tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83741585321329300012024-03-13T09:49:39.357-07:00Recovering Working MomA daily account of the sh*t my stay at home mom friends never told me and what I'm learning the hard way!Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-77788811200395123082014-07-15T21:41:00.000-07:002014-07-15T21:41:20.120-07:00Techno challenged!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So this post is for all of my e-mail subscribers. For some reason I cannot get my feedburner from my new blog - Runamukmom.com to work. And, of course, I am too technologically savvy to figure out how to fix it. I'll need to ask the children to work on that one for me!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, instead of re-posting here, I'm giving you a link to the post and you can check it out. Here are the link and a few photo highlights just to pique your curiosity! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.runamukmom.com/" target="_blank">Let it glow, let it glow . . . </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTsvaSP_WKWSAaTKOSQ-hdZ3K3EIQqxxCPuZ5YeTm-QGVdPz6rzQDPbQrp1tyB_0DZznWvXOdMkFlhvPogp4USytflR5w-WfhfAOBkOjUeOZuqn9R4HRAxjp_oL6EhSEaX9NufRucjv-1/s1600/Harlee+brownies+in+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTsvaSP_WKWSAaTKOSQ-hdZ3K3EIQqxxCPuZ5YeTm-QGVdPz6rzQDPbQrp1tyB_0DZznWvXOdMkFlhvPogp4USytflR5w-WfhfAOBkOjUeOZuqn9R4HRAxjp_oL6EhSEaX9NufRucjv-1/s1600/Harlee+brownies+in+Hawaii.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pcS3QfPpzk-y0JySPe9XB51ew2hXGial7XqRTfL-bIO30Pt_AYfhoDlUr9qXjSIX9Ac1VT-BF4sapmM6qyuzp3MufDEQng_Tdrur-RI6YMg5BnQlrJchFv88XSv4ud6o94k9UTPRnK0S/s1600/Crazy+Child.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pcS3QfPpzk-y0JySPe9XB51ew2hXGial7XqRTfL-bIO30Pt_AYfhoDlUr9qXjSIX9Ac1VT-BF4sapmM6qyuzp3MufDEQng_Tdrur-RI6YMg5BnQlrJchFv88XSv4ud6o94k9UTPRnK0S/s1600/Crazy+Child.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmRHlScwBeIc86VdGjxNIrgy3_bXNfOaD8tsZ1-4C4J3N4cIRrN3Ye9zYcbPt06mYUyPIfCWQIT1EG_OYTR2JGBu8Ciyc8TX2RRV2yUc8kqN1TUZetJSY9GItRtBV0nr4xGZjmPLGXAV7/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmRHlScwBeIc86VdGjxNIrgy3_bXNfOaD8tsZ1-4C4J3N4cIRrN3Ye9zYcbPt06mYUyPIfCWQIT1EG_OYTR2JGBu8Ciyc8TX2RRV2yUc8kqN1TUZetJSY9GItRtBV0nr4xGZjmPLGXAV7/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-30409865003198098812014-06-12T10:23:00.001-07:002014-06-12T10:23:25.024-07:00Another turning point . . . A fork stuck in the road<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s that time of year again when all the graduates are
preparing for the next step, and their parents are getting weepy eyed
thinking about how fast their kiddos grew up (which, by the way, also means we
are one year older and saggier)!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lyrics to Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day have a simple
message that at this time of year beautifully encapsulates how I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also love this song because:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->On the album version, if you listen really
carefully (and warning, DO NOT do this with kids in the car), you can hear them
say “f*#&” after they try to start the song twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who screws up, records it and then
keeps the screw up on the final version of the song is awesome!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND<br>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In 1999, the week before my brother Matthew was
killed, this was his graduation song from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this day, every time it comes on the radio
I feel like it’s Matt sending me encouragement and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost 9 months ago I was pondering whether to do something more with
my blog. During that time I heard <i>Time of Your Life</i> on the radio 3 times in two days (just randomly playing on the radio, not from my iPod). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S</span>o, I took it as a sign . . . to fill my
already overflowing plate with one more BIG thing (of course, as you'll read, I didn't actually keep it to ONE thing because, well, I'm mommy and I don't ever do just ONE thing)! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today as the Superego graduates from elementary school and
enters Middle School (which means I’m going to have A LOT of material coming
up)<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlcysCATKg03e2tW1EE5ZTX3crKbyi_TvjS_wg3YpXEb7-QRe-36g1P98j-rFhh1kd0-P9dzj3WY8BuMx_3o8TONTTg59SlpK9m3eDbddNJd_RkC13JrPe75jIlZxKDD_hAfN_Ov4jBse/s1600/Kenna+promotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlcysCATKg03e2tW1EE5ZTX3crKbyi_TvjS_wg3YpXEb7-QRe-36g1P98j-rFhh1kd0-P9dzj3WY8BuMx_3o8TONTTg59SlpK9m3eDbddNJd_RkC13JrPe75jIlZxKDD_hAfN_Ov4jBse/s1600/Kenna+promotion.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEfr8jG25lNPTgzLuH_K5nuC87GlyMVB_sfgAGaUu956Oc-FVsQEpCmXm2MzD5z4OYo7WleRLldlS5XidMUyrNdR4e0dyB2-ozvgQyK40gIJNy2PDIRja-2EHtCNu6DYNW4QmtEjUXoLb/s1600/Mommy:Kenna+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEfr8jG25lNPTgzLuH_K5nuC87GlyMVB_sfgAGaUu956Oc-FVsQEpCmXm2MzD5z4OYo7WleRLldlS5XidMUyrNdR4e0dyB2-ozvgQyK40gIJNy2PDIRja-2EHtCNu6DYNW4QmtEjUXoLb/s1600/Mommy:Kenna+shoes.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; font-style: italic; line-height: 26.666667938232422px; text-align: left;">Which one is the mommy shoe and which one is the child shoe?? EEEEEK! Where did my baby go?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also
decided to “graduate” – and share my new status of author and mommy blogger with her very
own website.<o:p></o:p><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjniEqQyJjTGNzShqxF1j2_VNIdfPll-Tgu0aTMw3MRyvTMSSMJvvlRj7kfrVIovxM_fkM7e6Ei7VUA2igwnDMvp2L6_zWgu-Lkc4Drx-iHsbytkgjvanUkHwEWdFO0tZhJpd9kPXRz4hG/s1600/Book+launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjniEqQyJjTGNzShqxF1j2_VNIdfPll-Tgu0aTMw3MRyvTMSSMJvvlRj7kfrVIovxM_fkM7e6Ei7VUA2igwnDMvp2L6_zWgu-Lkc4Drx-iHsbytkgjvanUkHwEWdFO0tZhJpd9kPXRz4hG/s1600/Book+launch.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My new website<a href="http://www.runamukmom.com/" target="_blank"> www.runamukmom.com</a>
will be where I make all my new posts. It also has all my previous blog posts as
well as all my lists, tips and tricks that I’ve shared along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These lists are for everything from dealing
with lice to taking care of post childbirth lady parts to how to enjoy the
“Happiest Place on Earth” without wanting to poke the eyes out of a life size Mouse!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.runamukmom.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2UPJyfq4eCWE6_r_5vyhSJ-X52D8WfcW70fJcGWsXCh7wmX5jq-c5nv17KT2NKCQ_cSXu47OlPxr1mc_2dJaG89pdixk2ygTa87IFeKHjtEsKTYOehjYItecXP1XclWlMYIx5bq4V-ad/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+11.14.50+PM.png" height="249" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.runamukmom.com/" target="_blank"><br></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=adventures%20of%20a%20runamuk%20mom" target="_blank">Adventuresof a Runamuk Mom, The Early Years . . . True Confessions about Re-inventingYourself and Raising Kids with Humor, Irreverence . . . and Sticky Notes</a></i>
has all of the recoveringworkingmom.com’s greatest hits and then some!! In
other words, in actual print it contains all the sh*t I learned the hard way
about being a quasi stay at home mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will warn you that in it I say “sh*t” A LOT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p><br>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I-Aw12p7x6RttaeRqhfAcSxcyRTHEBh3pYNwrxHc_gdbO3IOSvkwSe_S7p-olqykHwHgqF-IcAaKkMWtwITeYaYxRHgGcOIe4r-83lN5qdDNgz-EBuPMOnmSMpggIZp_EWFKMArK6Wyp/s1600/Heather+Dugdale+-+Book+Cover+Front+-+FINAL.jpg" height="320" width="211"><span id="goog_853539038"></span><span id="goog_853539039"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_853539010"></span><span id="goog_853539011"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, in a fashion reserved only for mommies as crazy
as me, I decided to launch all of this the same week the Superego had a major
talent show performance (that required mommy to be at school for 10 hours for 2
days), AND the same week she graduated from 6<sup>th</sup> grade! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I finish out this bittersweet and exciting week, I
thought I would share a few lessons learned about overextending yourself and
NOT EVER taking your eyes off your soon to be middle schooler:</div>
<br>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/06/another-turning-point-fork-stuck-in-road.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-77372133206306588462014-05-21T14:28:00.000-07:002014-05-21T14:28:01.780-07:00Keep Calm . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . Or, completely freak out and cause yourself such an
adrenaline rush that you have to stop the car because you are shaking so badly!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mommy is only just now beginning to recover from the
insanity of last week’s fire evacuation and then two days of what I’ll just
call “practice for summer” (aka<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“practice for just how much alcohol can mommy take in during a two day
time frame just so she can keep her sanity in tact”) while the girls had two
days off from school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the second time we have been evacuated due to
wildfires and the third time we’ve been through a major wildfire in San Diego (in 2003 we had my cousin who lived in Scripps Ranch stay with us for a few days). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFxajYFNfcKDZgMf33xFd4GVmtUH6d5ONf9WkQ-vTfNfIDjT1Pa-yxs6tfIduSqjCkcfC0P6X8ycx4SKgRz-M-vTAB3Aoq5zeMAfiZPYdLczznQtut7RqidXjgfeFAaN_TAYVYx1qax1n/s1600/IMG_2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFxajYFNfcKDZgMf33xFd4GVmtUH6d5ONf9WkQ-vTfNfIDjT1Pa-yxs6tfIduSqjCkcfC0P6X8ycx4SKgRz-M-vTAB3Aoq5zeMAfiZPYdLczznQtut7RqidXjgfeFAaN_TAYVYx1qax1n/s1600/IMG_2939.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1/4 mile from our house approximately 45 minutes before we were evacuated. (Mommy was sh*tting bricks too much to take a photo of the site when she pulled outside her driveway and saw flames behind the neighbor's house).<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5UeNz7ZX41TbOT1e6jv_gf2HodayFrhwuSQ5z1dBWPUbf9SAZCS9EhgTZA9dgop-pTnqzEdyN-BKQP1afNI7nwjKM93vmsVVGyngFqXhtGTBtUgL1d2h6AVdgTxkEIz-j9FgumRB97pb/s1600/IMG_2953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5UeNz7ZX41TbOT1e6jv_gf2HodayFrhwuSQ5z1dBWPUbf9SAZCS9EhgTZA9dgop-pTnqzEdyN-BKQP1afNI7nwjKM93vmsVVGyngFqXhtGTBtUgL1d2h6AVdgTxkEIz-j9FgumRB97pb/s1600/IMG_2953.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Firetrucks staged on our street for 2 days after the evacuation order was lifted so as to take care of flare ups.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot tell you how in awe I am of the work of the firefighters and other first responders. They are extraordinary and you can tell just how much of a difference additional firefighting resources (i.e. helicopters and large planes) has made in our county. There were so many cool things that my friends did for the firefighters in our community, and they continue to do. As a small token of our thanks the girls and I took a small basket to our local firestation to thank them! If you have a chance, even if it's months from now, just pop in to say hi and thanks for all you do! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPzkH1V0NNPQU5bmTaRhaLA6bQrAC6gn0yE8KtRk91ewjAYMqHZ6kBtUETZbLCymQeTEYjpAHPjAYDFKqbcid8ku4MgcQJKc5SrEEP4bhTbK1kRdeF8ZfmldH69793NPKR_etMlGkhw6D/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPzkH1V0NNPQU5bmTaRhaLA6bQrAC6gn0yE8KtRk91ewjAYMqHZ6kBtUETZbLCymQeTEYjpAHPjAYDFKqbcid8ku4MgcQJKc5SrEEP4bhTbK1kRdeF8ZfmldH69793NPKR_etMlGkhw6D/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took strawberries, eye drops and chapstick. We heard from a friend that these were good "practical" items that they can use. Cases of water are also a good donation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, by the way, as further incentive, firefighters are HOT!!! The two that greeted us were just yummy and I hope they didn't see my blushing (the girls were like deer in the headlights - I'm hoping it was because they were so impressed with the uniforms and big trucks, not with how hot the guys were)!! <i>To HfH - sorry honey, but I couldn't leave this last part out.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And of course, because this evacuation is like so many other
things in our Runamuk lives, mommy had several lessons learned such as:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/05/keep-calm.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-90316440356218804482014-05-09T09:25:00.002-07:002014-05-09T09:26:01.407-07:00Mom where r u?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">"Right beside you, always watching u while trying to resist
mommy peer pressure and keep u safe!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . is how I wanted to respond to one of the Superego's first text messages. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She has turned 12, and with that comes the cracking of the cell
phone Pandora’s box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re still keeping
a safety net in place, but the box lid is open just a bit and mommy is sh*tting
bricks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already received the “Mom
where r u” text at least once (as I was sitting in the parking lot 10 feet away waiting for
her).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine it’s only the
first of MANY.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyRRacgTx0rSKj99LEGpuPNO-lGpCzO0CJUkOh8ImJjaVmTMT3_jkIsk1K4uCNvEmuMPrZ9RNN7X6_BYAHcQ5So5gxnOG89ufY9wiFVHB59u2ErX1RjW3IeBy_cXOX1ipUEiKA79Gf3XF/s1600/IMG_2757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyRRacgTx0rSKj99LEGpuPNO-lGpCzO0CJUkOh8ImJjaVmTMT3_jkIsk1K4uCNvEmuMPrZ9RNN7X6_BYAHcQ5So5gxnOG89ufY9wiFVHB59u2ErX1RjW3IeBy_cXOX1ipUEiKA79Gf3XF/s1600/IMG_2757.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the record, that is a USED iPhone that daddy would not have had to purchase were it not for the fact that mommy's old iPhone looks like this:<br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQfydtnt8VvRxKuz6KVlebfPoQIfdNT8wxlqWE8Mj11GrYjAOKHj1B9LG6EcHQ-_Snnk7haDE2ij1eIRycP4C2pJVGkuIrjy7kS8RIt4lt3-r68F87A-N4_i0iXH1nHAE-ro0iIkXn10/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQfydtnt8VvRxKuz6KVlebfPoQIfdNT8wxlqWE8Mj11GrYjAOKHj1B9LG6EcHQ-_Snnk7haDE2ij1eIRycP4C2pJVGkuIrjy7kS8RIt4lt3-r68F87A-N4_i0iXH1nHAE-ro0iIkXn10/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I enter Mother’s Day weekend with an extremely heavy
heart for the moms whose hearts are breaking in Nigeria, I have had a chance to
reflect on what it means to be a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
exhausting as my “job” as a mom is, I wouldn’t trade it for anything and
everyday I learn a little bit more about myself, my kids, my husband, and most
importantly, my own mom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just because God has a sense of humor . . . my Mother’s Day
week was off to a bang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had FIVE
conversations with other moms about their children’s behavior, TWO conferences
with THE SAME CHILD'S teacher, and ONE doozy of a conversation with a mom about my kids’
behavior; and THAT was only Monday!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s now Friday, and I feel like I’ve run a Marathon
and I have to get up tomorrow and do it all again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no matter how many blisters I get, I am
going to keep on running. . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . because my girls make me laugh harder than I could imagine, cry because I’m so proud, and feel
joy that is indescribable when they reach their goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s because of that, and the fact that I
have an incredible village of moms to help me raise my kids that I keep running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It takes courage, strength, integrity and a whole lot of alcohol to
survive this thing they call Motherhood. One Sunday a year is not nearly
enough to thank mine for all that she has done or meant to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And on that “mommy’s job never ends” note . . . last
Saturday night I got a glimpse of just how wild 12 year-old kids can be with
just a bit of sugar and a DJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the
Superego’s birthday party and in a separate post I will cover one of the best
parties we’ve ever thrown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But first, as I enter what I’ll call the “junior high of
motherhood”, I’m gonna share some cell phone greatest hits and what I’ve
learned from other moms this week:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/05/mom-where-r-u.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-34175999379618681592014-04-19T16:50:00.001-07:002014-04-19T16:51:05.246-07:00Eggscelent fun!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's the eve of Easter and mommy is so grateful for the fun that this season brings!<br>
<br>
Last weekend we continued our Fools Egg Cinco tradition, and
this time we made it an Egg Hunt with a Heart!
In addition to all the fun for the kids (and of course margaritas for
adults), we helped support <a href="http://www.jitfosteryouth.org/">Just in Time for Foster Youth</a>, a fantastic
organization for foster youth aged 18-26 who have “aged out” of the foster care
system. Attendees brought dishes, home items, gift cards, bedding, and several other items to help these young adults get their first homes and become self sufficient. Huge thank you to my Aunt Pam who is a Board member and Melissa, a JIT employee and former client who came out to share information and also enjoy our shenanigans.<br>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSQYOR68vKa-RYlpNSKNlmCrtudbigEsWaGFBnOaB6yqULwowIgKKRwFN1xT52dVsX9x24IFk2fl2F0LF-dTsb1-iAi1pMlO9DYSZVmUwT59JKzG6fHUYnpu04xrAzpT_Iwl8tGanwhWd/s1600/JIT+donations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSQYOR68vKa-RYlpNSKNlmCrtudbigEsWaGFBnOaB6yqULwowIgKKRwFN1xT52dVsX9x24IFk2fl2F0LF-dTsb1-iAi1pMlO9DYSZVmUwT59JKzG6fHUYnpu04xrAzpT_Iwl8tGanwhWd/s1600/JIT+donations.jpg" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also had the party styled by Melinda Bertrand and
<a href="http://www.sparkleberrystudio.com/">Sparkleberry Studio</a> (as you’ll see below, I make the messes while Melinda makes
the party sparkle!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also had
fabulous and beautiful cupcakes by Marianne Daquino!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr__qXf6slM7x-fsw0GiVKbFvcrN_mHV5EAAhytQkWNFL_k87DdTXlSLS5pl0bZ1EdLEeNXG92zFpekuIWgXjGQzjnGXIJA2haXR7CdbcN1ZGso0cMoeUsEVhfJK-tVC5joSWu1vJOjOmX/s1600/Egg+Hunt+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr__qXf6slM7x-fsw0GiVKbFvcrN_mHV5EAAhytQkWNFL_k87DdTXlSLS5pl0bZ1EdLEeNXG92zFpekuIWgXjGQzjnGXIJA2haXR7CdbcN1ZGso0cMoeUsEVhfJK-tVC5joSWu1vJOjOmX/s1600/Egg+Hunt+decor.jpg" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocaoi6bawaLDRQDCzt6mwkhst21k52wslSZnIhN5byPjdu8K_4-QGBUnr5CC__336DHoxn3wpgy8PVg-ps4FJ3EFVLFwtRCDYtjDZNPHiqBv5cineWl2Bvfirhp5LvraJ2ZyLlyPU8X4g/s1600/IMGP4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocaoi6bawaLDRQDCzt6mwkhst21k52wslSZnIhN5byPjdu8K_4-QGBUnr5CC__336DHoxn3wpgy8PVg-ps4FJ3EFVLFwtRCDYtjDZNPHiqBv5cineWl2Bvfirhp5LvraJ2ZyLlyPU8X4g/s1600/IMGP4094.JPG" height="211" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now that you've seen all the pretty pictures, here’s how we know mommy has been left with too much party
planning time and we’re not really sure who are the kids and who are the adults:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/04/eggscelent-fun.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-3024038599933279272014-04-15T14:29:00.001-07:002014-04-15T14:29:43.807-07:00Mommy's sooooo grateful for her break . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . from Spring Break!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Could anyone hear my sigh of relief when I woke up yesterday and realized I would NOT have to entertain these muppets for 16 hours???<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyXa_Al2-ZopOVMGj1ROQKHBBbz5HmkR-qQ2hQ0BgSuk_wfBMh8z7RJhBlfSymcwE6QuWX2AnlEU5Gn4ElrKXoK6LT2GiTP4v6O_bEBRpn8je3Ls2GUmSDllqcLXlTivwTvWU5yGrUeJf/s1600/IMG_2306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyXa_Al2-ZopOVMGj1ROQKHBBbz5HmkR-qQ2hQ0BgSuk_wfBMh8z7RJhBlfSymcwE6QuWX2AnlEU5Gn4ElrKXoK6LT2GiTP4v6O_bEBRpn8je3Ls2GUmSDllqcLXlTivwTvWU5yGrUeJf/s1600/IMG_2306.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring Break was last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know that time when we all get a sneak peek at what summer
vacation will look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, this mommy
is exhausted from her weeklong sneak peek and there are at least two empty
Skinny Girl bottles to prove it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had Runamuk Shenanigans that lasted all week long and
ended with the second Annual Fools Egg-Cinco Hunt (which I’ll cover in another
post)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But first, here is what I learned about summer sneak peeks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And j</span>ust for grins, this post will be in Spring
Break riddles:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/04/mommys-sooooo-grateful-for-her-break.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-23219881685878843602014-04-02T12:12:00.002-07:002014-04-02T12:12:43.259-07:00Fool me once . . . part deux!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ok, I had to post a P.S. to yesterday's post because this was just too good to pass up. Here are a couple other shenanigans that even made daddy laugh out loud:<br />
<br />
1) You know your blonde roots run deep when you are drying your hair in the morning and that huge puff of white smoke that comes out of the dryer you mistake for "must just be some dust in the hair dryer" (that I used <i>YESTERDAY)! </i>It wasn't until HfH asked me as we were going to bed "did you shower today . . . notice anything?", that I realized the Superego had pulled a fast one and put cornstarch in my hair dryer! Momma is so proud her baby is learning such good techniques!<br />
<br />
2) You know your "stranger danger" lessons are working when you show up to carpool pick up like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTIw2WGAEQBHtoW7a7HqPBVduLC6tFEwP2N75jQliIl11Yydtzv4gC-5V-apnOeF3AOqxTsV_s8tHqDtmTtIv-EO3lQU055kZPnC9ah_q6RtUSYpgp10YPxYzUlH8aL45LnlZVrlan0Gn/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTIw2WGAEQBHtoW7a7HqPBVduLC6tFEwP2N75jQliIl11Yydtzv4gC-5V-apnOeF3AOqxTsV_s8tHqDtmTtIv-EO3lQU055kZPnC9ah_q6RtUSYpgp10YPxYzUlH8aL45LnlZVrlan0Gn/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We call her Juanita Margarita!! It was either go like this or with a hot pink wig and call myself "Candy the Stripper". <br />
I think I made the right choice (and HfH just revoked my blogging privileges again)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and<br />
<br />
a) your 2nd grader waits to get in the car until she can see your license plate to make sure it's actually you (despite your gestures encouraging her to get in the car)<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
b) your 6th grader takes one look at you, turns around and tries to see if she can go home with someone else!!<br />
<br />
And finally,<br />
<br />
3) I STILL haven't learned my Pinterest lesson! Last night I tried making cookie taco shells at the last minute and following a recipe that required me to "wrap the dough around a rolling pin". What those f*&#ers left out of the recipe was "unless you work in Martha Stewart's test kitchen and have 10 rolling pins laying around, this project will take you either 4 hours to make (so you can wait for each batch of two shells to cool for 25 minutes), or you'll just have to improvise and use every plastic cup in your cupboards! I opted for the latter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7903M_9aabA2TRmjZNdW-AOkeRTg1TDU3HSTQZ_2fUXynQdZKfaSfVs_Rv9fYbhBtAaXxPAFDyua6a6LEdFHeC4FKT7jXYcHh3KPo1G-A0q81SdORhbS7LITU-s_9EKj4iSephOCeEAw7/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7903M_9aabA2TRmjZNdW-AOkeRTg1TDU3HSTQZ_2fUXynQdZKfaSfVs_Rv9fYbhBtAaXxPAFDyua6a6LEdFHeC4FKT7jXYcHh3KPo1G-A0q81SdORhbS7LITU-s_9EKj4iSephOCeEAw7/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilenBY-AcoyDEzvUNoEvEslvPNL3DnqTlfVl3PdQ_W_5O5IJYEVkkO2MEtRYutphwO9OcS5Zj5jDNBOyQpu6ELF8Wy8zfqhGYMDwMRCHfJzDFK05oM5k5aaMBYRvaVE1oPXNMSnkLuTZU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilenBY-AcoyDEzvUNoEvEslvPNL3DnqTlfVl3PdQ_W_5O5IJYEVkkO2MEtRYutphwO9OcS5Zj5jDNBOyQpu6ELF8Wy8zfqhGYMDwMRCHfJzDFK05oM5k5aaMBYRvaVE1oPXNMSnkLuTZU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3zTXToLBNZkwEMSBGQ-zrZChuzEwdmbvdmiICOFT05iiXV7eOXADSLfIs5u0JB926td3djsdW5WBmdrQvEw14G2-0U7BKm3lUjqOgMExLC0vzjmkqO515gZTul8mLQibjZ29NFAMiW2p/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3zTXToLBNZkwEMSBGQ-zrZChuzEwdmbvdmiICOFT05iiXV7eOXADSLfIs5u0JB926td3djsdW5WBmdrQvEw14G2-0U7BKm3lUjqOgMExLC0vzjmkqO515gZTul8mLQibjZ29NFAMiW2p/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_LfkLYfY3Hqm7DNwCyagTO_o7lGICHOJm6thKOaIvRddOExhGomokxO5ou3S_N0IYSvfuwdJwVltLleSPQqk2ym52jXORTKVd59n_96j2UF4Rv5EWdStM0ZG_5JuH1nSzsY1Brant-Nw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_LfkLYfY3Hqm7DNwCyagTO_o7lGICHOJm6thKOaIvRddOExhGomokxO5ou3S_N0IYSvfuwdJwVltLleSPQqk2ym52jXORTKVd59n_96j2UF4Rv5EWdStM0ZG_5JuH1nSzsY1Brant-Nw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But, those tacos were quite tasty! Although, I always forget that Jelly Beans get hard when put on ice cream! Yuck!! (yet another thing they leave off the Pinterest version)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Now it's back to reality and real food (something the girls were not happy about this morning when I threw out the rest of the Trix cereal - I know, mean mommy strikes again)!</div>
Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-80480714873837343262014-04-01T13:47:00.001-07:002014-04-01T14:38:54.991-07:00Fool me once . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Shame on you, fool me over and over and over again, and you must be living in the Dugdale house!!<br>
<br>
<i>(And by the way, for all those who subscribe to the blog via e-mail - I played an April Fool's joke on myself. I was trying to write the post and somehow "published" before I intended so all of you got a "Happy Birthday" blog with nothing in it! While I'd love to say "April Fools, meant to do that" - I gotta come clean and say I'm just a blogging moron and still don't know what I hit to make that happen!) </i><br>
<i><br></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal3wW2mLMA54RyUOi94Etxwj0JQoCQJICnEGMwEFTP5hfFpdrPZ_dyYdDiy8z6-YQGoj22RDXLs1shyphenhyphen0Xn7KM9m1Lyvg_CP1HGJUBjnvfaWzpcMGkPUAERTvPTmd4fPNuqZiW3ByRJR8Z/s1600/April+Fools+2014+-+Happy+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal3wW2mLMA54RyUOi94Etxwj0JQoCQJICnEGMwEFTP5hfFpdrPZ_dyYdDiy8z6-YQGoj22RDXLs1shyphenhyphen0Xn7KM9m1Lyvg_CP1HGJUBjnvfaWzpcMGkPUAERTvPTmd4fPNuqZiW3ByRJR8Z/s1600/April+Fools+2014+-+Happy+Birthday.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Id actually thought it was someone's birthday today! Mommy rolled out the red carpet and everything.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
Yep, it's that day that mommy looks forward to all year so that she can mess with the kids and not have to apologize. But here's what I've come to learn about holiday traditions - once you start, you can never, ever, ever, ever, ever stop. I still remember when I was traumatized that I was too old to get an Easter basket anymore (I was in grad school when the Nana finally pulled the plug)! <br>
<br>
And Karma's a b*tch because now I've backed myself into such a mommy holiday corner that I actually had to cancel going to a dinner this evening because the Ego thought it was an April Fools joke when I told her that I had a Girl Scout dinner to attend tonight. Which, now that I think about it, what WERE they thinking when they decided to host a "thank you so much for sacrificing your garage and hours of your time to sell cookies" dinner on a day who's only purpose is to f*&# with people???!! Gonna need to tackle that one another time . . .<br>
<br>
. . . because tonight, I have to continue the mommy's messing with our food April Fool's holiday tradition of dessert for dinner (i.e. <a href="http://spoonful.com/recipes/fauxberry-pie" target="_blank">fauxberry pie</a> and <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/easy-desserts-kids-00100000108816/page7.html" target="_blank">mashed potato sundaes</a>) and dinner for dessert (<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/favorite-ice-cream-tacos" target="_blank">ice cream tacos</a>). <br>
<br>
But first, I must share the lessons from my latest shenanigans so there is no question who put the "Runamuk" in Runamuk Manor!<br>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/04/happy-birthday.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-66266680122086409362014-03-19T14:09:00.000-07:002014-03-19T14:09:39.218-07:00Fake it til you make it . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Left the Id at Cheer practice the other day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my defense, I thought daddy had her and he
thought I had her . . . but, the sad part, we were sitting inches away from
each other at the Ego's softball game and neither of us realized that the other hadn’t gone and picked up the Id.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVlqFELIF9MCWbtmBgtaa3d48ov4phlQVmrln-_tNcRP3j7v0ZKVsDulADRw2Z3NgsXcncF1TRr8jBi9nOmiTClk7dH1-gmC8oOeVzuPVL8Oq_Wz6fot5kl336zxsdgNKHMDuJiipC6UP/s1600/Reese+cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVlqFELIF9MCWbtmBgtaa3d48ov4phlQVmrln-_tNcRP3j7v0ZKVsDulADRw2Z3NgsXcncF1TRr8jBi9nOmiTClk7dH1-gmC8oOeVzuPVL8Oq_Wz6fot5kl336zxsdgNKHMDuJiipC6UP/s1600/Reese+cheer.jpg" height="320" width="316"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nana just put this in her custody file, but in my defense, I
would like to remind her of the time circa 1987 when she put Sir in charge of picking up me and my sister and brother from school. Lets just say that was my first experience in walking home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the moment I realized we were late for picking up the Id,
I was reading an e-mail from a friend who said “I don’t know how you keep it
all straight, I only have two kids and I can’t keep track.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I caught my breath from racing to pick
up the Id, I e-mailed back and said “I actually don’t keep track, I just fake
it really well!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, I decided to share a few confessions about some recent incidents and how you know
you’re distracted and overcommitted:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/03/fake-it-til-you-make-it.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-21156548781135688022014-02-18T07:37:00.000-08:002014-02-18T07:37:21.402-08:00Party Heart-y . . . . Runamuk Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">It's now 3 days after Valentines Day, and mommy, of course, intended to post this on Valentine's Day, but her crazy Runamuk life (and Girl Scout Cookies) got in the way. So, bear with my tardiness!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mommy and the girls decided to have a Runamuk "party with a heart" for Valentine's day. So, in addition to partying with our friends, we made valentines for abused and neglected children who are staying at the
<a href="http://promises2kids.org/polinsky-center/" target="_blank">Polinsky Children’s Center in San Diego</a>.
I cannot tell you the amazing messages of love and kindness from all the kids to support and embrace children they don’t even know. It was awesome!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq8UmbajAimybh7HiBOJ_EIlzE8B04Y1-urVQuAzUXsEYSIqWRrcJGnRFzkoqxRgB9zlrF-Na3uRgB2tX837mLGouQwYrp_fKn9R0JeRSboaacUxiPeK0HJB2R392N427B-w3oXDih2jn/s1600/IMGP3332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq8UmbajAimybh7HiBOJ_EIlzE8B04Y1-urVQuAzUXsEYSIqWRrcJGnRFzkoqxRgB9zlrF-Na3uRgB2tX837mLGouQwYrp_fKn9R0JeRSboaacUxiPeK0HJB2R392N427B-w3oXDih2jn/s1600/IMGP3332.jpg" height="211" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls with all the valentines that were made (and yes, the Id is in a Devil costume, the Ego is in pajama pants, and the Superego is in shorts that mommy only just now noticed are WAAAAAAAAAY too short!!!). CRAAAAP!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXr9wySvFshotLM5CTkNQP0sl5rC7FW8q31a7oT2b3QKySEOz5S48b1Nivtc6oAyzAc_qw6BPOeeBlfqiRnXV-iAlLT5NSUkE9i_Kgc9YiKHQz0A_V6W2Ap51YtkIoO-8R7JG-tzZ6eVw/s1600/IMGP3339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXr9wySvFshotLM5CTkNQP0sl5rC7FW8q31a7oT2b3QKySEOz5S48b1Nivtc6oAyzAc_qw6BPOeeBlfqiRnXV-iAlLT5NSUkE9i_Kgc9YiKHQz0A_V6W2Ap51YtkIoO-8R7JG-tzZ6eVw/s1600/IMGP3339.jpg" height="211" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a portion of the valentines that were made that day. The kids made over 60 cards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Of course, it wouldn't be a Runamuk party if there weren't some mommy lessons along the way. Such as:</div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/02/party-heart-y-runamuk-style.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-10988338132980010842014-02-03T13:37:00.002-08:002014-02-03T13:38:08.336-08:00The Super Fun Sunday . . . that wasn't . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . as fun as it could have been because the Broncos
apparently sent in their high school back up squad!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gonna warn HfH that he shouldn’t read this post if he’s
still a bit raw from yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I love you honey, but this was too good not to post!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time in the Runamuk Manor, we hosted a Super Bowl party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi4P4Lk0zm2t1EgRBZwjanyLZI_Kz9n_RoNYb2IaUvDOD4sfTbAmYji1fQqcqbjkcgrOzN9RgVH9oDlNgpD_PBkILEjJiHr-RvDuhpvA9v-PSWlMOKCxIaJiYPk5quNNyszxJsJOwcFnW/s1600/IMGP3207+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi4P4Lk0zm2t1EgRBZwjanyLZI_Kz9n_RoNYb2IaUvDOD4sfTbAmYji1fQqcqbjkcgrOzN9RgVH9oDlNgpD_PBkILEjJiHr-RvDuhpvA9v-PSWlMOKCxIaJiYPk5quNNyszxJsJOwcFnW/s1600/IMGP3207+-+Version+2.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a great
time with our family and friends, and we had such high hopes for our Broncos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, here’s what we learned when you host a
Super Bowl party in the City of the team that you beat to get to that Super
Bowl:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you order a cake from your friend who has a
Charger bolt on her car and who wears her keys around her neck on a Chargers
lanyard, THIS is how she will hex your cake: </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxi0Alx-TL0L9oxyE_qUc5ljCG0pm4vWcLUQthWQLZq0LPSiD7dDnvOe2hnfJYUvntHz_4a7yTBr8BacMl9Cer6mnca6N3S1wLHCkjSWKfLGL5OYMuljTVxoF42oQxPFZTIDmH7xFYB5Y/s1600/IMGP3205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxi0Alx-TL0L9oxyE_qUc5ljCG0pm4vWcLUQthWQLZq0LPSiD7dDnvOe2hnfJYUvntHz_4a7yTBr8BacMl9Cer6mnca6N3S1wLHCkjSWKfLGL5OYMuljTVxoF42oQxPFZTIDmH7xFYB5Y/s1600/IMGP3205.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marianne, as always, made a fabulous cake, but as you can see, SHE HEXED OUR ENDZONE with a Charger Bolt!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you invite your aunt whose daughter lives in
Seattle, THIS is how she will hex your dinner:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MKCriQWTPICoHEoJ3eZ9gTkYnomUC_NX6xxK8miaXxxaig2S1Tg5AJuNM2uPcPg5xvJNSn3cDBDARkP5Wiik3rgHSuEpurYg-wO-0uv6Sdnwqw24WX-hB6ACXQWwdkeZMEAQbWn4wYhK/s1600/pasta+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MKCriQWTPICoHEoJ3eZ9gTkYnomUC_NX6xxK8miaXxxaig2S1Tg5AJuNM2uPcPg5xvJNSn3cDBDARkP5Wiik3rgHSuEpurYg-wO-0uv6Sdnwqw24WX-hB6ACXQWwdkeZMEAQbWn4wYhK/s1600/pasta+salad.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't really tell because the pasta also looks like phallic symbols, but that is a HUGE bowl of SEATTLE SPACE NEEDLES, on our counter, for our guests!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you invite your neighbor who you thought was
a Broncos fan, you will find out that she is a Broncos fan . . . UNLESS it is Seattle in the Super Bowl (because she is a huge
USC fan and therefore needed to root for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks), and then she will hex you by bringing over a plate of chocolate chip cookies on SEAHAWKS
PLATES. Forgot to take pictures of this one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
And finally:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If before the ink dries on your Squares game,
you hear “who’s got Seahawks 2, Broncos 0”, you really should call the cops and
have the place cleared out so your husband can watch the game in the sanctity
of his bedroom where he can mourn alone!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(You need to call the cops so as to make it look like the neighbors did
it to you and you wanted people to stay, but the cops made them leave).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Husband from Heaven was such a great sport last night and he
threw one hell of a great party (amazing food and fun atmosphere in our backyard). While we and our guests enjoyed ourselves, the guests of honor blew it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's always next season . . . .</div>
</div>
Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-55915246737020587482014-01-27T09:53:00.001-08:002014-01-27T09:54:39.527-08:00Move over Clark W. Griswald . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>. . . the Dugdales stepped it up a notch with Christmas AND
European Vacation all rolled into one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBYPFVNiN4MUdIvkqU45hGBzti_Te7P2djIuAfcaxTlkzSqRA_8kETLYA27RhfygV-LRaFGAw0zC_3GNoC-0L-8jLjHxiOc6BXzMlQ4B7H2HQj-pgBR51GIQTC5v8mqBG6TQQXWQ0KKfz/s1600/DSC03635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBYPFVNiN4MUdIvkqU45hGBzti_Te7P2djIuAfcaxTlkzSqRA_8kETLYA27RhfygV-LRaFGAw0zC_3GNoC-0L-8jLjHxiOc6BXzMlQ4B7H2HQj-pgBR51GIQTC5v8mqBG6TQQXWQ0KKfz/s1600/DSC03635.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, that isn't an illusion created by Disney Magic, that's the real Matterhorn. In our infinite Runamuk wisdom we decided it would be a
good idea to take our three psychoanalytic theories to Switzerland, Germany and
Austria over the holiday break, and just because we like to make our lives
extra difficult, we did it with an injured Superego!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br>
<br>
Thankfully the Id doesn’t yet have a boyfriend, so we didn’t have any $1,000 phone calls to home!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46nOxN7a3GirA7SR94wQXwUC-xyOi630XfSNKxseW9ldri5PHKyrHV9MBmbcglPMuZQGS7iEUWyraY5FG-133-pTn1eRyEChw1wDnEIoyhrgzwfQUVJ98TtCllFN7gYRqtqVeAZ7v1xAV/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46nOxN7a3GirA7SR94wQXwUC-xyOi630XfSNKxseW9ldri5PHKyrHV9MBmbcglPMuZQGS7iEUWyraY5FG-133-pTn1eRyEChw1wDnEIoyhrgzwfQUVJ98TtCllFN7gYRqtqVeAZ7v1xAV/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And those Europeans sure know how to make life much easier for
Mommy and Daddy with free flowing Bier and Kirschwasser (Cherry Vodka).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a magical holiday with few hiccups, but
of course, there is no way to go halfway across the world with the trifecta and
not learn a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here’s The Swiss Family Dugdale Top 10:<br>
</div></div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2014/01/move-over-clark-w-griswald.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-79928769351676478172013-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:002013-12-14T14:37:01.585-08:00Altruism isn't born . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . it’s learned when your mommy takes away your birthday
presents and makes you cry . . . oh wait, did I just say that out loud?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day I went to a meeting for a wonderful
philanthropic organization. While there,
a woman made an extraordinary statement that really resonated with me. She said “philanthropy is not innate, it’s
learned.” I truly believe this whole
heartedly – I learned from my mom who I remember letting me put dollars
in the red buckets and adopting children from the “wish trees” at the mall AND, from both my parents who I can’t get to stop meeting with the
Development Officer at their alma mater who keeps convincing them to give their
University all of my inheritance. Oh,
wait, I said that out loud too, didn’t I??!!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During this season of giving, I began reflecting on what I might be teaching my girls (other than cuss words, smart@$$es)! And then I realized that as with anything in this Runamuk household, it hasn't always been pretty! The intent is there, but the execution is sometimes lacking! :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 months ago following a particularly annoying episode of
cleaning up one too many naked Barbies (who I'm pretty certain have not had clothes since the girls opened them), 15 too many doll shoes (15 individual
shoes, NOT pairs), and 10 Happy Meal toys that the girls haven’t touched in 2
years, I decided that for the girls’ birthdays, rather than gifts from their
friends, they would tell their friends about a charity to which they wanted to
donate items. Of course, when I informed the girls of this, you would have
thought I took away their birthdays . . . oh wait . . . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The screaming, yelling and crying in the backseat of the car
could be heard for miles!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it wasn’t until a few days later that I realized
this idea may have been the result of a particularly bad case of PMS. But, I had already committed, and the more
people I told about it, the more encouragement I got. So, I decided we were going for it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, as we come to the end of another giving season, mommy decided to share what she learned in 2013 about charity that's Runamuk:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> </div>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/12/altruism-isnt-born.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-8554618103933880132013-12-10T10:00:00.000-08:002013-12-10T10:08:31.234-08:00She's Makin' a List . . . Checkin it twice . . . <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8374158532132930001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>. . . . gotta make sure some things are naughty, while most
things are nice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s that time of year again, and mommy has a whole new list
for her holiday wishes (these, of course, are wishes she’s already fulfilled
herself, but she loves them so much she thought she would share them with you
too!) And, of course, mommy includes her latest naughty book! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, today, a bonus, a guest post by BFF Molly’s very funny real life (yes, she actually gets up on stage in front of people) comedienne sister Jessie who shares her lessons learned the hard way about one of the
items on my list!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are mommy’s top picks for makin it through the holidays
and everyday!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Favorite new Alcohol </i></b>(where else would I start???)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kambucha!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This drink has alcohol naturally (who knew that Kambucha could do that?!), but it also
has cleansing properties and you can drink it while you are on a cleanse!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, lets not kid ourselves, this will never
come close to Skinnygirl, but when you just need a little something to keep you
from losing your mind while losing your toxins, this will do the trick!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYsRHtvjNx9PM3dlvqIv8E_Rwf90er7M_VpgAYrUNSMq-On00rrdKmWKWDwKJdkLvw8uO2gBY0WLCECPOdi2hkwekLZpx0MOuX-IaBtNf4dBhzmifVLzHVtS9Lswx9UpWQH5tSH9OFrcm/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYsRHtvjNx9PM3dlvqIv8E_Rwf90er7M_VpgAYrUNSMq-On00rrdKmWKWDwKJdkLvw8uO2gBY0WLCECPOdi2hkwekLZpx0MOuX-IaBtNf4dBhzmifVLzHVtS9Lswx9UpWQH5tSH9OFrcm/s320/IMG_0521.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Favorite App(s)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iallowance-allowances-chores/id398299456?mt=8" target="_blank">
</a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iallowance-allowances-chores/id398299456?mt=8" target="_blank">iAllowance</a></b>
– sorry, this has to make a repeat performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this app. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meal-planning-grocery-list/id418971697?mt=8" target="_blank">Food onthe table</a> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- not only will this keep
track of your grocery lists, it will keep track of which stores you get what
from, whether the store has coupons on items you need, which store has the best
deal that day, and it even will give you recipes if you tell it what you have
in your pantry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only I
cooked!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Favorite Website </i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.everythingessential.me/">www.everythingessential.me</a>
- to go along with my essential oils obsession!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Books/Magazines</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/WomanCode-Perfect-Amplify-Fertility-Supercharge/dp/0062130773" target="_blank">WomanCode</a></b> – Will change the way you look at food and how it impacts your overall
health and hormones!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-China-Study-Comprehensive-Implications/dp/1932100660" target="_blank">The China Study</a> – </b>Will change the way
you look at food and particularly how we are feeding our kids and how to solve
many chronic health issues and change your life simply by changing your diet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Take-Stark-Novella-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00FO60CH6" target="_blank">Take Me</a> –
</b>Novella by J. Kenner that concludes the Stark Trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely not the best in the series, but
closes it out nicely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bath Product</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Tales-Repel-Conditioning-Rosemary/dp/B000O7JK0A" target="_blank">FairyTales Rosemary Repel Leave in Conditioner</a></b> – See Jessie’s post below!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, it can prevent lice!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gluten Free Food Product</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8374158532132930001" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.cup4cup.com/" target="_blank">Cup 4 CupFlour</a> </b>– People often ask me what flour they can use or how they can make
their favorite holiday treats and still be gluten free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This flour is magic and it will be torture
for your waistline (just ask mine that scarfed down 5 mexican wedding cakes and
about 4 tablespoons of batter over the weekend)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D@MNIT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(you didn’t think I’d make it through the list without at least one swear
word, did you??!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
And now, before I get to Jessie’s post, I just found
out that she has been selected as a finalist in an essay contest sponsored by
Oroweat Bread!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She needs us to help her get more online votes
than the other two California b!tches, I mean finalists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she wins, she gets a big chunk of dough
(and not the bread kind), and she says she’ll share half with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, wait, maybe that wasn’t part of the deal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
At any rate, Jessie deserves our support (that means
you Nana), so please vote for her at <a href="http://www.feedyourbetter.com/">www.feedyourbetter.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hers is Essay #4, a letter that begins “Dear
Diabetes."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contest goes from December
9 – January 3 and you can vote up to once a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, vote early and often. <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now, as we enter the season of family gatherings and
family photos, Jessie’s post that beautifully encapsulates the f*&#ing
nightmare that every parent encounters when they try to prevent their
children’s hair from becoming fodder for Ellen’s ugliest family photos contest!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bonus – you may find some stuff to add
to your wish list!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/12/shes-makin-list-checkin-it-twice.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-91889593129829400382013-12-02T11:31:00.001-08:002013-12-02T11:31:53.189-08:00Keeping us in stitches . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what happens when your week starts out on Monday with a
4am wake up call from the baby that says “Mommy, I barfed in my room . . . can
I sleep with you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Friday when you
are sitting in the hospital with your oldest child, you will ask yourself
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“can we just go back to the barf on
Monday”.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The holidays are off to a Runamuk bang for the Dugdale
clan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Monday before school was out before Thanksgiving (so two weeks ago) the Ego and the Id stayed home with a terrible
cold and stomach flu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Wednesday the
Superego had broken her arm in two places while doing a trick at gymnastics,
and by Friday (when we were supposed to be flying to Denver to see Grandma and
Grandpa), Mommy had stitches removed for a previous skin procedure, and we were
in surgery to fix the Superego’s arm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the Monday of Thanksgiving week (a week ago) we had finally made it to Denver
(3 days late), but almost immediately the Superego came down with a stomach bug
and was vomiting all night long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Exhausted can’t begin to describe how we were all doing, but I have to
say, the Superego is my hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her strength
and resolve is unmatched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
everything she had been through, she only complained when the pain meds and antibiotics made her sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kid is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjsQGBHTSgy05kup7zQjIAS8HdE6kGE2dIL8J4CXL2mdEoJPYXazyQoT1QeBy0ieUpu9jNX03GzvprMbXVrNtcU4XbB9KQ0lh4iYDvjwZlT0egIIRG_eaBJCHKtdzsGBznxuI4K-UdmJB/s1600/IMG_0511+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjsQGBHTSgy05kup7zQjIAS8HdE6kGE2dIL8J4CXL2mdEoJPYXazyQoT1QeBy0ieUpu9jNX03GzvprMbXVrNtcU4XbB9KQ0lh4iYDvjwZlT0egIIRG_eaBJCHKtdzsGBznxuI4K-UdmJB/s320/IMG_0511+-+Version+2.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley cookies from Auntie Ju Ju (that might have been out in the sun too long. Either that or their eyeballs are supposed to be running!!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, as it always does, life just kept on movin’,
and taught us some lessons along the way – such as:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/12/keeping-us-in-stitches.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-74064436590807766262013-11-12T22:30:00.002-08:002013-11-12T22:30:39.520-08:00Twas the Night after Hallo-Giving Chrismakuh . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
. . . and all through the house, all the creatures were STILL bouncing off the f*&#ing walls because mommy DID NOT manage their sugar intake and in fact she
made sure they ate so much sugar it was going to take 4 days to de-tox them!!</div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In true Runamuk fashion mommy and the girls hosted a mish-mash holiday
party with a purpose. This time it was
Hallo-Giving Chrismakuh and it’s now November 12<sup>th</sup> and we’ve done
all we need to do for the holidays, right?!
We’ve celebrated all of them and we even added our standard charity
component that wouldn’t be Runamuk if it didn’t combine a canned food drive
meets extra candy drop off meets toy drive!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mommy’s been away from blogging for a little while
(something she’ll explain in the next post), but she thought she’d start up
again with a bang so you all didn’t wonder if she had a lobotomy or fell down a holiday rabbit hole! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what I learned happens when you mix 32 kids + 12 mommies
+ 22 TONS of sugar (and I’ll explain at the end how we did it all):</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/11/twas-night-after-hallo-giving-chrismakuh.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-66444576885556377442013-10-22T11:29:00.003-07:002013-10-22T11:30:25.331-07:005K your way to family fun!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what happens when in May you decide to sign up for a
“color run” 5k that happens in October?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It won’t be until the day of the run that you will realize
it is the same day as:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->the day AFTER you took a hot yoga sculpt class
for the first time (and hence you cannot walk 15 feet to say nothing of running
3.1 miles);<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->the football game for which your daughter is a
cheerleader starts one hour after the START time of the race and the game is 30
minutes from where the run is located;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>There will be TWO birthday parties for your oldest child, both
of which are 30 minutes from your house and for which you will have to
trek back and forth because you look like a muppets character and need to get
to a shower in between;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--> 4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>There will also be a cocktail party for you and your husband at
which you still look ridiculous with blue hands and a Happy tattoo on your
arm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who knew that when they say “color run”, they mean “this
sh*t is going to turn your hair, nails, toes, fingers, butt crack and
everywhere in between purple, pink, blue, yellow and colors of the rainbow that
even Crayola hasn’t invented.” My
underwear is still pink!!! Oh yeah, I
said underwear! That sh*t got
everywhere!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what we learned when mommy’s inability to keep track of the children's schedule results in looking like THIS all day:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1H6j-Aky71Vw9Bbto3UN2nBixpViZfZkHkh-HCTsTexxWgdqA1H-W7HQi8AkvLTF3M8jLXorXi0usHiOgzJf2EMDfNXdapdAHp-_k1rFrGrMhE3BY1AYz0SET_Vt8B-db8FBUaumdzaM/s1600/DSCF1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1H6j-Aky71Vw9Bbto3UN2nBixpViZfZkHkh-HCTsTexxWgdqA1H-W7HQi8AkvLTF3M8jLXorXi0usHiOgzJf2EMDfNXdapdAHp-_k1rFrGrMhE3BY1AYz0SET_Vt8B-db8FBUaumdzaM/s320/DSCF1956.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would be a great picture if it weren't for the fact that we have a sh*tty camera that decides to focus only sometimes. Of course, you can't tell if the picture is in focus until you get it on a larger screen, so we didn't realize it at the time. So, mommy decided that she's "keepin it real" and posting this crappy picture anyway because there isn't another one of the four of us in all our post race glory! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/10/5k-your-way-to-family-fun.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-45394653871718777312013-10-14T12:26:00.000-07:002013-10-14T12:26:37.273-07:00Time out for the Ta Ta's!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haaaa, made you look!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKhGLiYpRo6e9fIPpFDhPf3jwysfL8zoBX4mhSiTsndUPwm8RVjTXD_B1RxV3jv8oP9VNPzKTbmlP5FNIkH-oCF_edLThulSY0sIsHZEgftK45LdhPKux-2vW7YTov2Y-YkDOIzDiUnuj/s1600/Mommy+&+balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKhGLiYpRo6e9fIPpFDhPf3jwysfL8zoBX4mhSiTsndUPwm8RVjTXD_B1RxV3jv8oP9VNPzKTbmlP5FNIkH-oCF_edLThulSY0sIsHZEgftK45LdhPKux-2vW7YTov2Y-YkDOIzDiUnuj/s1600/Mommy+&+balloons.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I have just been informed by my Dr. that I should not get
Ta Ta’s that look like that! And Husband from Heaven just said "D@MN!!" That was right before he also just put me on a blogging time out!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This picture from a Girl Scout event (yes, I said that-I’m irreverent everywhere and
yet they haven’t revoked my membership card) reminded me that it’s that time of
year again when even the football players are wearing pink and we are all
reminded to fondle ourselves. Oh yes, I just said that out loud!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In honor of the boobies, in addition to our Halloween
nonsense, mommy decided to have the girls do a few projects for Breast Cancer
Awareness. Of course, it’s a bit odd
talking about breasts to three girls who have no sign of boobies, and who’s
mother’s boobs were sucked the life out of (literally) long ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But alas, mommy decided to pursue it anyway, and here’s what we learned when you turn the
world pink:</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/10/time-out-for-ta-tas.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-87449744589203899392013-10-10T15:50:00.002-07:002013-10-10T15:50:52.372-07:00Mommy's drinking the kool aid . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . and definitely NOT the red-dye #5 kind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tis the season of Tricks and Treats, and we all know how much mommy likes to trick the children –
why did I put them on this earth, after all???
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, as we enter this season of filling our kids and ourselves
with crap of one kind and another, I figured it was time to reveal how to
torture your kids all year long so that when they do get treats, you can
actually throw in a few tricks! And of
course, it wouldn’t be Runamuk if a few of these tricks weren’t on mommy. So here's what I've learned about playing with food:</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/10/mommys-drinking-kool-aid.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-20603584231059046562013-10-01T14:20:00.001-07:002013-10-01T14:20:48.515-07:00Confessions of a Multi-tasking mommy - Back to School Edition<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
School has been back in session for a little over a month, and fall is officially upon us. So here’s the question I have - who’s the joker who made the one time you
REALLY need a drink, the same time that you HAVE to drive your kids all over creation?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeah, and the smart@$$ who named 5-7pm “Happy Hour” has
never had to drive 3 children to 3 different activities in 3 different
locations ALL AT THE SAME TIME beginning at 5 and ending at 7! It occurs to me now that it should still be
called the witching hour! You know that
time everyone prepares you for when the kids were babies and all holy hell
would break loose and they would cry inconsolably for 2 hours. Now that they are older, all holy hell still
breaks loose, but it’s actually mommy who spends that two hours WANTING to cry
inconsolably!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here’s what mommy has learned about back to school
survival, and how to keep on adding to the Nana's custody file:</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/10/confessions-of-multi-tasking-mommy-back.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-26990921136589254592013-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:002013-09-25T10:23:48.067-07:00It's time to SPAAAA. . . . RTAY - the Mommy version!<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So not to be outdone by the little Id, mommy had planned a
spa party of her own for her birthday.
Mommy’s version, of course, involved borrowing Nana and Sir’s condo for
a sleepover with her college roommates and some incredible peace and quiet for
a WHOLE DAY!! Shhhhh, don't tell the Id that mommy got a sleepover and she didn't.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, now, of course, we not only have
a Husband from Heaven who took the Ego for the weekend, but we also have an Uncle from Heaven
(who might get an inflated head if we tell him that too often, so we’re going
to keep that part under wraps) who took care of the other two over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBUmZN-263NnG8L8cm-9UTVOr6mCA8uXLdXoJMbcV8rUVUVOkH03VH4wmVo4zdEcm7eu-QOZlC3xxAas9zjFm7-Fa5ZvvIvh-rOnxyjnRfuYKyTDY2ninf7xR5rlvdPkzuiC497tUSuQ/s1600/1065094_10151976611207150_27303468_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBUmZN-263NnG8L8cm-9UTVOr6mCA8uXLdXoJMbcV8rUVUVOkH03VH4wmVo4zdEcm7eu-QOZlC3xxAas9zjFm7-Fa5ZvvIvh-rOnxyjnRfuYKyTDY2ninf7xR5rlvdPkzuiC497tUSuQ/s320/1065094_10151976611207150_27303468_o.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One again, because of the wonderful design talents of my friend Melinda and her <a href="http://www.sparkleberrystudio.com/">Sparkleberry Studio</a>, I had a gorgeous birthday set up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWMS9mQUMeEy-dsBDiIjZRPmEQdl4jPcX-QxBIt8RhjcGMjygj2q_ZGQZY6op9c8Ue-kQHsxDfMbxEXYhZxobSCqstL2AzCS8jNxW_VAWQb9ffwvnZuHM9ZGZw1V-BsFiBlbXTHUayW4/s1600/1269065_10151976610052150_1346472168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWMS9mQUMeEy-dsBDiIjZRPmEQdl4jPcX-QxBIt8RhjcGMjygj2q_ZGQZY6op9c8Ue-kQHsxDfMbxEXYhZxobSCqstL2AzCS8jNxW_VAWQb9ffwvnZuHM9ZGZw1V-BsFiBlbXTHUayW4/s320/1269065_10151976610052150_1346472168_o.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">How adorable are these glasses?! Painted with gold paint and glitter. There's a little more to it than that, but these were plain glasses that are now fabulous! Again, Melinda is amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what every mom needs to know about hosting your own spa party
sleepover:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/09/its-time-to-spaaaa-rtay-mommy-version.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-4243527954554881012013-09-23T08:36:00.000-07:002013-09-23T08:37:17.280-07:00It's time to SPAAAA. . . . RTAY!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So mommy learned this week why when she was working (outside
the home, that is), she SWORE she would not host parties at her house and she
would pay any amount necessary for someone else to do the party.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Id turned 7 and, of course, since she is going on 16,
she wanted a spa party. So mommy thought
“how hard can this be?” some nail polish, some hair braids, some cucumbers on
the eyes, I got this, no sweat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, we all know how this is going to turn out, so at the
very end of the post I’ll show you what the party would have looked like on
Pinterest. But first, I’ll share the
behind the scenes version that would get mommy kicked off Pinterest:</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/09/its-time-to-spaaaa-rtay.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-47271672372936327762013-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:002013-09-17T09:32:23.262-07:00No good deed goes . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
. . . without someone yelling “your customer service is horrible”;
and for a moment, you think, “they might be right, this isn’t my best moment .
. .”</div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then it hits you. . . “What am I, f*#&ing Nordstroms?!” And then you will have a conversation in your
head with that person in which you say “and by the way, in case you were
unclear, “volunteer” means I’m paid exactly NOTHING to put up with verbal
abuse from people like you. Oh, and in
case you wanted to file a customer service complaint, please let them know how
to properly serve a pink slip . . . including a severance package.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is how I started out the girl scouts new year-a mom becoming very upset with me because I could not give her the answer she wanted, and therefore I needed to be schooled about customer service. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I began reflecting on how I got myself into this predicament in the first place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here goes . . . "I admit it, my name is Mommy and I’m a serial
volunteer." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get it from the Nana and I
just can’t help myself, every time someone asks for help, I check the “yes”
box. And as I’m sure you all know, I
open my mouth often enough that I find myself in charge of things before I
realize what I’ve done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So since I don’t see entering myself into “volunteer
addiction” rehab anytime soon, I figured that in case it might be helpful to
anyone (including myself) in the future, I’d provide my lessons learned about
coping with your volunteer addiction (oh yeah, you guessed it, these include all the dirty little secrets of volunteering that no one ever admits in public):</div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/09/no-good-deed-goes.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-74922480547394162632013-09-09T23:38:00.000-07:002013-09-09T23:38:34.036-07:00I called the witch doctor . . . <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . she told me what to do (and because of it I don’t have
headaches, cystic acne, breast pain, and on and on)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I know I’m backtracking a bit, but I never did fully explain what happened during <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/07/life-happens.html#more">my emergency room visit</a></span> this summer and last week after receiving a $15,000 insurance bill (of which we had to pay $700 - thank God for insurance), even Husband from Heaven had to admit that my acupuncturist was a bargain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As most people who know me are aware, for several years I have
not only visited an acupuncturist, I have recently started using <a href="http://www.doterra.com/us/essentialDefinition.php">DoTerra essential oils</a>
to treat everything from mildew to warts to fevers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
HfH still believes I’m crazy, but as we all know, he’s
pretty patient in putting up with my shenanigans, including the time I threw
away everything in our pantry after learning of my gluten intolerance. That experience will have to wait
for another day because today I thought I would share ways to torture your husband with "voodoo" theories (and better yet, prove you're right - which, of course, ALWAYS happens in our house-I'm pretty sure HfH is going to pull out a voodoo doll of me right about now):<br>
</div><a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/09/i-called-witch-doctor.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8374158532132930001.post-1294519803155779272013-09-04T23:23:00.000-07:002013-09-04T23:44:14.701-07:00Labor of . . . <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . Love, Exhaustion, Pride, Exasperation, Joy,
Exhaustion, Laughter . . . did I mention Exhaustion?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as I reflect on my Labor Day (which, by the way, the
irony is not lost on me that any day where the children are home from school is
a “labor” day), it also occurred to me that we <i>labor</i> to bring them into this world, we <i>labor </i>to entertain them, we <i>labor </i>to clean up after them, we <i>labor
</i>to educate them . . . hell, as I see it, EVERY day is Labor Day!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, all this time while I’ve been thinking that if I can
just get them to 18 and out of my house, I can breathe a big sigh of
relief. And then, I turned on my TV and
saw . . . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-UZJsjsThvkvQdItFRd8BIyU7e6VZOwK38DhURWjs8F7TldQouP844goEtYUCaP99B0JOCWdtkS-sbIzqGeSDYzaAYIT7vYjwYmYL8JO9C35mLl2UWKny3Lbv56Je4SxAMvi4sD4wps/s1600/miley-cyrus-performs-at-the-mtv-vma-2222820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-UZJsjsThvkvQdItFRd8BIyU7e6VZOwK38DhURWjs8F7TldQouP844goEtYUCaP99B0JOCWdtkS-sbIzqGeSDYzaAYIT7vYjwYmYL8JO9C35mLl2UWKny3Lbv56Je4SxAMvi4sD4wps/s320/miley-cyrus-performs-at-the-mtv-vma-2222820.jpg" width="216"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I’ve had time to recover from my nightmares and
remove all the teddy bears from my house (which, by the way, now rank on the
“scare the sh*t out of me” scale right up there with Clowns and Chucky Dolls),
I realized that behind that “child” is a parent who tweeted how proud he is of
his daughter. So then I thought well, if
we can give awards to people who’s greatest accomplishment is that they have
proven to their parents and the world that they <i>Can’t Be Tamed, </i>we really should have awards for the people who
started it all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that, my friends, is how I landed on formalizing what
I’m going to call the Parent Of The Year awards. Of course, as I came to this epiphany, I remembered that The Nana has a
“custody file” that is thicker than a Harry Potter book, and therefore I should probably explain the criteria for these awards just so that everyone is clear about how
you can earn one. These are no ordinary awards!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is how you know that YOU might be eligible for a
P.O.T.Y award (and again, one has to appreciate the irony that the acronym just
happens to remind us of all the sh*t we put up with – figuratively and literally) <i>by the way, as you read these, you need to
imagine that Jeff Foxworthy is saying them in his “You Might be a Redneck”
voice:</i></div>
<a href="http://www.recoveringworkingmom.com/2013/09/labor-of.html#more">Read more »</a>Recovering Working Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14027828567521354806noreply@blogger.com0