10 things I believe in

I stole this idea from Denise over at Laughing with spoons Its simply 10 things I believe in. Forgive me Denise if I steal a few of your choices... I think many of us believe in the same things.

1. I believe in love. Love for family, friends, spouses, children, animals. I believe in being proud of who we are and where we come from. Farmer's daughter, proud Italian by nationality, slightly dysfunctional by birth! LOL I believe that love helps us to look beyond the petty annoyances our family and friends cause us everyday and accept them and cherish them for who they are, not who we want them to be. Love makes the world go round baby!

2. I believe in my marriage, my husband. I could say we got through some rough times, dealt with the good and the bad and worked hard at our marriage... but really the truth is, we don't have to work as hard as I see others working. The rough times did not seem as bad because we had each other to lean on. Yes, we get annoyed with each other, and yes, I yell, he pouts and we both think the other is at fault. But I think we married well, I think we just suit each other, compliment each other so well, that it isn't much of a struggle for us. Maybe in years to come that will change, I don't know... The main struggles we have gone through are from outside influences. Lost jobs, unexpected pregnancy, and a foreclosure that turned our world upside down. But through it all we stayed strong. We never tried to blame the other. We communicated and we got through it all stronger than ever.

3. I believe that kindness and manners are still an important part of life. I also believe that fewer people are practicing these rather modest virtues. People no longer hold the door for you, and if you hold it for them, they do not acknowledge you. Kindness... being kind and caring is not being wimpy or weak. I would rather be kind and hurt than be unkind and unaffected. Karma will get those unkind people who like to hurt others... that is something I remember when I feel like raging at all the rude and mean people in this world.

4. I believe that the love of a mother for her children is the most pure love the world will ever know. When I thought I lost my son Jack... my world stopped, my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest and I was literally breathless from the anguish. My relief in him being OK was overwhelming and humbling. I will never believe my own mom didn't love me, despite all the mistakes she has made. How could she possibly feel any different from me?

5. I believe global warming is not only real, but I believe it is getting worse and is a major cause for concern. Even if it is not real, or it is not as dire as many respected scientists believe... what harm could possibly come from reducing greenhouse gases and driving more fuel efficient cars and trucks? None.

6. I believe that my kids are simply the cutest kids in the universe... no one could make me believe otherwise... even if I am wrong, don't try to tell me otherwise... LOL


7. I believe what goes around comes around... so to all those meanies out there who crush people on their way up to wherever they feel is important. Remember that when you are on your way down. You brought it on yourself.

8. I believe that I am worthy... I believe in myself and my inner and outer beauty. I don't look in the mirror and say "Oh, I am fat, therefore I am worthless and ugly" no, I see the good things about me and I focus on those... my big brown eyes and long eyelashes, my nice lips and my chunky but proportioned body. I also believe I have something to say, something important... even if its different that what anyone else has to say...that's what makes me unique and not cookie cutter. I will never conform to the majority nor will I change to fit in... that's not me. I also believe I look kinda hot in broken Harry Potter glasses!
HAHAHAHA

9. Speaking of Harry Potter... I believe in the hype. The hype is true. The books are awesome and have made thousands of children start to read again...reading is once again cool! Thank you JKR! Who could deny she is a wonderful and brilliant (yet unique) author!
A few HP quotes:

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. ~Steven Kloves (screenplay), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 2004, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore

If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. ~J.K. Rowling, "Padfoot Returns," Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000, spoken by the character Sirius Black

It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well. ~J.K. Rowling, "King's Cross," Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 2007, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore

10. I believe that only myself and my few loyal readers will attempt to read this... Yet I hope that it touches someone, somewhere and helps someone to understand me better... helps someone to see themselves in this and either learn from it, or take something away from it to better themselves and their lives. I hope it clears up misconceptions people may have about me and try to realize that although we may be different on many levels, there are still some levels that we are the same. That is something worth pondering and building on. If this happens then my modest blog will have accomplished something worthy.

Just in time for Halloween! A contest from The Write Gal!

Win a baby T-shirt from The Write Gal With the sponsor being Appledonia whom I had as a sponsor of my contest! She is awesome and does great work! Get on over to The Write Gal and enter!

Dreams...what do they mean?

Dreams...do they really mean anything? Dream books seem to take the images in your dreams as clues to what is going on in your subconscious. Well, I dream of zombies a lot.... what does that mean?!?

My dream last night was crazy... zombies piled up on my couch (they were not mean, foaming at the mouth zombies...more like the dead kinda undead) my son Jack was one, as well as a bunch of random people. While they were all laying on my couch God was speaking to me through the fireplace's fire. Kinda like Moses and the burning bush. God was showing me how I could help these Zombie like people (I always dream of zombies) and who else needed my help by showing me visions of people and entities in trouble so my husband and I could go and "save the day"

I know why Jack was in the dream... I am still upset about him being missing for that one minute... all the bad scenarios that ran through my mind (of course becoming a nice zombie was not one of them) just manifested into some crazy thing in my dream... that always happens. But God talking to me was a bit strange... because I am an Agnostic person who doesn't really think much about religion at all, except when confronted with it in my daily life, and that is not often.

So, do dreams mean anything really? Is it just the effects of Jack scaring the living daylights out of me at work in my crazy, convoluted and mysterious subconscious mind? Is God speaking to me to convince me he is real? And most importantly... are there really zombies and why (even though Ive never seen a zombie movie) do I keep dreaming of them?

What do you think about dreams? What do you think they are trying to tell us? Share with me if you will.

Wordless Wednesday

My handsome son

A mother's worst nightmare

Jack just scared me to death.

I sometimes let my boys play outside in our fenced backyard while I get dressed for work ... I crack the window and check on them every few minutes. We have a fenced backyard that is child proof and locked up tight! All of a sudden I hear Max crying at the door, I let him in and call for Jack... no answer, I scream, I yell, I say I am not mad... no answer. OMG, I about died. I was thinking someone climbed over the 8foot tall fence and took him or he fell and his head was bashed in and he couldn't answer.

The scenarios of what may have happened were running through my head as I frantically searched the small back yard, screaming and crying and trying to breathe through my complete and utter panic. The worst things a mom can think of ran through my head in a manner of seconds.

I was freaking out and crying... ready to call the police...then I come in and call again for him... he was on the couch!!! He decided to come in and not tell me. OMG. Of course I yell at him for scaring me and he cries while I cry and work through my anger and fear. Anger at myself for letting them play outside for even a minute alone, (even though there really is no risk, but we still doubt ourselves and everything we do at times like these) fear of losing one of the most important people in my life. Thank goodness Jack was just fine.

So, if I ever doubted my maternal feelings, or doubted I was a good and caring mother...this proved to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that although my actions may be flawed, I may make mistakes and say and do the wrong thing... I know this: I love my kids more than I love my own life. I would have died to keep my son safe. I will never doubt that again.

Over protective parents kinda bug me

OK, I will admit it. Parents (mostly moms) who are overprotective bug me. I cant help it. Now, I am not advocating letting your kids ride on the edge of a flatbed truck while going down the road at 30 miles an hour, or letting them run wild and wander 10 acres of land (including creeks) without any monitoring (that's what my parents did... farmers are a different breed perhaps? Or maybe its Italian's? LOL) No, I am talking about the germ-a-phobe moms, the "I will only make my own baby food" moms, the only buy organic products moms, the don't let them eat Peanut Butter until 4 years old mom. This is my sister and cousins, they bug me too!!!

OK, I understand the concepts behind organics, fresh baby foods, I know. I get it. I would buy Organic if I could afford to, when its on sale, I do...(while shopping yesterday I bought carrots...a regular bag was 99 cents. Organic bag $2.29) but my kids must suffer I guess. We are poor. LOL However, it still bugs me a little. The germ-a- phobe thing particularly bugs me. Studies have been known to show that germs in moderation are actually beneficial to you in the long run. It makes sense to say that if all germs are taken out of the babies space, when they finally do get exposed, it is in line to be worse with a child who has been wiped clean with hand sanitizer thrice daily... Oh wait, I meant the child's toys, playthings, and utensils... I think that might be taking it a bit too far. I also think passing on that fear will make your kids weird about letting loose, having fun and getting dirty. Dirt can be fun!

Sugar. That seems to be more evil than Hitler and Saddam Hussein put together. Sugar in moderation is fine. Sugar in moderation is not going to create fat adults who lay around sluggishly and don't amount to anything. No, sugar is not the cause of that... fat adults are not caused by letting your child have a glass of juice a day, or a candy bar a week for a treat. Fat adults are caused by letting children eat whatever they want, whenever they want (this I know, Ive lived it) and not encouraging and participating in physical activity. Playing video games all day while eating unlimited amounts of junk will make a fat child/adult. Dessert in moderation is a yummy part of a meal. Something to look forward too. Life would not be worth living if you could not have a juicy piece of watermelon, or a Hershey's bar once in awhile. Food is not just fuel, it is an art form and it is something to be enjoyed and savored. Healthy eating is important, but having a pizza now and again never hurt anyone.

I also do not care for the superiority attitude you sometimes see with this kind of mom. (Don't get too upset, I said sometimes) "Well, **I** would never feed my children non organic store bought baby food!!!" "But we all are different" ect ect ect... I hear a lot of "Well **I** would never" It sounds so judgmental but carefully wrapped in a blanket of tolerance for all, so as not to offend. I don't know.. maybe I am paranoid, but I don't buy it. I can read between the lines and the raised eyebrows! Maybe this is a California thing? Or a Forum/Message Board thing? I don't know. Remember, WE did not die from eating a non organic piece of fruit, nor did we perish from eating peanut butter at the age of one (unless we were severely allergic, and then we would not be talking about this at all) I was even sprayed (by a crop duster) with Malathion, and I am still ticking.... No, most of us grew to adulthood in one piece.

I think being aware of the dangers out there is what a parents responsibility is all about. I think being overly cautious with preemies and children who are born into a family with known allergies is a must. But just your average every day kid needs to, no deserves the opportunity to get dirty. Eat a Popsicle. Have a candy bar. Have a puppy who licks faces. Have a parent who encourages fun and provides a child with the opportunity to enjoy ALL that life has to offer. In moderation.

Do you tell it like it is?

Or do you keep feelings inside? Do you find that people who "tell it like it is" tend to enjoy the sensation they cause with their unguarded words? Those people who tend to say nothing, do you think they are passive aggressive?

I am a combination of both I think. I prefer to tell it like it is, but I throw in a big scoop of tact... I don't like to hurt feelings. Sometimes I forget to proof read myself though and my words (mainly in the written form) come off harsh or browbeating. Sometimes I find while being passive/aggressive is not really healthy, sometimes it is satisfying! LOL Maybe I ponder things too deeply. I don't know. Ive been doing some soul searching lately and I think these random things.

What is your style and why?

Rants and Raves time!!! Let's hear them!

Time for ranting and raving!!!
Get it out here! I dont need to understand what you are talking about, I just want you to say what you need to get off your chest. TELL ME... help me to see its not just me who has something to say!

Mine: I am sick of the tyranny!
This describes my feelings today. I am tired of being the slave... I am breaking free.

The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him, they crush those beneath them - EMILY BRONTË, Wuthering Heights

Wordless Wednesday

Blue Steel! Click on pic to make bigger!

MEME Time...formerly MEME Monday

MEME today... LOL, I did not get to this on Monday!

Simply AnonyMOM tagged me for a meme. Here it goes:

1. Where were you 10 years ago?
I was working at Nordstrom in Santa Clara...just wrapping up a useless relationship. .

2. What is on today's To Do List?
Laundry, water tomatoes and go to work.

3. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Pay off all my bills and my families bills. Buy an awesome old historic house, travel! Then I would use my money for animal charities mainly followed by diabetes research (specializing in type one)
4. Name 5 places you have lived:
1) San Martin, CA
2) Lodi, CA
3) Woodbridge CA
4) No four
5) No five!

5. Name 3 of your bad habits:
1) I yell too much
2) I am nervous
3) I eat too much

6. What are your favorite snacks?
Crackers and cheese! Chocolate! Fruit

7. Who will you tag for this meme?
Wendi
Susan
and Andrea

Maiden names, did you keep yours?

I was reading a blog and it raised a question about men wanting a boy to carry on the family name. It got me to wondering... did my women readers (I think my only readers...LOL) keep their maiden name or take on your husbands name and why? Do you think it is wrong, disrespectful, ect to keep your maiden name and not take on your husbands name? Or do you think its empowering to keep your maiden name? What do you think of men taking on their wives name? In this day and age, does it really even matter?

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

So wrote Jonathan Swift. Those words wrote in the 1700's are just as relevant today. Who likes critisism? Who likes to be told some hard, unpleasant truths? Not me. But after my defensiveness has worn off, and Ive had time to digest the words, I try to see if perhaps there was some truth to it. I do not want to live with blinders on...I do not want to cease to grow because I do not want to face my own flaws, my own weaknesses and shortcomings. That is no way to live.

I am frustrated, and I keep running into a brick wall. People I care (or have cared) about cannot or will not stop and consider that just perhaps those dozens of people who have the same issue with them might perhaps have a point and some insight. Its frustrating, even when that person is no longer a big part of my life. Its sad when people lose out, even when they think they are not losing out. They are, I know it and it makes me sad to know what could have been.

Sorry to be so vauge... sometimes I want to say how I feel, and I have...but no good will come of it, as long as we as human beings would rather be right and alone than wrong in good company.

Sunday Sonnets... Shakespeare's sonnets

There was never before or after (in my personal opinion) a writer so gifted. His sonnet's are beautiful testimonies to life and especially love. ONE of my favorites.


XVII

Who will believe my verse in time to come,
If it were fill'd with your most high deserts?
Though yet heaven knows it is but as a tomb
Which hides your life, and shows not half your parts.
If I could write the beauty of your eyes,
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
The age to come would say 'This poet lies;
Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'
So should my papers, yellow'd with their age,
Be scorn'd, like old men of less truth than tongue,
And your true rights be term'd a poet's rage
And stretched metre of an antique song:
But were some child of yours alive that time,
You should live twice, in it, and in my rhyme.

Winner of my giveaways!

I used Random.org and although I can print the screen and save it, I don't know how to change the format to make it into something I can post here. UGH

Winner of onsie is Bridgette comment # 5
This is B's blog thenotsoblogblog
Congrats B!

Winner of the LOVE necklace is Leah, comment # 18
Leah is here Diaries of a domestic goddess
Congrats Leah!

I will be passing your e-mails along to the sponsors after I get your e-mail info!

Thank you ALL for participating.

Cool contests going on at MOMDOT. Harry Potter giveaway and a $250.00 Necklace! WOW

MOMDOT is having an awesome givewaway, its a $250.00 necklace contest!!! WOW. All you have to do is sign up at The cupcake club found here : CUPCAKE CLUB ENTER NOW! Then enter the contest here Cupcake Giveaway But be aware...I want to win!

Sencondly, and just as important!!! YAY A HARRY POTTER GIVEAWAY!Head over to
Scholastic and check out the Harry Potter Page NEW BOOK COMING OUT FROM JK ROWLING!!! Also a new BOXED SET of all the books! YAY Remember to read the rules and enter at MOMDOT Harry Potter Giveaway

OMG, I so need to be a winner on this!!!
I usually do not blog about contests, but this one is a doozy! Check them out!

Things I wanna do, but I know better not to

DAMN, why do I have to be the grown up, the one who thinks and then acts? The one who smooths things over?


1. Now, right now... I want to go to Carl's Jr. and get myself a Vanilla Malt, LARGE. Or a green tea smoothie. I will not share.

2. Pretend to be sick, so I can leave work go get that Malt and just sit on my butt and watch General Hospital. I want to watch Nikolas and pretend to waltz with him too.

3. Tell my mom that she needs to appreciate my sister and all she does for her... no matter how bossy my sister is. Deal with her bossiness, or be homeless. Which choice???

4. Tell a friend to stop being so touchy and start looking within and not outward. Its not always the other person who is at fault. It couldn't be, the law of averages says so. So there! LOL

5. Adopt a new kitten. Adopt a homeless kitty... I want a new kitty. I have three I can barely handle. But yet...I want one.

6. Have a baby girl. My husband wants one. I do not want three children... but when I think of a little girl who looks like this
...
not this : LOL It makes me wanna go for it. But being almost 41, I think my mommyhood chances are slipping away, and for good reason.

7. I want to change my blog design my friend SUSAN made me a design, but I don't know how to apply it.. but I want to try. I know I will mess it up. Why am I so inept?

8. I want to tell people off who bash my choice on political candidates. I don't call McCain and Palin names (even though I want to sometimes) so please dont call Obama and Biden names...especially when you have not done your research. Enough said. I wont if you wont.

9. Shut that frickin loud a$$ booming music off. It sounds stupid, you look like an idiot (JMHO) with your window open in 100 degree weather so we can hear your lamentable choice in music, if you can call it that.

10. Sit on my big booty and surf the net while at work...enter blog contests, ignore my work and write blog posts... OH, wait. I am doing that. At least I get some satisfaction.

Blog Awards!~

I have 3 I received the last week or so... I thank you Wendi, Toni and Heather! I will be accepting those and making a post soon!!! I didnt want ya to think I did not appreciate them!

Semi Wordless Wednesday!

Spelunking... with a snazzy red purse! LOL

Apathy

I hate being apathetic, and I apologize to the many (LOL, I meant any) people who frequent my blog. I feel so apathetic. I let things go I normally would not. I have not been debating on the MOMDOT forums like I used to. I seem to have lost interest. Is it the election? Up, down, up down go the polls and my moods. Its hard to wade through the slander and get to the facts. I miss AGGIE and her wisdom, you can always count on her to know the right thing to say, and have the facts to back them up. MOO has been sick and gone... I miss having my e-mail buddy 5 days a week.

How do you (my few loyal readers...LOL) get yourself out of a funk? How do you start to care about things you DO care about again? Do you all go through this? Is it just me? HELP!!!

My First awesome giveaway! Mom Love Baby Onsie! Trendy and unique. Scroll down for my second awesome giveaway!

Up for grabs is this adorable baby onsie, fit for a boy or a girl from Appledonia

This is what Appledonia had to say about this adorable MOM LOVE onsie:

Celebrate Mother's Day everyday with this "Mom Love" design.

This "Mom Love" design is fused and zig-zag stitched to a Carters white cotton bodysuit.

Available sizes:
3 months-8-12.5 lb
6 monts-12.5-15.5 lb
9 months-16.5-20.5 lb
12 months-20.5-24.5 lb


What I like about Appledonia is her many different designs and fun and affordable holiday themed gear as well as trendy and unique clothes for our little sweeties to WOW in! I plan on getting this Halloween themed shirt for both of my boys!

TO WIN THIS...RULES:
Go to Appledonia find a different item that you would also love to own and come back here and comment what it is, also leave a way for me to contact you. If you win this item, you will need to let me know what size you will need! USA ONLY

Additional Entries:
Blog about this contest and link to this post, leave me the link and you will gain another entry ----- If you buy something from Appledonia within this contest period let Appledonia know that Minxy Mimi sent ya, post again and let me know! Lastly, Twitter or stumble (I don't even know what Stumble is! LOL) and that will gain you another entry. As always, leave a way I can contact you.

This contest will run from Sept 4th through the 12th. A winner will be chosen via random.org. Good luck and thanks for entering!

Beautiful Love Necklace Giveaway!!! My second awesome giveaway!

This is what Holly has to say about her beautiful handmade necklace

LOVE necklace on 18" oval link silver chain. It is adjustable. Each letter is approx. 1” and is printed on plastic and sealed.

The word LOVE is spelled out and connected with silver jump rings. This necklace is really unique and affordable. Each letter has a unique image incorporated in to the design.

L: is a woman. O: is a viking boat. V: is a floral. E: is a floral.


You can win the beautiful handmade necklace above, made by Holly Modine Studio
HERE is her website.

I love the items at Holly Modine Studio They are unique, hand crafted and very folk art (IMO) this is not your average cookie cutter artist, these are unique just like we are!


Here are the specs of the giveaway necklace! Necklace details

RULES: Go to Holly Modine Studio HERE find a different item that you would also love to own and come back here and comment what it is, also leave a way for me to contact you. USA ONLY

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: Blog about this contest and link to this post, leave me the link and you will gain another entry ----- If you buy something from Holly Modine Studio within this contest time period, simply let Holly Modine Studio know that Minxy Mimi sent ya, post again and let me know! Lastly, Twitter or stumble (I don't even know what Stumble is! LOL) and that will gain you another entry. As always, leave a way I can contact you.

Good Luck! The contest will run from Sept 4th thru the 12th. A winner will be chosen via Random.org!

Politics make strange bedfellows

Catchy title, yes?

First of all, I have many, many, many Republican and conservative Christian friends, like Toni and Wendi, I do not wish to offend them, and I hope this does not. This is not meant to, by any means. We share a love too deep for mere politics to kill. Only an Avada Kedavra could accomplish that feat.

I usually do not get involved in political discussions, no one is really always right, or always wrong. But I think we need to take a step back and stop believing every little blurb, or pseudo fact that comes out of our favorite left/right wing sites.

Read this about BAIPA this explains why Obama votes as he did, read the whole thing I suggest. This claim by Republicans that Obama supports "Leaving babies to die" shows another side to the story, yet another example of selective truth.

I am a staunch Democrat, I have voted a few times Republican, but I usually find after I have done my research that I agree more with what the Dems have to say, what they plan to do. But I always try to do my research, it is an informed voter that makes a good voter...not one who only votes for a certain party.

I keep seeing blogs supporting outlandish or carefully chosen partial facts (meaning that some of the information is deliberately kept back to make a statement and make an impact without telling the whole truth) and making accusations without backing those up with even one fact. I see politicians and whole parties being accused of (this was about Dems, and I know there are many regarding Republicans) things like "Perpetuating evil" and having no morals or values. Yes, I am a Dem and OH MY!!! I am an Agnostic person, but even us Dems and Atheist/Agnostic people have morals and values (:

What I find myself feeling and thinking is that the people who say these things want to believe the worst of the other party, they want to feel vindicated so they trump this unsubstantiated and un-researched information out as the Gospel truth, when in fact most of it is just a biased opinion wrapped up in a kernel of truth. It makes me disregard what they have to say as nonsense... after all, why not show me facts, not hearsay, for I can trot the same stuff out for you and you would not believe me either for those very same reasons.

Why I disagree with McCain as President and Palin as VP are my reasons, perhaps the reasons of many in my political party (Anti-abortion, Hunting, Endangered Species, Global Warming, ect...) these may be the same reasons that the other party will vote for that ticket. Yes, I do feel I am in the right, and yes, you who think differently, will feel the same. That is a normal and natural feeling and reaction.

Please, all I ask is that we all respect each other, and each others choices and feelings. We are all human beings who want what we think is best for us, our children and our world, let that be the one thing we can all agree on and rejoice in, only time will show us who was right or wrong. For politicians will come and go. Friends, family, respect for others, and making compromises as needed are what will help keep this country strong and proud and free.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunset over Lake Tahoe

Winner of my Giveaway is................

Christy from Here

Congrats!!!

HURRY HURRY HURRY! Giveaway ends TODAY!!!

Be sure to enter my giveaway ending today! Enter HERE
Your chances of winning are awesome due to less traffic from the holiday weekend!!! The lucky winner will be picked tonight at 6 PM PST
Good Luck!

Our Sierra Mountain mini-vacation~

Just a few pics...Pinecrest lake is where we had a lovely day swimming, eating and getting dirty~
My uncles house is awesome nestled in the trees...food, wine, and the company were awesome! A few of us took an early morning ride to the Indian Casino where I came home with an extra $300.00! YAY !!! But its nice to be home too.

CLICK ON PICS FOR FULL SIZE!

All the cousins


View from my Uncles deck


Kissin Cousins! LOL


Boys at play


Pinecrest Lake


The boys had a blast!



Jack was so tired...