Vacation: Day One

This is my bliss.

I'm in the throws of finishing laundry, finishing packing, deciding what to wear on the airplane, making sure I have everything. Ha! It's certain that I'll forget something.

Next time you hear from me I'll be more than a mile high! See you soon!

The Firstfruits

⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I've Never...

• been to Europe, (save England twice.)
• been to Canada.
• jumped out of or off of anything. Nor will I ever.
• eaten sushi. Won't do this, either.
  
• been to Mt. Rushmore-but this should be taken care of in a couple of weeks.
• lived in the desert.
• read the Twilight series.
• worked in an office.
• seen or read Gone With The Wind.
• spent more than 2 nights away from my kids-in 9 1/2 years! (See? and you people keep wondering why I'm headless?!)
• climbed a fourteener.

Shamelessly swiped (and edited to be my own) from Mom to the Screaming Masses and Busy Mom. Write your own list and I'll come visit!

Update

I can't thank you all enough for the prayers and good wishes on Thursday. I really felt all of them.

The radiologist was there and read the mammo and ultrasound as soon as they were taken. They couldn't find anything. Really. Nothing. Nada.

I praise God for that; He deserves the glory.

The weird thing, though, is that I am still having some pain. Huh.

Anyway, I'll be able to call my doctor's office on Monday when they receive the results. Hopefully they will have more answers for me, because "nothing" isn't exactly what I was expecting.

Thanks again. All of you. Really.

This is why I'm proud to be a part of this community.

The Short Of It

Today I'm on my way to have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.

I've had some breast pain, and they found a lump. My doctor said that she thinks that it's a cyst.

Don't know much more but I'll keep you posted.

Trying not to freak out when it will be nothing. (HD is kinda freaking out, but don't tell him I told you.)

I'm going to make a point of being away from the computer most of the day.

I didn't know whether to talk about it here or not, but here I am anyway.

Just thought you should know.

Rockies, 3, Angels, 4

Who do you root for when your 2 favorite teams of all time play each other?

HB#2 and friend taking in a little batting practice. The friend got a ball, and they both got Angels jerseys.

Fireworks for an Angel's score.

I just love this shot-all wiggly, just like little boys.

Hey, look!
(I'd also like to point out that these boys are almost exactly the same age. Srsly. Look at that size difference!)

The Big A!

Off To Camp

Praying for safety, wisdom, and fun!

Off we go!

Do you think they'll be ok?

Monday, Monday

Today I will send HB#1 off to his first sleep-away summer camp with our church. It's been 10 years or so since I did this with HG. It feels different somehow. Is it because he's a boy? Or that I've sent one off to camp before? Not easier, just different. Well, a little easier.

This also means that I will be entertaining a 7yo all by myself for a week. Yikes! We have been walking/riding bikes each day to start to condition him for football (uh, and my new found fluff around the middle.) I'm trying to pull out all of the free things to do. Well, a couple anyway. Any ideas besides the library?

*****

We are leaving for Colorado in about 10 days and amazingly it's hardly even on the radar yet. Between camp and a couple of other commitments I have my head in other places. Next Sunday night I'll have 2 extra boys here, and all day next Monday, too. Their mom is having surgery and I promised that I'd help somehow. Considering I leave the day after her surgery, not only is it the least I can do, but it's also all I can do. Maybe I'll make a dinner to put in their freezer, too. (This family is part of our new-found 'people'. I know that they'd do it for me, too.) Look for an all-nighter to get everyone packed. Maybe I'll tweet it so you can join in on the fun? (Kidding! Maybe.)

*****

I have an update of sorts on the note from the teacher that I wrote about a few weeks ago. I was able to talk to the teacher. Turns out she was very sick that week. While I let her know how I felt about how she said it, I let her explain herself. Mostly she was trying to let me know to keep an eye on his attention/study habits in class. One of her examples was a boy that had similar issues and had a slight iron deficiency. Once the iron issue was addressed the problem went away. I get where she's coming from and even though she was sick she was pretty upset that she had upset me so much. Basically, wait and watch to see if it continues, gets worse or improves with age (or another teacher? heh.). Thanks to all of you who talked me down off of the ledge and let me know that I wasn't crazy.

*****

Headless Girl left on Saturday for her summer trip to her mom's house. She has a full-time internship this time so I know that she'll be busy, and the time will fly. It's always a little more quiet around here with her gone. I wish that she could go to Colorado this year. (She on the other hand could care less. She's 18 and Colorado has neither her friends or her boyfriend. I get it.) I miss you, baby! Love you lots and have fun!

*****

Speaking of Colorado, since I won't be posting as much I'd love to have a few guest posters to fill in while I'm playing. I'll even take posts to publish anonymously if you'd like. Email me and we'll talk!

*****

Thanks for letting me ramble about the 'stuff'. Just needed to get these few things off of my chest. Have a great week!

Not Just For Fathers

The Headless Guide To BlogHer '09- The Rest

This is part 2 about BlogHer '09 and part 1 is over here.

The Sessions

Although the schedule isn't out yet *update in the comments* I can assure you that there will be many sessions for all kinds of bloggers, with all kinds of experience-from beginners to experts. Start thinking about what you want to learn NOW. Don't be afraid to ask what a session description means! I would have gotten a lot more out of the conference last year if I had asked someone what the descriptions meant. There is also no problem with room-hopping if you start at one and realize you'd rather be in another. Take advantage of the rooms like Geek Lab, too. There are lots of people that would love to answer your questions, or sit down with you and explain something. No where else on the planet will you find a group of people that can and WILL talk blogging like we all will at BlogHer. Use your time wisely, my friends, because we all know that our husbands eyes glaze over whenever we start.

All of that said? If you're really tired and need a nap? Do it. This is a marathon weekend, not a sprint and you probably won't miss anything major. Promise.

Business Cards

I was skeptical, too. Just do it. I got mine at Zazzle-they were cheap and fast, and I was able to design my own. There's a million other sites that can also do them. I got 200. Let me talk about that for a minute. My thought was that I could use them for two years. Sounds reasonable, until you factor in that we are in a changing industry. Seriously? New media changes by the minute. My cards were out of date by the end of the conference, considering that I signed up for Twitter by the afternoon of day 1. I never expected to have a review blog-now I have one. Take it from me, unless you take lots of blogging trips, my suggestion is only get 100. They may be gone by the end of the weekend, but isn't that what you're getting them for?

You will use them, and you will be glad everyone else has them. There is no savant on the planet that can remember everyone's name, blog name, URL, twitter name, and cell phone number. (No, don't put your phone number on it unless you reeeealy want to.) I kept have them in a ziploc and still refer back to them from time to time. Actually, I'll probably get them out before I go so I can refresh my memory! Many people write a "Who I met" post post-BlogHer-perfect for those brain-dead days following the conference when we'll all be catching up on kiddie kisses and laundry.

Some people will bring extra shwag-type giveaways. These ranged from pens, to buttons, to luggage tags, you name it. If you have the money and the time-go for it-but it is not necessary. Will I do mine again? You'll just have to find me and ask!

The Stuff

Bring an extra bag that you can check on the way home. I was told this last year and didn't heed the advice. Thank goodness I drove in one of the Chevy Tahoes with only one other person because I could have been mistaken for a bag lady on my way out. The stuff is seriously fun but I'd hate to have to leave some of it behind because there wasn't enough room in my suitcase. And I didn't even go to all of the suites-a situation I'll be rectifying this year!

The People

One of the best things about BlogHer was/is the people. Last year I met so many wonderful and diverse women. Blogs that I would have never stumbled upon on my own. Seriously. Introduce yourself, start a conversation, pass your card. I know it's fun to hang with the people that you already know but you never know who you'll meet by flopping down on that couch and saying how your feet hurt or you're going on search of the nearest Starbucks.

Another word on the 'big' bloggers: They are women just like you and me. Last year I ended up really connecting with Jenn of Mommy Needs Coffee. Initially I was so intimidated-she's a 'real' author, y'all! But in the end she and I just plain got along and it had nothing to do with how long we had been blogging, how big our readership was, or how many sponsors we had or didn't have.

Conversely, don't get your panties in a bunch if someone doesn't have a long, drawn out conversation with you. Remember that some of these women have been doing this for a veeeerrrry long time. They have long established relationships and many times BlogHer is the only time that they get to see their friends. I'll be trying to do both-meet new friends and catch up with old friends-and if you think I'm blowing you off I'm really not. I just don't have more than one brain and mouth. It's limiting, I know.


In The End

Be comfortable. Make friends-even outside of your regular circle. Go to the parties. Get a tattoo. Learn. Because in the end, we're all there to have fun, right? And make sure to introduce yourself to me!

The Headless Guide To BlogHer '09- The Clothes

I'm a sophomore attendee, and while there are many that have more experience than I do, not many will write about it with only one year under their belt. Last year I was nervous and excited-like many of you that are going for the first time. I need not have been nervous at all. Everyone I met, and I mean everyone, was nice, helpful, and genuinely glad to meet new people. Yeah, even the "big time" bloggers were personable and fun. Honestly, I haven't ever been in a large group of women that were that nice before. Were there issues? Maybe, but I don't remember any, was not involved in any, and you probably won't be, either.

The Clothes

I was worried about clothes, too. Last year I wore capris during the day. That was comfortable for ME. That may or may not be comfortable for you. I saw plenty of people in jeans, and plenty of people in business casual slacks or skirts. (Many of those were presenters, but not all.) I HIGHLY SUGGEST a sweater because the conference rooms can be cold. (You know that cardigan that you have that is 5 years old but works with everything? Bring that one.) Basically? What ever you like and feel good in, and can wear for about 10 hours comfortably, carry a bag on your shoulder, and still balance your phone/notebook/business card holder.

At night I changed into dresses. I had several other occasions that I had bought dresses for last summer and since I had them I decided to wear them. I may or may not change this year. My suggestion, (and one that I may take myself!) is to take a skirt or 2 that will coordinate with your tops and if you feel like changing, you can. Some women did not change because they took that time to go to a shwag suite, or to have a drink with friends. That's fine. There is not a dress code or a bouncer at the door.

A word about shoes: I enjoyed wearing heels last year. I am a SAHM and you can usually find me in my Birkenstocks. BlogHer is my chance to bring out my nice clothes, and that applies to my shoes as well. I do fine in heels, many do not. Remember, during the day with the exception of going between conference rooms, you will be sitting down; at the cocktail parties you will be standing. Use that as a guide to your footwear. And if you are someone who's feet hurt all the time anyway? Don't count out your tennies, or at least flats. Your feet will thank you.

Tune in next time for thoughts about the rest of the BlogHer experience!

Wordless Wednesday

For Carmen:

Because her day can't get any worse.

We Interrupt Regular Posting...

...for a quick survey!

I am evaluating the ole blog for a little makeover. (I said little!) And you, my dear readers, are my focus group. Will you help me? I'll only ask one question for today and then be back later with more if I need to. Are you in? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

OK then.

When you click through to my blog is there anything that you would change? Sidebar? Colors? Header? Something that you would add or delete?

I'm really open to suggestions, but just so you know I'm also reserving the right to not change anything. It is my blog, right? But I really do want to know what you think.

Please be honest but nice! I can take it!

This Is My Brain On Summer Vacation

This morning I slept in. The delicious sleep that follows 180 days of school, knowing that today, finally! there is nothing to rise for. The sleep that when you wake and check the clock, you decide that there is 30 more minutes of sleep that you can have, just for the asking. It turns into an hour. I remember hearing the rain pitter-pattering outside of my window.

I rose and wandered downstairs, following the blink-clink of hand-held video games. I found two boys playing nicely, they hardly noticed me, their bellies full of donuts that their daddy had bought, just for today. Good thing. There's none left, save two that I sneak later with my coffee.

I stumbled over to the coffee pot, no longer able to resist the aroma. No matter that it was made hours ago, it is still hot and steamy, perfect with sugar and cream.

I checked my email, my feed reader, my facebook, my stats. Twitter? I can't remember. Did I check that too? I had a second cup, and a third, wandering with my laptop to all of my favorite places to sit. I found a post or two that I shared, that I stumbled.

I fed the children.

I folded some laundry, and washed some, then dried some. Then folded more.

I scrubbed a couple of bathrooms. I showered, even.

Around 3 I decided to look and see if we had anything to make for dinner and came up with red beans and rice, with (shhh, turkey) sausage and shredded chicken. Homemade sweet cornbread that rivals any that Marie Calendar has ever made.

I never saw the outside of my house today, but that's ok. It was raining on the first day of summer break.

Welcome Back!!!

Kelly from Something Funny Happened Today is back from an extended blog break. Go watch her video and welcome her back!

I've missed you, Kel! Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

A Few Thoughts On Commitment

commitment |kəˈmitmənt|
noun
1 the act of committing or the state of being committed.
• dedication; application : the company's commitment to quality.
• a pledge or undertaking : I cannot make such a commitment at the moment.
• an act of pledging or setting aside something : there must be a major commitment of money and time.
2 (usu. commitments) an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action : business commitments | young people delay major commitments including marriage and children.
(copied from my computer's dictionary)

I am adamant that my children learn what commitment means. It seems that far too many people lately will make a commitment and not follow through, blow it off.

Nothing makes me crazier.

Many years ago when Headless Girl was a small child we had to explain commitment to her through tears in her eyes. Her heart broken when an adult promised something to her that they couldn't or wouldn't deliver. It's not fun, not right to have to explain that some people don't believe that commitment is pledge, promise, obligation.

Recently I have been witness to a couple of adults blow it in front of two groups of children. Children that counted on them for guidance, direction, and organization, and I am still stewing about it. They quit. Plain and simple. And it sucks.

These people have, for years, volunteered with children and now I refuse to have them be in a leadership position with my children.

Again, I find myself in a position of having to explain the lack of commitment to children. My boys are wondering what happened to these people and I have no good answer. Yes there is a 'simple' answer, but it doesn't explain why they completely left and abandoned their commitments. We have other theories, but they are just that. Theories.

I don't want my children to think that to quit in the middle of a commitment is ever OK. I don't ever want to model that to them. I want them to remember the disappointment of having someone quit on them so that they never do it to someone else.

Because it just plain sucks.

Winners!

Check out the winners over at my Review and Giveaway blog!

A Letter To My Son: On Baseball

I know that you are only 9 and this probably won't mean anything to you until you are a parent but this season of baseball was truly magic. Your season with the Phillies and Coach Ron and Kevin just ended less than 12 hours ago and I'm already-still!-teary. You were one lucky kid to be chosen to play with this group of boys this year-the kind of kismet few teams ever have.

Remembering the beginning of the season is important to understand the finish so well. You struggled at the beginning and so did the others. Yes, there were some early standouts, the boys that have played travel ball, but you were all young for this division. You needed time to get your legs under you individually. Some of the boys on your team did not click right away, and you were frustrated with some of them. You learned that you could get along anyway and appreciate what each boy brought to the team regardless of your personal feelings.

Your coaches only expected out of each of you what you as individuals could produce and add to the team. You have a great head for the game and are a great back up player. I know that playing mostly in the outfield might not have been your choice but you made countless plays this season because you were always there to get the missed throw. That is very important to the team and you filled that role like no other kid on your team. They counted on you for that. They also counted on you for support and you always delivered. You have become a team player in the truest sense and I am proud of you. You are compassionate and were the first one to pat someone on the back when they got hurt or were upset. That has been part of the glue that holds this team together, part of your unique contribution. The other thing that I will remember about this season (and I'm sure you will too) is that you hold the unique distinction of getting on base by getting hit by the most pitches. You took 'em for the team time and time again. Most of the other boys weren't staying in the box like that; you were the example of 'shaking it off.'

The Phillies did not win very many games early in the season but as each of you got a little better, so did your record. You guys got some seemingly impossible wins in the second half of the season and you built momentum towards the playoffs that any pro team would envy. Even with the loss in the first game of the playoffs last Monday you guys played your hearts out and it didn't stop. Ever. For the next 4 games. I had not seen your team play with such sustained passion all season. The perfect storm.

Last night you were winning 3-1 for the first 3 innings of the game. The next 3 innings were back and forth, each team keeping the lead by only one or two runs. In the top of the final inning the Phillies went ahead by 2. Big T went in to pitch; an impossible and difficult situation for any pitcher. The Marlins scored one run and had two boys on base. The next 2 batters were struck out. The final batter had a 3-2 count and, yes, they scored. Final score 12-11. Your coach had it right when he said that he'd rather lose like this than an 18-0 blowout. You guys went out kicking and screaming and the Marlins had to fight for every run. There were no losers in that game.

I say all of this so we will remember. So we have record of what baseball should be like. This is why baseball is America's pastime.

The perfect storm included the families as well. Your brother will remember this season as having countless other siblings to play with-little and big. Your mom and dad? We will remember this season as the one where we found 'our people', the ones that I have a feeling will be around for a while. Other parents that take baseball with the exact seriousness that we do-have fun, play well, and have fun.

Last night I think Coach Ron was having the same feelings as I was; that all of us were. We aren't ready for it to end. So, in true Minor Phillies fashion, we will be having another team party sometime next week. He's been a coach for a long time and said it himself-he's never been part of a team quite like this. If there is never another team like the Phillies it will be ok. We have this year. The perfect storm.

I love you and all that you have meant to this team. Remember this, Son. It doesn't happen very often.

Fro' Me To You

Why's everybody always pickin' on me?

Yep, that's me on the left. Apparently my mother thought I should be headless, even at a young age. These are my 2 best friends from Taft Elementary School, and I think we were in fourth grade when this was taken. We were in the talent show and did a dance to 'Charlie Brown', (click the link to listen!)

OK, Marcy, finding Headless shots in the old albums is really difficult! Head on over to The Glamorous Life to see more Fro' Me To You shots. Maybe some of them will have heads to go with them!

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway-so far, odds are really good! Come on over!

Wordless Wednesday

Best team party ever.

Quickie (vol. 2)

My Headless Boy#1 is on the Phillies, right? It's been no secret that they had a rough start to the season. Tonight they played the team that was in first place for the majority of the season, the Red Sox.

The Phillies won! 20-13.

It must have been hard for those kids that lost, but they were a class act. They played hard up until the final moment, even when it was pretty evident that they were going to lose. After they shook hands with our boys they came over to the parents and applauded US. Seriously Classy.

I'm so proud of our boys, and could write a book right now but here's the run down for the rest of the week: Game Wed. 7pm. If we win we play on Thursday at 7pm. If we win on Thursday, we play in the championship game on Saturday.

If I'm a little distracted this week, now you know why!

GO PHILLIES!

Oh, and another thing, there is a few days left on my giveaway and all you people need to enter again. You can enter once a day!

Saturday Shots-Vegas Edition

A room with a view. (At least we could see over the parking garage!)

The sky was awesome-the hills and mountains were dark because of all of the clouds, but then there would be a break in the clouds and we would get these really bright shots of different spots on the skyline.

MOJITOS! Or as Headless Dad prefers to call it, aiming fluid, for this:

While I was doing that, he was doing this:
(Yes I know it's blurry, but it a cool shot, no?)

And then we went out again.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Yeah. Unless you have a blogger for a wife and she has a camera and plasters it all over the internet for everyone to see. Damn bloggers.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway today!

Friday Shots-We're goin' To Vegas, Baby!

We left a little early so Headless Dad could stop by one of his biggest customers' place to get some work done. He gave me the nickel tour-it looked a lot like this:

Next, we went to Slash X for lunch. Mmmm, burgers. In the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive. It was featured in the movie 'Erin Brokovitch.'

I love this pic. The truck needs a wash, though!

I should have saved this for Sky Watch Friday. The dessert was beautiful this weekend. Especially because it never got over 84 degrees the whole time. I love the shadows on the hills and the deep blue sky.

Dressed to hit the New York, New York for a show!

And this was only Friday! Stay tuned...

Don't forget to visit Headless Family Reviews to enter to get your free sandwich coupon! You have until Thursday-Enter each day!

I Should Take My Own Advice

• walk the kids to school, and run for a portion of it
• drink less coffee, and pollute it less
• do those push ups and sit ups
• eat more fruits and veggies
• eat less bread
  
• drink less alcohol/wine
• quit relying on the snack bar for baseball dinners
• quit the soda (again!)
• don't eat late at night
• play outside with my kids
• eat breakfast at breakfast time
  

Uh, I guess I'll start next week, as this is set to auto post while I'm in Las Vegas with Headless Dad. The good news is that I'm going for bowling, so at least I'll get a little bit of exercise(?). I'm not taking the laptop so I'll see you all on Sunday.

In the meantime, what kind of things would you add to this list? What are the 'rules' that you break routinely when it comes to weight loss/maintenance? Your 'stumbling blocks,' if you will? Let me have it because I really need to ramp it up to lose these pesky 5 lbs. again. Yes, again!

Oh, and your other assignment for the weekend while I'm gone? Get all of your Southern California friends and neighbors to enter my Chick-fil-A giveaway!

Cluck, Cluck, Click

I have a new review and giveaway up for Chick-fil-A. If you're in Southern California you have to come check it out! Lots of opportunities to enter, too. Spread the word!

What Now?

Edited at the bottom of the post.

So this note came home today, attached to some unfinished classwork:

Dear Mr and Mrs Headless,
XXXX's study habits are very disappointing to me. I'm wondering if it's beyond his control and he may need a medical evaluation.
Sincerely,
XXXX's teacher

My stomach is in knots. I feel like I'm going to throw up.

It was hand written, and that is all that it said. No, "Hey lets get together and talk about this," or "I'll call to talk more about this."

I want to cry. I'm scared. I don't know what this means.

We've been working with him all year on getting classwork done but on todays' work, he said that he wasn't the only one that didn't finish, but the only one that was required to bring the work home, (per our instructions. We have asked that he bring home anything that is not finished in a day.)

Are there any teachers out there that can help me? (Elementary teachers.) Is there any situation that you would have written the same note? What, as a teacher, do you think?

What do you think it means? What would you do? (I'm planning on doing nothing until I talk to HD about it, and then talking to the teacher. But seriously? WTH?)

I'm trying not to panic here.

EDITED: I was at the school today for another reason and tried to stop in to see Teacher X to see if we could set up a time to talk. Wait for it...Gone. Yep, gone for today and tomorrow. She dropped that bomb and bolted out of town. Nice. I can't even express how I feel about this, but thought you all should know that there won't be anything new until next week. Ugh.

Tagged

Just Breathe tagged me for the 6x6 photo meme. I usually can't participate in these because of the headlessness factor, but this one turned out ok.



This is of the Vacation Bible School that my kids have attended for the last 3 years (4 years?). It's not at our church (ours is 20 min. away, this one is 5,) but the kids have local friends there and it was from 9-noon every day. I loved this VBS. They loved this VBS. The themes were fun, the skits and sets were really amazing, the adult leaders and teenage volunteers were all great. The price was right ($15 per kid). This picture was taken on the last day when the kids perform all of their songs for the parents and the teen volunteers do the play that they have been doing for the kids. You can see the 'castle' set and one of my kids is actually in this picture. Yes, I know the pic is terrible. Why do you think that I've never posted it before?

This year they have changed it and my kids won't be attending. HB#1 will be going to sleep over camp with our church the week that they have it. HB#2 doesn't want to go so we have bought Angels tickets for that week so he has something to look forward to, as well.

And the most aggravating part? They changed it to be from 5-8 pm. Uh, that's why we chose this VBS-because it was in the daytime!!!!! How are us SAHM's supposed to have some time to ourselves and entertain our kids during summer days if every.stinking.camp. is moved to the evenings? Our church has always had it at night and we're usually out of town anyway, so my kids have never gone to ours.

The rules:
1) Go to your photo files
2) Pick the sixth folder (open)
3) Pick the 6th photo
4) Write a story about the photo
5) Tag six people

I'll tag: Kyooty Center, Something Funny (maybe this will be innocuous enough for her to participate in?), Serenity Now! (Same goes for Steph,), Tell Me About It, Amazing Greis (one of my BlogHer roomies!), and The Sweet Life (my other BlogHer roomie!).

Tag on, Girls!