel Your Boobies Week is October 12-19.Six cool Flash games.A tag browser that finds images on Flikr.A Flash tutorial on how to draw a face/head.Test your connection speed.***Modern Living Neurotica Series. I loved this site! You simply mouse or click over the image and see what happens. I really love the 94-90 tab.******Monoface is also very interesting, you click on facial features to change them. Weird but fun!***3D art. Read more:stuff
My Life 2007-09-27 09:21:00 ... Just flashed before my eyes! In typical Mert-Yes, I am clutz (and dork)- fashion, I was coming downstairs just a minute ago and my left foot got caught in the right leg of sweat pants, causing me to thud and bang down the stairs. Luckily I broke my fall with my left middle finger and right ankle and the closet door in front of me.Did I mention I'm a dork?My aunt sent this to me today. I'm trying to eat more healthy and feed my family right, so this is food for thought. Scroll down past the image to read more.Edit to add: This isn't my chart, mine aren't nearly as well thought out or neat ;) This came in the email from my aunt."Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot. My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors. Fill your plate with bright colors, greens, yellows,reds, e
Sometimes I feel... 2007-09-25 10:09:00 Recently I have reevaluated life here in the Special K household (John's nick name in the Navy since our last name starts with a K and can be hard to pronounce), and I resolved to make more time for family reading each day. Family reading time doesn't always happen the same time each day, and sometimes it goes on simultaneously in different rooms, but we get 'er done. ;)The other night it was my turn to put Emma to bed and we decided to read one of her favorites, The Feelings Book by Todd Parr. This is what it looks like:Just so you know what I'm talking about, here are the first few pages. We encourage the girls to participate by pausing so that they can insert appropriate words that are related to the story, sometimes from memory.This fishy page is the one we found so funny in the video you are about to watch. Enjoy.
Yes... Mr. Fishy needs a Girl Friend. Read more:Sometimes
OK, I want that , too! 2007-09-25 08:02:00 The author of the blog Pointless Drivel is having a giveaway in hopes that the word will get out about his award nomination for the Blogger's Choice Awards "Best Humor Blog". Mr. Fabulous wants us to not only vote for him, but he wants you to enter his giveaway by asking your readers to vote for him too.To enter (quoted from his site) :That’s where you guys come in. All you have to do to get entered into the drawing is write a post telling people to both vote for me and asking them to also write a post urging their readers to vote for me. Once you have written your post, just make a comment here with the url and *poof* you are entered.Want to know what is at stake? An iPod Shuffle (plus a very *cough* interesting iPod accessory, go to his site to find out more)OR a $75 gift card to Barnes & Noble.com.
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