Stuck in my head...

Advertising and marketing are something that effects Americans daily....and something I absolutely love. Some days, I wish I were in the marketing field. I love coming up with jingles and being artistic. Other days, I'm very thankful I'm not in the marketing field...all of that criticism? No thanks.

Point being, there have been some catch jingles/commercial slogans out there that I've found stuck in my head quite a few times. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order)

1.) McDonald's New fillet-o-fish commercial "Gimme back that fillet-o-fish...Gimme that fish"

2.) Fresh feels better with mento's freshness FULL OF LIFE! Mentos, the freshmaker.

3.) Dirty mouth? Clean it up! (Orbitz gum)

4.) McDonald's : "I'm lovin it!" ~ thanks to Justin Timberlake....so hot, want to touch the hiney...aaaahooooooo

5.) Oh I wish I was an Oscar Meyer weiner...(Honestly, I could go on with this entire song...but I think the first line is enough to have you humming it all.day.long. Sorry!)

6.) Rice-a-roni...the San Fransisco TREAT!

7.) Silly Rabbit! Trix are for kids!

8.) The fresh part of waking up...is Folgers in your cup

9.) Can you hear me now? (Verizon)

10.) I want my baby-back baby-back baby-back baby-back baby-back baby-back baby-back. I want my Chili's, baby-back ribs. Chili's baby-back ribs BAR-B-QUE SAUCE!

What are your favorite slogans/jingles?

Interview

Mandy, one of my favorite blog-ladies, asked if anyone would like to be interviewed...and I bit the worm on the hook. SO...

1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

1. What inspired you to start blogging and how do you find inspiration for your posts?

I was inspired to start blogging because a few people on my softball team mentioned blogs, and I was CLUELESS. SO...I checked it out, and figured I'd give it a try. That was a little over a year ago, and I've been loving almost every second of it. I've always wanted to keep a journal, and this has been the easiest way to record my thoughts.
Most of the inspiration for my posts comes from my everyday life. My mind always seems to run at a million and one miles a minute, so when my brain feels out of control, I stop myself, blog it out, and then do my best to continue on with my day.

2. If you had $100,000 and had to donate it to charity (you cannot keep it, give to any friends or family members), which charities would you donate it to and why?

I am not the most familiar person with the charities scene since I could probably be considered a charity case myself (ha!). Hence, if I had 100K I would really love to sponsor a scholarship for single mom's that are going through what I've been dealing with for the past three years. I feel education is extremely important, and it is very difficult for someone in my shoes to afford to live on her own, go to school, take care of the bills as well as financially afford daycare. Yes, there are state run/government funded programs...but none of them have worked out for me. So yeah, long story short, I would most likely give out four 25K scholarships :)

3. Do you have a life motto? What is it and why did you chose that as your words to live by?

My life motto was recently acquired. Yes, it's from a cheesy kids movie, but when I heard it, I was awe struck
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

4. If you had to give up your sense of sight or hearing, which one would you choose and why?

Ouch. That is a very difficult question. If I gave up my sight I'd never be able to witness my little man grow up. If I gave up my hearing I'd never be able to hear his voice again. Both of those things scare me to think about. Can I take a pass on this one? Please (insert ridiculously huge pouty face here)

5. If you inherited a large sum of money that would allow you to live comfortably without working for the rest of your life but had the stipulation that you had to volunteer somewhere 30-40 hours a week, where would you chose to volunteer?

I want to take this one step further. If I inherited a large sum of money and had to volunteer my time, I know exactly what I would do with my time. I would open up a free/affordable in home daycare. As a working single mom, there isn't a fair price to pay someone for taking care/raising your child for you while you're working. I think childcare centers are overrated, and I think their fees are completely ridiculous for the average working individual. I've worked with babies in the past, and it is the most rewarding way I've spent my time, (aside from raising my own little monster man of course).

So there ya have it...five tasty tidbits about me! Don't forget to request your own personal interview! Happy Tuesday all!!

Yes.

Yes...it's the start of a new work week
Yes...the next week and a half are going to be pretty hectic for most people, with the looming holidays fast approaching
Yes...this makes me happy. Very happy.

Happy Monday!

HeHe HaHa

"What's with today, today?"
"You're a superb manager....superb"
"Shampoo is better! Oh really fool? Really! Stop looking at me swan!"
"I can't hear you, I've been physically abused in the ear"
"You're a hard candy shell"
"Shut up, Richard"
"You had me at hello"
"ET PHONE HOME"
"Ogres are like onions"
"Teenagers...they think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you"

Some days, I could have an entire conversation solely using movie/television/pop culture quotes. It's quite fun, and extremely entertaining.

What are your favorite silly or serious quotes?

Notes from the Heart

Dear Justin,

You've definitely proved to me why you are the hottest, funniest most amazing man.

Love you long time,
Miz

Spiders, Monkeys and Witches

The spider saga continues. I am literally killing a spider a day. Not a little guy either...a dime sized nasty spider. Gross. Any suggestions? I am a second away from buying "hedgeballs" at the grocery store..but with my luck, little man would try eating them like an apple and get sick.

Little man is continuing to crack me up. He's telling EVERYONE that he's going to be a monkey. Did I mention he's also telling everyone that "Mama needs to be a witch."? I haven't quite figured out if he's trying to tell me something....hmmm.

I'm struggling to think of a story from the past that is equally funny as it is entertaining...but I got nothin. Don't you worry your reading heart...I'm sure something will pop into my head before the day is up :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Fall

For all of you google feed readers out there...I just deleted a post I had written yesterday (and was published about 28 minutes ago). For inquiring minds, I had written it about a dramatic petty silly situation at work that had my undies in a bunch.
As I suspected, after a great night of sleep, my undies became unbunched, and I just didn't feel right about airing work drama via the internet. Sorry! :)

A Couple Things...

I am NOT a fan of waking up when it's dark outside. I mean, really! Mama always said, "Stay in bed 'till the sun is up and shining"...why can't that apply to the working world too??

The weather in MN cracked yesterday, and was BE-A-U-TIFUL! I took the liberty of going on a short 1/2 mile walk with little man. We walked over to visit with a friend, and on the way to and from my little stinker was talking my ear off. I need to force myself to have more moments like this with him. It sure beats sitting inside watching tv!

blurbalicious

I never dry my shirts or pants in a dryer; I hang my shirts to dry in my closet, and drape my pants over the back of my kitchen chairs

I am extremely tough on myself

I think my passion for life is misleading and often times intimidating

Laundry depresses me

...So does dating

Sometimes, I take an opposing side just for the sake of a great discussion

I see the good in people, and am mostly in denial about the negative aspects of people

Little man amazes me more and more each day

Often times, I wonder if broken relationships from the past will ever be mended

I am obsessively narcissistic about my blog. Some days I really want to be funny, others I strictly want to vent...but everyday I constantly check my site stats (kind of sick, eh?)

I have a really thick Minnesotan accent

I wish I had a circle of single parent friends...or even just parent friends that I could relate to and turn to for support

I hate money

I love school/learning

I admire people who can run a mile without stopping

I wonder if I'll ever be invited to play a role in someones wedding

I am almost convinced that I'm addicted to sugar

Tonight is the first time in as long as I can remember that I washed some clothes, and actually put them away in the same night


Those are a few blurbs about me...stealing borrowing inspiration from Cheryl, are there any questions you feel like asking me? Anything, really...Remember, you'll never know unless you ask :) (well, that's not totally true, but work with me people!)

Treat Time

"BOO! I SCARED YOU! I THINK YOU POOPED YOUR PANTS! GO SPARTANS!"

Honestly, that is probably one of the best SNL lines I've ever had the privilege of hearing first hand. It is a classic skit that I tend to revert to when I'm feeling extra random.

Some of my other favorites include:

TACO! BURRITO! WHAT'S THAT COMIN' OUTTA YO SPEEDO? YOU GOT TROUBLE...YEAH, BUBBLE TROUBLE!

WHO'S THAT SPARTAN PEEING IN YOUR POOL? IT'S ME! IT'S ME! UH HUH! UH HUH! UH HUH UH HUH UH HUH! SWIM LAPS!

U-G-L-Y! YOU AIN'T GOT NO ALLABY! YOU UGLY! YEAH...YOU UGLY! M-A-M-A THAT IS HOW YOU GOT THAT WAY YO MAMA! YO MAMA!

Hey Susie! Like my hair? Yeah? It's sun-in! SUN-IN! GO SPARTANS!

In a time where conversations are becoming more heated by the moment due to heavy political and religious topics....remember the Spartans. They always make me smile..and doggone-it, they'll probably make you smile too dontcha know. ;)

GO SPARTANS!

Ode to the Durse

You're big.
You can carry my load.
Every time I need to find something, you seem like a black hole.
You've made me feel secure outside of my comfort zone.
Most importantly, you've been there for me, through make-up blunders and dirty diapers.

As a 23 year old single mother, I had to come up with a creative resolution to carrying both a diaper bag AND a purse.

I've always had a love hate relationships with purses (doesn't that seem as if it should be purseai? Ya know, like syllabus::syllabai, HA! AS IF). I was rarely able to fit my necessities in the cute purses, but couldn't bring myself to buy a "bag."

I was stuck in the middle, and not liking it.

Then, little man came along and I'd be damned if I didn't leave the house stocked with baby supplies that could last me a week if need be. Enter, my Durse.

It wasn't sold in the baby section of target, but I refuse to call it a bag because I'm stubborn like that. It was fashionable and practical for me and my baby. If you are a new parent, don't waste your money on a diaper bag, just go straight for the durse. If you're a sexually active person, invest in a durse instead of another cute impractical purse...trust me, it'll be worth it later ;)

Call me crazy. Call me inventive. Just don't call me a bag lady.

Last Night in Six Words

Date. Butterflies in stomach. Go Twins!

Going to my Happy Place.

Do you have any fun plans for your holiday weekend?

I decided (last minute of course) to head up North to my Uncle's cabin for the first time in over two years. This will be the first "cabin" experience for little man. I am excited for him, but also nervous. I think my apprehension comes from fearing he won't like it up there. I'm just being a worry wart...afterall, he would be crazy NOT to love it!

The ride is about 3.5 hours, and there may or may not be heavy traffic. This will also be the longest amount of time spent in a carseat...keep your fingers crossed for a successful trip! I told his daycare about his long car ride, and asked that they NOT put him down for a nap (seeing as we are leaving in the middle of his normal nap time). This will either be the best request, or wind up being my worst nightmare...WISH ME LUCK!

I'll hopefully have fun pictures to post after the weekend :)

T-Shirt S.O.S.

A good friend of mine has decided to throw a themed party at her house for her 27th birthday.

The theme you ask? Crazy T-Shirts.

The last time I was at a "theme party" I felt completely out of place. I hadn't consulted the group....and, well...long story short, I just didn't have as much fun as I would've liked to have.

I really really really really really (yes, FIVE "reallies") need help coming up with a great T-shirt. If you have one you want to loan me? AWESOME! The tee can be homemade, new, used, etc. I don't mind buying one. I don't mind making one. I just don't know what path to take...and instead of making a decision on my own (since it didn't work out so well last time) I have decided to put my faith in you, the internet!

Any and all suggestions are welcome. I'm looking for awesome ideas, and can include (but is not limited to) witty sayings, symbols etc.

Fair Time

On Sunday, I ventured out the the MN State Fair. The weather was perfect, and although I meant to go at 1pm, I couldn't wait..and ended up walking through the gates at 11. It was just as I had remembered it to be. Crowds of interesting looking people swarming over a free show here, and some greasy food on a stick there. It was lovely.
The difference this year from years past, is I went alone. Of course I had little man with me, but I was lacking the company of an adult. The conversation, the extra stomach to share all of the fried food with. It was different. Not bad, but different (and a bit challenging when you're pushing a stroller without a cup holder, maneuvering two ears of roasted corn and a cup of soda...I wouldn't recommend it!).
The day was equally liberating and lonely. We were able to catch a few minutes of a dog show, and ride a couple of things in the kiddie park right off the bat. We divulged in some garlic fries, and guzzled down water.
We had great seats for the parade, and saw the U of M marching band preform...They're extremely entertaining! I think the highlight of the parade for little man was Santa Claus in a jeep...he was one of the only little ones around, and was shouting "HI SANTA!" repeatedly at the top of his lungs.
Towards the days end, we made it to a free stage where my coworkers band was preforming. They were awesomely entertaining! Little man thought so as well, and shared his "moves" with the crowd. He ran to the front of the audience and literally boogied his little toddler bum away. I was laughing to tears, and wish I owned a video camera so I could share it with the world!
It was a Fair of new experiences, a taste of the same yummy goodies, lots of laughs mixed with snippets of feeling overwhelmed. The Fair was just what I needed. I am glad I went, even though lacked an extra stomach.

Friday Night...Part II

I called up my girlfriend and explained what had happened through my blubbering tears. She invited me to meet her where she was eating dinner. I accepted because I knew I couldn't be alone.

...Did I mention I had driven twenty miles to be stood up...and my girlfriend was at a restaurant another fifteen miles away? I digress.

I patted my face dry, checked my makeup for any visible signs of a raccoon eyes, and headed in to grab an appetizer cuz, by this point, I was STARVING. I had an extremely strong urge to start doing shots of tequila, but decided to order some coconut shrimp. My friend ordered me a specialty drink. I sat quietly, contemplating my next move.

...Did I mention my friend was out with three women and EIGHT KIDS? She failed to mention this to me as I was speeding in her direction.

As I was eating what only can be described as the worst coconut shrimp I have ever tasted, another good friend of mine called me and invited me out to hang with her and a few of her friends. People I didn't know..but I knew there was going to be drinking involved. I was all about it.

I parted ways from my girlfriend and headed back home. I was going to be picked up hence eliminating the possibility of drunk driving (thank god for that!).

As I waited for my great friends/ride my babysitters friend called Him up. I didn't think He would answer...but he DID! My new BEST FRIEND said "Hey Dude...Did you have a DATE TONIGHT?" The response was "CLICK"...He had hung up..and I wasn't surprised.

At this point in my night...I was ready to move on. My great friends got to my house, and we were on our way. It turns out, the house we were going to was about three blocks from where my dad lives. It's a great neighborhood..things were looking better already.

A horrible night that started out with the intentions to meet a new person transformed into a great night where I met a new group of people. I am a firm believer that some things happen for a reason. Even though I will never forget how my night started...I know I'll always remember how the night ended.

Therapy of a Different Kind.

After taking a pretty good blow to my self esteem on Friday night, I took the horse by the reigns. I did what just about anyone I know would do when they're feeling down in the dumps. I woke up Saturday morning, and decided to walk into a salon and get my haircut. Since this was such an impromptu decision, I made arrangements with my mom to meet me at the mall to get little man. The timing worked out perfectly.

The first salon I walked into said they were booked for the next hour and a half. This mama did not have an hour and a half to waste! They recommended I head to the salon just downstairs.

At the second salon, I walked into what appeared to be a full house. The only person who wasn't cutting someones hair was not wearing the same all black uniform as everyone else. I had assumed there would be a wait, but low and behold, the lady out of uniform was a licensed stylist..and there had just been a cancellation on her books! I knew it was meant to be.

We had a quick consult, and then she shampooed my hair. Let me tell you, I love getting my hair shampooed! I was mentally patting myself on the back for deciding to be spontaneous.

The next thing I knew, I was sitting in a chair getting my hair cut. The lady, Dianne, was very lovely. Her eccentric look made her fun to talk with, but she was unusually blunt. She had no issues with swearing. She blurted out the terms "hell no" once, and kept referring to her sister as a "little $hit." It made me want to laugh, but I kept my composure and allowed her to continue with her "thang."

Surprisingly enough, I really liked the cut I walked away with! It was refreshing to have a new look, even though it wasn't a dramatic change.

I also had made the decision it was makeover time, and after the salon, I stopped by the good ol' Mac counter and have them work their magic on me. It was magical. I ventured away from the Mac counter with new fun supplies in hand, and a new look on my face too!

It's amazing how refreshing a haircut and new make-up can be :)

What's your song?

Music. It's something I know very little about. I'll even admit I'm mostly a Top 40's girl. I don't discriminate, the pop scene is just where I am comfortable...albeit country, bubble-gum pop, easy listening...
Tonight, as I was catching up on some great blogs, Gretchen Wilson's Homewrecker came on the radio...it got me to thinking how there are always going to be a handful of songs that bring you back to a specific time or place in your life. This song brings me back to a time when I was dating a man who I thought the world of, (Only to find out that he was a horrible person a few months later)...at the time, while we were dating, there was a sketchy girl who was half my size (and a huge bizzo in my biased opinion)...Me in my passive aggressive ways, would play this song on the jukebox where all three of us happened to work (me, the guy I was dating, and this girl)...My guy knew what I was doing..and so did this girl...but I didn't care, I used this song to express my disdain at the situation....and it.felt.great. (I've got a little bit of bad girl inside of me sometimes...)
ANYWAYS....
Jimmy Buffet and all of his glory will forever bring me back to a SCUBA diving trip to the caymans...oh, and/or this.
NSYNC (yes, I just said NSYNC) will always remind me of my carefree youth, where I was surrounded by fun loving friends who all shared the same amount of love for Justin Timberlake as I did.
Staind gave me strength and solitude to get through my parents divorce.
Music has the ability to remind me of good times and tough times with a single melody. That's some pretty powerful stuff if you ask me.
What songs bring you back to a time and place you'll always remember/never forget?

Food For Thought

During the Twins game tonight, I busted little man cheering for the Chicago White Sox and shouting "BASE HIT!" He would then turn to me, and with every White Sox swing of the bat, proclaim "MAMA, HE GOT BASE HIT!" It was amazing to see him enjoying the game, albeit disheartening who he was cheering for.
It made me think about how differently he views the world. I find it awesome how much you can truly learn from a person who comes in such a small package.

A couple of Knights at the movies.

The theater. It can be so many things. A nightmare, a complete joy. Entertaining, or boring as all get-up. Pre little-man, I loved going to the theater. Post little-man, my trips are few and far between.
This past weekend, I was actually able to go to the theater TWICE :). I'm still on a bit of euphoric high from the entire experience.
Saturday, myself and a couple of girlfriends braved the crowds and saw The Dark Knight. One word. Amazing
Sunday, I got a hair up my bum and decided to try and beat the heat by taking little man to his first full feature film at "the big boy theater." He seemed very excited about the whole ordeal, but I knew he didn't fully comprehend what he was about to see or where I was about to take him. When we sat down inside the theater, he had the most precious look on his face. He was spending all of his energy taking in his surroundings. He even sat in his own seat (for about half of the movie) and then cuddled with mama for the remainder. I took him to Wall-E. I thought it was alright, but I could tell by the look on his face he thought it was the coolest thing since Cars.
It's so much fun to experience "firsts" with him. He's growing up so fast, I can hardly believe my eyes. My little man isn't so little anymore! :)
How was everyone's weekend? Did you get a chance to see Wall-E or (better yet) The Dark Knight?

CSM to come! :)

My Son...

is totally a pillow talker!! I shouldn't know this...and feel a little silly for making this public information...So I'll give you the backstory.
Last night, after cleaning the daily dirt and grime off of little man, I told him to hop up on mama's bed to get his jambo's on (synonym of jambo's: pajama's...I abbreviate almost everything!! hehe). I got him dressed, and proceeded to play the "don't lay on MAMA'S pillow...HEY! THAT'S MY PILLOW!!!" game with him. He responded with his usual giggle and then laid down on mama's pillow with a huge silly grin on his face (it was pretty cute!). Then he looked up at me and patted the pillow saying "lay down mama." How could I resist? The second my head hit the pillow it started...the pillow talk. "I dream cows mama" (translation: I'm going to dream about cows tonight.") "aaaaaaaaand fishies. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand hooowsies. aaaaaaaand cows mama! cows!" He kept going on and on and on (you get the picture!). When he caught me laying with my eyes closed, he gave my shoulder a gentle shake and a "wake UP mama!" I told him it was time to go to sleep...and his response was "I cuddle mama." I allowed him to snuggle in closesly. The second he was snuggled in he let out a GIANT sigh. I couldn't help but start to giggle...and since he knew I thought his sigh was funny, he did it twice more. I don't know where he gets his silly cute pillow talking gene from..but it's good stuff.
So to all of you lady tot's out there...If you're looking for a silly, sweet pillow talker, my boy is the tot for YOU! And for those of you who aren't into the whole "pillow talking" thing, steer clear...with this little man, you're in for an earful when it comes time to go to sleep :)