Friday, July 22, 2011

Girls Night Out!



Its time for another GNO, Girls Night Out, and I am so stoked for it.  I've blogged before about the need to be yourself and embracing it.  And that while you may be a mother and wife you are still your own person. For many years I forgot that. 

I love GNO!  Its a time when I don't have to be all those other things.  I'm just Nancy Marie.  The girl who loves to laugh, dance and just have fun. Its time to get crazy!  On GNO I try to look good enough to eat (after 4 kiddos not so easy).  If I look sexy.  I feel sexy!

Now, you might want to ask why I would want to look sexy on GNO when my hubby isn't even out with me.  Here is my answer; When I am out with my hubby on a date night I try to be sexy for him too.  He tells me I'm sexy even if its been two days since I have showered and my legs have a winter coat.  Nice image,huh? Sometimes, it just feels good to be sexy for me.  To know that I look good. That's right, boys! I still got it! Plus, it is very flattering to have a man ask me to dance or buy me a drink.  Most of the time I accept. Hellooooo free drinks!! Seriously, I don't see the harm in dancing with someone other than my husband.  In fact what a great compliment to him that someone thinks his wife is smoking hot (not that that is the case).

I do not have a jealous husband.  I know that he completely trusts me and I him.  Knowing this makes GNO so much more fun.  I can flirt.  I can have fun.  I can show an amazing amount of cleavage.  Then I can go home and ravish my husband.  So, you see, my husband likes GNO too!

GNO is a time that I can focus on me.  We don't talk about the kids, much.  We don't bitch about the husbands, much.  Its about the girls.  The giggles.  The booty shaking.  The appreciation of a good strong drink with a dirty name. 

So after I get my house cleaned up a bit the GNO process will begin.  I will turn on my music.  Loud always loud.  Take a long shower.  Shave my legs.  Pluck some brows.  Paint my nails.  Fix my do.  Apply some makeup to enhance my beauty.  Spritz some body spray... tonight I may use the glitter kind.  Hug the kids.  Kiss my husband (he's looking forward to that ravishing).  Grab the keys and take off in my mini van.  What happens after that... well... I'll never tell!


I will be seeing Sally Brooks do her comedy routine tonight as part of GNO.  Here is a taste of what she does.  I have blogged about her before and she is amazing.  If you are watching and the kids are near turn it down or wait for their naps.  She is one foul mouth mutha but hilarious!!  Enjoy!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Twitter is My Crack!



I've become Twitter obsessed. Seriously, I haven't been able to pull myself away from my computer today. How did this happen?  I used to be so lost when it came to social networking.  When I first got an email address in college I had no clue what to do.  I never used it.  Mainly because I didn't have a computer other than the ones in the college labs.  Then instant messaging came out and I used that a little bit but only to chat with my mom after I got married.  After that it was MySpace.  I had three friends.  The only message I received was from an ex who wanted to apologize for how we split up.  This was after 9 years of being broken up and I was already married with three children when I got the message.  In 2008 my friend tells me I should get on Facebook. I created an account and instantly became hooked on that.  But with Facebook I keep up with friends and family.  We post pictures and give updates on our daily lives.

Now I have Twitter.  Twitter is the crack of social networking.  It can be dirty and you keep coming back for more.  I have "met" interesting folks on Twitter.  A lot of fellow bloggers sharing throughout the day.  Others are Echelon (fan family of 30 Seconds to Mars) which it is really cool to tweet with them.  I get excited when I get online and I have new followers. How special do I feel?  And why do I need that to feel special?  I'm telling you... CRACK!!! 

The thing about twitter is you never know who is going to be on or what will be said.  Its so mysterious.  When I tweet with Echelon I love how supportive we are of the band and we all get excited.  We are from all over the world too! Last night 30 Seconds to Mars had their unplugged concert aired on MTV.com.  Echelon all over the world were watching it (or trying to at least).  And while it was airing we were tweeting.  It was kind of moving.

I also love that I can tweet the band and they may reply.  Let me share here that I have been tweeted back by Jared Leto (my world literally stopped) and Tomo Milicevic (he gave me advice on my anniversary). I just need a reply from Shannon Leto and I will have the trifecta. It bridges a gap between fan and celebrity.

With Twitter I can sort of keep in touch with my family but we mainly use Facebook for that.  Twitter is mainly for keeping in touch with people I don't know.  How wacky did that just sound?  At times I am a lurker.  I feel very voyeuristic when I am on Twitter sometimes. Sometimes its like a car accident you have to see what happens next. 

If I don't have laptop with me I can still get some tweets on my phone.  I have a crappy phone right now (will get an iPhone once I get a nursing job).  But I have my twitter account set up so that I can receive certain people's tweets.  Any of my family comes straight to my phone.  And of course Jared Leto's. I now put my phone on silent at night because Jared has been known to answer fan tweets until the wee hours of the morning.  Which is fabulous that he reaches out to fans.  Not so fabulous when your phone goes off every 2 minutes. Its quite funny!  My husband now asks what Jared has to say when my phone beeps with a text message. He has learned to accept it. I do have the greatest husband in the world.

The first step to fixing a problem is admitting that you have a problem.  Right?  Well... I.... its nothing really... I .. just ... like to see what is going on.  I can quit whenever I want... You can't make me.... What ... what are you doing?  Get away from my Twitter...  what if Jared has something that I really must know?  Okay... I am calming down.  I will set a limit.  I will only use Twitter at certain times of the day and the house must be in order (false promise right there).  Starting tomorrow!!!!

I wonder, is there a 12 step program out there?


Oh and I almost forgot.  You can follow me on Twitter at @DDDOhMy   Tweet you later!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

What Time Management?



Thanks to Urban Agricoaching for this topic.  I asked for a blog post idea. Time management was suggested.  At first I just laughed but then I thought, hell, why not.  So here it is.

I am not good with time management at all.  Often, I am running through the house trying to get everyone ready for school, a game, church or whatever else is going on.  I am, however, mostly on time.  I really dislike it when people are late and I have to wait on them.  I find it to be a huge form of disrespect.  I try my best to keep my family on time so I expect the same from others.

My favorite line is "Its prioritizing not procrastination".  In nursing school they like to call us procrastinators if we don't complete something within a day of it being assigned even though we have a week or two to finish it. The instructors don't seem to understand that the majority of us have families, jobs and other responsibilities that need to be taken care of.  Sometimes homework gets pushed to the back burner.  It will get done just not right away. 

Even now as I am trying to type this post I am having a hard time fitting it in between a son who is puking and a daughter who is whiny.  Not to mention laundry, dishes and studying for the NCLEX.... who am I kidding.  I am so procrastinating right now. I don't know anything about time management.  I am lucky if I get anything accomplished. 

All I know is that I get it all done.  How I do it is some kind of freakin miracle.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ask Me!



Here is your opportunity to ask me any question. What do you want to know about me?  Remember this is a family blog.  Make it fun.  I will answer all questions in tomorrow's post.  Have a great day!

Another Hoop To Jump Through



Yeesh!  Just when I think I have everything sent in for my Indiana NCLEX-PN application I find out I do not.  This is very frustrating.   I even took everything in to my nursing advisor to have her look it over but nope.  The papers sent in were the wrong ones. IN wants to have verification of the state where I have my CNA.  Which is weird since I am trying to get my LPN license.  I guess they want to know if I have done anything wrong under my CNA. Oh well, I get it!

I have to have a special form now.  UGH!!!!!  At least when I called the office this morning for the IN nursing board the lady who answered was really nice and emailed me the copy of the form I needed.  This I am extremely grateful for because it would have taken forever to find on their website. 

I have the form filled out on my side. Now I have to get it filled out by my state so they can send it back to IN.  Then hopefully I will get the go ahead to take the NCLEX. 

On the bright side this gives me extra time to study.  Which I am going to do right now... maybe!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Thank You To My 100 Followers!



After about 2 years of blogging I have reached 100 followers.  Thanks to all of you who read and enjoy what I write.  An extra thanks to those of you who comment on my posts.  Your input is greatly appreciated.  I hope that all of you will continue to enjoy Dishes, Diapers, Degrees; Oh My!  Here's to a bigger and better blog!

Damn Little Cursor




All my life I have dreamed about being a writer. The ability to share my stories with others would be amazing. My characters on paper wrapped up in a pretty book cover.  However, I never seem to get past the first couple of chapters.  I have so many ideas and story lines running through my overcrowded brain.  But once I sit in front of the computer or with a pen and paper it all immediately disappears.  Then I just sit and stare.  Trying to recover the ideas I had in the first place.  Trying to make sense of my thoughts. 

The blank page with its pulsing cursor is two faced.  At first it is a clear slate.  Just waiting for words to cover it. Its a new beginning.  A new story that is waiting to unfold on the page before me.  I am excited to let the words flow from my mind down my arms, into my finger tips and finally onto the screen.  This is when the cursor is encouraging. "Oh, I love it!  What happens next?  Oh, no she didn't?!"  This cursor is my partner.  Each pulse it makes ignites new ideas and new words that caresses it's page.

On the other hand, it is my worst enemy.  That little cursor mocking me.  Like a school yard bully that you have to stand up to but really just want to run home to Mommy.   "You have nothing, do you? What are you going to write now?  Is it any good? I'm waiting! Why do you call yourself a writer.  Its just a blog you silly woman!"

Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink. That little line marking my page where I am suppose to place those incredibly interesting words that will ignite passion or fear into others, just keeps blinking at me.  Ans so I sit and stare.  I am caught in it's trance.  Praying that something will come.  But instead I have nothing.  Not today.  So what do I do?  What will I find to inspire me to put it in words for others to enjoy or hate?  Why not?  I will write about that damn cursor.  It has caused such mixed emotions in me.  Why shouldn't I share it?

Blink. Blink. Blink.  "I knew one day I would get to her."  Blink. Blink. Blink.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Mom Why Are Your Boobs Long?

This past week my family went on our first tent camping trip.  We had a great time with storms, clear lakes, and sm'Oreos over the course of the trip.  One memory stands above the rest though. While in the shower house with my two girls I was in the stall with my 7 year old daughter.  At home she showers alone but these camp showers are tricky and she needed help with sand and stuff, so I showered with her. 

As I was getting undressed she asked if she could ask a question.  Sure why not.  "Mom why are your boobs long?"

I must admit that I was at first caught off guard.  Before I could answer her she followed up with a, "Will my boobs get very long too when I'm old?"  I could hear the worry in her voice.

I responded the best way that I knew how.  "Everyone has different types of boobs.  Like hair.  Some are short and some are long.  My boobs just happen to be long."  And with that answer she was satisfied.

Me on the other hand not so much.  I looked down at my long boobs and sighed.  Oh how I wanted those perky breasts that I used to have back.  After four kids and a big weight gain it is so hard to find comfy bras that look sexy and don't cost a fortune. 

Kids say the darndest things don't they?  My boobs in the right bra actually look quite fantastic with amazing cleavage.  Its a great place to put my cell when I don't have my purse or pockets.  I am sure they will be less "long" once I start losing weight. A girl can hope can't she?

Remember when we use to say as little girls, "I must, I must, I must increase my bust."  Now we say, "I must, I must, I must decrease my bust."


I guess it could have been worse.  She could have asked me why I had boobs on my back!  I'm looking at this in a positive light.

Super Stalker Sunday Link Up

Here is a link up to a great hop, Super Stalker Sunday.  Enjoy!



Saturday, July 9, 2011

Sustainable Camping

Each day I try to be as green as possible.  My hopes are that I am not only doing something for the planet but for my children as well.  Whenever we go shopping we use cloth bags.  We recycle everything we can.  We just started our first compost bin.  All in all I think we are doing pretty good.  Some of my goals are to start a garden so we can have fresh veggies.  A big goal is to get a hybrid vehicle. Gotta get a nursing job first for that one.



Right now our upcoming green adventure is a camping trip.  We have been sort of camping.  Now we have the opportunity to go next week and I cannot wait. We will be staying in a tent and cooking over the fire. I have been searching the web for tips and how to's all week.  My family loves nature and this will be fun for all of us.

The downside to camping is that it seems people use more disposable products when camping.
  • plastic cups
  • paper plates
  • canned drinks
  • plastic utensils
  • plastic water bottles
  I understand why.  Its easy to use and easy to clean up.  Sure.  But how does that teach my children to be green.  I decided we will use dishes that can be washed and reused.  They are plastic but we won't have as much trash as we would using paper product.  And we will wash in hot water, no soap (rules of the camp ground) so we don't damage any of the foliage around us when we dump the water.  Of course we will use reusable water bottles.  Our table cloth for the picnic table will be reusable as well.  The theme will be reusable, could you tell.

I enjoy being in nature.  But while I am enjoying it I don't want to be ruining it at the same time.

I have the perfect vision of our upcoming camping trip in my mind.  Don't worry, I know it will be nothing like it.  But I am sure special memories will be hidden within the chaos. 

Have you been on a camping trip recently with your family?  Do you have any tips you would like to share with me?

Friday, July 8, 2011

Weight Update

Well, I said I would update you each Friday on how I was doing with weight loss.  Well this week sucked. I weighed in at 236.2 lbs.  So I gained a pound.  To be honest I really didn't put any effort into it this week.  I will blame my dad.  He likes to have a big breakfast and he was visiting this week.  So most mornings I had bacon, pancakes, biscuits, gravy, eggs..  Sure, I could haven eaten my Kashi cereal but damn that bacon was good.  Plus my dad makes the best biscuits and gravy!  So I will try again this week. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Just when you think things are going your way...

I've got nothing. I'm exhausted!

Today I spent eight hours sitting in theater seats listening to some lady talk to us about the NCLEX-PN.  Yes, it was a very suckish day.  I felt like it was such a waste of time.  And I get to go back tomorrow.  YEAH. But wait it gets better!



This evening my kids came running down stairs. They were babbling on about something leaking from the ceiling in the bathroom.  Only thing above the bathroom is the attic.  But guess what.  The drain pipe from the AC (the unit is in the attic) is apparently clogged and it backed up.  It caused water to drain and leak through the bathroom ceiling.  It pooled into our light fixture.  I just thank God that no one turned the light on at all today.  How scary could that have been?!  So right now our AC is turned off and my dear husband is trying to work on it.  Yep, its July and our AC is off.  Good God, what else could go wrong? I probably shouldn't even ask that because something will go wrong.

Its always something isn't it.  They say that God never gives us something that we can't handle.  What if God has us confused with someone else?  Just curious! 

Hopefully tomorrow is much better and we get the AC working. 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Wear your f**king Helmet!

Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say "Watch for motorcycles." "Share the road." ?




Ya, so have I.  I am very aware of motorcyles when driving.  In fact I try to stay very far from them.  They make me nervous.  The way they swerve in and out of traffic with nothing protecting them scares the crap out of me.  Ya, I share the road.  They can have the whole damn lane.  I have no beef with motorcycle riders.  Just those that don't wear their helmets.

If you wanna ride, by all means, RIDE!  But wear a helmet.  How many bikers die each year from head injuries that could have been prevented simply by wearing a helmet?  My sister works as an ICU nurse and its amazing to hear how many of her patients are in her care because they did not wear their helmet.

 

I have heard of bikers wanting to fight against helmet laws.  Why?  Is it because you look less bad ass with a helmet?  You will mess up your hair or you won't have that wind blown look?  To me its ridiculous.  Bikers, you are only human.  Your "ride" does not give you super powers that keep you from dying on the road.  Your helmet may!  Sure, its not guaranteed to protect you fully but it will make a big difference!

Dumb Guido!


Smart!  And look they are so happy with their helmets! And the bugs in their teeth!


So if you want me to share the road or beware of motorcycles, then please wear your f**king helmet!  I will do my best not to hit you with my pimped out mini van but if I do and you were wearing a helmet then we may all be okay.  Except for the broken bones and road rash you will get.  But that is a totally different story.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Celebrate Your Right To Love on the 4th of July!


Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  Independence day for the USA.  I am proud to be an American (most of the time).  Many of my family members are military and I am thankful of what they have done for our country.  I don't always agree with our government or our military.  I think it is run by a bunch of schmucks for the the most part.  I do believe that as a member of this country it is my responsibility to take upon myself to see change happen.  It is my freedom to do so.  My right to make a difference. 

Many people think that they are free to do whatever they want or have this right or that.  However, they want to do nothing for it in return.  They want clean air but drive an SUV.  They want freedom to practice their religion but disrespect other religions.  We want all these rights but without doing anything to get it.


We are free but not truly.  We are in fact slaves to our own wants and desires.  As Americans we want the biggest car, the fanciest house, the largest soda, the newest electronic.  We desire to be number one at everything we do.  Our clothes must be the nicest.  Our children the smartest and most talented.  Even our tv shows reflect the slavery we hold ourselves to.  The Real Housewives, really?  Fake women being paid money they aren't worth to spend money they don't care about on crap they don't need.  But its their right. Their freedom.


Freedom used to be about the right to happiness.  To be free of dictatorship.  The right to practice your own religion without persecution.  The right to love someone of a different nationality or race.  Now we fight to be able to love someone of the same sex.  We fight so we can be able to love.  Is our country messed up or what?  We fought so that anybody could sit at the lunch counter or anywhere on the bus that they chose.  That is what Independence Day is about.

Yes, we are free to want what makes us happy.  The "American" dream.  I am an American and this is what I dream of: I dream of a country, no a world, where my children will know love.  A love that is not decided by color, nationality, money, sex, fame, education but by the person as an individual.  As a human being deserves to be loved.  I dream that our freedoms will not ruin our world with our love of excess.  I dream that our happiness will not be based on what we have but who we love and the love they return to us.  That is what freedom is about.  Not the right to bear arms.  Not the right to freedom of speech.  The right to love.  The most important freedom we have.  This is what we should be fighting for.  Without love we are just slaves to what we think are our rights.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fan Follow Friday!



This is my first time hosting a hop. So I hope it goes well. Share this with other bloggers, please. There are new rules. I just ask that you follow the host site, which is this one. Have a great Friday and good luck getting new followers.




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