Raunchy, Funny---Chelsea

I am so happy to be back blogging. I haven't been able to sign on for the last couple of weeks, I finally started to blog on my blackberry, it is so hard to see but I am managing.  If anyone is having the same problem and is now  able to sign on, let me know how you did it!  I am all out of ideas! I miss blogging on my computer!  I have so much to catch up on, where do I begin!

A few Sunday's ago, I was reading The New York Times which I am able to do sometimes if I play my cards right. I get up extra early before the kids are up and make a nice hot cup of coffee and read the morning paper. In silence!  It doesn't last long before I am interupted by "mommmmmyyyyy!

But, I did get the chance to read the article on Chelsea Handler, the raunchy comedian that has her own talk show called "Chelsea Lately"

I have mixed feelings about her show. It can be a little too raunchy for my taste.  But I love the fact that she says things that you would hear out of a guys mouth but never a womens'.  Men have been so disrespectful to women in so many ways.  It is about time men got a little taste of their own medicine!

She can be harsh but she is funny!  Chelsea is a friend of Jennifer Aniston's and likes to take hits at Angelina Jolie.  I have to say in a way she deserves it.  Jennifer Aniston was heartbroken and has had a hard time finding the right guy and having a family of her own.  Women should stick together like guys do!  Don't mess with someone else's husband!  If he is unhappy let him get a divorce and then when he is single again, he is fair game! Especially if you happen to be the most beautiful, successful, and famous women in the world get your own guy, don't steal someone else's! 

If you want a great laugh in the middle of the night, when you can't sleep and don't mind raunchy, Give "Chelsea Lately" a try!

Steph

Thank God It's Summer!

     Summer has begun and my kids are off from school!  They are starting summer camp on Monday and I have this weekend to spend fun quality time with them!  I am so excited!  We went to the movies last night and saw Mr. Popper Penguins, a must see!  A great family movie and the kids love it!  Tonight we are going to My eldest daughter's softball game and out for pizza and ice cream.  She has gotten so good at softball, her coach says that the last game she made the play of the century and won the game for her team!  I am so proud of her! 
      A fun thing to do with kids is to pitch a tent!  We are going to make a homemade tent and put it in our living room for a bug free camping night with popcorn and movies! I try to enjoy every moment with my kids because I know how fast it can go by! Of course, like all mothers know it is not an easy job and it can be stressful at times but enjoy your kids and have fun as much as you can!

     Tommorrow if it is sunny we are out and about and in the pool!  On rainy days it is a great time to do arts and crafts or bake!  I like to make rice crispie treats with the kids it's easy to make and not too messy.  We add other ingredients to make it fun.  We top them with either chocolate chips, sprinkles, nerds, peanut butter or any favorite topping.  Have a fun summer week!

Steph

Summer Vacation - Packing Tips

Summer's finally here and loving it. Particularly after such a brutal winter. I am actually taking a summer vacation at Cape Cod. Only for 5 days since I can't get that much time off work and my 6 year old is in summer camp. But I'll take 5 days.

This weekend I've spent preparing for the trip. Doing laundry, cleaning and starting to pack. I'll need this vacation from the work involved in preparing for this vacation. I'm exhausted.

I want to be sure I'm prepared for everything so I'm packing toys, books, sunscreen, beach and pool toys, and sweatshirts just in case we get chilly nights.

Last year my mother came with us and she brought a box of random household items like a nightlight, Lysol spray, a flashlight, batteries, and other stuff. I thought she was crazy but guess what? We used almost everything she brought. So if you're driving, pack a little box of household items. You never know and it's best to be prepared.

I let the kids pack a bag of toys which I keep in reach for them in the car so they have stuff to play with on the way and toys to play with when we get there. I also have a portable auto DVD player so I'll let them each pick out a couple movies to take.

I also came across this great article, "Working Mom Summer Survival Tips" from Working Mom on what you should keep in your car all summer to be prepared for spontaneous fun and it's a great checklist for the roadtrip vacation plus other tips on what to stock up on at home.

Next up, cleaning the car and start loading it up.

Jan

Summer Goals

Now that summer is underway, it is a good time to set summer goals. Setting goals is a good way to keep yourself in check and use to accomplish things, big and small that you want to achieve. It becomes so easy to fall into a rut and not get around to those things that you want to do but don't seem to find time for or put off and put off doing and suddenly months go by and years go by and you have not achieved the things you want. Setting a list of goals keeps you in tune and aware of what you want to accomplish.

I always include a mix of goals, big and small. Easy goals are great to include since it will give you a sense of accomplishment and getting through the small stuff frees you up to get to the big stuff. Harder goals are good to include even if you know you won't achieve it in two months including it anyway will keep it in check and you can include steps to take to get there. This could be career goals, home improvement goals, excercise or weight loss. Whatever it is, be sure to set your big goal and include 5 steps you will take by the end of the summer to get closer to that big goal. If you don't start doing something, you will never get there.

Since it's summer, it's also great to include some summer fun. Go swimming or go to the beach every weekend. Read a fun book. Go on a bike ride. Maybe even throw in something adventurous like skydiving or rock climbing. Participate in a charity run. Maybe you've always wanted to go cliff diving, do it.

Spending time with the kids having fun is a great summer goal. I like to include general goals but it's always good to be specific so you can check it off and be sure you do spend fun time with the kids. Take the kids to a carnival. Take the kids to the zoo. Roast marshmellows. Read a different book together every night.

Spend five minutes and jot down your goals. I have a notebook that I use and date with each list. That makes it easy to review my goals and check them off.

Have fun achieving great things this summer.

Jan

Book Bag - Bossypants by Tina Fey

I have always liked Tina Fey. Her humor, her timing, her expressions are always on point and everything she does is funny. She's a writer, comedian, actress, author and oh yeah a boss. Her new book, Bossypants, is the perfect summer read. It is the next read in my book club and I just picked it up, from the library might I add. I have only read the first couple chapters but it is funny and an easy read. I guess it's not a big surprise that she's a great writer since she's been a comedy writer for years. Tina Fey is a great role model and here is another great woman that can do it all, her way. I'll give another update when I'm done and can't wait to finish.

Jan

Happy Father's Day--remembering our fathers'

Today is Father's Day and it is important for all of us to pay tribute to our dad's!  It is sometimes hard to do if we are not getting along with them or if they have passed, but I like to spend some of the day thinking of some of the positive memories I have had with my dad.  He wasn't the most perfect dad and he even admits he made his share of mistakes but he did his best and that's all I could hope for.  It was hard for me to call him and wish him a Happy Father's Day since we have had alot of differences lately, and on and off my entire life, but he's my dad and I know I love him deep down inside even though it doesn't feel that way right now.

I am glad that I called him and I know he was so happy to hear from me. He wants to celebrate Father's Day by taking me and my sister out to dinner! I said "we should be taking you out to dinner!"  Although we all weren't able to get together today, I know we all will get together soon.  It is hard to believe that there was a time that my dad, mom, sister and I were always together and lived together!Now we all hardly ever see each other.  I have my own family now and so does my sister and I realize that we will never all live together again and it makes me sad. 

I can't forget the fun camping trips, skiing trips, vacations and celebrations we all had together.  Even though now they feel like a lifetime ago.  And the times my dad would help me with my homework and tutored me with math. Dad, I can't forget you on Father's Day.  Love you, Dad!

Steph

Steph

Bethenny Frankel Stikes Again

The news is out. Bethenny Frankel is getting her own talk show. She'll be filming the pilot on June 23rd and I hear, according to the Hollywood Reporter that filming has already begun for her show. I instantly thought, so that's why she's been house hunting in Hollywood but there's a chance that she will be able to tape the show in NY. Which would be awesome because then I can go to her show!

I don't know how she does it but hats off to her. I wish I had her energy. She is a truly inspirational woman and I want to be her. Just kidding. Not. OK yes I am. But really I do admire her drive, business and marketing sense. She does inspire me to do more and make the most of who I am and what I do.

So ladies, roll up the sleeves and get to work and maybe take a time out to watch Bethenny in the fall.

Jan

How Profound - Sometimes It's Better to be an Observer Rather than a Participant

As you could probably tell if you've read this blog before, I am a fan of Bravo and the Real Housewives. I was surprised at how profound Kelly was in giving advice to Alex over the Jill/Ramona battle. Alex ran downstairs in a rant wanting to have a discussion with LuAnn over how she felt LuAnn was mistreating Ramona. Kelly, while she was being "weird" about it, told Alex that sometimes it's best to be an observer than a participant. I think that is the most profound thing I've ever heard Kelly say. Who knew. It was the best advice and she was absolutely right. At the end of the episode Ramona and Jill made amends but meanwhile now the wedge that Alex made with LuAnn lives on. The fued was between Ramona and Jill and she should have left it that way. All Alex did was create friction and trouble for her and the other girls while they were on vacation trying to enjoy themselves. Her timing and presentation was way off base.

I'm sure we've all been there. Taking sides and getting in the middle of other people's business who then make up and you're left hanging out there, still upset and now with your own fight. Needlessly.

Dont' fall into the drama. Before you get in the middle, remember sometimes it's best to be an observer rather then a participant.

Jan

Allergy Season is Brutal - How to Survive

I have heard it reported on USA Today and other sources that this is the worst allergy season we've had in ages.

In the USA Today article, "The nose knows it's a bad allergy season", said Dr. David Rosenstreich, director of the allergy and immunology division at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, "It's been a very unusual allergy season. I don't know if it's because of the very wet winter or that it's been cold longer, but the pollen counts are much higher. This week, it's been running about 6,000 grains a day, instead of the usual 1,500," Rosenstreich said of his local area.

No wonder I've been feeling terrible and every day it seems to be getting worse. It's hard to keep up with life when you're suffering from sinus pain and congestion. I also feel completely exhausted and it's hard to motivate to do anything. Keeping up at work, which never slows down, spending time with the kids and getting the cleaning done has been unbearable when all I want to do is lie down and close my eyes. I decided today after waking up with my ears also clogged that it might be time to see the doctor. I hate to spend the money since I already have outstanding medical bills but I've suffered enough and it's time.

If you also suffer, I took the libery of looking up a few helpful tips on Web MD to help reduce your suffering.

Keep your windows closed. I also have been avoiding being outside at all. Which is tough since I've had cabin fever all winter.

Wash you clothes and bedding often. Pollens stick to fabrics so you track it in and continue to be surrounded by the pollens making you sick.

Nasal wash. I have tried a nasal wash. It can be uncomortable but it does seem to clear out your sinuses. It's worth a shot if you've got sinus pressure and congestion.

See the article for more suggestions.

Jan

Domestic Abuse - Where's the Line

On  recent episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra called the police on her soon-to-be ex-husband because he threw a dog leash at her. The kind that has the auto wind with a long leash so it is heavy plastic leash line. She wasn't hurt but to make matters worse he did this in front of his child. Another former cast member of the OC, Jeanne, actually told Tamra she was wrong for calling the police and was more concerned with Simon's reputation than Tamra's safety.

I was discussing this scene with some of the girls and was shocked that one of them actually took the side of Jeanne. She agreed that Tamra was wrong to call the police and exagerated the truth and that calling the police could hurt Tamra financially since it would be on Simon's record and he would have trouble finding a job. OK, I was in shock.

So where's the line? What does it take to make a violent act "appropriate" to call the police. Should she wait until she's in the hospital? Does a woman have to wait until until there is serious physical injury before taking action? If a woman feels threatened and afraid for her safety and for the safety of her children, she should call the police. That is why they are there. To protect us. Domestic abuse should not be taken lightly and this is the problem, for some reason the people take the side of the aggressor instead of the victim and think the victim is making it up or exaggerating the truth. 

This is no joke. A violent man needs to be able to control his temper and walk away if he can't handle a situation. A woman should not be subject to verbal and physical assault. There is NO justification for that kind of behavior. Women in particular should be siding with other women on this. Women should not feel that taking abuse is ok. It is not.

Jan

"Flipping" - The Good and the Bad, and the Kids

The days of "flipping" are over. When you could buy a home, do a quick fix and throw back on the market within a month and have a bidding war of buyers. While it would be crazy to attempt an investment property and expect it to sell quickly, the best way to be a flipper is to be a live-in flipper. If you can hack that kind of lifestyle.

For my family, this seems to be a good option. My husband has no money set aside for retirement and I have some in 401Ks and some small time stocks but nothing I could realistically retire on. So what are we to do? I realized that real estate is the way to go. My husband is a carpenter so buying low with a fixer upper, spending a year living in it while we fix it up and then put it back on the market means we don't have to sweat it counting the losses as each month passes. If it sells in a month, great, but if it takes a year, we stay a year. But we can upgrade each time we buy and sell so eventually we will have a great investment property to sell at retirement time and downgrade to a small home and then have the profit to live on.

Of course there are concerns. Moving of course is a nightmare. It is no picnic. The sorting, packing, unpacking. It's a lot of work. The renovations. Also a nightmare. Living through sanding, the nailguns, the painting, the gutting. It can be trying. The dust and noise can be unbearable.

One of my biggest concerns is the affect it will have on our children. It concerns me to force them to move to a new home, new neighborhood, new schools and make new friends. At the same time though I feel like it could be a good life experience. I grew up in the same town, in the same house. I do still have many friends from elementary school and I think that's phenominal and I'm lucky to have those kinds of bonds. But I think exposure to different cultures, learning how to navigate through new surroundings while they are young I think and I hope can be beneficial to make them stronger and more self-assured. I would like my children to be Worldly and not afraid to be adventerous. I'd like them to have experiences that challenge them so they can handle tough situations later and prepare them for life.

I do think have stability in high school is important so we plan to do a lot of flipping in the next 10 years and then settle down. I think in the end, you have to do what is best for you and your family. Stability is great. But having money to retire on is a necessity. Being a live-in flipper can work if you don't expect to too much too quickly.

Change is good.

Jan